Topic: Justification

The Acts 13:38-39 > 1 Corinthians 6:11 > 2 Nephi 25:24-27 > Romans 2:5-16 > Exodus 23:7 > Romans 3:19-Romans 8 > 2 Nephi 2:5-13 > Galatians 2:16-4:7 > Mosiah 15:12-13 > Moroni 7:19 > Titus 3:4-8 > James 2:14-26 > Doctrine and Covenants 88:34-39 > Jacob 2:12-21 > Mosiah 4: 21-30 > Alma 4:11-14 > Alma 5:26-36 > 3 Nephi 27: 13-22 > Doctrine and Covenants 20:29-31 > Moses 6:59-60

The Law of Justification, in simple terms, was put in place by God to ensure that no man received a blessing from heaven that he was not justified in receiving. This law is a close cousin to the Law of Sanctification that we have just studied. Remembering what we have just learned in the previous Scripture Train about Sanctification, we know that unless we are sanctified, we cannot enter the kingdom of God, for no unclean thing can enter into His presence. (See Ephesians chapter 5 verse 5) Thus, unless I am sanctified, I cannot be justified in entering the kingdom of God.

In order to understand the Law of Justification we need to study the scriptures. In the New Testament, the writers often speak of “The Law”. Most of the time, when the term, “The Law” is used, it refers to The Law of Moses. This is an important matter to understand, for we learn in the writings of the New Testament that man cannot be justified by “The Law”. Turning to The Acts chapter 13 verses 38 and 39, we read that man could not be justified by the Law of Moses. Through the Law of Moses alone, salvation was not possible, thus salvation could not be justified no matter how perfect “The Law” was followed. But with Christ’s completed mission, salvation became justifiable through our faith in Him and through the keeping of The Law. 1 Corinthians chapter 6 verse 11 teaches that we are washed, sanctified and justified in the name of Jesus Christ. Thus, all those who steadfastly followed the Law of Moses were justified through Christ’s atonement, not due to the Law of Moses, but because they kept the Law of Moses. This is the Law that was given them to keep; its purpose was to lead mankind to Christ. Therefore, because Christ came to earth and accomplished His mission, all those who were led to Christ through keeping the Law of Moses were justified in receiving salvation. The Book of Mormon prophet Nephi makes this very clear in 2 Nephi chapter 25 verses 24 through 27. The important doctrine to learn is that justification, like so many other laws, has two parts; it requires effort on our part in keeping the law which we have received and the application of the atonement of our Savior. Without the Atonement of Christ, the keeping of any law would not justify us in gaining our salvation and eternal life.

Paul, in his letter to the Romans, outlined very well the Law of Justification. In Romans chapter 2 verses 5 through 16, Paul teaches, as I have sited before, that God will render to every man according to his works and he teaches that those who bring forth good works are those who patiently continue in well doing seeking for their glory, their honor and their eternal life. A few verses later, he states that glory, honor and peace will come to those who bring forth good works. He then states, emphatically, that God is no respecter of persons, meaning that all those who do their best in seeking to keep the Lord’s commandments, will receive the reward promised, that of glory, honor, peace and eternal life. This, in essence, is the Law of Justification. To make his teachings even more clear he states, “Doers of the law shall be justified”. Previous to this verse Paul teaches us that God will not hold us accountable to laws we have not received, but those who have received the law will be held accountable. This does not mean we can simply refuse to learn what God expects of us and think that we can be justified because we didn’t know the law. Anyone who has the opportunity to learn, but refuses will not be justified in entering the kingdom of God. See Exodus chapter 23 verse 7.  The same principle is addressed by Paul in verse 13 of Romans chapter 2; we can’t sit in church and hear the wonderful sermons and then think our job is done. Justification includes the necessity of being a doer of the word and not just a hearer only; in other words, we need to do the works of the Law of Christ. We need to keep the commandments to be justified.

Keeping in mind what we have just learned we find no contradiction in the writings of Paul in chapter 3 of Romans verse 19 through chapter 8. In this reading, Paul addresses the topic of justification. When we read this, we need to keep in mind what we have learned and that Paul is addressing the works of the law, which could be any law. Let’s take a deeper look into these chapters.

