QUESTION: 2 “What is your response to the Christian Biblical view of Salvation? (see Eph. 2:8-9) Is Salvation by faith alone or by works? Why do you believe that?”
Mormon Response: The first thing that Elder Roskelley and I would like to establish is that as Mormons we too are Christians, and all of our doctrine is Biblical. As students of the gospel, no matter what sect of Christianity you hold to, we need to understand that the Bible can be read and interpreted in many different ways and still be right. None of us can know exactly what the Bible really teaches, because it has been translated so many different times. Even if you go back to the Greek and Hebrew text, confusion can still arise. “We do believe that the Bible was written under the influence of the spirit, and we do believe the Bible to be the Word of God as far as it is translated correctly” (Articles of Faith, v. 8). This being said, we will now explain our views on salvation and why we believe such.
“We believe that through the atonement of Christ, all mankind may be saved by obedience to the law and ordinances of the Gospel” (Articles of Faith, v.3). To answer your question, we believe that salvation comes by faith and by works, you must have both of these things. Referring to the passage you gave us in Ephesians 2:8-9, this states that by the grace of God we are saved through faith. As stated earlier, we believe it is the atonement that makes salvation possible. So we would agree that God's grace does have a part in salvation. It is because of God's grace that we have the atonement in our lives. The thing is, we must do our part to have the atonement effective in our lives. For instance, we must repent, which is a work, and also change the way we live. Both change and repentance are works.
In Ecclesiastes 12:14, it states that God will bring “Every work into Judgement.” This would mean to me that God is going to look at everything we have done in this life.
Again, going back to the Scripture in Ephesians. Verse eight states that “By grace ye are saved through faith.” The key word for me there is “through.” I would like to cross reference that to James 2:17. This clearly states that faith without works is dead. This in turn would then mean that we do no works, we have no faith, therefore our salvation would be as not.
The last couple of verses I would like to referrance are Romans 3:24-25 and Acts 2:38. Verse 24 of Romans 3 is interesting. What I took from that is that we partake of grace through redemption. So it is not simply grace that saves us. Verse 25 goes on to say that Christ is a mediator for us through our faith in him and his atonement. It also tells us we need a remission of sins. So how do we receive that? Acts 2:38 will answer that question for us. We need to repent and be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ. Both of these are actions we must do in life.
Now I know I am not mighty in writing, but I have prayed that this paper might help answer your question. I would be more than happy to review this with you, and answer any questions in discussion. This I can leave you, and that is my testimony that the plan of salvation revealed to modern day prophets is true. I know for a surety that the things that the Book of Mormon teaches are God's Word. I desire that all people might return and dwell with God, but it takes work and effort on our part. I know that Christ's atonement is for everyone, but again, we must do what we need to do in order to apply it in our lives. This church that we represent is the true church of Christ. I know it is and you can also. All it takes is humble prayer and asking God for guidance, and a willing heart. I bear you this, my humble testimony in the name of Jesus Christ, Amen.
Yours truly:
Nick Novakovich
Christian Response: Once again I thank you for your written response to the question at the beginning of this paper. Like your response to the doctrine of the Trinity, your answer to the above question on the doctrine of Salvation has also raised some concerns of which I will now share with you.
I have read over your answer to my question a few times. To begin with, you stated in your opening remark “..that as Mormons we too are Christians, and all of our doctrine is Biblical.” I will not hide the fact that I do not believe that you are a Christian, just as you perhaps believe that I am not a Christian, unless I become a Mormon, since you stated at the end of your letter that the church you “..represent is the true church of Christ.” More about that later. Also, I do not believe that all of your doctrine is Biblical. That fact was proven by my response to your first answer to my question on the Trinity. Anyway, that is not the issue at hand. The issue before us is about the doctrine of Salvation that will determine whether we are True Christians or not. There is not many different interpretations that are correct on this issue at hand as you suggest. Either God saves us eternally or not; or either God's Salvation is by grace or by works. What we believe about this is of the utmost importance.
Your next statement, “None of us can know exactly what the Bible really teaches, because it has been translated so many different times. Even if you go back to the Greek and Hebrew text, confusion can still arise. “We do believe that the Bible was written under the influence of the spirit, and we do believe the Bible to be the Word of God as far as it is translated correctly” (Articles of Faith, v. 8)” Since this statement does not deal with the issue at hand, I will answer this at a later time. It will be addressed when we discuss the issue about the reliability of the Bible.
