LDS Is faith a DIY achievement?

[Rescued One]

Paul is praying unceasingly that the people he converted to Jesus Christ

Paul may have told them about the Savior, but God always does the converting.

Paul is praying unceasingly that the people he converted to Jesus Christ will:
1) walk worthy of the Lord unto all pleasing (that means we do things that please God)
2) being fruitful in every good work (that is shocking coming from Paul who says that it is by grace, not of works...)

There is NOTHING shocking about Christians obeying God. That is how we know they are Christians. If they aren't following the True God, they certainly can't please Him!

1) walk worthy of the Lord unto all pleasing (that means we do things that please God)
2) being fruitful in every good work
3) increasing in the knowledge of God
4) Strengthened with all might, according to his glorious power, unto all patience and longsuffering with joyfulness.

Do you see the pattern. Do things that please God. Be fruitful in all good works. Increase your knowledge of God. AND THEN GOD WILL STRENGTHEN YOU ACCORDING TO HIS GLORIOUS POWER, unto all patience and longsuffering with joyfulness.

AND THEN HE WILL MAKE US MEET TO BE PARTAKERS OF THE INHERITANCE OF THE SAINTS IN LIGHT.

God began the work in us and promises to bring it to completion.

What happens if you do not walk worthy of the Lord unto all pleasing?
What happens if you are not fruitful in every good work?
What happens if you do not increase in knowledge of God?

Such is evidence of their hypocrisy. They aren't Christians.

Remember Paul prays every day that his people will do these things. And there is plenty of proof that many of them did not do these things, hence many statements from him that his people are not living like they should.

All Christians welcome the prayers of other believers. Sometimes even non-believers request our prayers.

What happens when we do not these things?

I'm not sure who "we" means, but they are known by their fruit.

Do you lose your salvation or does Jesus look beyond your sins and laziness and your not pleasing God (vs 10), and still save you?

No one loses what they never had.

If this is the case why does Paul pray daily for these things?

Because he loves God and others. I love to pray daily!

 

[He is the way]

Paul may have told them about the Savior, but God always does the converting.



There is NOTHING shocking about Christians obeying God. That is how we know they are Christians. If they aren't following the True God, they certainly can't please Him!

You said: "There is NOTHING shocking about Christians obeying God. That is how we know they are Christians. If they aren't following the True God, they certainly can't please Him!"

Yet Jesus said:

(New Testament | Matthew 25:40)

40 And the King shall answer and say unto them, Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me.

(New Testament | John 13:35)

35 By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another.

We do please God by keeping the commandments.

 

[Rescued One]

True Christians love God and the purpose of their obedience is to bring glory to Him.

 

[Rescued One]

Mormons are taught that they must obey ALL the Mormon commandments to earn eternal life.

Yet eternal life can't be earned:

1. Someone has to free the sinner from Satan's power
2. "For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord." (Romans 6:23)

• Salvation is by grace.
• Salvation is through faith.
• Salvation is not of yourselves.
• Salvation is the gift of God.
• Salvation is not of works.

All blessings come from God.

He chose Paul, an enemy to the Church, to be His apostle. God changes a person's heart.

 

[He is the way]

Mormons are taught that they must obey ALL the Mormon commandments to earn eternal life.

Yet eternal life can't be earned:

1. Someone has to free the sinner from Satan's power
2. "For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord." (Romans 6:23)

• Salvation is by grace.
• Salvation is through faith.
• Salvation is not of yourselves.
• Salvation is the gift of God.
• Salvation is not of works.

All blessings come from God.

He chose Paul, an enemy to the Church, to be His apostle. God changes a person's heart.

Why do you NOT believe in keeping the commandments????? Do you not remember that Jesus said:

(New Testament | John 14:15)

15 ¶ If ye love me, keep my commandments.

And as I have said many times we are not saved by works, neither are we saved without them.

(New Testament | Matthew 5:16)

16 Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.

We are to glorify God!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[Peter1000]

Mormons are taught that they must obey ALL the Mormon commandments to earn eternal life.

Yet eternal life can't be earned:

1. Someone has to free the sinner from Satan's power
2. "For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord." (Romans 6:23)

• Salvation is by grace.
• Salvation is through faith.
• Salvation is not of yourselves.
• Salvation is the gift of God.
• Salvation is not of works.

