23 For we labor diligently to write, to persuade our children, and also our brethren, to believe in Christ, and to be reconciled to God; for we know that it is by grace that we are saved, after all we can do. (2 Nephi 25)
This particular scripture, found in the Book of Mormon, has become a point of controversy among those who are not members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Some religions teach that no acts of any kind are required to receive salvation. The Latter-day Saints also believe nothing at all—not even the act of accepting Jesus as your Savior—is required to be resurrected from the dead. This is a free gift given by God and Jesus to us. However, most of us want to return to God’s presence, and this indeed requires action.
Those who believe in grace alone generally do actually require one act: Accepting Jesus as their Savior. Therefore, most don’t really believe no acts are required. However, the Bible makes it clear more is required than to say the magic words.
17 Even so faith, if it hath not works, is dead, being alone.
18 Yea, a man may say, Thou hast faith, and I have works: shew me thy faith without thy works, and I will shew thee my faith by my works.
19 Thou believest that there is one God; thou doest well: the devils also believe, and tremble.
20 But wilt thou know, O vain man, that faith without works is dead?
21 Was not Abraham our father justified by works, when he had offered Isaac his son upon the altar?
22 Seest thou how faith wrought with his works, and by works was faith made perfect?
23 And the scripture was fulfilled which saith, Abraham believed God, and it was imputed unto him for righteousness: and he was called the Friend of God.
24 Ye see then how that by works a man is justified, and not by faith only.
25 Likewise also was not Rahab the harlot justified by works, when she had received the messengers, and had sent them out another way?26 For as the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works is dead also.
(James 2, King James Version of the Bible)
The Bible teaches us many commandments. From the moment Adam and Eve were created, laws and commandments were given, and consequences for obedience or disobedience were explained. God is a God of order, not a God of confusion. We all understand the chaos and danger that would occur if nations and families had no rules, or if there were rules, but no consequences. God understands this too, being perfect. For that reason, He made laws and required us to keep them. He explained through His prophets the blessings that would come if we obeyed and the consequences that would occur if we didn’t. God’s kingdom is one of order and there must be commandments. This is part of the Plan of Salvation.
The scriptures often tell us that if we love the Savior, we must keep His commandments. Our obedience is one way we show God and Jesus we love Them. Not everyone is motivated by love, however, so again, there are consequences. Every story in the Bible is a story of consequences. Noah built the ark when commanded, so he was saved from the flood. Others refused to listen, so they died. Moses took his people on a very long journey and when they were righteous, they prospered, but when they weren’t, they got lost and suffered.
The Savior promised, along this same pattern, that those who kept the commandments (works) would receive the right to return to God’s presence. Those who chose not to obey would indeed be resurrected, and receive a wonderful eternity, except for a very few who have committed crimes so horrible they lose the right to be in heaven, although they still will live. But they can’t be with God. God can’t be where evil is. We will be in Heaven the same person we are now, and if we’re in God’s presence, we must be worthy to be there. If those who choose to live self-centered lives are with God, Heaven will be no different than the life we live right now, surrounded by both good and bad people. Will God spend eternity with those who willfully choose to defy his commandments and who refuse to respect Him?
Nearly everyone, including those who don’t believe acts matter, do believe at least one act is required—that of accepting Jesus as their Savior. However, can they really accept Jesus as their Savior and then do nothing He has asked? Certainly our works, done with the proper spirit, and not one of hypocrisy, are an outward demonstration of inward faith.
46 And why call ye me, Lord, Lord, and do not the things which I say?
47 Whosoever cometh to me, and heareth my sayings, and doeth them, I will shew you to whom he is like:
48 He is like a man which built an house, and digged deep, and laid the foundation on a rock: and when the flood arose, the stream beat vehemently upon that house, and could not shake it: for it was founded upon a rock.
49 But he that heareth, and doeth not, is like a man that without a foundation built an house upon the earth; against which the stream did beat vehemently, and immediately it fell; and the ruin of that house was great. (Luke 6)
The late Terrie Lynn Bittner—beloved wife, mother, grandmother, and friend—was the author of two homeschooling books and numerous articles, including several that appeared in Latter-day Saint magazines. She became a member of the Church at the age of 17 and began sharing her faith online in 1992.
