Understanding The Relationship Between Grace And Works.
Immortality, salvation, and eternal life are used interchangeably in Christianity and sometimes Mormons also use them interchangeably. But they are not the same thing. Understanding their true meaning allows us to understand better the commandments and other Christians. But more importantly, understanding the difference between salvation and exaltation is key to understanding the relationship between grace and works.
“Christians have often disputed as to whether what leads the Christian home is good actions, or faith in Christ … it does seem to me like asking which blade in a pair of scissors is most necessary.”
C. S. Lewis, Mere Christianity
Immortality.
Immortality is the state of a resurrected body. Through Jesus Christ, everyone who has ever received a body will be resurrected and given an immortal body. These bodies will be bodies of flesh and bone like the body Jesus Christ had when he was resurrected (Luke 24:19). This gift is given to all, even those who become sons of perdition in this life will be resurrected. (See Guide to the Scriptures, Sons of Perdition)
“The good news is that everyone will be resurrected. All will live again!”
Elder Hartman Rector, Jr.
Salvation by Grace.
Because everyone has sinned, we all need to be saved from the effects of sin. Salvation is overcoming sin through the grace Jesus Christ. General Salvation is entering into any of the Three Kingdoms of Heaven. Because of Christ’s grace, all those who receive immortality will be saved from this second death and enter into a kingdom of heaven, except the few sons of perdition (D&C 76:32-39).
I recently asked an Evangelical, “how is one saved?” he replied, “through grace.” When I inquired what that meant, he further explained that when you accept Christ and repent, you are saved by grace. He is right, general Salvation requires two things, accepting Christ (faith) and repenting of one’s sins. Jesus Christ taught that to repent is to “confess” and “Forsake” one’s sin. (D&C 58:43). This is what most Christian Churches teach. This will qualify them for the Terrestrial kingdom of heaven.
“His grace is the enabling power that allows access into God’s kingdoms of salvation. Because of His grace, we will all be resurrected and saved in a kingdom of glory.”
President Dieter F. Uchtdorf
Eternal Life. AKA Exaltation.
As Latter-day Saints… Read the rest at MyLifeByGogoGoff.com
