GMCGeneral
Diamond Member
Stop right there. Mormonism is based upon the false teachings of Joseph K. and Hyram Smith. Mormonism does not align with Scripture on the key elements of true Biblical Faith in Christ, and in fact, has its roots in Freemasonry, which in itself is demonic. A great countercult resource is Kingdom of the Cults by Dr. Walter R. Martin that helps to address the doctrinal heresies of Mormonism along with other cults such as the Watchtower, Worldwide Church of God (before revival), Scientology, Christian Science, etc.With The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints we do not preach that our works save us. However, the scriptures themselves teach that we should do good works and that you cannot have a true faith without works. They also teach that we should walk in them and that we were born to do good works. Even Jesus himself taught that unless we engage in the will of God we will not enter the kingdom of heaven. So, good works are an integral part of the faith. They are not the power to salvation but God does require them at our hands before he will grant his saving grace upon us.
Matthew 7:21
21 Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven.
James 2:20
20 But wilt thou know, O vain man, that faith without works is dead?
Ephesians 2:8-10
8 For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God:
9 Not of works, lest any man should boast.
10 For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.
Part of the problem with those who teach against works is that they may get some to believe that they don't need to do anything in regards to works and will still be saved. But that goes against many scriptures. We need to do the work of repentance and the work of following God's commandments and doing good works to our fellowman. These are all good works that are spoken of frequently in scripture. True, they don't do the saving but they are what God wishes us to do and Matthew 7:21 seems to indicate that if you wish to gain entrance into God's kingdom, you need to do his will. It may not be the saving power but it may be required before you are granted the saving grace that does save you.