What Do I as a Latter-day Saint Christian Believe about Grace?

What Do I as a Latter-day Saint Christian Believe about Grace?

Come Follow Me 33: Romans 1-6

I have been studying the Come Follow Me, New Testament lesson on grace. I am so thankful for all that the Apostle Paul taught us about grace. My understanding of the gospel of Jesus Christ has been greatly enriched because of Paul's letters. He taught us so much about grace in his epistles to the Romans.

This is my conversation with ChatGPT concerning grace:

Can you give me a simple breakdown of the principle of grace found in Romans 1-6 (KJV)?

ChatGPT

Certainly! The principle of grace found in Romans 1-6, as described in the King James Version (KJV) of the Bible, is a central concept in Christian theology. Here's a simple breakdown of this principle:

1. Sin and Separation from God (Romans 1:18-3:20): The Apostle Paul begins by highlighting humanity's universal problem: sin. He explains that all people have fallen short of God's standards and are separated from Him due to their sinful nature. This separation leads to spiritual death and a lack of righteousness.
2. Justification by Faith (Romans 3:21-4:25): Paul introduces the concept of justification by faith, emphasizing that no one can earn their salvation through their own good deeds or adherence to the law. Instead, righteousness comes through faith in Jesus Christ. Abraham's faith is highlighted as an example of how righteousness is credited to believers apart from works.
3. Peace with God Through Christ (Romans 5:1-11): Paul explains that through faith in Jesus Christ, believers have peace with God. Jesus' sacrificial death on the cross reconciles humanity with God and provides the opportunity for forgiveness and reconciliation.
4. Adam and Christ (Romans 5:12-21): Paul contrasts the effects of Adam's sin in bringing death and separation from God with the work of Jesus Christ, who brings forgiveness and life. Just as all were affected by Adam's sin, all can be affected by Christ's righteousness through faith.
5. Freedom from Sin's Dominion (Romans 6:1-23): Paul addresses the question of whether believers should continue in sin now that they are under grace. He emphasizes that believers have died to sin through their identification with Christ's death and resurrection. This spiritual transformation empowers believers to live a new life free from the dominion of sin.

In summary, the principle of grace in Romans 1-6 emphasizes that salvation and righteousness are obtained through faith in Jesus Christ, not through human works or adherence to the law. Through Christ's sacrificial death and resurrection, believers are justified, reconciled to God, and empowered to live a new life free from the bondage of sin. This principle underscores the central message of the Gospel – God's unmerited favor and love extended to humanity through Jesus Christ.

How does this Latter-day scripture further illustrate the concept of grace? 2 Nephi 25:23

ChatGPT

The scripture 2 Nephi 25:23 is found in the Book of Mormon, which is a sacred text in the Latter-day Saint (LDS) tradition. This verse is often cited to emphasize the principle of grace within the context of LDS theology. Here is the verse from the Book of Mormon (2 Nephi 25:23) and an explanation of how it further illustrates the concept of grace:

2 Nephi 25:23 (Book of Mormon): "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."

This verse highlights the dual nature of salvation within the LDS belief system:

1. Grace as a Gift: The verse acknowledges the fundamental role of grace in salvation. It teaches that salvation is made possible through the grace of Jesus Christ. This aligns with the broader Christian concept that salvation cannot be earned solely through human effort but is a gift from God. In this context, grace refers to God's unmerited favor and love extended to humanity through Christ's atoning sacrifice.
2. Human Effort and Accountability: The latter part of the verse ("after all we can do") emphasizes the importance of human effort and accountability. While grace is essential for salvation, the verse suggests that individuals are still responsible for striving to do their best and making efforts to follow Christ's teachings. This reflects the LDS belief in the necessity of living a righteous and obedient life.

In summary, 2 Nephi 25:23 further illustrates the concept of grace by emphasizing the partnership between God's grace and human effort in the process of salvation. It acknowledges the pivotal role of grace while also underscoring the responsibility of individuals to align their lives with Christ's teachings and make sincere efforts to follow Him. This verse has been a point of discussion and interpretation within the LDS tradition and provides insight into how grace is understood in that context.

As a Latter-day Saint myself, my understanding of grace aligns with traditional Christianity. We believe in living a righteous and obedient life, but that is not possible without the guidance of the Holy Spirit. Jesus Himself taught that a man must be baptized in order to enter the kingdom of God. Latter-day Saints believe that we must follow the Doctrine of Christ, as found in the New Testament and the Book of Mormon: Another Testament of Jesus Christ. This means we must exercise faith in Jesus Christ, repent of our sins, be baptized by immersion by someone who has priesthood authority to baptize, and receive the gift of the Holy Ghost and confirmation into Christ's church by the laying on of hands. We believe that this isn't just a one-time event, but an ongoing life process, of renewing covenants and serving the Lord, and developing the gift of Charity through faith in Him and Christ-like service. Because we believe in agency, of course human effort and accountability are necessary components of salvation. We know that through Adam all die, and that through Jesus Christ all will be resurrected. But to return to our Father's Kingdom is a gift to the righteous, which is also obtained by grace. Can you please show how grace is a gift to every person as soon as he believes on the Savior, and how it refines those who continue to follow Him?