Paul teaches us that if there were no law there would be no sin, but because there is a law given and as Nephi teaches in 2 Nephi chapter 2 verses 5 through 13, because there is a punishment attached to the violation of the law, sin is real, it exists. Then as Paul teaches, we all have sinned; we all have fallen short of the glory of God. Therefore, we are justified only by the grace of God and our faith in the redeeming blood of Jesus Christ whom God sent to atone for our sins. Without God’s grace and our faith in Jesus Christ, justification would not be possible and if God could not justify us in receiving salvation, we would be doomed to death and hell for all eternity. Both grace and faith are required for our salvation.

Paul asks, “Where is boasting then?” There cannot be any boasting. We cannot be justified by our works of any law alone. We are justified apart from, or without intervention of any law. Paul, then, calls on the example of Abraham. Abraham was justified by His faith in God, demonstrated by his righteous obedience to His commandment. Verse 5 of chapter 4 is a little confusing, but we can come to understand that its intent is to say that to him that does not seek to be justified by the Law of Works, but believes in Him who does not justify the ungodly, his faith is counted for righteousness. From what we have learned in previous scripture, we can be sure that God will not justify salvation for the ungodly, or the unrighteous, those who demonstrate no faith in Jesus Christ by believing and keeping His commandments. Rather, we are justified of faith and works, through the grace of Christ to the end the promise might be sure to all the seed of Abraham.

As we continue in the book of Romans Paul states that we who desire the grace of God must not continue in sin, for if we are dead to sin, then we will no longer live in sin. When we were baptized we laid down the old man of sin and coming up out of the water we arose a new man; similar to one laying down the old, spiritually dead, sinful man in the grave and rising up out of the grave a new man in Christ. The expectation now is that we will live unto God, as instruments of righteousness, or live the lives He would want us to live and yield ourselves no longer to sin. We are the servants of him whom we enlist to obey. If we yield ourselves to the devil and obey him, then we are his servants. If we yield ourselves to God and obey Him, then we are His servants. One leads to spiritual death, the other to spiritual life.

In chapter seven, Paul reminds us that as long as we are alive, we live under the Law of God. If we do not abide the Law of God, but sin, then that sin will work death in us. The Law of God is the law ordained to bring men unto life, eternal life, the quality of life that God enjoys. Yet, we are beings of flesh and as such, we are at a constant war, the spirit against the flesh, good against evil, right against wrong and so forth. If we allow ourselves to yield to the temptations of the flesh, then we do so at the peril of our spiritual lives. In chapter eight Paul reminds us that as long as we walk not after the flesh, but after the spirit, we will be justified.

Returning back to 2 Nephi chapter 2 verses 5 through 8 for a moment, Nephi is very clear on these same teachings. The Book of Mormon speaks of requirements that must be satisfied. It teaches that we are instructed sufficiently that we may know good from evil. We are taught that the law is given to all men, but the law does not justify us. Rather due to the requirements of the law, we are cut off from God and become miserable forever; for none of us can perfectly keep the law. Then we learn of the Holy Messiah who will come and satisfy the requirements of the law for all who are broken hearted and who are contrite in spirit. In other words, the laws’ requirements are satisfied toward those who are penitent, repentant, humble and meek. It is these who are justified. These are they who keep the commandments of God; these are they who delight in obeying their Savior and Redeemer.

For further evidence and testimony of Paul’s understanding of the Law of Justification, we will turn to the book of Galatians chapter 2 verse 16 through chapter 4 verse 7. Let examine these chapters as we did the Romans chapters above.

