Who am I?  Why am I here?  Where have I been?  And where am I going?  The answers to life’s greatest mysteries can be found through understanding the Plan of Salvation.  The Plan of Salvation is a map that outlines where we have been and where we are going.  Mormons believe that Jesus Christ plays a central and vital role in the Plan of Salvation.

Mormons believe that before earthly existence, we all lived with our father in heaven.  God knew that in order for man to progress, we needed to be challenged and endure pain.  Satan did not like God’s plan and came up with his own.  One-third of those living in heaven followed his plan.   Heavenly Father put us on earth and gave us a body of flesh and bone.  When we die our spirit leaves the body and we go to a spirit world where we await judgment and resurrection.  After we are judged, we are sent to one of three kingdoms, the celestial, terrestrial, or the telestial, to live forever. 

In order to enter the Kingdom of God, we need to be pure, clean beings because “no unclean thing can dwell in the kingdom of God (Moses 6:57).  During His ministry, Jesus taught man what he needs to do in order to prepare himself to enter into the Kingdom of God.  He taught, through example, the importance of baptism.  Baptism is necessary to dwell with God in the eternities.  He showed us how to serve others instead of ourselves.  He taught us to love one another.  He taught us to devote ourselves to Heavenly Father and live his commandments.  Living Christ’s principles combined with the atonement, will make us worthy to enter the Kingdom of God.  Our actions must be in accordance with Christ’s teachings.  It is like a contract with God.  If I hold up my end of the deal, Jesus Christ will meet me half way.

The greatest sacrifice Jesus Christ gave us was His life when he died on the cross.  Because of this act, we are able to repent for our sins.  Without Jesus Christ’s sacrifice, we would never be able to reach the Kingdom of God.  Because of His atonement, our souls and bodies will be resurrected in the last days.  Mormons believe, however, that one must work to obtain salvation.  The grace of Jesus Christ alone will not save you.  Christ taught us during His ministry that much more is required in order to enter the Kingdom of God.