On Faith and Works

Frequently, the question of salvation comes down to one of either faith or works. And, by looking into the Bible, it seems to give us both "you are saved by faith alone" and that "faith without works is dead". Now, I have to admit that when I had recently thought about this question, I wasn't quite sure where the truth lay. Thankfully, I've been reading this wonderful book called "Following Christ" by Stephen E. Robinson, and I will be taking sections out of his book in this blog post.

Many Protestants believe that faith is all that is needed for eternal life. Basically, they just say the "sinner's prayer" and then, they are good to go. They don't need to change things in their life, and they don't need to do good works. (Now, I am not saying that all Protestants believe this way, but a good amount do). LDS people, on the other hand, have been accredited with taking too much emphasis on works, some people even asserting that we are trying to save ourselves. Neither of these extremes is a good idea, or what the people in the Bible taught.

Let me compare two passages, one out of Romans and one out of James. Romans 3:28, "A man is justified by faith without the deeds of the law." James 2:14 and 24, "What doth it profit, my brethren, though a man say he hath faith, and have not works? can faith save him?...Ye see then how that by works a man is justified, and not by faith alone." So, is Paul right, or is James right? In actuality, they are both correct. The one big difference is their definition of the word "faith". 

To quote Stephen E. Robinson, "James defines faith as most modern readers would-as mere belief. Thus he points out that the devils also believe, and tremble. That is, they believe, but they're still going to be damned-mere belief won't do them any good. On the other hand, Paul clearly understands faith to be more than just believing. For him faith still retains its Old Testament meaning of "faithfulness" or commitment to the gospel" (pg 83). This commitment to the gospel means that we need to keep our covenants, keep the commandments, to change our lives, and to follow after Christ. If we only believe, but don't change our attitudes or our actions, I would risk it to say that the person hasn't truly had a change of heart. Now, again as mentioned before, the converse also isn't good. There is no way that we can "earn" our way into heaven. However, by accepting the free gift of salvation that Christ has so willing given to us, we must also do the things that the Lord has required of us. To use a more colloquial phrase, we must both "talk the talk and walk the walk". Walking the walk suggests that we change our minds about things that we may have previously enjoyed, but instead fix our eyes on Christ, and work on developing more Christ-like attributes. Dying to our sinful nature and becoming one with Christ. (I mean, that is the plan since we do use the term 'Christian', right?)

And from page 84 of Robinson's book, "Now, if we use Paul's definition of faith as faithfulness to the gospel covenant, then we find that Paul's formula in Romans 3:28 is correct: Faith alone (commitment to the gospel) will justify us to God, even without living the law of Moses. On the other hand, if we define faith as James does-as mere belief-then James' formula is also correct: Mere belief or affirmation without good behavior is insufficient by itself to justify us before God. If we use James' narrow definition of faith, then James' formula is correct. If we use Paul's broader definition of faith, then Paul's formula is also correct. Both apostles teach the truth. Where we get into trouble is in combining James' definitions with Paul's formula or vice versa." Meaning if we were to say that faith (mere belief) alone will save us, that is incorrect, and also if we were to say that we can do enough good works to earn our place into the kingdom, that is also wrong.

So, what is the point to all of this? The point of this is to understand that we need to have work (service, missionary work, changing lifestyle, etc) alongside with our belief in Jesus Christ, and following his commandments to enter into the kingdom of heaven. Now, of course it won't always be easy, but it will definitely be worth it.

I want to bear my testimony to you, that if you actually strive to follow the commands, to help others out, to study the Scriptures, pray, and attend church, that you will grow closer to Christ. You will start to emulate Him more in your daily activity. This is such a great thing to observe. Just, keep strong, and follow through, and you will succeed.

Elder Beames, Elder King, and I after doing yard work at the Cannons.

Baptism by Proper Authority

Today I was working through "Preach My Gospel" which is a book that is used by missionaries of the church. I have been working through the different lessons that are taught, in preparation for my own mini-mission that will be starting in just under one month. Lesson 3 is entitled, "The Gospel of Jesus Christ" and it works through the tenets of the gospel that are necessary for salvation. These are: faith in the Lord Jesus Christ, repentance of sins, baptism, receiving the gift of the Holy Ghost, and enduring to the end. When I was reading the sections dealing with baptisms and receiving the gift of the Holy Ghost, certain things jumped out at me, which I thought were note worthy.

Under the section of the gift of the Holy Spirit, I read, "baptism by water must be followed by baptism of the Spirit, or it is incomplete." This means that the individual must both be baptized by immersion by someone who is holding the Priesthood (direct authority from Jesus Christ), and then also receive the gift of the Holy Ghost by the laying on of hands. Otherwise, it is incomplete. 

In Matthew 3: 13-17, it says, "Then cometh Jesus from Galilee to Jordan unto John, to be baptized of him. But John forbade him, saying, I have need to be baptized of thee, and comest thou to me? And Jesus answering said unto him, Suffer it to be so now: for thus it becometh us to fulfill all righteousness. Then he suffered him. And Jesus, when he was baptized, went up straightway out of the water: and, lo, the heavens were opened unto him, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove, and lighting upon him: And lo, a voice from heaven saying, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased."

