Chapter 25 (BOMC)

Christians believe that we are saved by grace alone, faith alone. This is also taught in the Book of Mormon. It is written, “that it is only in and through the grace of God that ye are saved.” (2 Nephi 10:24) This verse teaches that our faith alone saves us, not saved after all we can do, or saved because of our works. This verse is often ignored by Mormons. This is because the verse contradicts another verse in this same book. An apostle in the Mormon church makes mention of it.  It is written, “I am profoundly grateful for the principle of saving grace. Many people think they need only confess that Jesus is the Christ and then they are saved by grace alone. We cannot be saved by grace alone, for we know that it is by grace that we are saved, after all we can do, 2 Nephi 25:23.” (President James E. Faust, “The Atonement: Our Greatest Hope,” Ensign, Nov. 2001, 18.) This is a works-based salvation.  Another article says this. “We believe that through the Atonement of Christ, all mankind may be saved, by obedience to the laws and ordinances of the Gospel.” (Tough Topics: Are You Saved by Grace or Works?)

While the Book of Mormon and Mormon teachings collide with each other when it comes to salvation, the Bible is clear on the topic. That Salvation comes through our faith in Jesus, not the works that are produced from our faith. Paul taught, “for by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast. For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.” (Ephesians 2:8-10) Paul talks about good works that God would manifest in our lives.  This occurs when we look to Jesus, and He saves us through our faith in Him.  We allow God to guide us by the Holy Spirit, which allows Him to showcase His gifts in our lives towards others.  Paul also said this. “That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.” (Romans 10:9,10) Church ordinances don’t save us, but our faith in Jesus alone does.

Looking at 2 Nephi, chapter 25, in the Book of Mormon, we learn a different story about how a person is saved. It is no longer faith alone in Jesus that saves us, but the works that are produced in our lives that saves us.  It is written, “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.” (2 Nephi 25:23) My question about this verse is the following.  Will people ever do enough to be saved if this is how salvation works? This shows that people rely on their works for salvation more than their faith in Jesus.  On the other hand, the Bible teaches us that our faith alone in Jesus saves.  Works are simply the fruits of our salvation, not what saves a person. So why is it that Mormons believe in a works-based salvation?  It is because they want to be exalted to Godhood. Through doing their temple ordinances, they attempt to work their way to the Celestial kingdom in heaven. This is where they teach that people are exalted to Godhood as husband and wife.  To reach the highest place in heaven, one must go through the temple. In these buildings, they get married, and continue performing rituals for the dead and themselves until death.

The Bible is clear that we cannot work our way to heaven. Anybody who thinks this is doing evil in God’s sight. These man-made works are as filthy rags. Only through our faith in Jesus can a person be saved.  Works come later on.  Our faith is like a seed that eventually grows and matures.  This is when we allow God to work in our lives.  In all this, God still counts our faith for salvation, and not the works. It is written “for by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast.” (Ephesians 2:8,9) This faith in Jesus is not dead but alive.  This is why it produces works as a result of our faith.  God’s kingdom is full of spiritual giftings for true believers.  These gifts come through faith in Jesus, and helps us grow and mature in the faith.  This is being led by the Holy Spirit and doing as God says. After we have faith in Christ, our lives are transformed. We no longer do our own works, but God does the works in us. Give thanks to God for saving us through our continued faith in Jesus.  He does the works in every believer. These are the fruits of our salvation. Amen.

Let us pray:
Oh Lord, I pray that people who say they love You will come to know the truth. It is one thing to say we love You, but another thing to do as You say. The truth is, most people are not led by the Holy Spirit and only do what their flesh desires. This is happening in many churches, like we see in Mormonism. The men wear shirts and ties, while the women wear modest dresses to church. They look very religious on the outside, but inwardly they are lost and without a shepherd. What their false prophets tell them, they acknowledge as Your truth and do it. Lord, it is sad knowing that I have family in this false religion. They are very hard-hearted when it comes to knowing anything different from what their church teaches. You have revealed to me that their works for the dead are an abomination in Your sight. The works inside their temples are truly wicked. They are filthy rags and nothing more. Lord, wake them up to the darkness that is ahead of them. I do not wish for anyone in this false religion to die and go to hell. Therefore, lead them to the truth through people in the faith, dreams, visions, and more. I trust in You, God. I love You, Lord. Amen.