In your next paragraph, you open with, “We believe that through the atonement of Christ, all mankind may be saved by obedience to the law and ordinances of the Gospel” (Articles of Faith, v. 3)...we believe salvation comes by faith and by works, you must have both of these things.” To believe this is to take away from the the work of Christ on the Cross. Salvation is by grace alone, not by works. Before I continue, I think it is important to define the meaning of the word “atonement.” According to The Merriam-Webster Dictionary, the word Atonement is defined, “the reconciliation of God and man through the death of Jesus Christ.” (see pg. 62). Perhaps the best definition for Atonement is this one found in the Holman CSB Bullet Notes:
“A theological term for God's provision to deal with human sin. In the OT, it primarily means purification. In some contexts forgiveness, pardon, expiation, propitiation, or reconciliation is included. The bases of atonement is substitutionary sacrifice offered in faith. The OT sacrifices were types and shadows of the great and final sacrifice of Jesus on the cross.”[1]
Hence, the term Atonement speaks of how man can be brought back into right relationship with God through the sacrificial death of Christ. Man's sin has been atone [lit.cleansed] for through the precious blood of Christ. Therefore, Christ's Atonement was not given to just provide resurrection for people, but to remove the sin that has so separated man from a holy God (See Isa. 53; John 19; Heb. 9:22; 1 Pet. 2:24). Concerning the Atonement and the resurrection, Ronald Enroth has this to say.
“Christ's atonement saves only Christ's followers. Mormons are correct in believing that both the righteous and the wicked will be resurrected at the final judgment. However, the wicked will be resurrected in order to face the Lord “whole” before being consigned body and soul to everlasting punishment (Dan. 12:2; Matt. 10:28; John 5:28-29; Acts 24: 15). They derive no benefit from Christ's atoning death. Only the righteous “in Christ”—those who belong to Christ—will be made alive and given immortality (1 Cor. 15:22-23, 53-54).”[2]
Now as for your comment that salvation comes both by faith and works is not Biblical. We are justified by faith alone in the work that Christ accomplished on the cross on our behalf. We are not, I repeat, NOT justified by our works (see Isa. 64:6; Rom. 3:20, 24; 5:1; 8:30; Gal. 2:16; Eph. 2:8-9; Titus 3:5). It is important to understand that good works is not for our salvation, it is the result of our salvation. The apostle Paul says “we are...created in Christ Jesus for good works,..” (Eph. 2:10); and “work out your own salvation with fear and trembling; for it is God who works in you...” (Phil. 2:12-13). Paul in his letter to Titus makes it clear that not only are we to “work out” our own salvation, but we are to be “zealous for good works” (Titus 2:14b). We as believer's in Christ do good works out of love for our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ. We don't do good works to earn favour with God or to keep ourselves saved. Again, the apostle Paul makes that clear: “Not of works, lest anyone should boast” (Eph. 2:9); “Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to His mercy He saved us,...” (Titus 3:5).
Next, you stated, “Both change and repentance are works.” No, they are not works. Both change (see 2 Cor. 5:17) and repentance are the result of Christ's work in us by the Holy Spirit (see John 16:8-15; Phil. 2:13; 2 Tim. 2:25). Remember, our works are as “filthy rags” in the sight of a holy and righteous God (see Isa. 64:6). Further more, we were “dead in trespasses and sins” (Eph. 2:1, KJV); “And you, being dead in your sins” (Col. 2:13, KJV). It is clear from these passages that a person who is dead in their sins is dead to God spiritually. A dead person cannot do good works, for he is dead to God period. Such a person needs to be regenerated by the new birth that is found in placing one's faith in Christ (John 3:3, 7). Have you trusted in Christ alone as your personal Lord and Saviour?
Now as for your comment, “In Ecclesiastes 12:14, it states that God will bring “Every work into Judgement.” This would mean to me that God is going to look at everything we have done in this life.” It is true that we will be judged for the work we have done for Christ in this present life. There are two primary judgments spoken of in Scripture. First, there is the Great White Throne of Judgment Where the wicked are “judged...according to their works...they were judged every man according to their works” (Rev. 20:12-13). Second, the righteous in Christ are judged for their works at “the judgment seat of Christ” (Rom. 14:10; 2 Cor. 5:10). Note, their salvation here is not dependent on their works. That is never mentioned. The fact is the wicked are judged for their sin; whereas, the righteous are judged for what they have done for Christ (see also 1 Cor. 3:10-15).