In verse 16 we are taught, as we have studied before, that man is not justified by the works of “The Law”, whether it be the Law of Moses, or the Law of Christ alone, but rather by our faith in Jesus Christ. Then in the next several verses to include the following chapters, Paul addressed the need we have to live in Christ, or that through our obedience to Him and His law, which He gave, He then lives in us. Paul then reinforces the purpose of the Law of Moses, how its purpose was to bring His people to Christ and as they followed “The Law” they were justified by their faithful obedience. He then observes that all those who were baptized unto Christ has put on Christ; or in other words we have entered into a covenant relationship with Him, we have taken upon ourselves His name and become His children. The Book of Mormon confirms this relationship in Mosiah chapter 15 verses 12 through 13 and Moroni chapter 7 verse 19. Paul states this relationship very beautifully when He says that as His children we are heirs of God through Christ. Then Paul, when writing Titus, restates this beautiful doctrine, stating that Christ came into the world by the mercy, love and kindness of God not due to our worthiness or our works of righteousness. He states that we have done the works of righteousness by being baptized, receiving the gift of the Holy Ghost, which was shed on them abundantly and then through His grace they were justified and made an heir of eternal life. He then commands Titus to be careful to maintain good works, which are good and profitable. He would not tell Titus to maintain them if they had not already been doing them. As we have discussed previously, good works are the demonstration of our faith, that without them faith is dead, or there is no faith. James chapter 2 verses 14 through 26 are very clear in this matter.

With these verses in James in mind, let us examine the Law of Justification from the viewpoint of the unjustified. The principle to learn here is that the Law of Christ not only justifies those who keep the law, but also condemns those who do not. In the book of Doctrine and Covenants section 88 verses 34 through 39, we learn that the Law will preserve those of God’s children who are governed by the Law; not only will they be preserved, but perfected and sanctified.  It is important to remember that it is the Law of Christ that establishes the way for us to achieve salvation and if we are not obedient to that Law, we cannot be saved in the kingdom of God; it is Christ who established the Law and Christ who will judge us by the Law. Continuing on, in verse 35 we learn that those who break the Law, those who do not live by the Law, but rather seek to become a law unto themselves cannot be sanctified, neither can they be eligible for God’s mercy, thus they cannot be justified in entering His kingdom.

All kingdoms have laws, conditions and bounds given and if we do not keep these then we cannot be justified in receiving those kingdoms. In Jacob chapter 2 verses 12 through 21, Mosiah chapter 4 verses 21 through 30 and Alma 4:11-14, we read stories of people who were not living up to the laws, the conditions and the bounds the Lord had set. In Jacob, we read how men had begun to lift themselves up in pride due to their exceeding riches. It is not the riches, or the wealth that is condemned, but rather the pride that men had allowed to enter their hearts. Due to this pride, they were allowing the poor, the naked and the hungry to go unattended. We remember James chapter 1 verse 27; the pure and undefiled religion is to remember such people. In Mosiah, we learn that a man’s wealth will perish with him. King Benjamin not only warns the wealthy who do not take care of the needy, but the poor whose hearts are not right before God. Alma warns against such inequality, as well. Then in Alma chapter 5 verses 26 through 36 a very sound warning comes to those who have the Law, who had at one time been justified in receiving great blessings of the Lord, but who now may have lost their way. He asks if they have walked keeping themselves blameless before God. He asks if they were to die at this time would they be prepared to meet God. These are great questions that if we were to ask ourselves often, we would be in better spiritual shape, better prepared to meet God. Finally, to sum up these principles we turn to the word of Christ, Himself, as found in the Book of Mormon, 3 Nephi chapter 27 verses 13 through 22. Christ teaches His disciples that He has given them His gospel, or in other words, His Law. He teaches that as mankind lifted Him up and crucified Him that God, in turn, would lift up man and cause them to come unto Christ and be judged by Him according to their works, or in other words, by how well they kept the Law of Christ. Christ then states the Law by which they will either be justified or condemned. “Whoso repenteth and is baptized in my name shall be filled; and if he endureth to the end, behold, him will I hold guiltless (justified) before my Father at that day when I shall stand to judge the world”. Then Christ says, “And he that endureth not unto the end, the same is he that is also hewn down and cast into the fire (condemned), from whence they can no more return, because of the justice of the Father”.

Doctrine and Covenants section 20 verses 29 through 31 and Moses chapter 6 verses 59 through 60 sums up very well the Law of Justification and the Law of Sanctification. We know, that all men, must be sanctified by, 1. Repenting, 2. Come unto Christ in faith believing Him (by being baptized and receiving the gift of the Holy Ghost), 3. Keep the commandments of the Father and 4. Endure to the end of their lives or they cannot be justified in entering the kingdom of God. 

