Latter-day Saint Soteriology vs. Reformed and Calvinistic Views

 

Have you ever pondered what it truly means to be "saved"? In the vast landscape of Christian theology, few topics stir the soul and spark debate quite like soteriology—the study of salvation. For those seeking a mindful exploration of faith, particularly from a Latter-day Saint perspective, understanding how different traditions view salvation can deepen your spiritual journey and equip you for meaningful conversations. Welcome to Mindful Latter-day Saint Christian Living and Apologetics, where we’re saddling up—cowboy style—to explore the doctrines of salvation through the lenses of Latter-day Saint soteriology, Reformed Theology, and Five-Point Calvinism, with a special focus on the "Once Saved Always Saved" doctrine.

In this journey, we’ll unravel the complexities of these theological perspectives, compare their commonalities and differences, and reflect on how they can enrich our faith. Whether you’re a lifelong member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, a curious Christian from another tradition, or simply someone wrestling with big questions about grace, works, and eternity, this article is for you. We’ll dive into scripture, history, personal insights, and practical takeaways, regarding "Latter-day Saint soteriology," "Reformed Theology," "Calvinism," and "Once Saved Always Saved". So, grab your scriptures, settle in, and let’s ride into this deep dive!

Understanding Soteriology and "Once Saved Always Saved"

Before we gallop into the specifics, let’s lay the groundwork by defining our terms and setting the stage for this theological roundup.

What Is Soteriology?

Soteriology derives from the Greek words soteria (salvation) and logos (study), making it the branch of theology that explores how humanity is redeemed from sin and death and restored to a relationship with God. It tackles profound questions:

1. How are we saved from the consequences of sin?
2. What role does Jesus Christ play in our salvation?
3. Is salvation a one-time event, or a lifelong process?
4. What part do our actions play alongside God’s grace?

Every Christian tradition offers its own answers, shaped by scripture, tradition, and interpretation. Here, we’ll focus on two distinct perspectives: the teachings of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and the doctrines of Reformed Theology, particularly as articulated in Five-Point Calvinism. These views not only differ in their mechanics but also in their implications for daily living and eternal hope.

What Does "Once Saved Always Saved" Mean?

The phrase "Once Saved Always Saved" is a hallmark of Reformed and Calvinistic soteriology, encapsulating the doctrine known as the Perseverance of the Saints. This teaching asserts that once a person is genuinely saved—having truly accepted Jesus Christ and been justified by faith—their salvation is eternally secure. No sin, doubt, or failure can sever that bond, for God Himself ensures their perseverance to the end.

This doctrine is the final petal of the TULIP acronym, which outlines the Five Points of Calvinism:

Total Depravity: Humanity is wholly sinful and incapable of saving itself without God’s intervention.

• Unconditional Election: God chooses who will be saved based solely on His sovereign will, not human merit.
• Limited Atonement: Christ’s sacrifice is effective only for the elect, those predestined for salvation.
• Irresistible Grace: God’s grace cannot be rejected by those He has chosen; it irresistibly draws them to Him.
• Perseverance of the Saints: The elect will endure in faith, their salvation guaranteed by God’s power.
• Once Saved Always Saved flows from this framework, emphasizing God’s sovereignty and the believer’s eternal security. Supporters often cite John 10:28-29: 

"And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand. My Father, which gave them me, is greater than all; and no man is able to pluck them out of my Father’s hand."

This promise of unshakeable salvation stands in stark contrast to other views, including that of Latter-day Saints, as we’ll soon see.

Why This Matters

Why spend time wrangling with these doctrines? For one, understanding soteriology clarifies what we believe about God, ourselves, and our eternal destiny. It also fosters empathy and insight when engaging with Christians of different backgrounds—whether in a chapel, a coffee shop, or an online forum. Plus, it’s a chance to reflect on our own faith: How do we find assurance? What motivates us to live righteously? As we explore Latter-day Saint and Calvinistic soteriology, these questions will guide our path.

