Your Map Back Home
Why is it so important to understand the plan of salvation?
Illustration by Mackenzie Alexander
In the Book of Mormon, the prophet Jarom began his record by saying, “What could I write more than my fathers have written? For have not they revealed the plan of salvation?” (Jarom 1:2)
If he thought that was all we needed, the plan of salvation must be pretty important!
And it is! It’s the perfect map for our lives. President Russell M. Nelson once said, “An understanding of God’s fabulous plan takes the mystery out of life and the uncertainty out of our future.”
So how can this map help you navigate life’s uncertainties?
Where Did I Come From?
God is your Heavenly Father. You lived with Him before you were born. He loves you!
Elder Alan T. Phillips of the Seventy explained, “You are not an accidental by-product of nature, a cosmic orphan, or the result of matter plus time plus chance. Where there is design, there is a designer.”
When life gets hard, it is comforting to know that you’re here for a purpose and being watched over by a loving Heavenly Father.
Where Am I Going?
You’re not here to wander aimlessly—you have a destination! Heavenly Father wants you to come home to Him and become like Him. He prepared the plan of salvation so you can receive all the blessings of His kingdom (see Doctrine and Covenants 14:7).
Knowing Heavenly Father’s plan will help you through life. When you “take the long view” and think celestial, many choices become easier to make—including choosing to follow Jesus Christ.
How Do I Get There?
Besides giving us a destination, the plan of salvation also shows the path to get there.
Jesus Christ is the perfect example of following the path back home. If you look to Him—and walk with Him—He will help you return to Heavenly Father and become more like Him. As Elder Sergio R. Vargas of the Seventy explained, “Deep inside each of us is a desire to return to our heavenly home, and Jesus Christ is our heavenly guidance system. He is the way.”
What If I Get Lost?
Even with a map, you might make a wrong turn. You’ll still make mistakes. But don’t worry! Heavenly Father provided a Redeemer so you can always repent, turn back to Him, and become more like Him. Remember: “We don’t stay on the covenant path by never making a mistake. We stay on the path by repenting every day.”
As you study the plan of salvation, remember that it was designed with love. Heavenly Father wants you to come home. And if you follow His map, He will help you get there.