In Latter-day Saint theology, the concept of a premortal existence, where humans existed as spirit children of Heavenly Parents, is central to understanding the plan of salvation. This existence included a pivotal event known as the Council in Heaven. During this council, Heavenly Father presented a plan for His spirit children to gain physical bodies, experience mortality, and ultimately return to His presence.

1. Jesus Christ's Plan: Jesus, known as Jehovah, proposed a plan that honored the agency of all God's children. Under this plan, He would be the Savior, allowing everyone the opportunity to choose to follow God's commandments with the potential for exaltation. Sacrifice and repentance would play key roles, and Jesus would atone for the sins of humankind so they could return to the Father.
2. Lucifer's Proposal: Lucifer, another spirit child of God, offered an alternative plan. He promised to save everyone, but at the cost of agency. Exactly how it was at the cost of agency is not fully understood (see #57 THE GRAND COUNCIL). His plan sought to compel all to follow the right path, thus stripping humans of their ability to choose freely. Lucifer wanted the glory and power for himself.

Latter-day Saints believe that they, along with many other spirits, chose to support Jesus Christ's plan, emphasizing the importance of agency in God’s plan. This choice is outlined in scriptures such as:

• Revelation 12:7-9: This passage describes the War in Heaven, symbolizing the spiritual conflict between those who followed Christ and those who were swayed by Lucifer, who would later become Satan.
• Abraham 3:24-26: Here, it's explained that God sent His Beloved Son to be the Redeemer and that those who kept their first estate (chose Christ's way) would be added upon with physical bodies and opportunities for progression.

There were consequences for these decisions:

• Agency and Mortal Life: The choice to accept Jesus' plan affirmed the principle of agency, which is fundamental in Latter-day Saint doctrine. This means that our earthly experience is a test where choices matter, directly influencing our eternal progression.
• Satan's Rebellion: Those who followed Lucifer, now Satan, were cast out and became adversaries to God’s children, without the opportunity to gain physical bodies or progress toward exaltation.

While traditional Christianity generally accepts the concept of a pre-existence differently, focusing more on creation out of nothing, Latter-day Saints view premortal choice as vital to understanding the nature of human existence, mortality, and agency.

• Traditional Christianity: Often focuses on the earthly life of Jesus Christ and His role as Savior within the context of original sin and redemption.
• Latter-day Saint View: Expands this understanding to include pre-earthly existence, emphasizing personal choice in aligning with Christ's plan and the eternal journey of the soul.

In summary, for Latter-day Saints, choosing Jesus Christ's plan before coming to earth is a profound historical and spiritual event with lasting implications on earthly life and eternal destiny. This choice underscores a central belief in the power of agency and the redeeming love of Jesus Christ.