The Gifts of Salvation

Everyone who wants to can go to Heaven. It is a free gift. Jesus Christ offers it to everyone. We are not working our way to heaven by any means. Some have told me that we are walking the path to Heaven, but can only go part-way, and Jesus makes up the difference. However, our work on the earth does not in any way help us to get to Heaven. We are NOT walking closer to salvation, we are choosing which gift we will receive from Him. He has gifts of all kinds, and we spend our lives on Earth deciding which form of salvation we want.

It seems to me that "salvation" is used in four different ways in the scriptures:

1. First, we are saved from physical death, or the separation of our body and spirit. This is immortality.

2. The second is salvation from suffering for our sins and transgressions, or mercy.

3. The third is to be saved in Heaven,

4. And the fourth is to receive exaltation, or Eternal Life, the greatest of all the gifts of God.

Testing

Mortality is a test to see if we are willing to do what God wants, instead of what we want. "And we will prove them herewith, to see if they will do all things whatsoever the Lord their God shall command them;" (Abraham 3:25) At each level we are tested to see if we are able to move on. God puts us in situations that test our obedience. The point at which we fail determines our level of salvation. King David passed all the tests of faith, but failed the test of power, "and, therefore he hath fallen from his exaltation, and received his portion;" (D&C 132:39)

Those who continue on the path are tested to the uttermost -- the broken heart, or utter devastation -- willingly. Abraham had to sacrifice his son. Job sacrificed all, and told his friends "Though he slay me, yet will I trust in him." (Job 13:15) All saints must be willing to suffer pain, torture and death. Each must offer an offering in righteousness, or the sacrifice of a broken heart. Everyone who would follow Christ into heaven must also be wiling to follow him in the depths of humility, and suffer as He suffered. We must suffer grief, pain, loss, mourning, and all manner of injustice. These are the tests.

How can we suffer and keep going? Through our faith in Him. Our pain is swallowed up in the joy of salvation. Jesus Christ has overcome the world. "In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world." (John 16:33) Jesus promised even his "friends" that they would suffer, but that through Him they would come out conquerors, passing all the tests.

Salvation is a gift

Passing a test is not working to get there any more then getting an 800 on the SAT guarantees you a spot in the college of your choice. Nor does passing the BAR guarantee you a job with any law firm. Though you are qualified, the decision is not in your hands; you have no control. 

The Lord has everything to give. He's the King of kings, Lord of lords. He owns everything. His love tells us that he will give us all we are willing to take -- so we decide what we want. It is totally our choice. Those who choose everything can have it. He's the car dealer with every car. Some people only want a used Yugo. Some want a motorcycle. Some want a Lamborghini. Others want a motor home. Everyone gets what he wants, and all are gifted without money and without price. However, we must qualify for the gift. The Dealer cannot give an automobile to one who has no license. Only those with a driver's license can get one. Is the work of getting a driver's license payment in any way for the car? -- absolutely NOT.

Many mansions

The "work" we do to find our level of Heaven is the same way -- it just qualifies us to receive a gift, not payment for it. Let's look at each form of salvation and what it takes to get the various "licenses:"

1. Salvation from physical death is given to all who are born, no matter what! Immortality is absolutely free; we are all pre-qualified. Everyone will be resurrected. We cannot even do anything to prevent it. It's a done deal. "Now, this restoration shall come to all, both old and young, both bond and free, both male and female, both the wicked and the righteous; and even there shall not so much as a hair of their heads be lost; but every thing shall be restored to its perfect frame, as it is now, or in the body." (Alma 11:44) No license needed.

2. Salvation from suffering requires that we repent, or confess and forsake our sins. God is just. There is a law and a punishment for breaking it. If we break a law we will receive the punishment -- if we don't repent and ask for mercy. "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;" (D&C 19:16-17) The license of mercy is repentance.

3. Salvation in Heaven: There are levels of Heaven so this is more dependent on our level of commitment to Jesus Christ, or faith in Him, which is determined by our level of obedience. There are three basic levels: "There are also celestial bodies, and bodies terrestrial: but the glory of the celestial is one, and the glory of the terrestrial is another. There is one glory of the sun, and another glory of the moon, and another glory of the stars: for one star differeth from another star in glory. So also is the resurrection of the dead." (1 Corinthians 15:40-42)

Telestial (stars): Those who go to the lower level of heaven only need to confess Jesus Christ to qualify. They can be liars, cheaters and murders, or any manner of sinners and be saved in Heaven if they are just willing to kneel before Him and confess His name. "Yea, every knee shall bow, and every tongue confess before him. Yea, even at the last day, when all men shall stand to be judged of him, then shall they confess that he is God;" (Mosiah 27:31)
Terrestrial (moon): The second level is for those who are good people, but "who received not the testimony of Jesus in the flesh, but afterwards received it. These are they who are honorable men of the earth, who were blinded by the craftiness of men." (D&C 76:74-75)

Celestial (sun): The third heaven is for those who make a covenant with him through baptism -- and keep it. They are the covenant people of the Lord, who are valiant in the testimony of Jesus Christ, who endure in faith to the end. "Jesus answered, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God." (John 3:5)

4. Exaltation: When prophets use the word "salvation" they are generally talking about this, highest form -- the best of the best. Within the Celestial Kingdom of Heaven there are three degrees, or levels. The highest is reserved for those who love. It is the only place where intimate relationships can be maintained. It is the only way families are together forever. It is the only situation where husband and wife enjoy the bonds of matrimony. The closest intimacy and the deepest love is found in marriage, which requires complete humility. Only those few who are chosen for this because they have charity, the pure love of Christ, receive all that God has to offer -- everything. The gift of being "heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ" (Romans 8:17) is the greatest of all the gifts of God. It isn't just getting a car, He gives you the whole lot!

Qualifying for my desired gift

Knowing what it takes to get a driver's license allows me to go through the steps to receive a car and drive it. Likewise, gifts of salvation don't happen without training, knowledge, and practice. I can take advantage of the gift by going through the simple steps outlined in the Gospel. For example, I don't want to suffer for my sins so I will repent of every one of them; I will gladly let them go, and receive the gift of mercy. Also, I want to go to Heaven so I will do what it takes to receive that gift. While I understand that many are happy to settle for a lesser gift, I wouldn't be happy without the best. I will therefore do all I can to get my license to receive Eternal Life, knowing that if I pass the tests and qualify, God will deliver on His promise. I will therefore humble myself, live by every word of God, and receive the gift of charity that I may qualify for Exaltation. 

His grace is so complete that He even teaches the classes, giving simple, step-by-step instructions, and then gives the license. He controls everything, and it's all ours for the asking. For this reason, "as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord." (Joshua 24:15)