LDS and Grace

[RufustheRed]

I'm glad that you appreciated my post, but I think that you give me way too much credit. Besides, I think that rather than discussing the thoughts that I posted that the thread is likely to digress into rabbit trails that not really related to the OP, such as an 85 year old missing woman in Maine being found.

Sorry you missed a chance to lighten up. And the point was that the missing woman was in HARMONY.

I appreciate you taking the time to explain the LDS view of grace. I think that many othodox Christins dismiss the idea that LDS teach that grace has a role in their salvation and exaltation because they teach that works also play a role. So it is seen as a dichotomy; that one is either saved by grace or by works. While I think that all will agree that LDS do not teach salvation by grace alone, one need not agree with LDS theology in order to recognize that LDS teach that God's grace has a role in salvation and exaltation.

I'm including these verses from the Book of Mormon that you referenced, because I think that the ideas behind them are often over looked by non-LDS when describing LDS beliefs and theology.

2 Nephi 2:8
Wherefore, how great the importance to make these things known unto the inhabitants of the earth, that they may know that there is no flesh that can dwell in the presence of God, save it be through the merits, and mercy, and grace of the Holy Messiah, who layeth down his life according to the flesh, and taketh it again by the power of the Spirit, that he may bring to pass the resurrection of the dead, being the first that should rise.

2 Nephi 10:24
24Wherefore, my beloved brethren, reconcile yourselves to the will of God, and not to the will of the devil and the flesh; and remember, after ye are reconciled unto God, that it is only in and through the grace of God that ye are saved.

Jacob 4:7
Nevertheless, the Lord God showeth us our weakness that we may know that it is by his grace, and his great condescensions unto the children of men, that we have power to do these things.
​

Have a nice week-end anyway

Rufus

 

[RufustheRed]

I am a happy member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saint. I am happy with my religious beliefs and feel close to God. I am far far far from perfect but I am trying to do better every day. From personal experience in the mission field, it is absolutly [sic] pointless to try and argue with anyone concerning these matters.

I say one thing and you copy and paste 100's of anti-mormon "quotes"..... now if you were sincerly [sic] interested in learning then of course I would answer your questions or concerns. But seeing how you are only in it to "prove me wrong" I wont [sic] waste my time.

"Give not that which is holy unto the dogs, neither cast ye your pearls before swine, lest they trample them under their feet, and turn again and rend you."

I'm not sure what other people are looking for on these forums, but personally I am more interested in having dialogue than being taught some lesson(s). Like I said, that's MY preference.

Also, I have yet to find one of those quotes. Could you point some of them out to me?

Furthermore, you probably should read the sticky at the top of the Unorthodox page. In case you can't find it it states the following,

"Use of "anti" All please read!!!!
Mormon members are expected to treat all members, including those non-Mormon members who may vigorously oppose their doctrines, with respect. As the term "anti-Mormon" as used in this forum has come to have the connotation of one who is against or hates Mormons as people, CF staff have decided that it is not an appropriate term for use in this forum. Therefore, if any member refers to another member as "anti-Mormon", "an anti", "hater", "Mormon hater", or any related terms with the same meaning, such comments will from now on be regarded as flaming and will be dealt with as such.

Please review the site rules by following this link.

Please have a meaningful Memorial Day.

Rufus

 

[TasteForTruth]

Half an answer is like providing milk and withholding the meat. I think people deserve to know the teachings of Mormonism that are being withheld.

I believe that the record shows that I give complete answers in regards to LDS doctrine, whereas you consistently omit teachings when they do not support your personal interpretation of the LDS faith. It would seem, then, that in your crusade to tell the world the "whole" truth you've lost sight of the very ideal that you claim undergirds your self-stated purpose here.

 

[bbbbbbb]

I believe that the record shows that I give complete answers in regards to LDS doctrine, whereas you consistently omit teachings when they do not support your personal interpretation of the LDS faith. It would seem, then, that in your crusade to tell the world the "whole" truth you've lost sight of the very ideal that you claim undergirds your self-stated purpose here.

Although you have provided answers, those answers are virtually always your own and do not reference passages in the Four Standard Works that support your beliefs. As a result, I am inclined to give PhoebeAnn's citations more credibility than yours. In the future I would greatly appreciate it if you could follow her example and provide relevant quotations from authoritative Mormon sources.

Thanks!

 

[TasteForTruth]

Although you have provided answers, those answers are virtually always your own and do not reference passages in the Four Standard Works that support your beliefs.

