While discussing 2 Ne 2 in Gospel Doctrine class today, we came across 2 Ne 2:4:
the way is prepared from the fall of man, and salvation is free.
The gospel doctrine instructor asked if salvation really is free. There was an audible, collective “no”. I disagreed with this. After all, did that make Lehi a liar?
I put forth that salvation from death is free. The instructor countered with asking if that was the salvation Lehi meant.
If we look at the footnote, we will see that the salvation mentioned here is what Jude referred to as “collective salvation” (see Jude 1:3). Harold B. Lee referred to this as a general salvation:
“Herein is defined ?¢‚Ǩ¬¶ individual salvation, which comes to each, dependent upon his own conduct and his own life. But we [also] have what we call ‘general’ [salvation], that which comes upon all mankind, whether they are good or bad, rich or poor, when they have lived?¢‚Ǩ‚Äùit makes no difference. All have the blessings of the Atonement and the blessings of the resurrection given to them as a free gift because of the Savior?¢‚Ǩ‚Ñ¢s atoning sacrifice. . . .” (?¢‚Ǩ?ìChapter 3: The Lamb Slain from the Foundation of the World,?¢‚Ǩ¬ù Teachings of Presidents of the Church: Harold B. Lee, 18)
I argued that we must remember that the celestial, terrestrial, and telestial kingdoms are all kingdoms of glory, albeit of different levels. Those who are resurrected to one of those kingdoms are resurrected to glory, which in my opinion is a type of salvation. In that respect, salvation is free to all. Even Rick.
Personally I believe that there is really only “one” salvation. It is “free” because it is not something that one is able to earn. He can only qualify for the free gift. It may also have reference to salvation not costing one a price.
Isn’t qualifying a type of earning?
Eric has a point. How can it be a free gift if it comes with qualifications?
There is a difference between salvation and exaltation and many people fail to take consideration of this difference.
I would say that just as Kim points out salvation from physical death is free and applies to all mankind. Also, all mankind who are not cast out to outer darkness will enjoy a sense of salvation from spiritual death.
Those that are worthy of a Celestial glory did not earn this. They chose to live a Celestial law, but it was only the Atonement of Christ that made this possible. All the good works in the world would not make it possible to earn our way to the Celestial kingdom. In that sense, to me, salvation is free with reliance completely on the Atonement of Christ.
The doctrine of salvation spoken of in said verse is being saved from both physical and spiritual death- look at the surrounding verses. How can we be sure that what is being discussed is that salvation cannot be purchased with money and is therefor free? That angle must take some consideration.
Personally I believe that what is being referrd to about it being free is that the “way of salvation” is not witheld from any person- all are free to come and partake. Look at it in this context-
It sounds like what Christ menas is that salvation is free for all men to partake of- none are forbidden and there also is no money price to obtain it- thus truly it is free for all men to partake of.
Rob,
I concur with your take on it :)
Even verse 25 of the scripture you quote, Rob, specifies our receiving something without having to pay for it.
“Even Rick”
Oh, man – you crack me up sometimes, Kim.
I’m all about you, Rick.
Lehi was right, your sunday school class was wrong. Salvation is free, everything is gift, it’s freely available. Yet it is still a choice to accept the gift and engage in the relationship that has then been created. When something is free at a store you must still decide to pick it up and take it home, whether one recognizes the value of the gift and willingness to acknowledge the gift giver is another story.