All blessings come from God.

He chose Paul, an enemy to the Church, to be His apostle. God changes a person's heart.

The saving concept is sometimes a conundrum. You cannot save yourself by doing good works, but if you are not engaged in doing good works, you will not be saved.

Remember that is how we know the faked-saved, from the real-saved.

 

[Rescued One]

The saving concept is sometimes a conundrum. You cannot save yourself by doing good works, but if you are not engaged in doing good works, you will not be saved.

Remember that is how we know the faked-saved, from the real-saved.

If you aren't following the True Savior, you won't obey Him. Buddhists and humanists do what the world calls good works, but they don't have salvation.

 

[He is the way]

If you aren't following the True Savior, you won't obey Him. Buddhists and humanists do what the world calls good works, but they don't have salvation.

Why do you make yourself their judge? The Jews most likely thought the same way about the Samaritans, Romans, and Canaanites, but Jesus set them straight. He also said this about a Roman centurion:

(New Testament | Matthew 8:8 - 13)

8 The centurion answered and said, Lord, I am not worthy that thou shouldest come under my roof: but speak the word only, and my servant shall be healed.
9 For I am a man under authority, having soldiers under me: and I say to this man, Go, and he goeth; and to another, Come, and he cometh; and to my servant, Do this, and he doeth it.
10 When Jesus heard it, he marvelled, and said to them that followed, Verily I say unto you, I have not found so great faith, no, not in Israel.
11 And I say unto you, That many shall come from the east and west, and shall sit down with Abraham, and Isaac, and Jacob, in the kingdom of heaven.
12 But the children of the kingdom shall be cast out into outer darkness: there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth.
13 And Jesus said unto the centurion, Go thy way; and as thou hast believed, so be it done unto thee. And his servant was healed in the selfsame hour.

Here is another about a Canaanite:

(New Testament | Matthew 15:22 - 28)

22 And, behold, a woman of Canaan came out of the same coasts, and cried unto him, saying, Have mercy on me, O Lord, thou Son of David; my daughter is grievously vexed with a devil.
23 But he answered her not a word. And his disciples came and besought him, saying, Send her away; for she crieth after us.
24 But he answered and said, I am not sent but unto the lost sheep of the house of Israel.
25 Then came she and worshipped him, saying, Lord, help me.
26 But he answered and said, It is not meet to take the children's bread, and to cast it to dogs.
27 And she said, Truth, Lord: yet the dogs eat of the crumbs which fall from their masters' table.
28 Then Jesus answered and said unto her, O woman, great is thy faith: be it unto thee even as thou wilt. And her daughter was made whole from that very hour.

We also know the story of the good Samaritan.

 

[Rescued One]

John 3
16 For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. 17 For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved. 18 He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God. 19 And this is the condemnation, that light is come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil. 20 For every one that doeth evil hateth the light, neither cometh to the light, lest his deeds should be reproved.21 But he that doeth truth cometh to the light, that his deeds may be made manifest, that they are wrought in God.

John 14
6 Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.

Proverbs 16
25 There is a way that seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death.

Proverbs 14
12 There is a way which seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death.

 

[He is the way]

John 3
16 For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. 17 For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved. 18 He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God. 19 And this is the condemnation, that light is come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil. 20 For every one that doeth evil hateth the light, neither cometh to the light, lest his deeds should be reproved.21 But he that doeth truth cometh to the light, that his deeds may be made manifest, that they are wrought in God.

John 14
6 Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.

Proverbs 16
25 There is a way that seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death.

Proverbs 14
12 There is a way which seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death.

You have been trying to prove that faith is a gift from God, I say faith has to be earned. Many times Jesus condemned people of little faith and approved of people who had great faith. For instance look at these two scriptures:

(New Testament | Mark 10:52)

52 And Jesus said unto him, Go thy way; thy faith hath made thee whole. And immediately he received his sight, and followed Jesus in the way.

(New Testament | Matthew 8:26)

26 And he saith unto them, Why are ye fearful, O ye of little faith? Then he arose, and rebuked the winds and the sea; and there was a great calm.