You mean like this one?

Skylark, you may actually single-handedly redeem this thread from its non-OP. I applaud your dedication to searching out what grace really means in the restored gospel. Your post points out that which I said in another thread, long since forgotten by most—that although our agency does factor into our acceptance of grace (and therefore into our obtaining of salvation/exaltation), at no time are we ever operating outside of Christ's grace. These verses in Moses articulate very well the partnership of grace and agency:

And Adam and Eve, his wife, called upon the name of the Lord, and they heard the voice of the Lord from the way toward the Garden of Eden, speaking unto them, and they saw him not; for they were shut out from his presence. And he gave unto them commandments, that they should worship the Lord their God, and should offer the firstlings of their flocks, for an offering unto the Lord. And Adam was dobedient unto the commandments of the Lord. And after many days an angel of the Lord appeared unto Adam, saying: Why dost thou offer sacrifices unto the Lord? And Adam said unto him: I know not, save the Lord commanded me.
And then the angel spake, saying: This thing is a similitude of the sacrifice of the Only Begotten of the Father, which is full of grace and truth. Wherefore, thou shalt do all that thou doest in the name of the Son, and thou shalt repent and call upon God in the name of the Son forevermore. And in that day the Holy Ghost fell upon Adam, which beareth record of the Father and the Son, saying: I am the Only Begotten of the Father from the beginning, henceforth and forever, that as thou hast fallen thou mayest be redeemed, and all mankind, even as many as will. (Moses 5:4-9)
​

All mankind may be redeemed as they will by the grace of Jesus Christ. (2 Ne. 10:23-25) The grace is already available to all of us. (Ether 12:27) It's already extended. (Alma 34:31) The sacrifice has already been made. (D&C 19:16) The debt has already been paid. (Mosiah 15:8-9) God's love is operative for all. (2 Ne. 26:24-28)

What, then, hangs in the balance? As Pres. Kimball put it, "the works of men." And if you remember from that other thread I mentioned, our works are comprised of our thoughts, words, deeds, and desires. (Alma 12:14; 41:3; D&C 137:9) And our works must include repentance, faith, hope, charity, humility, love of and service to our fellow men, love of God, willing and glad submission to His will, and we must confess that Jesus is the Christ—else we cannot be saved. (2 Ne. 31:20; Mosiah 3:19; 4:4-8; Moroni 7:38-48)

But at no time does man exercise his God-given agency, for good or bad, without doing so by and because of the freely-offered grace of God, which is most certainly unmerited favor, in addition to enabling power. It is not possible to do anything without God's grace:

I say unto you that if ye should serve him who has created you from the beginning, and is preserving you from day to day, by lending you breath, that ye may live and move and do according to your own will, and even supporting you from one moment to another—I say, if ye should serve him with all your whole souls yet ye would be unprofitable servants. And behold, all that he requires of you is to keep his commandments; and he has promised you that if ye would keep his commandments ye should prosper in the land; and he never doth vary from that which he hath said; therefore, if ye do keep his commandments he doth bless you and prosper you. And now, in the first place, he hath created you, and granted unto you your lives, for which ye are indebted unto him. And secondly, he doth require that ye should do as he hath commanded you; for which if ye do, he doth immediately bless you; and therefore he hath paid you. And ye are still indebted unto him, and are, and will be, forever and ever; therefore, of what have ye to boast? And now I ask, can ye say aught of yourselves? I answer you, Nay. Ye cannot say that ye are even as much as the dust of the earth; yet ye were created of the dust of the earth; but behold, it belongeth to him who created you. (Mosiah 2:21-15)
​

We can never get God into our debt. We cannot merit anything from God but by His word, His grace, and His condescension (2 Ne. 2:8, 26; 10:24; Jacob 4:7; Alma 22:7; Hel. 14:30), for all we have and are is God's gift.

Or this one?

When all is said and done, I believe that grace (as freely-given love) is active and operative in the LDS faith in every way that it is in other Christian faiths, even though we may use different terms to express it. It is evident in our very existence on earth, which is an absolute expression of grace (Mosiah 2:20-21). It is evident in the "grace period" that is given to us all from birth, during which time we are safe and secure in Christ—alive in him (Moro. 8:12)—with no threat of being lost. It is evident in the light of Christ which illuminates us all and draws us toward Christ (D&C 84:45-46). It is evident in repentance, which is itself an impossibility under the law, but is made a reality as a gift of the Savior (Alma 12:14). It is evident in mortality itself, which was granted that we actually could repent (Alma 42:4). It is evident in the gift of the Holy Ghost (1 Ne. 10:17). It is evident in the resurrection (2 Ne. 9:21-22). I could go on, but I think this is sufficient to show that we believe and understand that everything we have and are, and everything that we are promised, are gifts offered, not our cut of the profits of our own labors. So I would submit for consideration...