Topic: Sanctification

1 Corinthians 1:2 > Exodus 19:10 > Doctrine and Covenants 84:23 > Doctrine and Covenants 88:68 > Ephesians 5:5-7, 26-27 > Luke 3:3 > Matthew 28:19, 20 > Hebrews 10:10 > Alma 7:14 > Acts 2:38 > Doctrine and Covenants 38:6 > 2 Thessalonians 2:13-14 > 1 Peter 1:2 > 1 Corinthians 6:11 > Alma 13:12 > 3 Nephi 27:20 > Matthew 3:11 > John 3:5

Paul, in his first letter to the Corinthians, states in chapter 1 verse 2 that he is writing to the Saints who have been sanctified in Jesus Christ. What does it mean to be sanctified? To sanctify means to make holy or to give official acceptance or approval to. For example, if a person is sanctified, we might say he has been made clean from sin or he is holy. When an edifice is sanctified such as a Temple, the Lord has given His official acceptance or approval of it; it has become a holy place. So the topic of Sanctification may deal with the sanctification of objects or people. In this Scripture Train, the term Sanctification will be used as it applies to people.

In this same verse of scripture, Paul states that the Saints are sanctified in Christ. In Exodus chapter 19 verse 10, Jehovah commands Moses to sanctify his people; and in Doctrine and Covenants section 84 verse 23, the Lord, while teaching us about priesthood, explained this commandment he gave to Moses to help us understand the priesthood’s role in our sanctification. Also in Doctrine and Covenants section 88 verse 68, we are commanded to sanctify ourselves. In this Scripture Train, we will examine scripture that teaches us Christ’s role, the role of the priesthood and our role in the sanctification process.

First let’s examine why we need to be sanctified. Sanctification is a purifying process, the process whereby we become holy and cleansed from sin and the desire to commit sin. We are reminded in Ephesians chapter 5 verses 5 through 7 that all who have sinned are unclean and thus cannot enter into the kingdom of God. We learn in these verses that Sanctification and our previous subject of Obedience are closely related. Paul teaches that disobedience is what makes us dirty, or unclean, thus unfit to enter the kingdom of God. Then in verses 26 and 27 we are taught that sanctification is the process whereby we, individually and as a church, are cleansed with the washing of water by the word, thus becoming glorious, without sin. So, how does this work?

We learned in previous Scripture Trains that through our repentance and baptism we are cleansed or forgiven of sin. Luke chapter 3 verse 3 teaches that before the beginning of Christ’s ministry John the Baptist taught the people that they needed to repent and be baptized for the remission of sin. At the end of the book of Matthew chapter 28 verses 19 and 20, Christ commanded His disciples to go into all the world and baptize all who would believe. From these verses of scripture we learn what part of the sanctification process belongs to us as individuals. We need to repent of our sins and be baptized. Of course, this is only possible through the Atonement of Jesus Christ, see Hebrews chapter 10 verse 10, but Christ and His Disciples do not force us to use the blessings of the Atonement, but rather we have to use our agency to choose to repent and be baptized. Repentance and baptism are the beginning of the sanctification process, a process that must begin with us, by our choice. Alma teaches in Alma chapter 7 verse 14 that we must repent and be born again or we cannot inherit the kingdom of heaven. He also teaches that through our faith, repentance and baptism, we are washed from our sins and cleansed from all unrighteousness.

After our baptism, we have hands laid upon our heads and are told to receive the Holy Ghost. Peter taught such in Acts chapter 2 verse 38 and Christ taught in Doctrine and Covenants section 38 verse 6 that they, His ancient Disciples, conferred the Gift of the Holy Ghost by the laying on of the hands. Is the Holy Ghost important in the sanctification process? Yes! In 2 Thessalonians chapter 2 verses 13 through 14, we are taught that we are saved or we obtain the glory of Christ through sanctification of the Spirit. Thus we learn that the Holy Ghost is critical in the sanctification process. How so?