Latter-day Saint Soteriology: A Journey of Grace and Growth

Latter-day Saint soteriology offers a rich, multifaceted view of salvation, blending the universal reach of Christ’s Atonement with the personal responsibility to follow Him. It’s a doctrine of hope, agency, and eternal progression, rooted in scripture and modern revelation. Let’s break it down into its core components.

Universal Redemption: A Gift for All

At the heart of Latter-day Saint theology lies the doctrine of universal redemption. Through the infinite Atonement of Jesus Christ, every person who has ever lived will be resurrected—saved from physical death. This is an unconditional gift, bestowed upon all humanity regardless of faith, actions, or worthiness.

The Book of Mormon underscores this truth with clarity. In 2 Nephi 9:21-22, we read:

"And he cometh into the world that he may save all men if they will hearken unto his voice; for behold, he suffereth the pains of all men... And he suffereth this that the resurrection might pass upon all men, that all might stand before him at the great and judgment day."

Similarly, Alma 11:41 declares:

"The day cometh that all shall rise from the dead and stand before God, and be judged according to their works."

This universal resurrection reflects God’s boundless love and mercy. Whether saint or sinner, every soul will overcome the grave, a testament to the Savior’s victory over death. It’s a doctrine that assures us no one is beyond the reach of Christ’s redeeming power—at least in this foundational sense.

Conditional Exaltation: The Path to Eternal Life

While resurrection is universal, exaltation—the fullness of salvation, living in God’s presence in the celestial kingdom—is conditional. It requires active faith in Jesus Christ, repentance, baptism, receiving the Holy Ghost, and enduring to the end in righteousness. This isn’t about earning salvation through a checklist; rather, it’s about becoming like Christ through a partnership with His grace.

Nephi captures this beautifully in 2 Nephi 31:19-20:

"And now, my beloved brethren, after ye have gotten into this strait and narrow path, I would ask if all is done? Behold, I say unto you, Nay... Wherefore, ye must press forward with a steadfastness in Christ, having a perfect brightness of hope, and a love of God and of all men... and endure to the end, behold, thus saith the Father: Ye shall have eternal life."

Here, salvation is a journey, not a single moment—a process of pressing forward with Christ as our guide.

Doctrine and Covenants 76:50-70 further details the qualifications for celestial glory:

• Receiving the testimony of Jesus.
• Being baptized by immersion.
• Receiving the Holy Ghost by the laying on of hands.
• Keeping God’s commandments and being cleansed from sin.
• Overcoming by faith and being sealed by the Holy Spirit of Promise.

These steps highlight that while Christ’s grace is the foundation, our choices and faithfulness play a vital role in achieving the highest degree of salvation.

Baptism and Covenants: The Covenant Path

In Latter-day Saint theology, baptism is the gateway to salvation—a sacred ordinance where individuals covenant to take upon themselves the name of Christ, always remember Him, and keep His commandments. In return, they receive the promise of the Holy Ghost’s constant companionship (see Doctrine and Covenants 20:77, 79). Unlike some traditions where baptism might be repeated, Latter-day Saints view it as a one-time event (unless one has been excommunicated), renewed weekly through the sacrament.

This covenant relationship is dynamic. Straying from the path doesn’t mean salvation is lost forever; the door to repentance remains open. As the Apostle Paul taught in 2 Corinthians 3:18, we are transformed "from glory to glory" through ongoing refinement—a process Latter-day Saints often liken to a refiner’s fire.

Judgment and Degrees of Glory

After resurrection, all will face judgment, where they’ll be assigned to one of three kingdoms of glory—or, in rare cases, outer darkness—based on their works and the desires of their hearts (see Doctrine and Covenants 76). These degrees of glory are:

• Celestial Kingdom: The highest, reserved for those valiant in their testimony of Jesus, who have kept their covenants and lived faithfully. Here, they dwell with God and Christ.
• Terrestrial Kingdom: For honorable people who accepted Jesus but were not valiant in their faith. It’s a lesser glory, still magnificent.
• Telestial Kingdom: For those who rejected the gospel and lived in wickedness, yet it’s described as surpassing human understanding in beauty.

Outer darkness awaits the sons of perdition, those who knowingly rebel against God after receiving a sure knowledge of the truth—a fate reserved for very few.