Wherefore, how great the importance to make these things known unto the inhabitants of the earth, that they may know that there is no flesh that can dwell in the presence of God, save it be through the merits, and mercy, and grace of the Holy Messiah, who layeth down his life according to the flesh, and taketh it again by the power of the Spirit, that he may bring to pass the resurrection of the dead, being the first that should rise. Wherefore, he is the firstfruits unto God, inasmuch as he shall make intercession for all the children of men; and they that believe in him shall be saved. (2 Ne. 2:8-9)

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And I also thank my God, yea, my great God, that he hath granted unto us that we might repent of these things, and also that he hath forgiven us of those our many sins and murders which we have committed, and taken away the guilt from our hearts, through the merits of his Son. And now behold, my brethren, since it has been all that we could do, (as we were the most lost of all mankind) to repent of all our sins and the many murders which we have committed, and to get God to take them away from our hearts, for it was all we could do to repent sufficiently before God that he would take away our stain—Now, my best beloved brethren, since God hath taken away our stains, and our swords have become bright, then let us stain our swords no more with the blood of our brethren. (Alma 24:10-12) (What is "all we can do"?... as in the famous 2 Ne. 25:23)

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And if ye believe on his name ye will repent of all your sins, that thereby ye may have a remission of them through his merits. (Hel. 14:4)

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And after they had been received unto baptism, and were wrought upon and cleansed by the power of the Holy Ghost, they were numbered among the people of the church of Christ; and their names were taken, that they might be remembered and nourished by the good word of God, to keep them in the right way, to keep them continually watchful unto prayer, relying alone upon the merits of Christ, who was the author and the finisher of their faith. (Moro. 5:4)

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And for this very purpose are these plates preserved, which contain these records—that the promises of the Lord might be fulfilled, which he made to his people; And that the Lamanites might come to the knowledge of their fathers, and that they might know the promises of the Lord, and that they may believe the gospel and rely upon the merits of Jesus Christ, and be glorified through faith in his name, and that through their repentance they might be saved. Amen. (D&C 3:19-20)

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And since man had fallen he could not merit anything of himself; but the sufferings and death of Christ atone for their sins, through faith and repentance, and so forth; and that he breaketh the bands of death, that the grave shall have no victory, and that the sting of death should be swallowed up in the hopes of glory... (Alma 22:7)

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I say unto you that if ye should serve him who has created you from the beginning, and is preserving you from day to day, by lending you breath, that ye may live and move and do according to your own will, and even supporting you from one moment to another—I say, if ye should serve him with all your whole souls yet ye would be unprofitable servants. (Mosiah 2:15)

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And the way is prepared from the fall of man, and salvation is free. And men are instructed sufficiently that they know good from evil. And the law is given unto men. And by the law no flesh is justified; or, by the law men are cut off. Yea, by the temporal law they were cut off; and also, by the spiritual law they perish from that which is good, and become miserable forever. Wherefore, redemption cometh in and through the Holy Messiah; for he is full of grace and truth. (2 ne. 2:4-6)

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He doeth not anything save it be for the benefit of the world; for he loveth the world, even that he layeth down his own life that he may draw all men unto him. Wherefore, he commandeth none that they shall not partake of his salvation. Behold, doth he cry unto any, saying: Depart from me? Behold, I say unto you, Nay; but he saith: Come unto me all ye ends of the earth, buy milk and honey, without money and without price. Behold, hath he commanded any that they should adepart out of the synagogues, or out of the houses of worship? Behold, I say unto you, Nay. Hath he commanded any that they should not partake of his salvation? Behold I say unto you, Nay; but he hath given it free for all men; and he hath commanded his people that they should persuade all men to repentance. Behold, hath the Lord commanded any that they should not partake of his goodness? Behold I say unto you, Nay; but all men are privileged the one like unto the other, and none are forbidden. (2 Ne. 26:24-28)
​

I'm sure that there are some who will find fault with these teachings, as they are all from scripture or revelation received contemporarily. But this is what I believe is at the heart of the LDS faith—gifts secured out of love, offered freely to all, and claimed through faith, repentance, and one's best love and loyalty to the giver, expressed as God has asked that it be expressed (Matt. 25:40, 22:37-38; John 14:15). So all things considered, I think that the LDS faith shows a good understanding of Christ's grace as love and as power—what his grace is and what it does. Others may disagree, but that's how I feel about it.