The Apostle, Peter, in his opening remarks of the epistle, which bears his name, states that the elect are those who have been sanctified through the Spirit and that they are sanctified unto obedience, or, in other words, they are sanctified through their obedience and righteousness. This is found in 1 Peter chapter 1 verse 2. When we are obedient, we are righteous and being righteous qualifies us for a greater portion of the Holy Ghost that we were promised after baptism. This teaches me that the Spirit has a very important role in our being made holy and set apart as we earlier defined Sanctification. In 1 Corinthians chapter 6 verse 11, Paul references the doctrine that we are sanctified through the Spirit of God. Alma in Alma chapter 13 verse 12 and Jesus Christ in 3 Nephi chapter 27 verse 20 all teach that sanctification comes through the Spirit of God, or in other words, the Gift of the Holy Ghost. Once we have repented of our sins and been baptized and received the gift of the Holy Ghost and there after live after the manner of righteousness and obedience, we will be sanctified by the Spirit and as Alma teaches, we will not even be able to look upon sin save it be with abhorrence. The Spirit purges from us, as with the likeness of fire, even the very desire to sin and when this happens, sin truly becomes abhorrent, we are truly sanctified, cleansed from even the desire to sin. This teaching of Christ in 3 Nephi 27:20, really helps us put it all together, we see all three factors needed for us to be a sanctified people: 1. We need to come unto Him in faith (although the principle of faith is not mentioned, the very act of coming to Him is an act of faith); and 2, we need to come unto Him repentant and desire baptism, remembering that only through Christ and His atonement is repentance possible; only through Christ is baptism meaningful, 3. Receive the Holy Ghost; we know from scriptural accounts that on occasion the baptism of fire that comes through the Holy Ghost comes immediately, but for most of us this begins the process whereby someday we will receive the baptism of fire; this event is taught very plainly throughout the scriptures, but let’s look in Matthew chapter 3 verse 11: Christ will baptize with the Holy Ghost and with fire.

Sanctification is a true principle and is possible for each of us; remember Christ’s teaching found in John chapter 3 verse 5: “Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit”…; the baptism of fire comes through the Holy Ghost. 

Topic: Obedience

Matthew 7:21-27 > 1 Peter 4:17-19 > Luke 11:28 > Genesis 22:18; 26:4-5> The Acts 5:29, 32 > Hebrews 5:8-9 > 2 Nephi 31:7-10 > Mosiah 5:8-9 > Romans 2:5-16 > Galatians 3:1 > Doctrine and Covenants 56:2-4 > Doctrine and Covenants 64:34 > Doctrine and Covenants 93:1

In the book of Matthew, chapters 5, 6 and 7, we find recorded Jesus’ great, “Sermon on the Mount”. He addressed many wonderful principles of His Gospel. Among the principles He taught those who were there was the topic of Obedience and He did so in a most interesting way. Says He, in Matthew chapter 7 verses 21 through 27, and I paraphrase all His words in this paragraph, “Not all of you who call me Lord will enter into the kingdom of Heaven, but only those who will do the will of my Father, who lives in Heaven.” Those who call Jesus Lord, but do not His will, will then argue saying, “Have we not prophesied in thy name? Have we not cast out devils in thy name? Have we not done many wonderful works in thy name?” After their argument is finished, Jesus will they reply saying, “I never knew you, depart from me all you who work iniquity.” From these words of Jesus it is obvious to see that wonderful works will not ensure us a place in the kingdom of God. What is the distinguishing factor between those who do the works of God and are saved and those who may do the same works and are not saved? As far as the latter group goes, their works did not bring them to know Jesus; or their works were not motivated out of faith in Jesus. Jesus goes on to say, “Whosoever hears my words and does them, I will liken to a wise man who built his house (meaning his life and his life’s work) on a rock (meaning a sure foundation, even Christ). Those whose lives are centered in Christ and do good as a result of their faith and belief in Him, following His example, will be those who He will invite into His eternal kingdom for they have come to know Him through their righteous works. There are many people in the world who think that they can wrap up for themselves a great reward by going about doing wonderful things in the name of deity, these are they who Christ says, “Built their house upon the sand” (meaning an unsure foundation, someone other than Christ). Apparently their wonderful works were not in accordance with the will of Heavenly Father. “They did not do the will of my Father who is in heaven”, therefore they did not come to know Him. Yet as good and Christ-like in our obedience as we try to be, Peter teaches in 1 Peter chapter 4 verses 17 through 19, if the righteous scarcely be saved what can then be said concerning the disobedient. The only reason the righteous are saved is through the grace of God. As discussed in an earlier Scripture Train, we cannot work our way into heaven. Only through the grace of God are we saved, after our best efforts. Our best efforts are seen in our striving toward perfect obedience. We will never be perfect in this life, but we can certainly strive for that ideal. Peter says that as we do our best we can have confidence that God will keep our souls.

