All About Mormons

Many Protestants believe that men and women are saved by grace alone. While Protestants are correct in recognizing that without Christ's grace salvation is not possible, the idea that works and ordinances-in short, orthopraxy-play no role in salvation is simply not biblical. Our efforts are completely inadequate in the face of our many sins, but God nevertheless expects us to make a good-faith effort. The Bible does not teach cheap salvation. We are saved by Christ's grace, after all that we can do.

The belief that works are irrelevant comes from a selective reading of the Bible. Many scriptures, especially the writings of Paul, rightfully emphasize Christ's grace. These scriptures include Mark 16:14-16, John 3:14-18, Ephesians 2:8, Romans 5:1, and 1 Timothy 4:10.

Many other scriptures emphasize the importance of works and ordinances. These scriptures include many of the words of the Savior Himself: "Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven." Other scriptures include: Proverbs 24:12, Matthew 7:21, Matthew 16:27, Matthew 25:31-46, Luke 6:46-49, Romans 2:5-11, Romans 2:13, Galatians 5:20-23, James 1:22-25, James 2:14-26, Revelation 20:12, and Revelation 22:12-15.

For Christians who wish to accept the entire Bible, these two ideas-salvation through grace and the importance of works/ordinances-must be rectified. Fortunately, it is not difficult to merge these two concepts. Men cannot save themselves; our works are pitifully inadequate. It is only through Christ's sacrifice and grace that we can be made clean of our sins. However, that doesn't mean God frees us of our own personal responsibility. Though woefully inadequate, God expects us to try our best to keep His commandments and perform His ordinances. If we try our best to follow Him, He will make up the vast difference. We are saved by Christ's grace, after all we can do.

Incidentally, worldwide the majority of Christians, while recognizing the tremendous importance of grace, also recognize the importance of works/ordinances. Truth, of course, is not determined by democratic vote, but it is nevertheless interesting to note that Mormons find themselves in the majority with regards to this issue.

The scripture that is often used to illustrate that the Bible teaches that it is through grace and not works that we are saved is Ephesians 2: 8 - 9: "8 For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: It is the gift of God: 9 Not of works." This appears to be cut and dried, until the remainder of the quote is also included. The rest of verse 9 says "Lest any man should boast." In other words, works alone will not provide salvation because they could contribute to man taking credit for his own salvation through the things he has done. This is further explained in verse 10, which says, "For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them." This verse explains that Christ and Heavenly Father expect us to do good works, indeed God 'ordaiined that we should in them'. Accepting his grace and accepting Jesus necessitates doing good works - that is how our acceptance of Christ as our saviour is manifested in our lives, by doing as Christ would do, not for our own glory but for his. Romans 3 explains this further, wherin it explains that boasting of righteousness in folloiwng the law is not the same as demonstrating your faith in Jesus Christ through living the law of faith, which is acting in a Christ-like way.