From this passage, it clearly shows that the Holy Spirit (Spirit of God) descended onto Christ after he came up from the water. By the dove landing on Him, Christ was baptized by fire. This same idea is repeated in John 3:5, "Jesus answered, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God." Once again, Christ succinctly explains this idea to Nicodemus, exhorting him to be baptized by both water and the Spirit. Now, that leads to the question of, how does one get the gift of the Holy Spirit, which God showed was necessary, and Christ repeated as well.

Acts 19: 1-6, "And it came to pass, that while Apollos was at Corinth, Paul having passed through the upper coasts came to Ephesus: and finding certain disciples, He said unto them, Have ye received the Holy Ghost since ye believed? And they said unto him, We have not so much as heard whether there be any Holy Ghost. And he said unto them, Unto what then were ye baptized? and they said, Unto John's baptism. Then said Paul, John verily baptized with the baptism of repentance, saying unto the people, that they should believe on him which should come after him, that is, on Christ Jesus. And when Paul had laid his hands upon them, the Holy Ghost came on them; and they spake with tongues, and prophesied." This passage in Acts shows how anyone receives the gift of the Holy Ghost; it is through the laying on of hands by those who hold the proper authority. The men that Paul was speaking to had been baptized, and that was all fair and good, but the baptism was not yet complete, since they hadn't received the Holy Ghost. Since Paul had already been ordained, he could confer the gift of the Holy Ghost via the laying on of hands. That is how the Holy Ghost was conferred in Biblical times, and that is how it is conferred today. But why does the person who is doing the baptizing and conferring the gift of the Holy Ghost need to hold the Priesthood, and thus be worthy?

In Hebrews 5: 1-6, "For every high priest taken from among men is ordained for men in things pertaining to God, that he may offer both gifts and sacrifices for sins: Who can have compassion on the ignorant, and on them that are out of the way; for that he himself also is compassed with infirmity. And by reason hereof he ought, as for the people, so also for himself, to offer up sins. And no man taketh this honour unto himself, but he that is called of God, as was Aaron. So also Christ glorified not himself to be made an high priest; but he that said unto him, Thou art my Son, to day have I begotten thee. As he saith also in another place, Thou art a priest for ever after the order of Melchizedek." Baptism is a crucial element for showing that we have entered into a covenant with God, so that Jesus Christ will atone for our sins. Since this deals with sins, this covenant can only be entered into with someone who is worthy, and as seen by the italicized section of the verses, that person needs to be called of God. That individual needs to receive the Priesthood, unto the order of Melchizedek, to be able to perform the necessary ordinances of baptism and receiving the gift of the Holy Ghost.

In the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, we have the restored Priesthood. The same Priesthood that was in place during the times of Christ, re-established on the earth today via the Prophet Joseph Smith. That is why people who join the Church, like converts, need to be baptized again. They may have been baptized before, but the baptism had not been done by the proper authority, and was not complete because there was no receiving the gift of the Holy Ghost. And the basis for all of this is in the Bible. It's really interesting to see what one can learn, like myself, when being guided during studies.

My baptism: October 20, 2012

Are Mormons Christians?

During Sacrament meeting today, I was really impressed upon the necessity of answering this question. Since joining the church, I have received many questions regarding my new beliefs and standards. I have done my best to answer them, and I hope that the Spirit has been able to speak through me, because the Spirit can convey the message so much better than I could ever hope to do.

To start off with, what is a Christian? According to the Bible dictionary: "Christians: A name first given to believers in Jesus Christ in Antioch in Syria, about A.D. 43 (Acts 11: 26). It was perhaps given contemptuously, but was accepted by followers of Christ as a fit title." Christians are those that follow Christ. They accept His commandments, accept His offer of salvation, and try to live their lives emulating His.

What do the Mormons believe in? To answer that question, let me refer to the 13 Articles of Faith:

1. We believe in God, the Eternal Father, and in His Son, Jesus Christ, and in the Holy Ghost.
2. We believe that men will be punished for their own sins, and not for Adam’s transgression.
3. We believe that through the Atonement of Christ, all mankind may be saved, by obedience to the laws and ordinances of the Gospel.
4. We believe that the first principles and ordinances of the Gospel are: first, Faith in the Lord Jesus Christ; second, Repentance; third, Baptism by immersion for the remission of sins; fourth, Laying on of hands for the gift of the Holy Ghost.
5. We believe that a man must be called of God, by prophecy, and by the laying on of hands by those who are in authority, to preach the Gospel and administer in the ordinances thereof.
6. We believe in the same organization that existed in the Primitive Church, namely, apostles, prophets, pastors, teachers, evangelists, and so forth.
7. We believe in the gift of tongues, prophecy, revelation, visions, healing, interpretation of tongues, and so forth.
8. We believe the Bible to be the word of God as far as it is translated correctly; we also believe the Book of Mormon to be the word of God.
9. We believe all that God has revealed, all that He does now reveal, and we believe that He will yet reveal many great and important things pertaining to the Kingdom of God.
10. We believe in the literal gathering of Israel and in the restoration of the Ten Tribes; that Zion (the New Jerusalem) will be built upon the American continent; that Christ will reign personally upon the earth; and, that the earth will be renewed and receive its paradisiacal glory.
11. We claim the privilege of worshiping Almighty God according to the dictates of our own conscience, and allow all men the same privilege, let them worship how, where, or what they may.
12. We believe in being subject to kings, presidents, rulers, and magistrates, in obeying, honoring, and sustaining the law.
13. We believe in being honest, true, chaste, benevolent, virtuous, and in doing good to all men; indeed, we may say that we follow the admonition of Paul-We believe all things, we hope all things, we have endured many things, and hope to be able to endure all things. If there is anything virtuous, lovely, or of good report or praiseworthy, we seek after these things.
    All that is written here shows that Mormons are following Christ, God's only Begotten Son. We only worship God and His Son, and nothing else. Doing anything else would be heresy. We do not worship Joseph Smith, nor any of the other Prophets that have been called in this dispensation. We do listen to their counsel, because as Prophet they act as mouthpiece for God (more discussion on that topic will be saved for a later post).
    One question that I love being asked by people is, how has your faith changed/improved since you have joined the LDS church? The answer to that question: by leaps and bounds. I feel like I have so much more direction and focus in my life. I understand the Scriptures so much better than I ever have before. I read out of the Bible, Book of Mormon, and Doctrine & Covenants almost daily. I pray so much more now, than I ever have before. I now have a deeper connection with my Creator, who knows me personally. I have sought more specific advice on matters at hand, and I know that I have received direct answers to the questions I have asked. My love for the Savior of the world has increased more than I ever thought imaginable. That is why I am a Christian, that is why I will always be a Christian.
    Another good way to sum it up is with a Scripture verse: 2 Nephi 25:26, "And we talk of Christ, we rejoice in Christ, we preach of Christ, we prophesy of Christ, and we write according to our prophecies, that our children may know to what source they may look for a remission of their sins." That is how I try to live my life.
    And, I am excited to let you know that I will be doing a mini-mission (hopefully) from July 9-August 3!!! I am super excited!! I will be in a tri-companionship with two other Sister missionaries currently out serving. My guess is that I will be placed in the PA Pittsburgh Mission, since that is where I am currently living. I would greatly appreciate your prayers during this time. And, if anyone wants to get my mission updates, send me your email address, and I will add you to the list.
    
    Elder O'Laughlin, Elder Low, Elder Allred, Me, Elder Glover, and Elder King at the Erie Zoo.
    
    

    
    
    
    

Importance of Mission Work

I am a product of missionary work: both by some great return missionaries and some excellent full-time current missionaries. I think of my life before and after I got baptized, and so many things have changed. I'm not saying that my life was full of sin and strife before, and that I was a horrible person, but my outlook has definitely improved. My priorities have been changed. Take Sundays, for example. I used to study on Sundays, but now I do my best to keep the Sabbath day holy, and to not do any work or cause others to do work on Sundays.

Missionary work is one of the main facets of the Church. I believe that every member of the Church should be active in doing missionary work. Now, that doesn't mean that everyone needs to, or is able to serve a full-time mission, 24-7, but we still need to be "serving a mission" with how we interact with others. Since I finished my first year of medical school, I have been helping out the local missionaries teach, tract, and interact with less-active members. It has been a really great learning and growing experience. To be able to sit down, with the worthy Priesthood holders, and to learn a lesson, to feel the Spirit of God so strongly, and to be able to use that Spirit for good, it's just amazing! 

Interacting with these missionaries has encouraged me to try something: to serve a mini-mission. What this means, is that I would be paired with some Sister missionaries, and would help them teach, study, and tract, for a period of time. I have always wanted to be a missionary, ever since I was young. I have understood the necessity of spreading God's Word, and that everybody needs to hear it; now I have the opportunity to do it. I've been praying about it, and I believe it is something that I need to do. It is something that will further strengthen my testimony, help me to answer the tough questions that will be asked of me, and to better myself and others in so many ways.

And, because I really love temples, let me quickly segway to one other thing: temple work. I know I have already written about temples once before, but the work that members of the Church perform in the temple is a form of helping with missionary work as well. Because God loves us so much, He provided a way to allow those who did not hear the Restored Gospel to hear it again, after they die and are in the Spirit world. If they choose to accept the Gospel (and it really is a choice, because of our God-given free will), then they need the ordinances done. However, these ordinances can be done only by those with a physical body, hence the importance of temple work. Names are submitted to temples, and then people can come and and do the work in their honor. It is an amazing way for everyone to give back. Plus, standing and ministering in one of the Houses of the Lord, is truly wonderful.

Erie 2nd Ward youth at the Palmyra Temple