So I have to admit, for the longest time I have been trying to figure out the apparent paradox that exists between the view of the LDS Church and everyone else on the issue of salvation, namely the means to obtain it. I’m not about to say that I have pinned the thing down yet, nor do I think I am even remotely close. However, I would say that the difference between the two ’sides’ of the issue might not be as far apart as many think.
When searching the scriptures there are references to grace as well as works. With all of these things flying back and forth, one might be tempted to place an emphasis on one or the other. The fact of the matter is, the only way to get to heaven is through grace. There is no way to get around it. Without Christ, there is no salvation, bottom line. What is the deal with works then. What prompted the scripture “faith without works is dead?” Why do the Mormons stress works? Why does everyone else say forget the works?
Forgive me on the grounds of a possible oversimplification, but the arguments on each side of this Grand Canyon of a divide are really just different ways of saying the same thing. One guy says you need to have works to prove you are worthy for grace, and the next guy says that this in not even close. No amount of work done on the earth can compensate for mankind’s unworthiness.
What is a work? Well, according to James, it is simply an outward manifestation of faith. Therefore, if one believes in the grace of Christ, and then they believe that it is applicable to them, then they begin to show outward manifestations of their faith. They begin to do things better. This is just a natural occurrence, however, Mormons define this as works, and everyone else defines it as grace. Look at it folks, its the same thing.
Christ said that we are supposed to be perfect. What does that mean? Well, he was perfect, so we just need to be like him. Simple, just stop sinning. Easy as pie, right? Not really, but hey, his admonition can be taken a literal. Maybe its possible that someone’s faith is so strong that their outward, natural manifestations of that faith mirror perfection. However, does that make them any more worthy than the guy who accepted the grace of Christ five minutes ago? NO!!! It is simple, we are only saved by grace, and by nothing else.
I urge you all to increase your faith daily, and may your outward manifestations of your faith (your WORKS) continue to increase.
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