2 Responses to “What are Mormons’ belief regarding salvation?”
Anonymous
2008-02-15 06:29:02
This is a great question, but it can't be answered in just a few sentences (someone please correct me if I say something wrong or leave anything out). First of all, we believe that there are 3 kingdoms of glory after this life: the glory of the sun, of the moon, and of the stars (1 Corinthians 15: 40-41). The celestial kingdom (heaven) is the glory of the sun. This is for people who repented of all their sins, and did everything they were supposed to do here on earth. The terrestrial kingdom is the glory of the moon. This is for basically good people who still could have done better. Next is the telestial kingdom, which is the glory of the stars. This can include different ranges and types of people. It's often described as a place for liars, adulterers, and murderers. If someone commits the "unforgivable sin" of murder, they can most likely expect to end up here. However, it also depends on the knowledge the person had at the time. For example, if a member of the Mormon church committed murder, he can probably expect to inherit nothing higher than telestial glory. However, if someone was raised in a society in which murder is a common practice, there is a chance that he can be forgiven. Basically, God knows the intents of all our hearts, and we'll all end up where we're supposed to be. After all these is outer darkness (hell), which obviously has no glory. The only way one can end up here is by committing the "unpardonable sin" of denying the Holy Ghost. Will atheists end up here then? No, denying the Holy Ghost in this context refers to one who has had absolute witness of God, as in physically seeing God or an angel, and then purposely turning on him later in any way.
There are also other important things to know about our belief in salvation. We believe that anyone who dies before the age of accountability (8) will automatically get into the celestial kingdom. We also believe that anyone who didn't accept or even hear of the gospel here on earth will have another such opportunity in the afterlife before the day of judgment.
Anonymous
2008-03-05 04:44:50
The answer Omaha gave: "3 kingdoms of glory after this life", was accurate to my understanding. However I think something that is very important to clarify, is that in the context of that answer, we believe the kingdoms of glory are after the resurrection. We believe firmly that only through Jesus Christ we are saved. Simply put we are all resurrected because of the atonement of Jesus Christ. In that sense we are all saved, which some may contend is salvation. Without the atonement of Jesus Christ we would all be lost. Only after the resurrection will we differentiate in glory.
There are also other important things to know about our belief in salvation. We believe that anyone who dies before the age of accountability (8) will automatically get into the celestial kingdom. We also believe that anyone who didn't accept or even hear of the gospel here on earth will have another such opportunity in the afterlife before the day of judgment.