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The Plan of Salvation (also known as the plan of happiness, plan of mercy, or plan of redemption) is fundamental in the Mormon Church (properly titled The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints). The Plan of Salvation is the fullness of the gospel of Jesus Christ and is designed to bring about God’s work: the immortality and eternal life of man. The major parts of the Plan of Salvation are the Creation, the Fall, the Atonement, and God’s laws, ordinances, and doctrines.The Purpose of the Plan of Salvation As mentioned before, Mormons believe that God desires to allow men and women to not only live forever, but to live with Him again (eternal life). The Plan of Salvation gives us an opportunity to grow and learn. It is a way that we can become more like Heavenly Father and His son Jesus Christ. Creation and Fall The Creation provided us with a place where we could obtain physical bodies. It also allowed us a place where we could learn to follow God by faith, having forgotten our pre-mortal life at birth. In Mormon belief, the Fall was also essential because it made man mortal and accountable for his own actions and choices. Atonement Heavenly Father knew we would all make mistakes. However, no unclean thing can dwell in God’s presence, so Heavenly Father provided a Savior, His perfect son Jesus Christ, who saved us from both physical and spiritual death through the Atonement and Resurrection. Through repentance we can again become clean and worthy to dwell with God. The Steps of the Plan of Salvation Pre-mortal Existence: Before we came to earth we lived with Heavenly Father. We are His children. We learned, formed relationships, and developed talents. However, we could only progress so far, so Heavenly Father presented us with a way to become more like Him. Birth: Those who chose to follow Heavenly Father’s plan have been or will be born. Birth is the way we gain physical bodies, and is an important step in the plan of salvation. Mortality: This time on earth is like a test. We need to learn how to have faith in God and follow His commandments. We are also learning how to live in and lead families. Death: Like birth, death is a doorway into a new life. Through death we enter the spirit world. Spirit World: In the spirit world there are two places: one place is for those who accepted the gospel of Jesus Christ, the other for those who did not accept Christ or were never taught it. Those in latter will have the opportunity to learn about and accept the gospel. Resurrection: This is the reuniting of the body and spirit. Every person who has ever lived will eventually be resurrected. Judgment: After Christ’s second coming and His millennial reign the great judgment will begin. During this time all people will be judged for their actions during mortality. Each person will be put into one of four places based on their actions; the Celestial (highest) kingdom, the Terrestrial kingdom, the Telestial kingdom, or Outer Darkness (equivalent of Hell, only a few will be sent here). Mormonism teaches that the Plan of Salvation is the means by which God, with perfect justice and mercy, will reward or punish men according to their obedience to His laws. For More Information The Plan of Salvation