Agency is one of the most important words in Mormonism. It refers to a person’s ability to choose right from wrong and to act for themselves. Mormons often describe agency as a God-given power that allows individuals to prove their faithfulness. Using agency correctly, by obeying God’s commandments, is essential for spiritual progression and, ultimately, for exaltation.
Agency plays a major role in the LDS plan of salvation. Before birth, Mormons believe there was a “war in heaven” where Satan wanted to take away agency and force obedience. Jesus’ plan preserved human agency, allowing each person the freedom to choose righteousness and return to God. For this reason, agency is sometimes described as central to God’s entire plan.
Biblical Christianity also teaches that humans make real choices, but it describes the human will as bound by sin apart from the grace of God (Romans 3:10–12). True freedom comes only through Christ, who sets people free from slavery to sin (John 8:34–36). For Christians, salvation is not the result of using our agency correctly, but of being rescued by God’s grace through faith in Christ alone.