As a result, I am inclined to give PhoebeAnn's citations more credibility than yours. In the future I would greatly appreciate it if you could follow here example and provide relevant quotations from authoritative Mormon sources.

Thanks!

You are very welcome.

 

[Son of Zadok]

Should the Christian man or woman have victory over sin? My answer is, "Yes."

"For whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world: and this is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith."
1 John 5:4

How can we be born of God? My answer is James 1:18, John 1:12-13, and John 3:7-8.

Of his own will begat he us with the word of truth, that we should be a kind of firstfruits of his creatures.
James 1:18

12 But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name: 13 Which were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God.
John 1:12-13

7 Marvel not that I said unto thee, Ye must be born again. 8 The wind bloweth where it listeth, and thou hearest the sound thereof, but canst not tell whence it cometh, and whither it goeth: so is every one that is born of the Spirit.
John 3:7-8

None of my siblings have faith in Christ. "There is no fear of God before their eyes."
Romans 3:18

I've met a lot of people like that. "There is none that understandeth, there is none that seeketh after God."
Romans 3:11

But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned.
1 Corinthians 2:1

Howbeit that was not first which is spiritual, but that which is natural; and afterward that which is spiritual.
1 Corinthians 15: 46

9 What then? are we better than they? No, in no wise: for we have before proved both Jews and Gentiles, that they are all under sin;

10 As it is written, There is none righteous, no, not one:

11 There is none that understandeth, there is none that seeketh after God.

12 They are all gone out of the way, they are together become unprofitable; there is none that doeth good, no, not one.
Romans 3:9-12

All natural men are under sin. ...for whatsoever is not of faith is sin.

Christ hasn't sinned and is never at fault. Adam is the one who sinned and brought sin into the lives of his offspring. Adam's offspring were born of Adam not of God.

Thank you for all the quotes. So man earns freedom from sin by being born again and accepting Christ?

So according to you theology it is not what Christ does but what man does?

Son of Zadok

 

[bbbbbbb]

You mean like this one?


Or this one?


You are very welcome.

Yes, that is exactly what I have in mind. Please keep up the good work.

 

[Rescued One]

Skylark, you may actually single-handedly redeem this thread from its non-OP. I applaud your dedication to searching out what grace really means in the restored gospel. Your post points out that which I said in another thread, long since forgotten by most—that although our agency does factor into our acceptance of grace (and therefore into our obtaining of salvation/exaltation), at no time are we ever operating outside of Christ's grace. These verses in Moses articulate very well the partnership of grace and agency:

And Adam and Eve, his wife, called upon the name of the Lord, and they heard the voice of the Lord from the way toward the Garden of Eden, speaking unto them, and they saw him not; for they were shut out from his presence. And he gave unto them commandments, that they should worship the Lord their God, and should offer the firstlings of their flocks, for an offering unto the Lord. And Adam was dobedient unto the commandments of the Lord. And after many days an angel of the Lord appeared unto Adam, saying: Why dost thou offer sacrifices unto the Lord? And Adam said unto him: I know not, save the Lord commanded me.
And then the angel spake, saying: This thing is a similitude of the sacrifice of the Only Begotten of the Father, which is full of grace and truth. Wherefore, thou shalt do all that thou doest in the name of the Son, and thou shalt repent and call upon God in the name of the Son forevermore. And in that day the Holy Ghost fell upon Adam, which beareth record of the Father and the Son, saying: I am the Only Begotten of the Father from the beginning, henceforth and forever, that as thou hast fallen thou mayest be redeemed, and all mankind, even as many as will. (Moses 5:4-9)
​

All mankind may be redeemed as they will by the grace of Jesus Christ. (2 Ne. 10:23-25) The grace is already available to all of us. (Ether 12:27) It's already extended. (Alma 34:31) The sacrifice has already been made. (D&C 19:16) The debt has already been paid. (Mosiah 15:8-9) God's love is operative for all. (2 Ne. 26:24-28)