Your next paragraph reads, “Again, going back to the Scripture in Ephesians. Verse eight states that “By grace ye are saved through faith.” The key word for me there is “through.” I would like to cross reference that to James 2:17. This clearly states that faith without works is dead. This in turn would then mean that we do no works, we have no faith, therefore our salvation would be as not.” There seems to be a contradiction between what Paul teaches and what James teaches. It seems that Paul is teaching that we are saved by grace through faith alone (see Eph. 2:8-9); whereas, James seems to be teaching quite the opposite by stating that “faith without works is dead” (James 2:17). Dr. Geisler and Dr. Howe give the solution to this seeming contradiction in these words below:
“James and Paul would be contradictory if they were speaking about the same thing, but there are many indications in the text that they are not. Paul is speaking about justification before God, while James is talking about justification before humans. This is indicated by the fact that James stressed that we should “show” (2:18) our faith. It must be something that can be seen by others in “works” (2:18-20). Further, James acknowledged that Abraham was justified before God by faith, not works, when he said, “Abraham believed God, and it was accounted to him for ighteousness” (2:23). When he adds that Abraham was “justified by works” (v. 21), he is speaking of what Abraham did that could be seen by people, namely, offer his son Isaac on the altar (2:21-22). Further, while Paul is stressing the root of justification (faith), James is stressing the fruit of justification (works). But each man acknowledges both. Immediately after affirming that we are “saved by grace through faith” (Eph. 2:8-9), Paul quickly adds, “we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them” (Eph. 2:10). Likewise, right after declaring that it is “not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to His mercy He saved us” (Titus 3:5-7), Paul urges that “those who have believed in God should be careful to maintain good works” (Titus 3:8).”[3]
Before ending this answer to your above paragraph in bold, I think it profitable to quote from noted 19th Century Theologian J. N. Darby on this passage in James chapter two.
“Justified by faith before God: justified by works before men. James, remark, never says that works justify us before God; for God can see the faith without its works. He knows that life is there. It is in exercise with regard to Him, towards Him, by trusting in His Word, in Himself, by receiving His testimony in spite of everything within and without. This God sees and knows. But when our fellow-creatures are in question, when it must be said “show me,” then faith, life, shows itself in works.”[4]
The best summary of the above quote from Mr. Darby can be best summarized in his own words, “Justified by faith before God: justified by works before men.”
Lastly, you gave your comment on Romans 3::24-25 and Acts 2;38. “The last couple of verses I would like to referrance are Romans 3:24-25 and Acts 2:38. Verse 24 of Romans 3 is interesting. What I took from that is that we partake of grace through redemption. So it is not simply grace that saves us. Verse 25 goes on to say that Christ is a mediator for us through our faith in him and his atonement. It also tells us we need a remission of sins. So how do we receive that? Acts 2:38 will answer that question for us. We need to repent and be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ. Both of these are actions we must do in life.” Is this what you believe the verses are teaching? I have already made my case against salvation by works. To begin with, I would suggest that you read the whole chapter in Romans chapter Three in its context. For it teaches quite the opposite to what you understand it to mean. As mentioned in my last paper, it is important to understand the meaning of words. The word “grace” means “unmerited favour; undeserved kindness bestowed on the guilty.” Now the term “mercy” means “witholding from us what we so justly deserve” and that is God's judgment. You say that “it is not simply grace that saves us.” No, that is not true. Reread Ephesians 2:8-9. It begins with these thought provoking words, “For by grace are ye saved...” (v. 8). The work of our redemption is solely a work of God. We who have placed our faith in what Christ has done for us know that it is not our faith that saves us, but rather God's grace bestowed upon us is what saves. Faith is not works, faith is just simply resting in what the Lord Jesus Christ has done for us on the cross of Calvary.
Now as for Acts 2:38, again, I suggest that you read the entire chapter in this passage in Acts to get the context. To look at the context of the verse itself, which reads, “Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission (lit. forgiveness) of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost” (Acts 2:38, KJV). Note the word “Repent” is mentioned before the term “be baptized.” The reason for this is that salvation from our sins is first and foremost, whereas, baptism, water baptism is an outward testimony of an inward work of God in a believer's life (see Rom. 6:3-7). “We need to repent and be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ. Both of these are actions we must do in life.” Though these are actions we do, they are NOT works that merit our salvation (see again Isa. 64:6; Titus 3:5).
Now as for the comment that the Mormon church is the true church of Christ. Your exact words were, “This church that we represent is the true church of Christ.” I do not believe it is the true church of God. This has become glaringly evident by your views on the doctrine of the triune nature of God and the doctrine of Salvation. This will even become more apparent, when we look at the Bible and the Mormon Scriptures in our responses to the third question. Until then, it has been a real joy conversing with you guys both verbally and in this written format. Thanks.
Sincerely:
Jerry Sheppard.
[1] Ted Cabal, The Apologetics Study
Bible, (Holman Bible Publishers, Nashville , Tennessee
[2] Ronald Enroth, A Guide to New Religious
Movements, (InterVarsity Press, Downers Grove , Illinois
[3] Norman L. Geisler & Thomas Howe, The Big Book of Bible Difficulties, (BakerBooks,
Grand Rapids , Michigan
[4] J. N. Darby, Synopsis of the
Books of the Bible: [Vol. V; Colossians--Revelation],
(Loizeaux Brothers, Inc., New York, Jan. 1950), pg. 413.
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