The Vitality of Mormonism: Brief Essays on Distinctive Doctrines of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day SaintsTalmage, James E. (James Edward)
Religion
The Vitality of Mormonism: Brief Essays on Distinctive Doctrines of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints
Talmage, James E. (James Edward)
Latter Day Saint churches; Latter Day Saints
1. The eventual resurrection of all men, whether righteous or wicked.
This constitutes Redemption from the Fall, and, since the Fall came
through individual transgression, in all justice relief therefrom must
be made universal and unconditional.
2. The providing of a means whereby reparation may be made and
forgiveness be obtained for individual sin. This constitutes Salvation,
and is made available to all through obedience to the laws and
ordinances of the Gospel.
Between redemption from the power of death and salvation in the Kingdom
of Heaven there is a vital difference. Man alone cannot save himself;
Christ alone cannot save him. The plan of salvation is cooperative. The
Atonement effected by the Lord Jesus Christ has opened the way; it is
left to every man to enter therein and be saved or to turn aside and
forfeit salvation. God will force no man either into heaven or into
hell.
Jacob, a Nephite prophet, has given us a masterly summary of the
results of our Lord's Atonement, both as to the universal redemption
from death, and the conditions upon which individual salvation may be
obtained:
"For as death hath passed upon all men, to fulfil the merciful plan
of the great Creator, there must needs be a power of resurrection,
and the resurrection must needs come unto man by reason of the fall;
and the fall came by reason of transgression; and because man became
fallen, they were cut off from the presence of the Lord; Wherefore it
must needs be an infinite atonement; save it should be an infinite
atonement, this corruption could not put on incorruption. Wherefore,
the first judgment which came upon man must needs have remained to an
endless duration. . .. And it shall come to pass, that when all men
shall have passed from this first death unto life, insomuch as they
have become immortal, they must appear before the judgment-seat of the
Holy One of Israel; and then cometh the judgment, and then must they
be judged according to the holy judgment of God. . .. And he suffereth
this, that the resurrection might pass upon all men, that all might
stand before him at the great and judgment day. And he commandeth all
men that they must repent, and be baptized in his name, having perfect
faith in the Holy One of Israel, or they cannot be saved in the kingdom
of God. And if they will not repent and believe in his name, and be
baptized in his name, and endure to the end, they must be damned; for
the Lord God, the Holy One of Israel, has spoken it." (Book of Mormon,
2 Nephi 9:6, 7, 15, 22-24).
-- 12 --
THE NEED OF A REDEEMER
Man Cannot Exalt Himself
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
Reviews
Reviews
No reviews yet
Be the first to share your thoughts on this work.
Join the Discussion
Join the discussion
Sign in to leave a comment or review.
Sign InorCreate an account