How LDS Views on Grace Differ From Mainstream Christianity

LDS Perspective

Members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints believe that grace is the divine enabling power made possible through Jesus Christ’s Atonement, but they understand its application differently than many traditional Christian denominations. While many Protestant traditions emphasize salvation by grace alone (*sola gratia*) through faith alone (*sola fide*), Latter-day Saint doctrine teaches that grace is essential and universal in scope yet requires human effort and covenant-making to achieve exaltation. Grace is defined as “divine means of help or strength, given through the bounteous mercy and love of Jesus Christ,” providing both the resurrection that comes to all humanity and the spiritual assistance necessary for individuals to overcome sin and achieve godliness through their

Historical Perspective

The LDS conception of grace diverges significantly from traditional Christian theology, particularly evangelical Protestantism, primarily through the theological distinction between "salvation" and "exaltation." According to LDS doctrine, grace operates on two distinct levels: universal salvation, which includes resurrection and assignment to a kingdom of glory, is granted unconditionally to all human beings through Christ's atonement regardless of belief or behavior. This stands in contrast to "exaltation"—the highest degree of glory in the celestial kingdom—which requires specific ordinances including baptism, temple rituals, and ongoing obedience. As one LDS apologetic source explains, while all persons receive salvation (resurrection) through grace alone, exaltation "involves baptism,