What, then, hangs in the balance? As Pres. Kimball put it, "the works of men." And if you remember from that other thread I mentioned, our works are comprised of our thoughts, words, deeds, and desires. (Alma 12:14; 41:3; D&C 137:9) And our works must include repentance, faith, hope, charity, humility, love of and service to our fellow men, love of God, willing and glad submission to His will, and we must confess that Jesus is the Christ—else we cannot be saved. (2 Ne. 31:20; Mosiah 3:19; 4:4-8; Moroni 7:38-48)

But at no time does man exercise his God-given agency, for good or bad, without doing so by and because of the freely-offered grace of God, which is most certainly unmerited favor, in addition to enabling power. It is not possible to do anything without God's grace:

I say unto you that if ye should serve him who has created you from the beginning, and is preserving you from day to day, by lending you breath, that ye may live and move and do according to your own will, and even supporting you from one moment to another—I say, if ye should serve him with all your whole souls yet ye would be unprofitable servants. And behold, all that he requires of you is to keep his commandments; and he has promised you that if ye would keep his commandments ye should prosper in the land; and he never doth vary from that which he hath said; therefore, if ye do keep his commandments he doth bless you and prosper you. And now, in the first place, he hath created you, and granted unto you your lives, for which ye are indebted unto him. And secondly, he doth require that ye should do as he hath commanded you; for which if ye do, he doth immediately bless you; and therefore he hath paid you. And ye are still indebted unto him, and are, and will be, forever and ever; therefore, of what have ye to boast? And now I ask, can ye say aught of yourselves? I answer you, Nay. Ye cannot say that ye are even as much as the dust of the earth; yet ye were created of the dust of the earth; but behold, it belongeth to him who created you. (Mosiah 2:21-15)
​

We can never get God into our debt. We cannot merit anything from God but by His word, His grace, and His condescension (2 Ne. 2:8, 26; 10:24; Jacob 4:7; Alma 22:7; Hel. 14:30), for all we have and are is God's gift.

You say that all we have and are is God's gift. If we can't merit anything from God, why are all blessings predicated upon obedience to laws?

It is likewise through the grace of the Lord that individuals, through faith in the atonement of Jesus Christ and repentance of their sins, receive strength and assistance to do good works that they otherwise would not be able to maintain if left to their own means. This grace is an enabling power that allows men and women to lay hold on eternal life and exaltation after they have expended their own best efforts.
Elder David A. Bednar, In the Strength of the Lord, Brigham Young University–Idaho Devotional, January 8, 2002

“The priesthood is the power and authority of God delegated to man on earth to act in all things pertaining to the salvation of men. It is the means whereby the Lord acts through men to save souls. Without this priesthood power, men are lost.”
The Teachings of Spencer W. Kimball, p. 494

We must have priesthood authority to act in the name of God when performing the sacred ordinances of the gospel, such as baptism, confirmation, administration of the sacrament, and temple marriage. If a man does not have the priesthood, even though he may be sincere, the Lord will not recognize ordinances he performs (see Matthew 7:21–23). These important ordinances must be performed on the earth by men holding the priesthood.
“Chapter 13: The Priesthood,” Gospel Principles, p. 81


A worthy male member of the Church receives the priesthood “by the laying on of hands by those who are in authority, to preach the Gospel and administer in the ordinances thereof” (Articles of Faith 1:5).
“Chapter 13: The Priesthood,” Gospel Principles, p. 81 (emphasis mine)

In summary then, there is no need to go to extraordinary lengths to apologize for Paul, or try to explain away his statements on salvation by grace. We are saved by grace—saved by Christ’s love from physical and spiritual death; saved by Christ’s love from Adam’s fall and our own; saved from sin and transgression by the grace or gifts of God. The atoning power of God unto salvation is a freely available gift from him—but our works of righteousness are essential to bring the gift into power in our lives. Sin brings alienation from God. The more we sin, the greater the alienation and the more difficult it becomes to effectively tap the power of God, which alone is sufficient to save us from our sins.
Gerald N. Lund, “Salvation: By Grace or by Works?,” Ensign, April 1981, p. 17 (emphasis mine)


If anybody wants to know what the Priesthood of the Son of God is, it is the law by which the worlds are, were, and will continue for ever and ever. It is that system which brings worlds into existence and peoples them, gives them their revolutions—their days, weeks, months, years, their seasons and times and by which they are rolled up as a scroll, as it were, and go into a higher state of existence…” (Brigham Young [1872], in Journal of Discourses 15:127).
“Chapter 18: The Priesthood,” Teachings of Presidents of the Church: Brigham Young, p. 125
LDS.org - Support Materials Chapter - The Priesthood

In order to enter the temple for celestial marriage, a person has to be worthy through obedience to a set of requirements. Without that recommend the person cannot be exaltated.