This doctrine offers a nuanced view: nearly all will be "saved" in some kingdom, but exaltation requires steadfastness. It’s a hopeful vision that balances justice and mercy.

A Personal Example: The Power of Repentance

Consider the story of a friend I’ll call John. He joined the Church with zeal, was baptized, and served actively. But life’s trials—job loss, family struggles—led him astray. For years, he distanced himself from the gospel. Yet, through the prompting of the Spirit and the support of his ward, John returned. He repented, renewed his covenants, and now thrives in his faith.

In Latter-day Saint soteriology, John’s salvation wasn’t lost during those wayward years; it was a matter of realigning with the covenant path. This reflects the doctrine’s emphasis on agency and redemption: we can always turn back to Christ.

Summary of Latter-day Saint Soteriology

Latter-day Saint soteriology teaches that Christ’s Atonement saves all from physical death through universal resurrection, while exaltation in God’s presence requires faith, obedience, and endurance. It’s a doctrine of grace and growth, where salvation is both a gift and a process—a journey made possible by the Savior’s love.

Reformed and Calvinistic Soteriology: The Sovereignty of God

Now, let’s shift our gaze to Reformed Theology and Five-Point Calvinism, where salvation is viewed as the sovereign work of God, secured for the elect and preserved by His unchanging will. This perspective, shaped by luminaries like John Calvin, offers a stark contrast to the Latter-day Saint view.

The Five Points of Calvinism (TULIP)

Calvinism’s soteriology is encapsulated in TULIP, a framework developed at the Synod of Dort (1618-1619) in response to Arminianism’s emphasis on free will. Let’s unpack each point:

• Total Depravity: Humanity is utterly fallen, incapable of choosing God without His grace. Romans 3:10-11 states, "There is none righteous, no, not one... there is none that seeketh after God."
• Unconditional Election: God elects individuals for salvation based on His will, not their merits. Ephesians 1:4-5 reads, "He hath chosen us in him before the foundation of the world... having predestinated us unto the adoption of children by Jesus Christ to himself."
• Limited Atonement: Christ’s sacrifice atones only for the elect, not all humanity. John 10:15 says, "I lay down my life for the sheep," implying a specific flock.
• Irresistible Grace: God’s grace effectually calls the elect, overcoming their resistance. John 6:37 affirms, "All that the Father giveth me shall come to me."
• Perseverance of the Saints: The elect will persevere in faith, their salvation secure. Philippians 1:6 promises, "He which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ."

Perseverance of the Saints: The Core of "Once Saved Always Saved"

The "P" in TULIP is where "Once Saved Always Saved" shines. Calvinists believe that true believers—those elected by God—cannot fall away. Their salvation is anchored in God’s immutable decree. John 10:28-29 reinforces this: "They shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand." If someone appears to abandon faith, Calvinists might argue they were never truly elect, as 1 John 2:19 suggests: "They went out from us, but they were not of us; for if they had been of us, they would no doubt have continued with us."

This doctrine offers profound assurance but hinges on God’s sovereignty, leaving little room for human agency in securing salvation.

Predestination and Election

Predestination is the backbone of Calvinistic soteriology. Before the world began, God chose the elect for salvation, a decision unswayed by their future actions. Romans 8:29-30 outlines this golden chain: "For whom he did foreknow, he also did predestinate... whom he did predestinate, them he also called: and whom he called, them he also justified: and whom he justified, them he also glorified." This view emphasizes God’s control over salvation’s every step.

The Role of Works

In Calvinism, works don’t earn salvation—they evidence it. A true believer’s life will bear fruit (see Matthew 7:16-20), not to gain God’s favor but as a natural outflow of His grace. This contrasts sharply with the Latter-day Saint view, where works are integral to the process of exaltation.

Assurance of Salvation

How do Calvinists know they’re saved? Assurance comes from examining one’s life for signs of election—faith, repentance, and good works—coupled with trust in God’s promises. Yet, the mystery of election can leave room for doubt, a tension Calvin himself acknowledged.

