Pre-Existence
We believe that our birth on earth was preceded by a birth in Heaven where we were created as spirit children of God by God. Hence, we are all literally spirit children of God and at birth nascent within us are the attributes of God, our parent. The implications of a pre-mortal existence are immense. It implies that we existed in the presence of God and of each other for a protracted period of time during which we were able to develop our personalities and talents prior to our mortal birth. It also implies that we each had been endowed with the gift of agency, and our coming to earth was of our choosing. Earth life was to be the next stage of our eternal progression. Progression towards what? The opportunity is for us to progress into the eternities and be as our Heaven Parents. Note, I said "Parents. Once again, this is a departure form traditional Christian teachings. The concept of having Heavenly Parents is a topic for another discussion.
Suffice it to say that a belief in a pre-existence is one of the distinguishing beliefs of Mormons. There are ample scriptural references of this doctrine in the Bible. However, even if there were not any Biblical references, had the doctrine been revealed through modern-day revelation it would have been just as valid. The pivotal doctrine, of course, which marks Mormons as a cult, is the belief in modern day revelation, in a belief that not only other sacred scriptures may still remain buried in various parts of the world, but that God has once again called prophets to direct His work in these latter days.
Vicarious Salvation
The notion that we can only be saved by confessing Christ and being baptized before we pass on from this life is partly true. Indeed we must have faith in Christ, have our sins remitted, be immersed in water by someone with authority, and accept the Holy Ghost as our guide if we are to enter Heaven. But, what if we were born at the wrong time or the wrong place and never had a chance to even know the name of Jesus Christ, let alone be baptized?
The answer is Biblical and revelatory, meaning it was expounded upon by modern-day prophets. Suffice it to say, that after death the spirits of those who had never heard of Jesus Christ will have an opportunity to learn about Him and His teachings. The scriptures are very clear in describing where the Savior went during the three days His body laid in the tomb (1 Peter 3:18-20). The good news of the restored Gospel is manifold. One of the restored truths is that everyone will have a chance to accept or reject the teachings of God, whether in this life or the next.
As far as the requirement of baptism, this also is available to anyone who was not baptized by someone with authority. It can be done vicariously in modern day Temples. A proxy stands in the place of the deceased person and is baptized by immersion and by someone who holds the Priesthood authority.
Heaven and Hell
The concept, once again is touched upon, in the Bible, but for the most part remained shrouded for centuries until modern-day revelation restored the true meaning and intent of the doctrine.
Latter-Day Saints believe that Heaven consists of three Kingdoms: the Telestial, Terrestrial, and Celestial, which is the highest Kingdom where God abides. Depending on how we have lived our lives here on earth, or more precisely, the type of people we have chosen to become in this life and in the hereafter, we will enter into one of those three Kingdoms. In essence our final judgement will be appropriate and just, because we will enter into a society of souls in which we feel most comfortable in. Interestingly enough, the Telestial Kingdom has been described as more beautiful than anything we can possibly imagine, and yet in this Kingdom go the following:
"These are they who are liars, and sorcerers, and adulterers, and whoremongers, and whosoever loves and makes a lie." (D&C 76:103).
And so, we see the great disparity between the traditional notion and the restored concept of Heaven.
These provisions are the mark of a just and fair God, a God who tries to save as many souls as possible after they have been ravaged by the trials of mortality.
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