Mormon Terminology: Works v. Grace

14 June

Romans 4:4 “Now to him that worketh is the reward not reckoned of grace, but of debt.”

Mormon Doctrine, Grace, p. 241 “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, “though the grace of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.” (D. & C. 20:30- 32.)

Grace is an attribute of perfection possessed by Deity (D. & C. 66:12; 84:102), and Christ himself “received grace for grace” until finally he gained the fulness of the Father. The same path to perfection is offered to man. “If you keep my commandments,” the Lord says, “you shall receive of his fulness, and be glorified in me as I am in the Father; therefore, I say unto you, you shall receive grace for grace.” (D. & C. 93:6-20.)” – Bruce McConkie

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.”

Today we’re looking at two definitions: works, and grace. About a year ago we looked at grace, and e-mails from Mormons kept telling me that the need to accept Jesus is considered ‘work’. Today we hope to clear that misnomer up!

Tragically, the old adage ‘there are no free lunches’ is a staple in the theological realm of Mormonism. Grace as the Judeo-Christian knows it to be, is not to be had in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day  Saints. The encyclopedic work of Bruce McConkie (Mormon Doctrine) gives the reader a good definition of how their god operates.

One of the things that endeared me to Christianity was the hymn ‘Amazing Grace’. While I had heard it before somewhere, it wasn’t a song we sang at any of the Sacrament Meetings I attended.

Sadly, this still holds true when you look at their list of songs in the LDS Hymnal. Additionally, if/when you look for the word grace in any Mormon info portal, you’ll be met with long lists of explanations skirting around the issue.

The reason for this is of course is that Mormonism is based upon a ‘works for salvation’ system, and not the free gift of salvation God gave to us through His Son who died for us on the cross at Calvary.

They even went so far as to plagiarize the Apostle Paul’s definition of grace in their signature canon, The Book of Mormon –

2 Nephi 25:23 “For we labor diligently to write, to persuade our children, and also our brethren, to believe in Christ, and to be reconciled to God; for we know that it is by grace that we are saved, after all we can do.”

Ephesians 2:8-9 “For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: 9 Not of works, lest any man should boast.”

The word ‘works’ is in the Bible 176 times, and each time it gives no indication that grace and works are intertwined in any way. You either believe God and His word, or you don’t. It’s really that simple!

Our question/s today is this:

If God demanded works for salvation, why pray tell, did Jesus die?

What purpose did it serve for Jesus to be crucified if it was all for naught?

The God of the universe, gave His Son as a sacrifice for you, me, and everyone who’s lived on earth. He didn’t do this so all could be resurrected as LDS theology would have you believe. He did this for you to be saved – the gift of salvation is just that – a gift!

Since when does someone have to pay for a gift?

The transliteration for works is ‘ergon’, and it means ‘from a primary (but obsolete) ergo (to work); toil (as an effort or occupation); by implication an act, deed, doing, labour, work’.

When the Mormon tells you that accepting Jesus into your heart is ‘work’, give them the proper Greek definition to clear up any confusion.

We pray that you’ve accepted God’s most gracious gift beloved and realize the works part is over and done with, whether or not you’re Mormon!

With Love in Christ;

Michelle

1 Cor. 1:18

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