When we talk of the celestial law which is revealed from heaven, that is, the Priesthood, we are talking about the principle of salvation, a perfect system of government, of laws and ordinances, by which we can be prepared to pass from one gate to another, and from one sentinel to another, until we go into the presence of our Father and God (DBY, 130).
“Chapter 18: The Priesthood,” Teachings of Presidents of the Church: Brigham Young, p. 125 (emphasis mine)

 

[Rescued One]

I believe that the record shows that I give complete answers in regards to LDS doctrine, whereas you consistently omit teachings when they do not support your personal interpretation of the LDS faith. It would seem, then, that in your crusade to tell the world the "whole" truth you've lost sight of the very ideal that you claim undergirds your self-stated purpose here.

I see no point in posting what you post. I expect those who read my posts to read yours also. If you cite a reference, people will know if you are posting a leader's teaching or merely your view of things. I am filling in the gaps that you leave.

 

[Rescued One]

How can we be born of God? My answer is James 1:18, John 1:12-13, and John 3:7-8.

Thank you for all the quotes. So man earns freedom from sin by being born again and accepting Christ?

I think you need to read my post again. Then I won't need to comment on your question.

 

[TasteForTruth]

I see no point in posting what you post. I expect those who read my posts to read yours also. If you cite a reference, people will know if you are posting a leader's teaching or merely your view of things. I am filling in the gaps that you leave.

There aren't any gaps in what I post.

 

[TasteForTruth]

You say that all we have and are is God's gift. If we can't merit anything from God, why are all blessings predicated upon obedience to laws?

We've already had this discussion. You can review my thorough and complete, scipturally-supported, teachings-of-the-prophets-backed explanation here:
http://www.christianforums.com/t7532128/

Or you can cut to the chase and get the short version here:
http://www.christianforums.com/t7532128-8/#post56702261

 

[Rescued One]

Try as you will, TFT, you don't have the authority to delete verses from the D&C nor do you have the official authority to make doctrine for your church. If you did, you wouldn't be spending your time at CF.

"Let us make our homes sanctuaries of righteousness, places of prayer, and abodes of love that we might merit the blessings that can come only from our Heavenly Father. We need His guidance in our daily lives."
Thomas S. Monson, “To Learn, to Do, to Be,” Liahona, Nov. 2008, 60–62

"We have the hands to lift others from complacency and inactivity. We have the hearts to serve faithfully in our priesthood callings and thereby inspire others to walk on higher ground and to avoid the swamps of sin which threaten to engulf so many. The worth of souls is indeed great in the sight of God. Ours is the precious privilege, armed with this knowledge, to make a difference in the lives of others. The words found in Ezekiel could well pertain to all of us who follow the Savior in this sacred work:

" 'A new heart . . . will I give you, and a new spirit will I put within you. . . .

" 'And I will put my spirit within you, and cause you to walk in my statutes, and ye shall keep my judgments, and do them.

" 'And ye shall dwell in the land that I gave to your fathers; and ye shall be my people, and I will be your God' (Ezekiel 36:26–28).

"How might we merit this promise? What will qualify us to receive this blessing? ...

"First, learn what we should learn.

"Second, do what we should do.

"And third, be what we should be."
Thomas S. Monson, "To Learn, to Do, to Be," Ensign, Nov. 2008, p. 61


That places the burden of fidelity, identity, and priority squarely on the shoulders of each individual and every married couple as they strive to merit the blessings of the Lord. It was never easy to be a committed Latter-day Saint, and it isn’t now. But the rewards are well worth it.
LDS Living - Young Women Lesson 15: Blessings of the House of Israel


And now we dedicate this temple as an abode for Thee and Thy Son. Let Thy glorious light ever shine upon it. Wilt Thou place Thy ratifying seal of approval upon this dedicatory service and upon all we have done and shall do in this, Thy Holy House, which we now present to Thee.
May we, Thy children, merit Thy bounteous blessings and Thy watchful care, we pray, in the name of Thy Beloved Son, even the name of Jesus Christ, the Lord, Amen.
LDS Church News - Twin Falls Idaho Temple

"Let us make of our homes, brethren, sanctuaries of righteousness, places of prayer and abodes of love, that we might merit the blessings that can come only from our Heavenly Father. We need his guidance in our daily lives," President Monson told the all-male priesthood gathering.
Live prudently, LDS reminded | Deseret News

