In Mormonism, obedience is one of the most emphasized virtues. Members are regularly taught that blessings come only through obedience to God’s commandments. Spencer W. Kimball once said, “All blessings are conditional. I know of none that are not” (D&C 130:20–21). Every promise of God is viewed as dependent on the obedience of man.
Obedience is closely tied to the Mormon doctrine of agency, the God-given ability to choose right from wrong. By choosing to obey, members show their love for God and qualify for his blessings. Ordinances, covenants, and temple worship are all rooted in the principle that obedience brings progress and ultimately makes exaltation possible.
This teaching stands in contrast to biblical Christianity, which emphasizes that eternal life and forgiveness are not rewards for obedience but free gifts of grace through faith in Jesus Christ (Romans 3:28; Ephesians 2:8–9). While Christians are called to obey God, obedience flows from gratitude for salvation already secured in Christ, not as a condition for receiving it.