(New Testament | Hebrews 11:5 - 7)

5 By faith Enoch was translated that he should not see death; and was not found, because God had translated him: for before his translation he had this testimony, that he pleased God.
6 But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.
7 By faith Noah, being warned of God of things not seen as yet, moved with fear, prepared an ark to the saving of his house; by the which he condemned the world, and became heir of the righteousness which is by faith.

We increase faith by diligently seeking God.

 

[Rescued One]

Mormonism depends on faith in Joseph Smith and obedience to all his prescribed commandments.

Proverbs 14
12 There is a way which seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death.

 

[He is the way]

Mormonism depends on faith in Joseph Smith and obedience to all his prescribed commandments.

Proverbs 14
12 There is a way which seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death.

It is good to listen to the prophets:

(New Testament | Luke 16:30 - 31)

30 And he said, Nay, father Abraham: but if one went unto them from the dead, they will repent.
31 And he said unto him, If they hear not Moses and the prophets, neither will they be persuaded, though one rose from the dead.

(Old Testament | Proverbs 14:11 - 16)

11 The house of the wicked shall be overthrown: but the tabernacle of the upright shall flourish.
12 There is a way which seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death.
13 Even in laughter the heart is sorrowful; and the end of that mirth is heaviness.
14 The backslider in heart shall be filled with his own ways: and a good man shall be satisfied from himself.
15 The simple believeth every word: but the prudent man looketh well to his going.
16 A wise man feareth, and departeth from evil: but the fool rageth, and is confident.

(Old Testament | Proverbs 14:31 - 32)

31 He that oppresseth the poor reproacheth his Maker: but he that honoureth him hath mercy on the poor.
32 The wicked is driven away in his wickedness: but the righteous hath hope in his death.

 

[Peter1000]

If you aren't following the True Savior, you won't obey Him. Buddhists and humanists do what the world calls good works, but they don't have salvation.

It is pretty obvious that they won't be saved even with a mountain full of good works. They don't believe in Jesus.

Remember what I said: A mountain full of good works is not enough good works to save you. But if you truly believe in Jesus, but are not engaged in good works, you will not be saved either.
That is what the true Savior has taught you and me.

 

[Peter1000]

Mormonism depends on faith in Joseph Smith and obedience to all his prescribed commandments.

Proverbs 14
12 There is a way which seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death.

Yes, to a certain degree we do, because Jesus has spoken to us through him. I can give you another example of that very relationship.

The people of the Church of Jesus Christ of First-century Saints had faith that Peter and the apostles were mouthpieces of Jesus. Many gave up on the apostles and went their own way, and found out that that was not a good decision.

Today, the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has to have faith that JS was a mouthpiece of Jesus, and that Russell Nelson is a mouthpiece today for Jesus.

We pray to Jesus and can receive our own revelations for our lives and our families lives, but the prophet receives revelation for the whole church and how it is suppose to grow and expand and what to teach for doctrine etc. Jesus is not here on the earth, but he has given our prophet and apostles the keys of the kingdom of heaven, just like Jesus gave those keys to Peter and the apostles in the early church.

 

[Rescued One]

It is pretty obvious that they won't be saved even with a mountain full of good works. They don't believe in Jesus.

Remember what I said: A mountain full of good works is not enough good works to save you. But if you truly believe in Jesus, but are not engaged in good works, you will not be saved either.
That is what the true Savior has taught you and me.

Believing that Jesus existed isn't faith. Faith that is given to us by God results in love for the Savior. Everyone who loves Him is living for Him and doing what God is working in that person. That person is gradually being conformed to the image of Christ.

The true Savior condemns those who follow false prophets and false Christs.

 

[drstevej]

This says it well...

 

[Peter1000]

Believing that Jesus existed isn't faith. Faith that is given to us by God results in love for the Savior. Everyone who loves Him is living for Him and doing what God is working in that person. That person is gradually being conformed to the image of Christ.

The true Savior condemns those who follow false prophets and false Christs.

If you don't have a belief in Jesus as your Savior, you will not move to a faith in Jesus, either on your own, or given you by God, or a combination of your searching and God giving. If you don't even have a belief then you have nothing.