As you provide ordinances for your ancestors, do not try to determine their worthiness, whether they will accept the ordinances, or the feelings of other deceased persons affected by the ordinances. In order for these ordinances to be binding in eternity, they must be sealed by the Holy Spirit of Promise, and the people involved must merit them by their individual worthiness and accept them. These determinations must be made beyond the veil.
Terry Mason's - General Standards for Submitting Names to the Temple

YOU MUST BE FAITHFUL HERE TO RETAIN YOUR BIRTHRIGHT AND MERIT THE BLESSINGS YOU WERE ELECTED TO RECEIVE

The Life and Teachings of Jesus and His Apostles : 41 - Elected Before the Foundations of the World

One of the most beautiful, comforting doctrines of the Lord—one that brings immense peace, happiness, and unbounded joy—is that principle called eternal marriage. This doctrine means that a man and woman who love each other deeply, who have grown together through the trials, joys, sorrows, and happiness of a shared lifetime, can live beyond the veil together forever with their family who earn that blessing. That is not just an immensely satisfying dream; it is a reality. Any husband and wife who have shared the joys of marriage here on earth would want that blessing. But only those who meet the requirements established by the Lord will receive that supernal gift...

I testify that with unimaginable suffering and agony at an incalculable price, the Savior earned His right to be our Intermediary, our Redeemer, our Final Judge. Through faith in Him and receipt of the requisite ordinances and covenants, you will earn your right to the blessings of eternal marriage made possible through His infinite Atonement. In the name of Jesus Christ, amen.
Richard G. Scott, Receive the Temple Blessings, Ensign, May 1999, p. 25

There is a law, irrevocably decreed in heaven before the foundations of this world, upon which all blessings are predicated-- And when we obtain any blessing from God, it is by obedience to that law upon which it is predicated.
D&C 130:20-21

 

[TasteForTruth]

Try as you will, TFT, you don't have the authority to delete verses from the D&C nor do you have the official authority to make doctrine for your church. If you did, you wouldn't be spending your time at CF.

"Let us make our homes sanctuaries of righteousness, places of prayer, and abodes of love that we might merit the blessings that can come only from our Heavenly Father. We need His guidance in our daily lives."
Thomas S. Monson, “To Learn, to Do, to Be,” Liahona, Nov. 2008, 60–62

"We have the hands to lift others from complacency and inactivity. We have the hearts to serve faithfully in our priesthood callings and thereby inspire others to walk on higher ground and to avoid the swamps of sin which threaten to engulf so many. The worth of souls is indeed great in the sight of God. Ours is the precious privilege, armed with this knowledge, to make a difference in the lives of others. The words found in Ezekiel could well pertain to all of us who follow the Savior in this sacred work:

" 'A new heart . . . will I give you, and a new spirit will I put within you. . . .

" 'And I will put my spirit within you, and cause you to walk in my statutes, and ye shall keep my judgments, and do them.

" 'And ye shall dwell in the land that I gave to your fathers; and ye shall be my people, and I will be your God' (Ezekiel 36:26–28).

"How might we merit this promise? What will qualify us to receive this blessing? ...

"First, learn what we should learn.

"Second, do what we should do.

"And third, be what we should be."
Thomas S. Monson, "To Learn, to Do, to Be," Ensign, Nov. 2008, p. 61


That places the burden of fidelity, identity, and priority squarely on the shoulders of each individual and every married couple as they strive to merit the blessings of the Lord. It was never easy to be a committed Latter-day Saint, and it isn’t now. But the rewards are well worth it.
LDS Living - Young Women Lesson 15: Blessings of the House of Israel


And now we dedicate this temple as an abode for Thee and Thy Son. Let Thy glorious light ever shine upon it. Wilt Thou place Thy ratifying seal of approval upon this dedicatory service and upon all we have done and shall do in this, Thy Holy House, which we now present to Thee.
May we, Thy children, merit Thy bounteous blessings and Thy watchful care, we pray, in the name of Thy Beloved Son, even the name of Jesus Christ, the Lord, Amen.
LDS Church News - Twin Falls Idaho Temple

"Let us make of our homes, brethren, sanctuaries of righteousness, places of prayer and abodes of love, that we might merit the blessings that can come only from our Heavenly Father. We need his guidance in our daily lives," President Monson told the all-male priesthood gathering.
Live prudently, LDS reminded | Deseret News

