Sharing the Gospel with Mormons

Salvation is a gift. It is not something we are capable of earning (Eph 2:8-9). No matter how well-intentioned we are, no matter how long or hard we work, no matter how great the sacrifices we make – no measure of good works can earn us salvation (Mt 7:21-23). Our good works are vanity (see Ps 127; Eccl 2:22-23; 3:14). Good works are based on the assumption that we have the power to save ourselves. Our good works are considered “lawlessness” if done with the belief we can deserve salvation (see Mt 7:21-23). Instead, our good works are the appropriate response of love (Jn 14:15) and thanksgiving (Col 3:15-17) for the free gift of salvation we are offered by God’s grace, paid for in full by Jesus’ sacrifice on the cross.  (Ephesians 2:8-9; Mt 7:21-23; Ps 127:1-2; Eccl 2:22-23; 3:14; Jn 14:15; Col 3:15-17)

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Our sin earns us a punishment – Jesus took our punishment by dying on the cross.

Our sin earns for us a debt – Jesus paid that debt for us by dying on the cross.

With his dying breath, Jesus said, “It is finished.” Our debt was paid in full.

Salvation is His to freely offer as a gift to whomever He chooses.

We owe nothing. It’s a gift – a gift He paid for with his life.

 

We either accept his free gift & respond with humble gratitude

 or we refuse to accept his gift for free and keep trying to earn it.

(Based on Col 2:13-14; 1 Cor 6:19-20; Jn 19:30)

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If salvation is not earned, how then exactly does someone accept God’s free gift of salvation?

Rom 10:9-10 “…if you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For with the heart one believes and is justified, and with the mouth one confesses and is saved.”

The thief on the cross had no good works, yet we know he believed in Jesus, confessed with his mouth, and received salvation (Lk:39-43).

Rom 4:5 “And to the one who does not work but believes in him who justifies the ungodly, his faith is counted as righteousness…”

We respond to God’s offer (i.e. his free gift of salvation) by practicing righteousness (e.g. godliness and good works) – not to earn his salvation or his favor because we already have it. Instead, we practice righteousness because we love him; it is our way of thanking him for his love and salvation (1 Jn 3:4-10). Practicing righteousness is like practicing basketball – we may never once get the ball in the basket, but it’s still considered “practicing” (a.k.a. trying). Practicing righteousness doesn’t mean we never sin; it doesn’t mean we do what is right all the time; it doesn’t even mean we do it well. But God knows the intentions of our heart, and his desire for us is not perfection; he desires a heart full of love for him and a life lived out of gratitude for the free gift of love and salvation he has given us (Col 3:17).  (1 Jn 3:4-10; Col 3:17)

 
God isn’t threatening to withhold salvation, affection, favor, or blessing from us if we don’t do a certain amount of good works for Him. What He wants from us is simply this: a loving relationship; He wants to know us (Mt 7:21-23)…and for us to know Him (Eph 3:14-21).  (Mt 7:21-23; Eph 3:14-21)

What does salvation from God through Jesus Christ mean for us? It means: abundant life (Jn 10:10), freedom (Jn 8:32 & 36), security (1 Jn 4:14-19), and rest (Mt 11:28-30).  (Jn 10:10; Jn 8:31-36; 1 Jn 4:14-16,18-19; Mt. 11: 25-30)