It is through our obedience to God and His commandments that we come to know Him for when we obey Him we serve Him by serving our fellowman. Most all of the commandments that we have recorded in scripture in some way or another require sacrifice on our part in an act of service toward our fellowman.

In Luke chapter 11 verse 28, Christ is recorded as saying that those who hear the word of God and keep it, or in other words, who obey it, will be blessed. Would it be just if someone who profess a belief in Christ but is not obedient to His commandments were to receive the same blessings from God as those who profess a belief and are obedient? If the first instance were just, why would Christ require obedience? Why would He teach that the obedient would be blessed? He teaches Abraham in Genesis chapter 22 verse 18 and chapter 26 verses 4 and 5, that because of his obedience future generations will be blessed through his seed. We see that not only the obedient are blessed, but their posterity also. Obedience has been taught from the very beginning; it was taught by Christ and by His Apostle, Peter, in The Acts chapter 5 verses 29; he says that we ought to obey God. In verse 32 he states one of the great blessings that come to the obedient is that they have a right to the gift of the Holy Ghost.

In Hebrews chapter 5 verses 8 and 9, we learn that Jesus was obedient to His Father and was made perfect and that He became the author of eternal salvation to the obedient. So another blessing that comes to the obedient is salvation! This truth is brought into greater light in the Book of Mormon, 2 Nephi chapter 31 verses 7 through 10. Here, the question is asked, “Know ye not that he was holy?” Yes, we know He was holy, perfect, without sin, yet this verse teaches us that He showed humility and a willingness to be completely obedient to His Father by keeping His commandments. One of those commandments was to be baptized; so he humbly sought out baptism at the hand of John the Baptist. From this, we gain greater understanding of why the path to the kingdom of God is strait and gate narrow. Only those who are worthy of access can enter. We can only become worthy through obedience to God’s commandments and of course, through His grace. We cannot fully follow the Savior without being perfectly obedient to the commandments of the Father. In fact, King Benjamin teaches in Mosiah chapter 5 verses 8 and 9 that only those who covenant obedience to Christ are eligible to take upon themselves His name. This is important! Is there any other name through whom salvation will come? No! Salvation can come only through Christ and he teaches that only those who have taken upon themselves the name of Christ can be saved. So only those who are known by Christ’s name will be received up into the kingdom of God. Only those who are obedient to this requirement will be saved!

Paul, in the book of Romans chapter 5 verses 5 through 16, teaches the same principle. He says that Christ will render to every man according to his works, or in other words, his obedience to the commandments of the Father. He also teaches that God is no respecter of persons, in other words, He must be just and reward to every man according to the law of Christ. We will not be judged against one another, but rather we will be judged according to the law we had, and our ability to understand the law and how well we lived according to the dictates of our conscience and our understanding of right and wrong.

One of the greatest testimonies of the strict need for obedience is Paul’s testimony in his question to the Galatians recorded in Galatians chapter 3 verse 1. He asks the question, “Who hath bewitched you, that ye should not obey the truth…?” In my mind this absolutely puts to rest any question on the need for and the importance of obedience to our eventual salvation. Obviously, someone had convinced them that they don’t need to be obedient to the truths of the gospel. But Paul, in his letter to them, reaffirms the necessity to be obedient.

