Article of Faith:3

#3: We believe that through the Atonement of Christ, all mankind may be saved, by obedience to the laws and ordinances of the gospel.

No matter how hard we try, we will always fall short of perfection. God knew that we would come to Earth and make mistakes, so from the foundation of the world, He created a plan that would make it possible for us to return to His presence again, because He loves us. We refer to this plan as "the plan of salvation" or "the plan of happiness." At the heart of this plan is the Atonement.
The Bible Dictionary states: "The word [Atonement] describes the setting "at one" of those who have been estranged, and denotes the reconciliation of man to God."


We believe that we are ultimately saved by grace. As imperfect humans, we could never return to the presence of God without the intercession of Christ's Atonement.

I think this verse from The Book of Mormon best describes what we believe:
"For we labor diligently to write, to persuade our children, and also our brethren, to believe in Christ, and to be reconciled to God; for we know that it is by grace that we are saved, after all we can do." 2 Nephi 25:23 (emphasis added)

The key for us, is contained in the last few words of the verse: after all we can do. We cannot simply declare that we believe in Jesus Christ and then be saved. It takes effort and action on our part. Faith is action. He asks that we keep his commandments, be his disciples, and try to live a life that he would. A life of love and service to all mankind. This is what we as members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints strive to do. We are not perfect, but we are putting forth our best efforts.

The Bible Dictionary continues: "The atonement is conditional, however, so far as each person's individual sins are concerned, and touches every one to the degree that he has faith in Jesus Christ, repents of his sins, and obeys the gospel."

Some favorite scriptures about the Atonement:
"For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life." St. John 3:16

"For behold, I, God, have suffered these things for all, that they might not suffer if they would repent; But if they would not repent they must suffer even as I; Which suffering caused myself, even God, the greatest of all, to tremble because of pain, and to bleed at every pore, and to suffer both body and spirit--and would that I might not drink the bitter cup, and shrink--Nevertheless, glory be to the Father, and I partook and finished my preparations unto the children of men." Doctrine and Covenants 19:16-19

"And he shall go forth, suffering pains and afflictions and temptations of every kind; and this that the word might be fulfilled which saith he will take upon him the pains and the sicknesses of his people. And he will take upon him death, that he may loose the bands of death which bind his people; and he will take upon him their infirmities, that his bowels may be filled with mercy, according to the flesh, that he may know according to the flesh how to succor his people according to their infirmities." Alma 7:11-12

* to learn more, visit www.lds.org or www.mormon.org