Works vs Grace

There are some Christians who take objection to the LDS doctrine of salvation, claiming we put too much emphasis on works when truly, it is through Jesus Christ we are saved. I have wondered about this for some years now, ever since Wendell Joe got back from Bolivia.

I have enjoyed the story of Alma the Younger. After being flattened by the words of an angel and experiencing a torment of soul, he remembers the words of his father about Jesus Christ. And when he thinks upon Jesus, the torment is lifted and he is able to move and talk again. He calls his experience being born again, and he is "saved" in this way without any works on his part other than to place his soul in the hands of the Savior. Later, Alma the Younger delivers an incredible discourse about mercy and justice, showing that mercy cannot rob justice and explaining Christ's intermediary role.

Fast forward a few years to this week, reading the first few chapters of Mosiah. King Benjamin tells his people that there is no way they can ever repay God because as soon as they do anything good, they are immediately rewarded and will always in His debt. He reminds them that God gave them their lives, the air they breathe and the dust they are made from.

He tells them to have gratitude toward God, just as they have gratitude for him, their king, only moreso. He reminds them to serve one another and to not turn beggars away, because aren't we all beggars before God?

By the end of this sermon, the people have fallen to the ground with love an gratitude toward God. They enter into a covenant to serve Him and keep His commandments. They have experienced a "change of heart." Along with this change of heart comes a desire to "do good continually," and no desire at all to do evil.

And so here, is an example of being saved by Grace and abounding in good works. This experience of being "born again" involves:

• a change of heart
• a willingness to become one of God's people
• a willingness to be obedient
• a desire to do good

I think this story of King Benjamin's people shows that you don't just get "saved" and then do whatever you want, because being "born again" involves a change of heart that inspires a person to do good works.

(I don't think I said that as clearly as I'd like, but it was one of those "Aha" moments for me.)