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Faith, Grace, and Works (Actions)
------------------------------------- FAITH The standard definition of Faith as used by the worlds Christians comes from the writings of Paul, the great New Testament missionary. He taught that
The writings of two Book of Mormon writers have added to this definition:
Wonders & Marvels Accomplished through Faith Ether chapter 12 (compares greatly with Hebrews 11.) How To Develop Faith Alma 32:27-40 One of the Book of Mormon's main contributions to the topic of Faith is a discourse given on how to develop and strength one's faith. The Book of Mormon prophet Alma used the simile of a growing seed to teach us this concept. It is worth your time to read this carefully. OTHER Alma 31:26-38 ... according to the prayer of Alma because he prayed in faith -------------------------------------- GRACE - God's Love, Mercy, and Condescension In the New Testament the word "Grace' is used in several different ways - including as another name for Christ's Gospel when describing the difference between 'the Law' (of Moses) and Christ's Gospel. To be able to talk about Grace intelligently, we need to all be using the same definition of the word. One Latter-day Saint leader gave this good definition to the word:
3 Nephi 9:14 is a fine example of this without using the forbidden G word. Elder George Teasdale, late member of the Quorum of the Twelve taught this in a General Conference address:
The key phrases in this quote are:
"saved by grace" This show how all three Faith, Grace, and Works (actions) must be present in our lives for salvation to be in effect.
Now - on to the Book of Mormon:
2 Nephi 2:6-8
redemption
cometh in and through the Holy Messiah; for he is full of grace and truth
GRACE AND FAITH
2 Nephi 10:24 after ye are reconciled unto God, that it is only in and through the grace of God that ye are saved ye may be received into the eternal kingdom of God, that ye may praise him through grace divine Alma 5:48 the Son, the Only Begotten of the Father, full of grace, and mercy, and truth cometh to take away the sins of the world, yea, the sins of every man who steadfastly believeth on his name Moroni 8:3 Jesus through his infinite goodness and grace, will keep you through the endurance of faith on his name to the end GRACE AND WORKS (Actions)
Helaman 12:23 men might be brought unto repentance and good works, that they might be restored unto grace for grace, according to their works 2 Nephi 25:23-24 by grace that we are saved, after all we can do Mormon 2:14 I saw that the day of grace was passed with them, both temporally and spiritually Ether 12:26-28 my grace is sufficient for the meek, that they shall take no advantage of your weakness I give unto men weakness that they may be humble; and my grace is sufficient for all men that humble themselves before me faith, hope and charity bringeth unto me Ether 12:34-37 I prayed unto the Lord that he would give unto the Gentiles grace
Moroni 10:32-33
"Yea, come
unto Christ, and be perfected in him, and deny yourselves of all
ungodliness; and if ye shall deny yourselves of all ungodliness and love
God with all your might, mind and strength, then is his grace sufficient
for you, that by his grace ye may be perfect in Christ; and if by the
grace of God ye are perfect in Christ, ye can in nowise deny the power of
God. -------------------------------------- WORKS, Good We Prove our Faith by Our Actions; He Judges Us by Our Actions "WORKS" is one of those religiously "bad words" to many people. Saved by works? Never! One of the arguments fueling this debate is the use of the word in the New Testament - 'works' is used to mean several different things in the New Testament. An example: There are passages where Paul is talking about the "law of works" or just "works", meaning the Law of Moses; the word 'works' meaning the various ordinances that are required and certain things to be performed in a certain order. In these same passages he uses the work 'Grace' to define the Gospel of Christ - or, the 'Gospel of Grace'. 'Works', when used in defining the judgment process we will go through as we stand before the Judgment Bar of God, consists of the Great Judge reviewing our ACTIONS and TOILS and LABORS in keeping God's commandments and enduring to the end. Please throw out all other definitions and concentrate on these three easy-to-remember words. In the Plan of Salvation page we learn that after death we are raised from death through the death and resurrection of Christ - this is a free gift we receive whether we want it or not. This is what is also called "Salvation from Physical Death". After this resurrection we are brought to stand before the Judgment Bar of God - for Him to judge to what degree we are worthy to be saved from Spiritual Death (or, separation from the Presence and Influence of God). And, as the New Testament teaches over and over again, this judgment will be based on our works - our actions, toils, and labors in obeying God.
JUDGED BY OUR WORKS/DEEDS: see Final Judgment
NOTABLE PASSAGES ON 'GOOD WORKS' and 'DEEDS'
Mosiah 5:15 steadfast and immovable, always abounding in good works Alma 7:24 "And see that ye have faith, hope, and charity, and then ye will always abound in good works." Alma 37:33-34 withstand every temptation of the devil, with their faith on the Lord Jesus Christ never be weary of good works Alma 40:13 they have no part nor portion of the Spirit of the Lord; for behold, they chose evil works rather than good 3 Nephi 12:16 (quoting Matthew) Therefore let your light so shine before this people, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father who is in heaven. Ether 12:4 sure and steadfast, always abounding in good works Moroni 7:5 by their works ye shall know them; for if their works be good, then they are good also. |
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