Mormon Terminology and Grace
2 Nephi 25:23 says; “…for we know that it is by grace we are saved, after all we can do”.
“God’s grace consists in his love, mercy, and condescension toward his children…
Grace is granted to men proportionately as they conform to the standards of personal righteousness that are part of the gospel plan. Thus the saints are commanded to “grow in grace” (D. & C. 50:40), until they are sanctified and justified…Grace is an attribute of perfection possessed by Deity (D. & C. 66:12; 84:102)… The same path to perfection is offered to man.” Bruce R. McConkie, Mormon Doctrine, 339.
“One of the most controversial issues in Christian theology is whether salvation is the free gift of unmerited grace or is earned through good works. Paul’s statement that “a man is justified by faith without the deeds of the law” (Rom. 3:28) is frequently cited to support the former view, while James’s statement that “faith without works is dead” (James 2:20) is often quoted in favor of the latter view. The LDS doctrine that salvation requires both grace and works is a revealed yet commonsense reconciliation of these contradictory positions.” Encyclopedia of Mormonism, 560.
“Salvation is attainable only through compliance with the laws and ordinances of the Gospel; and all who are thus saved become sons and daughters unto God in a distinctive sense.” James E. Talmage, Articles of Faith, pg. 422.
There is nothing you could ever say to the Mormon that would convince them they are saved by grace alone. Remember when witnessing to the Mormon you are simply planting a seed, the Holy Spirit is the one that does the convincing!
Mormons are racked with shame in believing they have never done enough for God and because of this they also believe that if they died today there is a good chance they wouldn’t go to heaven. Can you just imagine living and working your entire life for God and still be thinking this way? It is a desolate and degrading way to live life.
Eph. 2:8-9; “For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast.”
Romans 5:2 “By whom also we have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God.”
Romans 11:6; “And if by grace, then is it no more of works: otherwise grace is no more grace. But if it be of works, then is it no more grace: otherwise work is no more work.”
Galatians 2:20-1; “I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me. I do not frustrate the grace of God: for if righteousness come by the law, then Christ is dead in vain.”
Please do not make yourself out to be the common member of the LDS church.
There is no shame in the church, and few members that I have ever talked to believe they are not worthy of the highest reward in heaven should they die at this time.
Honestly, I am tired of the few ex-members that post these blogs assuming that every member feels the same way they did.
it’s rare that I meet a Mormon who feels like they’re worthy enough to go to the Celestial Kingdom and attain godhood status. If you’re tired of the millions of ex-Mormons who feel compelled to share the good news of Jesus then why are you on the blogs? There’s more than just a few of us. Have you actually read and taken into account the Church’s numbers on their growth or retention rate?
The Church is the first to admit they do not believe you’re saved by grace alone. I sat with a Stake President in a radio station for hours and the poor man openly admitted the stance of the church and how most Mormons are not able to definitively declare they are truly saved by God. Not to mention the hundreds of missionaries I’ve spoken to over the past 17 years. I’ve yet to meet one that will tell me they have assurance of salvation.
We’re praying for you Shem and hope you will take an honest intellectual survey of your heart. Ask Jesus who He is, Tell Him to reveal Himself to you and He will immediately do that for you.
Michelle
1 John 5:11-13
11- And this is the testimony: God has given us eternal life, and this life is in his Son.
12- He who has the Son has life; he who does not have the Son of God does not have life.
13- I write these things to you who believe in the name of the Son of God so that you may know that you have eternal life.
Thank you Jesus for preparing a place for me in Heaven!
LIFEAFTER
You are again exaggerating. You say there are millions of ex-Mormons, and yet the entire membership of the church is only about 15 million. For there to be millions of ex-Mormons the retention rate would have to be something like only 40%, which, as we all know, is not the case. The LDS church actually has a very high retention rate (and yes I have studies this).
Out of the hundreds of LDS members I have spoken to, including the many missionaries, less than 1% do not feel that they would not be assured exaltation in the life to come.
Actually, if more people studies just the standard works of the church they would know that once you have been sealed in the temple you are assured exaltation unless you commit murder, or have your sealing revoked. It teaches this clearly in D&C 132 (see verse 26).
You may have spoken to a few people who have had doubts about their final destination, but I do not believe it is as many as you claim, unless you are only talking to ex-Mormons, then I do believe it.
I can tell you right now what my final destination will be, for I have the assurance of God’s word.
As I said before, few members of the church are ashamed of anything, and no matter how many ex-Mormons swear that everyone is, it is simply not true.