Repentance and Sanctification

1 Thes. 4:3-4 For this is the will of God, even your sanctification, that ye should abstain from fornication:
1 Cor. 6:11 And such were some of you: but ye are washed, but ye are sanctified, but ye are justified in the name of the Lord Jesus, and by the Spirit of our God.
Matt. 4:17 From that time Jesus began to preach, and to say, Repent: for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.
Mark 6:12 And they went out, and preached that men should repent.
Luke 24:47 And that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in his name among all nations, beginning at Jerusalem.

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is criticized for emphasizing repentance and sanctification by the reception of the Holy Ghost and the love of Christ over just talking about (God accepts you just as you are) grace. Additionally, critics of the Book of Mormon comdemn it for saying that Christ came to "save us from our sins and not in our sins."

Now this emphasis on repentance and sactification should not be misunderstood to be teaching that we believe that we are saved by works. What the LDS believe is that the justified believer in Christ is imputed with His righteousness so that the believer can merit reception of the Holy Ghost. Then its the Holy Ghost with enters into the believer and empowers him to good works.

This emphasis on repentance and sanctification is what attracts me to the LDS faith because although Christ's atonement can cover my sins when judgement day comes, SIN STILL HAS PAINFUL CONCEQUENCES in this world. That is why I appreciate the LDS chruch for helping me be a better person and helping me sin less by warning me against sin and helping me recieve the love of Christ in my heart more perfectly.

1 Jn. 4: 17 Herein is our love made perfect, that we may have boldness in the day of judgment: because as he is, so are we in this world.