Katzpur
Not your average Mormon
Hi, luna! Okay, on to the subject of whether we are saved by faith in Christ or by our works...
Note to anyone reading this: Laurie and I have decided to have a dialogue between members of our respective denominations (Episcopal and LDS). Anyone belonging to one of those denominations is more than welcome to participate. Others are encouraged to ask questions of either of us.
Latter-day Saints are often accused of believing that we earn the right to Heaven, even though any member of the Church would categorically deny that. The Book of Mormon (you can't get much more official this this
) states: "Wherefore, my beloved brethren, reconcile yourselves to the will of God, and not to the will of the devil and the flesh; and remember, after ye are reconciled unto God, that it is only in and through the grace of God that ye are saved."
We do not believe that there has ever been anyone (aside from Christ, of course) who has lived a perfect life. We do not believe anyone to be capable of living such a life. All have sinned. Therefore, all require a Savior. Faith in Jesus Christ is, according to Latter-day Saint doctrine, the first principle of the gospel. Without it, nothing else matters. However, we do believe that our faith must be a "living faith," a faith demonstrated by obedience to God's commandments. In other words, as James states, "Faith without works is dead." Jesus Christ expects more from us than mere lip service. He expects those who declare their faith in Him to be faithful to Him.
We would pretty much agree with C.S. Lewis, who stated:
"Christians have often disputed as to whether what leads the Christian home is good actions, or Faith in Christ. I have no right really to speak on such a difficult question, but it does seem to me like asking which blade in a pair of scissors is most necessary."
Note to anyone reading this: Laurie and I have decided to have a dialogue between members of our respective denominations (Episcopal and LDS). Anyone belonging to one of those denominations is more than welcome to participate. Others are encouraged to ask questions of either of us.
Latter-day Saints are often accused of believing that we earn the right to Heaven, even though any member of the Church would categorically deny that. The Book of Mormon (you can't get much more official this this
) states: "Wherefore, my beloved brethren, reconcile yourselves to the will of God, and not to the will of the devil and the flesh; and remember, after ye are reconciled unto God, that it is only in and through the grace of God that ye are saved."We do not believe that there has ever been anyone (aside from Christ, of course) who has lived a perfect life. We do not believe anyone to be capable of living such a life. All have sinned. Therefore, all require a Savior. Faith in Jesus Christ is, according to Latter-day Saint doctrine, the first principle of the gospel. Without it, nothing else matters. However, we do believe that our faith must be a "living faith," a faith demonstrated by obedience to God's commandments. In other words, as James states, "Faith without works is dead." Jesus Christ expects more from us than mere lip service. He expects those who declare their faith in Him to be faithful to Him.
We would pretty much agree with C.S. Lewis, who stated:
"Christians have often disputed as to whether what leads the Christian home is good actions, or Faith in Christ. I have no right really to speak on such a difficult question, but it does seem to me like asking which blade in a pair of scissors is most necessary."
