Basic Doctrines Series Part 2 – The Plan of Salvation w/Brent Top

Continuing our Basic Doctrines Series of Podcasts, on this episode we are going to cover The Plan of Salvation. On previous episodes we have had Mike Goodman on to help introduce the concept of "What is a doctrine and what is a policy or practice?" Following that episode we had Robert Millet on to expound on the Doctrine of The Godhead. This episode will feature Brent Top from BYU.

Brent L. Top is a Professor of Church History and Doctrine and is currently serving as the Dean of Religious Education.  He was born and raised in Idaho Falls, Idaho and served a full-time mission to the Denmark Copenhagen Mission.  He received all of his degrees from Brigham Young University—a BA in history, a Masters degree in instructional media and a PhD in instructional science and technology. Prior to joining the BYU Religious Education faculty in 1987, he worked for the Church Educational System as a released-time seminary teacher, an institute teacher and an administrator.  Dr. Top served as Associate Dean of Religious Education from 1997-2002.  He held the endowed Professorship in Moral Education for two years prior to his call as President of the Illinois Peoria Mission (2004-2007).  He was appointed department chair in June 2009.  He is married to the former Wendy Cope from Idaho Falls.  They are the parents of four children and reside in Pleasant Grove, Utah where Brother Top currently serves as the President of the Pleasant Grove East Stake.

Official Teachings: The Plan of Salvation

Here is the official writings found on the official website of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints on the basic doctrine of The Plan of Salvation:

In the premortal existence, Heavenly Father introduced a plan to enable us to become like Him and obtain immortality and eternal life (see Moses 1:39). The scriptures refer to this plan as the plan of salvation, the great plan of happiness, the plan of redemption, and the plan of mercy.

The plan of salvation includes the Creation, the Fall, the Atonement of Jesus Christ, and all of the laws, ordinances, and doctrines of the gospel. Moral agency—the ability to choose and act for ourselves—is also essential in Heavenly Father’s plan (see 2 Nephi 2:27). Because of this plan, we can be perfected through the Atonement, receive a fulness of joy, and live forever in the presence of God (see 3 Nephi 12:48). Our family relationships can last throughout the eternities.

Related references: John 17:3; D&C; 58:27

Premortal Life

Before we were born on the earth,