Article of Faith 3
We believe that through the atonement of Christ, all mankind may be saved, by obedience to the laws and ordinances of the gospel.
At First Glance
This statement sounds very close to Christianity. It mentions:
– The atonement of Christ
– Salvation
– Obedience
All of these are biblical concepts. But the key phrase is easy to miss:
“may be saved, by obedience…”
That small phrase carries enormous weight.
Because it answers the question: Is salvation a gift… or something we must complete?
Why This Matters
Every belief system eventually answers this question: What must I do to be saved?
The answer to that question determines:
- Whether you live in peace… or pressure
- Whether salvation is secure… or uncertain
- Whether Jesus finished the work… or only began it
What This Means in LDS Teaching
In Mormonism, the atonement of Christ is necessary—but not sufficient on its own. It makes salvation possible. But it must be completed through personal obedience.
“Christ’s atonement makes it possible to be saved from sin if we do our part.”
(Gospel Principles, 1997)
This includes:
- Repentance
- Baptism by authorized LDS priesthood holders
- Receiving the Holy Ghost through laying on of hands
- Ongoing obedience to commandments
- Temple participation (including ordinances for the dead)
Faithfulness also involves:
- Tithing (10% of income)
- Following the “Word of Wisdom” (dietary laws)
- Sustaining church leadership
- Moral and behavioral standards
Where the Atonement Took Place
LDS teaching places primary emphasis on Christ’s suffering in Gethsemane:
“In the Garden of Gethsemane… he bled from every pore.”
(Gospel Principles, 1997, p. 73)
While the cross is acknowledged, the focus is often shifted toward the Garden as the central moment of atonement.
Two Types of Salvation
Mormonism distinguishes between two kinds of salvation:
1. General Salvation (Universal)
- Given to all people
- Results in resurrection
“The resurrection is unconditional…”
(James E. Faust)
2. Individual Salvation (Exaltation)
- Requires obedience and ordinances
- Leads to the highest level of heaven (the Celestial Kingdom)
- Includes the potential to become gods
“Salvation… is not salvation by grace alone… but… after all we can do.”
(Bruce R. McConkie, Mormon Doctrine)
The Critical Difference
This is where the contrast becomes unmistakable.
Mormonism teaches:
- Jesus opened the door
- You must walk the path and do the work
- Your obedience completes what He began
The Bible teaches:
- Jesus finished the work
- Salvation is a gift
- Obedience flows from salvation—not toward it
These are not two versions of the same gospel. They are two entirely different systems.
A Closer Look at LDS Scripture
In Doctrine and Covenants 19, Jesus is quoted as saying that those who do not repent “must suffer even as I,” and that He “finished [His] preparations unto the children of men.”
At first glance, this may sound profound—but it carries serious implications. If people must still suffer for their own sins, then Christ’s suffering was not a full substitute—it was only a conditional provision. And if the atonement was only a “preparation,” then the work of salvation was not truly finished.
But the Bible presents a very different picture. Jesus did not say, “I have made preparation.” He said:
“It is finished.” (John 19:30)
The difference is not subtle. It is the difference between a Savior who completed the work…
and a system that still requires you to bear part of the burden.
What Scripture Reveals
Salvation Is a Gift — Not Earned
“For by grace you have been saved through faith… not as a result of works…”
(Ephesians 2:8–9)
Salvation is not something we achieve. It is something we receive.
Jesus Finished the Work
On the cross, Jesus did not say, “Now you finish the rest.”
He said: “It is finished.”
(John 19:30)
The debt of sin was fully paid. Nothing needs to be added.
Justification Is Not a Process of Earning
“To the one who does not work, but believes… his faith is credited as righteousness.”
(Romans 4:5)
This does not mean obedience doesn’t matter. It means obedience is the result of salvation—not the requirement for earning it.
There Is No “After All We Can Do”
The idea that grace is activated after we have done everything we can is not found in Scripture. Instead, the Bible teaches:
“While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.”
(Romans 5:8)
Grace does not begin where human effort ends. Grace begins where we have nothing to offer.
Why This Changes Everything
This is more than theology. This is the difference between:
A System of Progress
“I hope I’ve done enough.”
vs.
A Finished Work
“It has already been done.”
One produces striving.
The other produces rest.
One keeps you climbing.
The other invites you to trust.
A Gentle but Important Question
Is Jesus your helper…
or your Savior?
Is He assisting your effort…
or has He already accomplished what you could never do?
Final Thought
Many sincere people believe they are following Christ—
while quietly carrying the weight of trying to complete what He started.
But the gospel tells a different story.
Not:
“Do more, try harder, prove yourself worthy…”
But:
“Come to Me… and receive what has already been finished.”