As you provide ordinances for your ancestors, do not try to determine their worthiness, whether they will accept the ordinances, or the feelings of other deceased persons affected by the ordinances. In order for these ordinances to be binding in eternity, they must be sealed by the Holy Spirit of Promise, and the people involved must merit them by their individual worthiness and accept them. These determinations must be made beyond the veil.
Terry Mason's - General Standards for Submitting Names to the Temple

YOU MUST BE FAITHFUL HERE TO RETAIN YOUR BIRTHRIGHT AND MERIT THE BLESSINGS YOU WERE ELECTED TO RECEIVE

The Life and Teachings of Jesus and His Apostles : 41 - Elected Before the Foundations of the World

One of the most beautiful, comforting doctrines of the Lord—one that brings immense peace, happiness, and unbounded joy—is that principle called eternal marriage. This doctrine means that a man and woman who love each other deeply, who have grown together through the trials, joys, sorrows, and happiness of a shared lifetime, can live beyond the veil together forever with their family who earn that blessing. That is not just an immensely satisfying dream; it is a reality. Any husband and wife who have shared the joys of marriage here on earth would want that blessing. But only those who meet the requirements established by the Lord will receive that supernal gift...

I testify that with unimaginable suffering and agony at an incalculable price, the Savior earned His right to be our Intermediary, our Redeemer, our Final Judge. Through faith in Him and receipt of the requisite ordinances and covenants, you will earn your right to the blessings of eternal marriage made possible through His infinite Atonement. In the name of Jesus Christ, amen.
Richard G. Scott, Receive the Temple Blessings, Ensign, May 1999, p. 25

There is a law, irrevocably decreed in heaven before the foundations of this world, upon which all blessings are predicated-- And when we obtain any blessing from God, it is by obedience to that law upon which it is predicated.
D&C 130:20-21

Sure... continue to ignore my scripture- and prophet-supported posts if it makes you feel good. After all, you've already told me in another thread that your views are right and can't be disproven. So let it be written... so let it be done!

Except...

TFT: LDS believe that grace and works each play a role in salvation.

PA: LDS believe that works alone secure salvation.

And you say I'm trying to change/delete things? LOL!

 

[HE84]

It's not the statements themselves that are anti-Mormon. It's how they're used. Just FYI. HE84 can clarify, but that's likely what he was referring to.

Thank you for clearing it up! that is what I meant to say

 

[HE84]

Half an answer is like providing milk and withholding the meat. I think people deserve to know the teachings of Mormonism that are being withheld.

It is funny how people are, in all areas of their life, are guided or influenced by others. You quote "fact" about the LDS religion, but let me ask you.

Have you ever read the book of mormon?
Doctrine and Coventant?
Pearl of great price?

Have you ever heard a general conference. I mean, all session from Saturday and Sunday?

Have you ever visited an LDS service or visited with the missionaries?

Life beauty is in the eye of the beholder, this is the same thing. You have to experience FOR YOURSELF, not go based on someone with a biased opinion that writes a book.

 

[TasteForTruth]

It is funny how people are, in all areas of their life, are guided or influenced by others. You quote "fact" about the LDS religion, but let me ask you.

Have you ever read the book of mormon?
Doctrine and Coventant?
Pearl of great price?

Have you ever heard a general conference. I mean, all session from Saturday and Sunday?

Have you ever visited an LDS service or visited with the missionaries?

Life beauty is in the eye of the beholder, this is the same thing. You have to experience FOR YOURSELF, not go based on someone with a biased opinion that writes a book.

Phoebe Ann is ex-Mormon.

 

[TasteForTruth]

Thank you for clearing it up! that is what I meant to say

You're welcome.

 

[RufustheRed]

Phoebe Ann is ex-Mormon.

Shoot! I was waiting for Phoebe Ann to answer the questions asked of her.

Do you respond for other people a lot?

Rufus

 

[RufustheRed]

Sure... continue to ignore my scripture- and prophet-supported posts if it makes you feel good. After all, you've already told me in another thread that your views are right and can't be disproven. So let it be written... so let it be done!

Which thread was that? Do you have specific posts where she made that claim?

Except...

TFT: LDS believe that grace and works each play a role in salvation.

PA: LDS believe that works alone secure salvation.

Again, could you please provide some documentation of where she said the above?

And you say I'm trying to change/delete things? LOL!

I doubt it. You might ignore some things, though. Just my observation.

Rufus