2 Nephi 25:23 (Book of Mormon) 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.
Mormon theology, grace requires works, “all we can do,” to reach the ultimate heaven. Some groups calling themselves Christian teach works are necessary for salvation while the Bible teaches works have nothing to do with salvation. They are the result of a new life in Christ.
An article by Bruce R. Halen on the Brigham Young University website plainly lays out the Mormon stand: “The LDS doctrine that salvation requires both grace and works is a revealed yet commonsense reconciliation of these contradictory positions.”
So, the Mormon doctrine of grace is that it must be accompanied by works. There are quite a number of works required for this exaltation, earning the highest level of heaven (remember the Mormon heaven has three levels). For a list of at least 15 required works, see here.
What does the Bible say about works and grace?
Eph. 2:8-9 (ESV) For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, 9 not a result of works, so that no one may boast. 10 For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.
Works are not required for salvation but are the natural result of salvation, of the Holy Spirit living within us. Paul makes this even more clear in his letter to Titus:
Titus 3:4-5 (ESV) But when the goodness and loving kindness of God our Savior appeared, 5 he saved us, not because of works done by us in righteousness, but according to his own mercy, by the washing of regeneration and renewal of the Holy Spirit,
I should address one more Bible verse often misused by Mormon missionaries and theologians to try and prove works are needed:
James 2:17 (ESV) So also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead.
This seems pretty clear, don’t you think? Faith requires works. One of the most important things to remember when someone brings up a single verse to prove their point is to read that verse in the context surrounding it.
The book of James was written to believers not to non-believers, and it was written as an instruction manual. James is saying our faith should produce works, and if your faith does not produce works it is dead, you are separated from God. Look at the full paragraph:
James 2:14-17 (ESV) What good is it, my brothers, if someone says he has faith but does not have works? Can that faith save him? 15 If a brother or sister is poorly clothed and lacking in daily food, 16 and one of you says to them, “Go in peace, be warmed and filled,” without giving them the things needed for the body, what good is that? 17 So also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead.
James is speaking to “my brothers” to show how a Christian’s faith should be obvious in the works it produces. When a body dies, the body does not cease to exist but is still there. There are just no signs of life. The body and spirit have been separated. Likewise, when the spiritual life shows no signs of life, no outward expression of the God that lives within, that spirit has been separated from God. It didn’t cease to exist. The faith is still there. The person has allowed it to go dormant.
Why is this important?
Often examining the beliefs of others against what we know to be true strengthens our faith. It clarifies exactly what God has taught us. Paul writes that it is actually a good thing there are divisions among us even in the church.
1 Cor. 11:18-19 (ESV) For, in the first place, when you come together as a church, I hear that there are divisions among you. And I believe it in part, 19 for there must be factions among you in order that those who are genuine among you may be recognized.
How much more do we learn from those who are as far afield at we can see the Mormons are?
There are four major doctrines of the historic Christian Church: the deity of Christ, His bodily Resurrection, the Trinity, and salvation by grace alone. If a group calls themselves “Christian,” these are the standards by which we measure such a group. If they deny even one, they are not to be included in the historical church. Mormons deny all save the bodily resurrection of Jesus.
Believers Armed and Dangerous 
Hi Mike, Thanks for the refresher course on Mormonism. I read the article about the 15 required works to get to heaven. Ironically, the show “the Chosen” which VidAngel, a Mormon film company is involved in, I was watching episode 7 of season 3…long story why…and this fictitious character was up to Matthew the tax collector before he became a disciple and he told Matthew that he was ready to be with God…again. I was noticeably disturbed by what he said. Did he really say he was going to God again? I had just read the Exultation article you had included as a link in your blog post. It read, “Imagine what joy each of us will have when we return to our Heavenly Father if we can say: “Father, I lived according to Thy will. I have been faithful and have kept Thy commandments. I am happy to be home again.” YIKES! I knew that Dallas Jenkins had taken a lot of liberty but I see now he has introduced a Mormon doctrine into his show. At least that’s what I see by this statement.
Have you seen the Chosen? What do you make of it?
Well, thanks again. Say hi to Pam for me.
Leslee
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