ChatGPT

Certainly, I'd be happy to provide further clarification on the concept of grace within the context of Latter-day Saint (LDS) theology, as you've outlined. In LDS belief, grace is indeed a central and essential principle that operates in several ways:

1. Initial Gift of Grace: In LDS theology, grace is considered a universal gift extended to all individuals as they exercise faith in Jesus Christ and believe in Him. This initial grace allows people to access the opportunity for salvation and enter into a covenant relationship with God. This aligns with the idea that God's love and mercy are freely offered to all, irrespective of their personal merits or works.
2. Guidance and Empowerment: As you mentioned, living a righteous and obedient life is not possible without the guidance and empowerment of the Holy Spirit. Grace includes the influence of the Holy Ghost, who helps believers understand truth, make good choices, and become more Christlike. The Holy Spirit's role is to sanctify and transform individuals over time as they continue to seek God's guidance and follow His teachings.
3. Ongoing Process of Covenant Renewal: The LDS perspective emphasizes an ongoing process of growth and development in discipleship. Through the ordinances of the gospel (faith, repentance, baptism, receiving the Holy Ghost), individuals make covenants with God. Grace continues to operate as individuals strive to renew these covenants, repent when they fall short, and seek to align their lives with Christ's example.
4. Charity and Christ-Like Service: Grace refines individuals as they actively engage in Christ-like service and develop the gift of charity. This involves selfless love, compassion, and a desire to bless and uplift others. The transformative power of grace is evident as individuals work to emulate Christ's character and make a positive impact on those around them.
5. Resurrection and Eternal Life: The concept of grace also extends to the resurrection and the ultimate gift of returning to God's presence. Through the grace of Jesus Christ, all individuals will be resurrected and have the opportunity to inherit eternal life if they have exercised faith, repented, and followed Christ's teachings.

In summary, grace within LDS theology is a multifaceted principle that encompasses God's unmerited favor, guidance, empowerment, and transformative influence. It is a gift available to all who believe in Jesus Christ and engage in the process of discipleship. Grace operates throughout an individual's life as they exercise agency, make covenants, seek the Holy Spirit's guidance, and strive to become more like the Savior. This understanding of grace aligns with the LDS emphasis on both God's divine mercy and the individual's responsibility to actively participate in their own spiritual growth and development.

EDIT ADDED: PLEASE NOTE this conclusion represents my perspective, understanding and opinions. This is not a statement from The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. (end of edit)

My Conclusion: I am thankful for the Father’s Gift of grace to all of us His children, in sending His Son Jesus Christ to redeem the world. It is His work and glory to bring to pass the immortality and eternal life of all of His sons and daughters (see Moses 1:39). Although, many highlight the words, “after all we can do” in 2 Nephi 25:23, it is important to look at the beginning of this verse:

“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.”

Those are the things that true followers of Christ should be doing! We need to be living and sharing the gospel. In all four standard works we find the following scripture (I am using the one found in Doctrine and Covenants 2):

1 Behold, I will reveal unto you the Priesthood, by the hand of Elijah the prophet, before the coming of the great and dreadful day of the Lord.

2 And he shall plant in the hearts of the children the promises made to the fathers, and the hearts of the children shall turn to their fathers.

3 If it were not so, the whole earth would be utterly wasted at his coming.

The commission to the early disciples was to take the gospel to all the world. That commission is ours today, and it is our most important work: to gather Israel on both sides of the veil. Elijah returned to the earth and gave those keys again to man. They are held today by President Nelson.

We have been told by the Prophet Joseph that we can’t be made perfect without them, neither can they without us. While that applies to our ancestors and us, it also applies to the entire family of Adam and Eve. So it appears that our salvation may not be fully granted, until we try to give our fellow men access to His grace too. We all need to have the opportunity to accept the Lord’s gift of eternal life through understanding and applying His doctrine in our own lives. In order to practice Faith in Jesus Christ, we first need to know about Him. So we certainly do have a great work to do.

But Jesus alone is the Author and Finisher of our faith (see Hebrews 12:2). His is the only name by which men must be save (see Acts 4:12). Salvation is a gift and so is eternal life. But in order to live with God again, we need to be clean, for no unclean thing can enter His kingdom (see 3 Nephi 27:19).

