Gift of Grace

Eph 2:8-9 "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."

Modern mainstream Christianity has evolved in the last 100 years. It used to be that Christianity was divided by denominations.  Christians were Catholics, Orthodox, Anglican, Presbyterian, Lutheran, Baptist, or Methodist. In more recent times, non-denominational churches have arisen as part of a more modern Evangelical movement.  My understanding of Evangelicalism is the belief that regardless of denomination or non-denomination, if an individual believes that Jesus Christ is their personal Savior, they are saved.  That's it. Evangelicallism crosses denominationsl boundaries.  A person can attend a Baptist, Lutheran, Methodist or even Catholic congregation but still be Evangelical believing that their belief in Christ is the foundation of their faith over the denomination or non-denomination they might happen ro attend.  We see this with Charlie Kirk who was a more Evangelical Christian but was drawn to attending the more traditional Catholic Church services over the more contemporary service. 

Many Evangelical Christians believe in the the doctrine of the 5 solae: While not specifically put forth in the Bible, the 5 Solae are: Sola fe (faith alone), Sola Gracia (grace alone), Sola Scrptura (scripture alone), Sola Christus (Christ alone) and Soli Deo Gloria (only God's glory).  This belief is that the Bible is the ultimate, final, and only authority.  And that salvation comes only through belief in the saving grace of Jesus Christ. So, while the the Bible may talk about the need for repentance and confession, or the Bible may talk about the ordinances of baptism and the Lord's Supper, or the establishment of a Church with Apostles, Bishops and Deacons; none of these other aspects of Christian practice impact salvation.  Salvation is in Christ alone.  These other aspects of faith and practice support the believer, but do not impact their salvation. 

How do Evangelicals view members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (Mormons)?  Generally speaking,  Evangelical along with Catholics and most mainstream denominations hold the view that in spite of the name of our Chrurch, and our confessed belief that Jesus of Nazareth is Jehovah of the Old Testament, the promised Messiah, and the Savior and Redeemer of the World; LDS are not true Christians, we believe in a different Christ, and we are going to hell. 

Why doesn't mainstream Christianity like the Church of Jesus Christ?  In addition to accusing us of believing in the wrong Christ, they generally don't like that we believe in modern prophets and Apostles,  in additional scripture like the Book of Mormon, and in our Temples were we offer saving ordinances like baptism for the dead.  And, they claim our doctrine is too works based.  They accuse us of believing we can save ourselves through our own efforts. I think some of this stems from a misunderstanding of LDS belief on grace.  Yes, LDS absolutely believe that Jesus Christ is the only way and source of salvation.  But Evangelicals may point to our Book of Mormon which says: 

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."

Evangelicals say 'ha, after all we can do'.  That proves you think you can contribute to your own salvation. According to them,  we can't contribute anything.  However, The Book of Mormon explains what "after all we can do' means.  In one sense, because we have already been given the gift of agency, we therefore have the ability and can use our God-given agency to offer our whole souls back to God as an offering to God. 

Omni 1: 26 "And now, my beloved brethren, I would that ye should come unto Christ, who is the Holy One of Israel, and partake of his salvation, and the power of his redemption. Yea, come unto him, and offer your whole souls as an offering unto him, and continue in fasting and praying, and endure to the end; and as the Lord liveth ye will be saved."

In another sense, the Lord Jesus Christ has given us the gift of His grace.  He has given the gifts of faith, prayer, repentance, scriptures, the Holy Ghost, priesthood, prophets, apostles, and temple ordinances.  What does Christ expect of us?  He expects us to receive these gifts and to make use of them.  

D&C 88:33 "For what doth it profit a man if a gift is bestowed upon him, and he receive not the gift? Behold, he rejoices not in that which is given unto him, neither rejoices in him who is the giver of the gift."

Alma 60:21 "Or do ye suppose that the Lord will still deliver us, while we sit upon our thrones and do not make use of the means which the Lord has provided for us?"

LDS Doctrine is not about thinking we can save ourselves by our own efforts.  Instead, we simply believe that we are to demonstrate our faith by our works by receiving the many gifts of grace that the Lord Jesus Christ has given us and to make the best use of them we can. 

James 2:18 "Yea, a man may say, Thou hast faith, and I have works: shew me thy faith without thy works, and I will shew thee my faith by my works."

Matt 7:21 "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."