Being saved in his name
Jesus Christ is the way, the truth, and the life. His example clearly defines the process, possibility, and result of salvation. The only way to be saved is to take upon yourself the name of Christ:
And moreover, I say unto you, that there shall be no other name given nor any other way nor means whereby salvation can come unto the children of men, only in and through the name of Christ, the Lord Omnipotent. (Mosiah 3:17)
You are forgiven as you live up to the example of Christ as far as you understand it:
I write unto you, little children, because your sins are forgiven you for his name’s sake. (1 John 2:12)
When you completely adopt all of Jesus’ teachings as far as you presently know them, you are washed in his name. As you incrementally learn more about him as you live up to all you know, you are sanctified in his name. Through this process, Jesus will justify you (forgive you of your past sins) before the Father.4
There are many who claim to be Christian who think they are saved while freely admitting that they are nothing like Jesus. Unfortunately, they await a rude awakening.5 You can’t be saved without first becoming like Jesus.6 You can’t come to be like someone you never knew.7 You can’t come to know Jesus if you do not serve him.1544 You can’t be saved while you continue to actively rebel against the example that Jesus provides us with.
Footnotes
- 1. And under this head ye are made free, and there is no other head whereby ye can be made free. There is no other name given whereby salvation cometh; therefore, I would that ye should take upon you the name of Christ, all you that have entered into the covenant with God that ye should be obedient unto the end of your lives. (Mosiah 5:8) ↩
- 2. And all that call upon the name of the Lord, and keep his commandments, shall be saved. Even so. Amen. (D&C 100:17) ↩
- 3. And as many as repent and are baptized in my name, which is Jesus Christ, and endure to the end, the same shall be saved. Behold, Jesus Christ is the name which is given of the Father, and there is none other name given whereby man can be saved; Wherefore, all men must take upon them the name which is given of the Father, for in that name shall they be called at the last day; Wherefore, if they know not the name by which they are called, they cannot have place in the kingdom of my Father. (D&C 18:22-25) ↩
- 4. And such some of you were, but you were washed from who you were, justified in the name of Jesus Christ, and sanctified by the Spirit of our God. (1 Corinthians 6:11, Author’s Reflection) ↩
- 5. I say unto you, can ye think of being saved when you have yielded yourselves to become subjects to the devil? ....I say unto you, Nay; except ye make our Creator a liar from the beginning, or suppose that he is a liar from the beginning, ye cannot suppose that such can have place in the kingdom of heaven; but they shall be cast out for they are the children of the kingdom of the devil....Behold, I say unto you, that the good shepherd doth call you; yea, and in his own name he doth call you, which is the name of Christ; and if ye will not hearken unto the voice of the good shepherd, to the name by which ye are called, behold, ye are not the sheep of the good shepherd. And now if ye are not the sheep of the good shepherd, of what fold are ye? Behold, I say unto you, that the devil is your shepherd, and ye are of his fold; and now, who can deny this? Behold, I say unto you, whosoever denieth this is a liar and a child of the devil. For I say unto you that whatsoever is good cometh from God, and whatsoever is evil cometh from the devil. Therefore, if a man bringeth forth good works he hearkeneth unto the voice of the good shepherd, and he doth follow him; but whosoever bringeth forth evil works, the same becometh a child of the devil, for he hearkeneth unto his voice, and doth follow him. And whosoever doeth this must receive his wages of him; therefore, for his wages he receiveth death, as to things pertaining unto righteousness, being dead unto all good works. (Alma 5:20, 25, 38-42) ↩
- 6. Have they not read the scriptures, which say ye must take upon you the name of Christ, which is my name? For by this name shall ye be called at the last day; And whoso taketh upon him my name, and endureth to the end, the same shall be saved at the last day. (3 Nephi 27:5-6) ↩
- 7. Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works? And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity. (Matthew 7:22-23) ↩