Where did we come from? Why are we here on earth? And where do we go after we die? We’ve all asked these questions hoping to discover the purpose of life. Mormons—more properly referred to as members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints—believe that God has a plan for us. It’s called the plan of salvation, and it contains the answers to life’s questions. Jesus Christ is the central figure in God’s plan.
Before we were born on earth, we lived as spirit children of our Heavenly Father. He sent us to earth to receive a physical body and to learn and grow through life’s experiences. God wants us to learn to do good and follow His Son, Jesus Christ. One way we show our love for God is by obeying His commandments.
Of course, God knew we would make mistakes. As part of the plan of salvation, Jesus Christ would be born on earth. He would teach us, establish His Church, and suffer and die for our sins. Because He suffered all things, He can provide us relief from our sorrows and sufferings. Jesus Christ’s sacrifice enables us to repent and be forgiven of our sins and mistakes.