Elder D. Todd Christofferson
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Theologians have often pondered the destiny of the billions of people who have lived on the Earth without gaining a knowledge of Jesus Christ. But the restoration of his gospel has given us an understanding of how the dead are redeemed. God is both just and merciful.
"The principle of vicarious service should not seem strange to any Christian. In the baptism of a living person, the officiator acts, by proxy, in place of the Savior. And is it not the central tenet of our faith that Christ's sacrifice atones for our sins by vicariously satisfying the demands of justice for us?"
There are those who misunderstand the Mormon faith and its principle of baptism for the dead. They assume that deceased souls are being baptized into the church without their knowledge. But the church does not list souls baptized for the dead on its rolls or count them in its membership. God has given man agency. The church has no power to force a soul in matters of faith.
"Our anxiety to redeem the dead, and the time and resources we put behind that commitment, are, above all, an expression of our witness concerning Jesus Christ."
Some contemporary Christians believe that to say Jesus is the only savior is arrogant and intolerant. But that is a false dilemma. The Savior's salvation is offered to every soul, without exception.
"We need not tamper with the doctrine or temper the good news of Christ."