Instruction in Doctrine and Covenants section 56 verses 2 through 4, offers us additional understanding of this doctrine. Christ teaches us that if we do not follow Him and keep His commandments, we will not be saved. In fact, Christ emphasis this point further by saying that if we are not obedient then we will be cut off, meaning that we will be cut off from Him and His people. Doctrine and Covenants section 64 verse 34 adds a little more understanding to the need of obedience. Not only are we to be obedient, but we ought to be willingly obedient! We cannot be willingly obedient to the commandments and at the same time have our heart set on worldly things. God wants us to have a heart set on Him and He wants us to love His commandments. We cannot have our heart in evil and wickedness and we cannot be double minded if we want salvation in the kingdom of God.

Leaving this Train on a high and inspirational note we turn to Doctrine and Covenants section 93 verse 1. This verse of scripture offers us one of the greatest blessings we could ever desire while here upon the earth! If we will forsake our sins by coming unto Christ and call upon Him and then obey Him and keep His commandments will see Jesus and know that He lives. Is seeing Jesus and coming to know Him on such a personal level worth your willing obedience? It is to me. 

Topic: Laws and Commandments

Romans 13:9-10 > Matthew 22:36-40 > Galatians 5:14 > John 14:15 > Moses 1:39 > Psalms 19:7-8 > Doctrine and Covenants 89 > Doctrine and Covenants 41:5 > Deuteronomy 12:32 > Doctrine and Covenants 29:35 > 1 Nephi 3:7 > Doctrine and Covenants 58:26-27 > Psalms 119:165-168 > Proverbs 4:4 > Proverbs 6:23 > Proverbs 19:16 > Proverbs 13:13-14 > Proverbs 29:18 > Mosiah 2:22 > Mark 10:17-22 > The Acts 2:44; 4:32-37 > Alma 39:12 > Matthew 28:19-20 > 1 Nephi 3:4 > 1 Nephi 7:2 > Isaiah 51:4, 7 > John 13:34 > Galatians 6:2 > Mosiah 18:8-10 > Doctrine and Covenants 119:4-5 > Malachi 3:8-12 > Doctrine and Covenants 64:23 > Doctrine and Covenants 121:41-46 > Mark 7:7-9; 8:15

What is a law? A law is the entire body of rules. For example, we often talk about the Laws of Nature. Laws of Nature are factual truths; we know that water boils at 212 degrees Fahrenheit and freezes at 32 degrees Fahrenheit. Laws of Nature are true every time and every place in the universe. We cannot expect to violate a Law of Nature and get away with no consequences. That is just the way it is. I cannot expect to jump into the air and not have gravity pull me back to earth. A man cannot fly nor live without oxygen. If we do not live in harmony with these natural laws then we will suffer the consequences.

God has given us laws to live by. Anciently God gave His people a law to live by it was called the Law of Moses. Within this law were 10 commandments. When Christ was born upon the earth and as He fulfilled His mission, He fulfilled the Law of Moses and instituted what we call the Law of the Gospel. There are many laws within the over arching Gospel Law; for example, the Law of Tithing, the Law of the Fast, the Law of Works, the Law of Faith, the Law of Grace and so forth. Associated with each of these laws are commandments. We might liken these commandments to rules that parents give their children to help them live in harmony with the Laws of Nature. For example, with the Law of Gravity, a parent would teach a child not to climb up a high object. Other rules parents may have might be, “Don’t touch the fire”, or “Don’t play in a pool of water without a parent to supervise”. So the rules parents give their children assist them in learning to live in accordance with law. They are taught that breaking the rule may cause serious injury or death. Sometimes children learn the hard way, they learn that there are consequences in breaking rules; eventually most of us learn to live in harmony with law. So it is with the Laws of God.

The commandments that God gives us are designed to protect us from the harm that comes by violating the law. They are also given to make it possible for us to receive blessings that come from obeying the law. The harm that comes from violating God’s law may not be physical harm or physical death, but rather Spiritual harm or Spiritual Death, which brings unhappiness and misery. The blessings that come by obeying God’s laws bring Spiritual Life, which brings joy, happiness, peace and love. Obeying the commandments of God brings order to life.