Historical Context

Reformed Theology emerged during the Protestant Reformation, with John Calvin’s Institutes of the Christian Religion (1536) laying its foundation. The Synod of Dort formalized TULIP, countering Arminianism’s focus on free will. This historical backdrop highlights the centuries-long debate over grace and agency.

Personal Reflection

As a Latter-day Saint, I find the security of "Once Saved Always Saved" appealing—who wouldn’t want unshakeable assurance? Yet, it raises questions: If God has already chosen, what role do my choices play? Calvinism’s emphasis on sovereignty can feel limiting compared to the agency central to my faith.

Summary of Reformed Soteriology

Calvinistic soteriology portrays salvation as God’s sovereign act, initiated and completed for the elect. Works confirm, rather than contribute to, salvation, and perseverance is guaranteed by divine power—a view rooted in God’s unchanging will.

Comparing and Contrasting Latter-day Saint and Calvinistic Soteriology

With both perspectives laid out, let’s put them side by side to highlight their shared ground and diverging trails.

Common Ground

Despite their differences, Latter-day Saint and Calvinistic soteriology share key convictions:

• Christ Is Central: Both affirm that salvation hinges on Jesus Christ’s Atonement. Without Him, there’s no redemption.
• Works Matter: Each sees good works as significant—Latter-day Saints as part of exaltation, Calvinists as evidence of election.
• Eternal Perspective: Both look to an eternal outcome, whether celestial glory or glorification with God.

Key Differences

The contrasts, however, are striking:

Scriptural Cross-Reference

Scripture illuminates these differences:

• Latter-day Saint: Doctrine and Covenants 76:50-70 details the requirements for celestial glory, emphasizing faithfulness.
• Calvinistic: Ephesians 1:4-5 underscores election: "He hath chosen us in him before the foundation of the world."

Analogy: Salvation as a Journey

Picture salvation as a journey. For Latter-day Saints, it’s a trail you hike—Christ provides the map and strength, but you must walk, endure, and stay the course. For Calvinists, it’s a ride in God’s wagon—He chooses you, carries you, and ensures you arrive. Both trust in Christ, but the traveler’s role differs.

Addressing Misconceptions

• Latter-day Saints Earn Salvation? Not quite. We believe Christ’s grace enables our works, which help us become like Him—a partnership, not a transaction.
• Calvinists Ignore Works? False. Works are vital as fruit of salvation, though not its cause. A true believer’s life reflects God’s grace.

Summary of the Comparison

Both views center on Christ, but they diverge on how salvation is secured and our role in it. Latter-day Saints see a cooperative journey; Calvinists see a sovereign gift. This contrast showcases the diversity of Christian thought.

Personal and Spiritual Takeaways

Exploring these doctrines isn’t just academic—it’s soul-stirring. Here are some reflections to ponder:

Enduring to the End

Latter-day Saint soteriology calls us to endure, a reminder that faith is a marathon, not a sprint. Trials refine us, and Christ’s grace sustains us. This motivates me to keep striving, even when the trail gets steep.

Grace and Responsibility

I cherish how our theology balances grace and agency. Christ saves us, but our choices shape our destiny. It’s empowering to know my efforts matter, humbling to know I rely on Him.

Hope in Christ

Both perspectives point to Christ as the source of hope—whether through enduring faith or trusting election. He’s the heart of salvation, uniting us across theological divides.

Personal Reflection

Studying these views has deepened my appreciation for God’s plan and challenged me to live my beliefs more intentionally. It’s a reminder that theology isn’t static—it’s a living conversation with eternal stakes.

Closing: A Call to Reflect and Engage

We’ve ridden through the landscapes of Latter-day Saint and Calvinistic soteriology, from universal redemption to perseverance of the saints. We’ve seen how they align, diverge, and inspire. Now, it’s your turn:

• How does your view of salvation shape your daily life?
• What role do works play in your faith?
• How do you find assurance in your relationship with God?

Share your thoughts in the comments below! If this journey has enriched your faith, subscribe to Mindful Latter-day Saint Christian Living and Apologetics for more explorations. Share this article with a friend, and let’s keep the conversation alive. Until next time, keep the faith, trust in Christ, and ride on!