Salvation from Physical Death
Our Heavenly Father has given us this mortal life to enable us to become more like him. There are two major obstacles to this goal. The first is physical death-the separation of the spirit from the physical body. Although the spirit continues to live on, the imperfect, mortal body dies. This physical death is overcome through the resurrection of Jesus Christ. Resurrection is the reuniting of the spirit with a glorified, immortal body. Because of Christ, all of us will be resurrected.

Additional Study
Physical death is the separation of the spirit from the mortal body: Ecclesiastes 12:7; Alma 40:11 (p.308)*
Because of the resurrection of Christ, we all will overcome physical death: 1 Corinthians 15:20-22; 2 Timothy 1:10; Alma 11:42 (p.236)
Resurrection is the uniting of the spirit with the glorified, immortal body: Alma 11:43-44 (p.236); Alma 40:21-23 (p.309)

Salvation from Sin
The second major obstacle to our becoming like our Heavenly Father is sin. To enable us to grow, God has made us free to choose between good and evil, between obeying or disobeying him. To act against the will of God is to commit sin and become unclean. Sin leads to unhappiness in this life and after this life.
Through the atonement of Jesus Christ, we can be cleansed from sin and become worthy to return to our Father. Jesus also taught us what we must do to make his atonement effective for us personally. These steps are the first principles and ordinances of the Gospel.

Additional Study
We are free to choose between good and evil: James 4:17; 2 Nephi 10:23 (p.80); Helaman 14:30-31 (p.403)
Sin separates us from God: Isaiah 59:2; 1 Nephi 10:21 (p.19); Mosiah 2:36-38 (p.150)
Jesus prepared the way for us to be cleansed from our sins: 1 John 1:7; Alma 22:14 (p. 264); Alma 34:8-9 (p.293)
Christ has given us certain requirements for making his atonement effective in our lives: Romans 2:13; Hebrews 5:8-9; 2 Nephi 9:23-24 (p.74); 3 Nephi 27:19-20 (p.459)

Faith in Jesus Christ

The first principle of the gospel is faith in Jesus Christ. To have faith means that we firmly believe he is the Savior of the world. We accept his atonement and do all he has asked us to do. We want with all our hearts to keep his commandments. We center our hearts on him and follow his perfect example.

Additional Study

Faith in Jesus Christ is essential to salvation: Mark 16:16; Hebrews 11:6; 3 Nephi 11:3-34 (p.430); Moroni 7:38 (p.524)
How can we exercise faith in Christ? John 14:12; Alma 34:17 (p.294); Moroni 8:25 (p.526)
What is the relationship between faith and obedience? Matthew 7:21; John 7:17; John 14:15; James 2:14-26; 3 Nephi 14:21-27 (p.436)

Repentance

As our faith in Christ grows, we will feel the need to repent of our sins. To repent, we must feel sincere sorrow that we have sinned and ask God to forgive us. We must do all that we can to correct any harm we have done. We should also experience a "change of heart." This means that we lose all desire for the sin, turn away from it, and do it no more. Throughout our lives we will need to continue the process of repentance whenever we fall short of the perfect example of Jesus.

Additional Study

Repentance is essential to salvation: Acts 17:30; 2 Nephi 9:23 (p.74)
We must feel sorrow, not because we will suffer the consequences of our sins, but because we have disobeyed our Father and hurt others: 2 Corinthians 7:9-10; Alma 42:29 (p.313); Mormon 2:13-14 (p.471)

When we repent, we experience a "change of heart," and our behavior changes: Acts 26:20; 2 Corinthians 5:17; Ephesians 4:22-24; Mosiah 5:2 (p.157)

Baptism by Water and by the Spirit
Faith and repentance lead us to baptism. Jesus taught that we must be baptized by immersion in water for the remission (or forgiveness) of sins. Through baptism we enter a covenant with God. We promise we will accept Christ and keep his commandments. He promises to forgive our sins if we keep this covenant.

After baptism we receive the Holy Ghost by the laying on of hands. The Holy Ghost has a sanctifying, cleansing effect on us. We can enjoy the constant companionship of the Holy Ghost as we remain worthy. The Holy Ghost helps us recognize the truth, gives strength in doing what is right, and comforts us in sorrows or trials.

Additional Study
Baptism is essential to salvation: Mark 16:16; John 3:3-5; 2 Nephi 9:23 (p.74); 3 Nephi 11:33-34 (p.430)

What does baptism by immersion symbolize? Romans 6:3-4; 3 Nephi 11:23-26 (p.429)

We make promises with God when we are baptized: 2 Nephi 31:5-10 (p.113); Mosiah 18:8-10 (p.181)

What blessings come through the Holy Ghost? 2 Nephi 32:5 (p.115); Mosiah 5:2 (p.157); 3 Nephi 27:20 (p.459); Moroni 8:26 (p.526); Moroni 10:3-5 (p.529)

Obedience to the Commandments of God
To keep our baptismal covenant and enjoy the companionship of the Holy Ghost, we must strive to obey all the commandments of God. The commandments are not restrictions, but are actually directions. They point out the path we must follow to gain peace and true happiness. God has reaffirmed in our day that he expects us to obey his commandments. To disobey God leads to unhappiness. To embrace his commandments brings happiness in this life and eternal life with him.

Additional Study
God gives us commandments to point out the way we can return to him: Proverbs 6:23; Psalms 119:105-6; Alma 37:44 (p.304)
Only by obeying the commandments of God can we find lasting peace and happiness: Isaiah 57:21; 1 Nephi 17:3 (p.36); Mosiah 2:32-33, 41 (p.150); Helaman 13:38 (p.400)
The disobedient and unrepentant will not be saved in their sins: 1 Nephi 15:32-33 (p.32); Alma 11:37,41 (p.236)

What Can You Do to Prepare for Baptism?
1. Continue reading in the Book of Mormon.
Discuss what you have read with a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

2. Pray for the desire and the strength to obey the commandments of God.

3. Pray earnestly to know whether you should be baptized and become a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

4. Attend worship services of the Church with a Church Member.

5. Take part in the third discussion with the missionaries.