Mere belief and acknowledgement of Jesus’s role as our Savior, will not give us access to His kingdom. Paul told the Corinthians, “Know ye not that the unrighteous shall not inherit the kingdom of God? Be not deceived…” (See 1 Corinthians 6:9). It is those who are His disciples, those who love Him and keep his commandments, that will receive His grace and power to become like Him (see John 14:15 and following). “And, if you keep my commandments and endure to the end you shall have eternal life, which gift is the greatest of all the gifts of God” (Doctrine and Covenants 14:7).

There is no work that I can ever do that will bring me either salvation or exaltation; it is a free gift from God. But I want to be quickened to a glory to enter into His presence. Therefore, I need to work on my faith every day and choose to follow Jesus and not be deceived.  

PART 2: Added after study on 9 August 2023

Today, as I continued to read Come Follow Me 33: Romans 1-6, I came to the family discussion section that speaks of grace. I decided to ask a more pointed question about how I can more fully feel grace in my life. Again, ChatGPT came back with some great answers. I agree with them. I think this a wonderful outline for a lesson on practicing faith in the Lord Jesus Christ and feeling His influence of grace in our lives.

Single Question to ChatGPT:

Looking at Romans 3:23–28, what can I do to feel the Lord’s gift of grace working more fully in my own life?

Romans 3:23-28, in the King James Version (KJV), speaks about the universal need for salvation through faith and grace. Here's the passage:

Romans 3:23-28 (KJV): "For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God; Being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus: Whom God hath set forth to be a propitiation through faith in his blood, to declare his righteousness for the remission of sins that are past, through the forbearance of God; To declare, I say, at this time his righteousness: that he might be just, and the justifier of him which believeth in Jesus. Where is boasting then? It is excluded. By what law? of works? Nay: but by the law of faith. Therefore we conclude that a man is justified by faith without the deeds of the law."

To feel the Lord's gift of grace working more fully in your own life, consider the following steps:

1. Faith in Jesus Christ: Central to experiencing the gift of grace is faith in Jesus Christ. Recognize Him as the Savior and believe in His atoning sacrifice. Your faith in Christ forms the foundation upon which grace operates.
2. Repentance: Acknowledge your sins and shortcomings before God. Repentance is an essential step in allowing grace to work in your life. It involves genuine sorrow for your sins, a desire to change, and a commitment to turn away from those sins.
3. Humility and Surrender: Recognize that salvation is not earned through your own merits but is a gift of God's grace. Embrace humility and surrender your own self-reliance. Understanding your dependence on God opens your heart to receive His grace more fully.
4. Covenant Making and Keeping: Make and renew covenants with God. Baptism is a key covenant that signifies your commitment to follow Christ. Continuously strive to honor your covenants and live according to His teachings.
5. Prayer and Seeking Guidance: Regularly communicate with God through prayer. Seek His guidance, strength, and the companionship of the Holy Spirit. As you invite the Spirit into your life, you'll become more receptive to the transformative power of grace.
6. Studying Scripture: Engage in the study of scriptures, including the Bible and the Book of Mormon. The words of Christ and the teachings of prophets can help you understand grace more deeply and apply its principles in your life.
7. Charity and Service: Develop Christ-like attributes, particularly the virtue of charity, which encompasses love, compassion, and selflessness. Engaging in acts of service helps you experience the grace of Christ as you extend His love to others.
8. Forgiveness and Mercy: Extend forgiveness to others and seek God's forgiveness for yourself. Recognize that just as you receive God's grace, you should also extend grace to others.
9. Endure with Faith: Trials and challenges are opportunities for growth and refinement. Endure these experiences with faith, trusting that God's grace can strengthen and sustain you through difficult times.
10. Perseverance: Embrace a lifelong commitment to growing closer to God. Grace is an ongoing process that refines you over time. Persevere in your efforts to align your life with Christ's teachings.

Ultimately, the key to experiencing the Lord's gift of grace more fully is to have a sincere and open heart, actively seeking a relationship with God and consistently striving to live as a disciple of Jesus Christ. Through faith, repentance, and ongoing discipleship, you can draw closer to Him and feel the transforming power of His grace in your life.

I really am glad for this outline. I did not start a new thread for this, but I continued with the question above. Particularly needed in my life, I believe, is the desire to be humble and surrender, my will to His, and to repent as necessary. I know from past experience, as I do these things, I will have the Holy Ghost more abundantly in my life to live these other points of discipleship that allow me to feel the access to His grace.

I love Jesus Christ and I am thankful for Him and for all He has done for us to save us now and eternally. 

(2nd part is found in a stand-along post: His Grace is Sufficient for Me; also there is an additional study here that addresses discussion questions and sample answers to part 2. Please take a look)