Salvation involves grace, ordinances, and eternal progression; two tiers
LDS theology distinguishes between 'general salvation' (resurrection for all humanity, accomplished by Christ's atonement regardless of individual merit) and 'exaltation' (the highest degree of glory — celestial — achieved through faith, repentance, baptism, temple ordinances, and keeping the covenants). The Atonement of Jesus Christ is central and essential, but it is received and applied through specific ordinances and covenants administered by authorized priesthood holders.
The LDS understanding of grace and works is nuanced: the church teaches that salvation is 'by grace...after all we can do' (2 Nephi 25:23). This has been interpreted in a range of ways within LDS scholarship, from more synergistic to more grace-centered readings. Temple ordinances — endowment, sealing, and baptism for the dead — are understood as essential for full exaltation, not merely for membership in the church.
Key Distinctions
- Justification means:
- grace + ordained ordinances + covenant faithfulness; Christ's atonement enables exaltation
- Election type:
- pre-mortal spirit world election; free agency central; universal resurrection for all
- Baptismal regeneration:
- baptism by immersion required; performed at age 8; vicarious baptism for dead
- Eternal security:
- three degrees of glory for all; exaltation in celestial kingdom requires full covenant faithfulness
Scripture References
- 2 Nephi 25:23
- Doctrine and Covenants 76:50-70
- 3 Nephi 27:19-20
Sources
- LDS Articles of Faith 3–4
- Gospel Topics: Grace (lds.org)
- Doctrine and Covenants 76