"Work Out Your Own Salvation"

Philippians 2:12-16; Salvation comes by the grace of God, in that because of his love, mercy, and condescension, he sent his Only Begotten Son to work out the infinite and eternal atonement. This atonement brings immortality to all and offers those who believe and obey an inheritance in the kingdom of God. This celestial inheritance, itself also available because of God's grace, must be earned. It is reserved for those who live the gospel law. "We believe that through the Atonement of Christ, all mankind may be saved, by obedience to the laws and ordinances of the Gospel." (Third Article of Faith.)

Philippians 2:12-16; Nephi said that the gate to the "straight and narrow path which leads to eternal life" is repentance and baptism. Then he asked: "After ye have gotten into this straight and narrow path, I would ask if all is done?" That is, what must men do to be saved after baptism, after belief in Christ, after joining the Church? Nephi answers: "Ye must press forward with a steadfastness in Christ, having a perfect brightness of hope, and a love of God and of all men. Wherefore, if ye shall press forward, feasting upon the word of Christ, and endure to the end, behold, thus saith the Father: Ye shall have eternal life. And now, behold, my beloved brethren, this is the way; and there is none other way nor name given under heaven whereby man can be saved in the kingdom of God." (2 Nephi 31:17-21.)

Philippians 2:12-16; Salvation] See 1 Peter 1:1-16.

Philippians 2:14; 14. Murmurings] Grumblings, complaints. Disputings] Controversial discussions, quarrels.

Philippians 2:15; 15. Sons of god] See Galatians 3:26-29; Galatians 4:1-7.

Philippians 2:15; A crooked and perverse nation] A dishonest, devious, obstinate nation which has forsaken true principles. The Lord describes our modern generation in the same way. (D&C 34:6.)