Doctrinal Study
Jesus Christ Chosen as Savior
Overview
When the plan for our salvation was presented to us in the premortal spirit world, we were so happy that we shouted for joy (see Job 38:7). We understood that we would have to leave our heavenly home for a time. … While we were away, all of us would sin and some of us would lose our way. Our Heavenly Father knew we would need help, so He planned a way to help us.
We needed a Savior to pay for our sins and teach us how to return to our Heavenly Father. Our Father said, “Whom shall I send?” (Abraham 3:27). Jesus Christ, who was called Jehovah, said, “Here am I, send me” (Abraham 3:27; see also Moses 4:1–4).
Jesus was willing to come to the earth, give His life for us, and take upon Himself our sins. He, like our Heavenly Father, wanted us to choose whether we would obey Heavenly Father’s commandments. He knew we must be free to choose in order to prove ourselves worthy of exaltation. Jesus said, “Father, thy will be done, and the glory be thine forever” (Moses 4:2).
Satan, who was called Lucifer, also came, saying, “Behold, here am I, send me, I will be thy son, and I will redeem all mankind, that one soul shall not be lost, and surely I will do it; wherefore give me thine honor” (Moses 4:1). … Under Satan’s plan, we would not be allowed to choose. He would take away the freedom of choice that our Father had given us. Satan wanted to have all the honor for our salvation. Under his proposal, our purpose in coming to earth would have been frustrated (see Teachings of Presidents of the Church: David O. McKay [2003], 207).
After hearing both sons speak, Heavenly Father said, “I will send the first” (Abraham 3:27).
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Related Topics
Scriptures
Scripture References
Scripture Study Resources
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Topical Guide, “Jesus Christ, Foreordained,” “Jesus Christ, Savior”
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Index to the Triple Combination, “Jesus Christ,” “Jesus Christ—Jehovah,” “Jesus Christ—Savior”
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Guide to the Scriptures, “Jesus Christ”
Messages from Church Leaders
Videos
“Finding Faith in Christ”
“He Lives: Testimonies of Jesus Christ”
Learning Resources
General Resources
“The Living Christ: The Testimony of the Apostles,” Ensign or Liahona, May 2017
“Preexistence and Foreordination of Christ,” Jesus the Christ, chapter 2
Church Magazines
“Savior of the World,” Ensign, March 2015
Michael R. Morris, “Why Is Jesus Christ Important in My Life?” Liahona, January 2015
“The Divine Mission of Jesus Christ: Savior and Redeemer,” Ensign, April 2014
“Jesus Christ Is Our Savior,” Friend, March 2013
Ana Maria Coburn and Cristina Franco, “Jesus Christ Is My Savior and Redeemer,” Friend, April 2011
“Jesus Christ Is Central to Heavenly Father’s Plan,” Ensign, February 2010
“Believing in Jesus Christ,” Friend, April 2003
Andrew C. Skinner, “Finding Jesus Christ in the Old Testament,” Ensign, June 2002
James O. Mason, “Faith in Jesus Christ,” Ensign, April 2001
William O. Nelson, “Symbols from the Scriptures That Testify of Christ,” Ensign, June 1973
Study Manuals
Teachings of Presidents of the Church
Teaching Resources
Teaching Outlines
Media
Audio
“Agency,” Stories from General Conference, episode 81