F.A.R.M.S. website October 2, 2006 (FARMS in black, DYD in blue)

Why do Mormons believe we are saved by good works, when the Bible says we are saved by the grace of God?

The Book of Mormon is unequivocal on the issue of salvation by the grace of Christ. But the Book of Mormon has changed over 4,000 times since its inception- including changes in doctrine- so what it says about salvation might change tomorrow.  Nephi, the first prophet in the book, wrote that "there is no flesh that can dwell in the presence of God, save it be through the merits, and mercy, and grace of the Holy Messiah" (2 Nephi 2:8). His brother Jacob admonished, "remember, after ye are reconciled unto God, that it is only in and through the grace of God that ye are saved" (2 Nephi 10:24). The last of the Nephite scribes, Moroni, wrote, "Yea, come unto Christ, and be perfected in him, and deny yourselves of all ungodliness; and if ye shall deny yourselves of all ungodliness and love God with all your might, mind and strength, then is his grace sufficient for you, that by his grace ye may be perfect in Christ . . . then are ye sanctified in Christ by the grace of God, through the shedding of the blood of Christ" (Moroni 10:32-33). Moroni, like Nephi before him (2 Nephi 2:8; 31:19; see also Alma 24:10; Helaman 14:13), wrote of the importance of "relying alone upon the merits of Christ" (Moroni 6:4). Nevertheless, while the Book of Mormon stresses that only Christ brings salvation, like the New Testament, it also clearly affirms the responsibility of individuals to repent (YES!)  and come unto Christ (YES!) and afterwards endure unto the end (YES!) in keeping the commandments of God.  WRONG

Jesus also emphasized the necessity of not only believing, but also repenting of our sins (Matthew 4:17; Luke 12:3, 5). He upbraided certain cities and said they were under condemnation because they did not choose to repent (Matthew 11:20-24). Jesus also required his disciples to follow his teachings and commandments (Matthew 7:24-27; Luke 6:46-49 and said that they would be rejected at the day of judgment if they did not do so (Matthew 7:21-23). While the Book of Mormon teaching that we are "saved by grace after all we can do" (2 Nephi 25:23), may conflict with the theology of some modern Christian groups, it is consistent with Jesus' teachings in the New Testament.

Jesus required belief (the Greek word is an active belief - a trusting - like the "belief" you have that the chair that you are sitting in right now will hold you up) in Him for salvation - reference the whole Book of John (3:16, 18, 36 for starters).  While following the commandments of God is important, doing so does not contribute to one's salvation (Romans 1:17, 4:1 through 5:5, Galatians 3 through 5 (yes, the WHOLE CHAPTERS) Ephesians 1:13, 2:8-9...do you need more?).  Good works will flow out of a true faith, to be sure.  They will also determine the magnitude of the reward we receive in Heaven.  But the actual "key" that let's us "through the gate" is trusting in the sacrifice Jesus made - trusting that it paid the price due of our sin before a pure God.

'FAITH WITHOUT WORKS IS DEAD" (James 2:17)

TRUE!  However, the real question we have to ask is, "what are the works of God?"  Fortunately for us, Jesus was asked that very question:

John 6:28-29  “Then said they unto him, What shall we do, that we might work the works of God?   Jesus answered and said unto them, This is the work of   God, that ye believe on him whom he hath sent.”

We can confirm this test via the example of one of the criminals crucified with Christ:

Luke 23 : 39 -4 3  

“And one of the malefactors which were hanged railed on him, saying, If thou be Christ, save thyself and us.  But the other answering rebuked him, saying, Dost not thou fear God, seeing thou art in the same condemnation?   And we indeed justly; for we receive the due reward of our deeds: but this man hath done nothing amiss.   And he said unto Jesus, Lord, remember me when thou comest into thy kingdom.   And Jesus said unto him, Verily I say unto thee, To day shalt thou be with me in paradise.

This man did no "works"...other than the work of God - believing in Jesus.  Aside from that we see that his works were evil - landing him on a cross.

Therefore it is clear: we are saved grace through our sole "work" - faith in Jesus Christ.  Other works will emerge as evidence of our faith.  While those works will add to our reward, they have no impact on whether or not we actually enter Heaven - our faith in Christ does that.

If you would like an in depth analysis of this and other essential Mormon doctrine, please click here for our Solving the Mormon Puzzle program.