Mormon Terminology and Grace
“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.”