Clear Statement On Being Saved

In my scripture reading today I noted that clearest, most direct statement I can remember seeing on salvation.  Members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, often referred to as "Mormons", do believe that the atonement of Jesus Christ is essential for us to be saved.  Specifically, in our third Article of Faith we say that "We believe that through the Atonement of Christ, all mankind may be saved, by obedience to the laws and ordinances of the Gospel."

A common misconception is that members of The Church of Jesus Christ believe that they earn salvation through their works, by keeping God's commandments.

Here is where the clear statement I read this morning is very helpful.  Abinadi, a prophet who lived in the second century B.C., states in Mosiah 13:28,

"And moreover, I say unto you, that ^asalvation doth not come by the ^blaw alone; and were it not for the ^catonement, which God himself shall make for the sins and iniquities of his people, that they must unavoidably perish, notwithstanding the law of Moses."

Elder Dallin H. Oaks, an apostle of The Church of Jesus Christ, said the following on this verse,

“Men and women unquestionably have impressive powers and can bring to pass great things. But after all our obedience and good works, we cannot be saved from death or the effects of our individual sins without the grace extended by the atonement of Jesus Christ. The Book of Mormon makes this clear. It teaches that ‘salvation doth not come by the law alone’ (Mosiah 13:28).  In other words, salvation does not come simply by keeping the commandments. ‘By the law no flesh is justified’ (2 Ne. 2:5). Even those who try to obey and serve God with all their heart, might, mind, and strength are ‘unprofitable servants’ (Mosiah 2:21). Man cannot earn his own salvation” (This paragraph is found near the conclusion of Elder Oaks' talk, “Another Testament of Jesus Christ,” published in the Ensign, Mar. 1994, 67).

Elder Oaks' entire talk is excellent and I urge you to click on the link in the previous sentence and read all of it.

I also hope you will carefully consider the concept that every person who has ever lived on the earth has the opportunity to be saved through the atonement of Christ and by obedience to the laws and ordinances of the Gospel.  Both the atonement and obedience are required to be saved.  The atonement is a priceless free gift to us from Jesus Christ.  It is our choice whether to accept or reject it.