Q. I am an active Methodist and I believe that Christ is my only savior in this world. As a non-LDS, does the LDS Church teach that non-LDS Christians will be granted a second chance to hear and accept the LDS gospel?
A. Our Heavenly Father loves all of his children and all of us will be given the opportunity to hear and accept the truth of the gospel. If that opportunity is not had during this life, it will be provided following death, prior to our resurrection and judgment. In 1 Peter 4:6 we learn that “For this cause was the gospel preached also to them that are dead, that they might be judged according to men in the flesh, but live according to God in the spirit.” It is in this “spirit world” that those who are not given the chance to hear the gospel message in this life will be provided with the opportunity. If they repent and accept the gospel they will then be worthy to enter into the kingdom of God.
However, this doesn’t mean that we put off seeking truth now. Scriptures counsel that “this life is the time for men to prepare to meet God” (Alma 34:32). We are also commanded to seek knowledge by study and faith (D&C 88:118) and that we are responsible for working out our “own salvation” before God (Philippians 2:12). While this seeking, preparing, and “working out” of salvation continues after death, we are accountable for the knowledge we receive during this life.
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