The Savior condemns those that follow false pastors and false priests, and false Christs.

You are right though, those that love him are living for Him and doing what God is working in that person, and we are gradually being conformed to the image of Christ. We interpret the image of Christ as being like Christ, and being co-heirs of all that the Father has. So you are not so far away from what we believe.

 

[Rescued One]

If you don't have a belief in Jesus as your Savior, you will not move to a faith in Jesus, either on your own, or given you by God, or a combination of your searching and God giving. If you don't even have a belief then you have nothing.

The Savior condemns those that follow false pastors and false priests, and false Christs.

You are right though, those that love him are living for Him and doing what God is working in that person, and we are gradually being conformed to the image of Christ. We interpret the image of Christ as being like Christ, and being co-heirs of all that the Father has. So you are not so far away from what we believe.

I am very far away from Mormonism! God told me to ...come out from among them, and be ye separate, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you,

You are free to follow your false gospel, gods and prophets if that is your heart's desire. It isn't my desire.

Concerning the temple endowment when I was a Mormon:

Since most Mormon converts in the 1970's and 1980's were coming from a Christian background, it was becoming apparent to LDS leaders in the 1980's that ridiculing the Protestant minister in the temple film was offensive to many new converts. There were even some reports of converts attending the temple once, and vowing to never return -- sometimes even refusing to return to any LDS meetings.

In 1987, David John Buerger (an active but liberal Mormon), published an article in Dialogue: A Journal of Mormon Thought, a liberal Mormon publication which is not controlled by the LDS church. In the article, Buerger suggested that LDS church leaders needed to seriously consider making changes in the temple endowment ceremony to counter declining rates of attendance.

Although possibly just a coincidence, the Mormon Church issued a survey to about 3,400 members in Canada and the U.S. to determine members' opinions concerning temple work and various other topics only a few months after the 1987 Buerger article.

Soon after the 1988 survey, plans were underway to change the endowment ceremony again (the ceremony had been modified many times since its introduction in Nauvoo, Illinois in the early 1840's). In 1990, the revised ceremony became effective, and the Protestant minister was eliminated from the film.
Why the temple ceremony was changed in 1990

 

[He is the way]

I am very far away from Mormonism! God told me to ...come out from among them, and be ye separate, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you,

You are free to follow your false gospel, gods and prophets if that is your heart's desire. It isn't my desire.

Concerning the temple endowment when I was a Mormon:

Since most Mormon converts in the 1970's and 1980's were coming from a Christian background, it was becoming apparent to LDS leaders in the 1980's that ridiculing the Protestant minister in the temple film was offensive to many new converts. There were even some reports of converts attending the temple once, and vowing to never return -- sometimes even refusing to return to any LDS meetings.

In 1987, David John Buerger (an active but liberal Mormon), published an article in Dialogue: A Journal of Mormon Thought, a liberal Mormon publication which is not controlled by the LDS church. In the article, Buerger suggested that LDS church leaders needed to seriously consider making changes in the temple endowment ceremony to counter declining rates of attendance.

Although possibly just a coincidence, the Mormon Church issued a survey to about 3,400 members in Canada and the U.S. to determine members' opinions concerning temple work and various other topics only a few months after the 1987 Buerger article.

Soon after the 1988 survey, plans were underway to change the endowment ceremony again (the ceremony had been modified many times since its introduction in Nauvoo, Illinois in the early 1840's). In 1990, the revised ceremony became effective, and the Protestant minister was eliminated from the film.
Why the temple ceremony was changed in 1990

Many people left the church when Jesus was on the earth, and many reviled against Him. They thought there was good reason not to believe Jesus. Satan is working hard to get as many people to follow him as he can. The gospel is about LOVE. If members of your family are or become members of The Church Of Jesus Christ Of Latter Day Saints or atheists or LGBT would you still LOVE them and support them? I would hope you would. There is too little LOVE and too much hate and indifference in the world. It is time to truly LOVE our brothers and sisters.

 

[Rescued One]

...We pray to Jesus and can receive our own revelations for our lives and our families lives...

You are obviously an APOSTATE to Mormonism if you pray to Jesus! When were you given permission to do that????