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When God's Prophet Speaks (Part 2)

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“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

As we continue to look at Elder Dunn’s recent talk to General Conference, we see that his theme follows that common Mormon mantra – do more and be better.

As someone who was once part of a group that emphasised the need to save ourselves, I feel for those, like the Mormons, who are constantly being told to try harder, work longer and jump higher to please God.

Following his illustration of how the British Men’s Cycling Team achieved success, Elder Dunn suggests that Mormons can follow suit by breaking the different areas of their lives into parts and then they should consider how they may be one percent better in those areas. By implementing this strategy, he says, Mormons will make significant gains in their striving to be perfect; and perfect they must be if they want to reach exaltation.

Jesus plus

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints makes a distinction between salvation and exaltation. They believe that a Mormon can be saved without all the effort Elder Dunn speaks of, but if they want to be saved in the fullest sense of the word, that is achieve exaltation and return to Heavenly Father, there is work for them to do.  Jesus has played his part, now they must play theirs. 

This is the gospel of Mormonism, and it is the gospel of Jesus plus. What Jesus accomplished in His death and resurrection is not enough for the Mormon, something else is needed.

Sanctification

There is nothing wrong with seeking to live a holier life, indeed Christians are exhorted to do so, but holiness flows from the knowledge that we are saved and is not a means to be saved. Mormons appear to conflate sanctification with justification; thus, they preach a gospel of faith and works.  The Bible is clear that we are saved by faith alone but, as Martin Luther said, faith is never alone. Works emerge from the one who has been saved by faith.

For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast. For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.’  Ephesians 2:8-10

The great Baptist preacher Charles Haddon Spurgeon put it like this:

Not that our salvation should be the effect of our work, but our work should be the evidence of our salvation.

This is not the belief of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

EFFORT

‘To explain how much confidence we should have in God, were I using a term to suit myself, I should say implicit confidence. I have faith in my God, and that faith corresponds with the works I produce. I have no confidence in faith without works. My faith is, when we have done all we can, then the Lord is under obligation, and will not disappoint the faithful; he will perform the rest.’[1]

Believing that they must do all they can before the Lord will act on their behalf must be an enormous burden to bear. After all, there is always more to do, always more that can be done. How does a Mormon know when they have done enough? How they need to hear the wonderful words of the Lord Jesus:

‘Come to me, all who labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest’ (Matthew 11:28)

Again, Charles Spurgeon hits the nail on the head when he said:

The greatest enemy to human souls is the self-righteous spirit which makes men look to themselves for salvation. 

And yet this has been the constant theme in Mormonism throughout its history. The following quote sums up their theology of salvation:

‘We are living eternal life, and our position hereafter will be the result of our lives here. Every man will be judged according to his works, and he will receive only the degree of glory that he has earned.’[2]

How wonderful it is to know that salvation has nothing to do with us, but everything to do with Jesus. Mormonism says ‘do’ but Christ says ‘done’. ‘It is finished’ cried Jesus from that cruel cross. We are made right with God through faith in Christ alone.

‘Therefore, since we have been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.’ (Romans 5:1)

Elder Dunn closes his talk with these words:

‘Ultimate victory is 100 percent certain, “after all we can do,” through the might, merits, and mercy of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. I so testify in the name of Jesus Christ, amen.’

How sad it is that Mormons, not knowing the true gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ, strive to save themselves. How is Jesus plus working for them? I’m sure so many will be deflated and discouraged as they seek to do that which cannot be done. How they need to come to Jesus alone for salvation.

 Jesus paid it all

All to him I owe

Sin had left a crimson stain

He washed it white as snow


[1] Discourses of Brigham Young, p.155. Italics in the original.

[2] Conference Reports, April 1945, p.139. The Teachings of George Albert Smith p.30


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