The plan of salvation, often referred to as the “plan of happiness” or the “plan of redemption,” is a doctrinal framework within The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints that outlines God's purpose for His children on earth and their eternal destiny. It provides unique insights into soteriology by highlighting the roles of agency, the Atonement of Jesus Christ, and eternal progression, and emphasizes aspects of premortal, mortal, and post-mortal existence that differ from traditional Christian views.

According to Latter-day Saint beliefs, all human beings existed as spirit children of God before their earthly life. This premortal life included the development of individual identities and the exercise of agency. As described in Abraham 3:22-23, spirits were taught and prepared for their earthly missions during this time. This perspective emphasizes that everyone had a personal choice to follow Heavenly Father's plan, showcasing a foundational belief in human agency and divine purpose from the beginning.

Mortal life is a key phase in the plan of salvation, characterized by the opportunity to gain a physical body, experience growth, and make choices in a world of good and evil. During this time, the Atonement of Jesus Christ plays a central role. Doctrine & Covenants 6:13 reminds believers of the peace and joy that come from keeping God's commandments and relying on Christ's Atonement: "If thou wilt do good, yea, and hold out faithful to the end, thou shalt be saved in the kingdom of God, which is the greatest of all the gifts of God; for there is no gift greater than the gift of salvation." This emphasizes the importance of enduring faith and obedience to receive salvation through Christ.

After death, spirits enter the spirit world, a state of continued progress and opportunity for learning and repentance. Latter-day Saint teachings affirm that through Christ’s Atonement, individuals can be resurrected and judged according to their works and desires. The belief in varying degrees of glory (celestial, terrestrial, and telestial kingdoms) as described in Doctrine & Covenants 76 provides a nuanced view of eternal reward and emphasizes the principle of perfect justice and mercy in God's plan.

In the teachings of living prophets and apostles, the plan of salvation details not only the potential for salvation but also exaltation, which means living eternally in the presence of God and becoming like Him. President Russell M. Nelson has underscored the eternal importance of family bonds, stating that exaltation is a family matter, achievable through covenants made and kept in holy temples.¹⁴⁸

Uniquely, the plan of salvation offers a comprehensive view of existence that spans beyond mere salvation. It paints a picture of eternal progression and divine potential that extends beyond what is commonly found in other Christian denominations. Through its teachings on premortal life, the pivotal role of personal agency, Christ’s Atonement, and the possibility of eternal family unity, it sets forth a path that leads not only to salvation but exaltation—the highest state of happiness and peace with God.