Let’s examine Romans chapter 13 verses 9 and 10; Paul gives a brief review of several commandments and then ties them directly to the commandment to love thy neighbor as thy self. He teaches us that the 10 commandments will be well kept if we love each other; if we love each other, we will fulfill the law, meaning the Gospel Law. The teaching of Paul was learned from Jesus in Matthew chapter 22 verses 36 through 40: Here Jesus teaches that all the commandments and all law rest on the commandment to love, which if we do we will learn to live in harmony with the Law of the Gospel. This fact is also taught by Paul in Galatians chapter 5 verse 14; love is so important, we could state this as the “Law of Love”.  No wonder that Christ states in John chapter 14 verse 15 that if we love Him, we will do as He commands. Can we reverse this and state, “God loved us so He gave us commandments”. Yes! These commandments were given to us by a loving Heavenly Father; He desires to bring to pass our immortality and eternal life. See Moses chapter 1 verse 39. What greater love can He show us than to make it possible for us to receive such a gift as immortality and eternal life.

We have learned thus far a few of the purposes of commandments and why we need to keep them. Psalms chapter 19 verses 7 and 8 gives us a wonderful piece of instruction and a few more excellent purposes of commandments; 1. The commandments are perfect, 2. They convert the soul, 3. They are sure, 4. They turn the simple among us into people of wisdom, 5. They are right, 6. Commandments make our hearts rejoice, 7. They are pure and enlighten our eyes. The commandments are perfect! Does that instill confidence in our hearts? It most assuredly does! We can trust them completely and know that we will be blessed as we keep them. Not one of them will ever hurt us. All the commandments of God are given to help us in some way or another. If we keep them they will convert us to the truths of God. We can be sure they will fulfill their intended purposes. Also, as we keep them, we will learn great truths and as we apply them, we will become wise. They are always right; we can trust completely that if we keep them we will be blessed. Many times, listed with the commandments, are the promised blessings that will come to us. Those who accept the commandments and keep them will do so with rejoicing for they know they are a source of tremendous blessings. Section 89 of the Doctrine and Covenants is a perfect example of this truth. Finally, as we struggle from day-to-day in our efforts to keep them, we will be purified.

As we make the study of scripture a daily habit, we will continue to learn greater principles and truths about laws and commandments. We grow to learn how commandments are a blessing in our lives and that God gives them to us because He loves us. In Doctrine and Covenants section 41 verse 5, we learn that commandments define who and who is not a disciple of Christ. Disciples will keep the commandments of God. In Deuteronomy chapter 12 verse 32, we learn that commandments are not to be added to or subtracted from. Remember, as they come from God, they are perfect and right. In the Doctrine and Covenants section 29 verse 35, we learn that the commandments or the laws of God make us agents unto ourselves, He gives them to us and expects obedience, but we can choose not to obey; we have our agency. We also learn that all commandments are spiritual, meaning that they are designed to bless us spiritually and not just temporally, though many do that too. In 1 Nephi chapter 3 verse 7, we learn that God gives no commandments that we cannot keep. God will prepare a way for us to keep all His commandments. Remembering the grace of God, we remember that through His grace we can receive the strength to keep them. The fulfillment of this promise will bring us treasures of wisdom, testimony, enlightenment, purity and greater faith and trust in God. In the Doctrine and Covenants section 58 verses 26 and 27, we learn that the commandments lead us to do good, therefore God does not need to command us in all things. Rather, He expects us to be anxiously engaged in doing good, letting the commandments train us to learn to live within the law and to be a guide unto us. He cannot command us in all things; this would rob us of our agency, keeping us from doing good by our own free will and choice. Therefore, the commandments lead, guide and nurture us into learning to do good, to act within the law by our own desires, free will and choice; this is exactly what we need to learn to become like God. In Psalms chapter 119 verses 165 through 168, we learn that we can love the commandments of God; they will never offend a true disciple.

Next, we read some choice pieces of wisdom from the Proverbs. In Proverbs chapter 4 verse 4, chapter 6 verse 23, chapter 19 verse 16, chapter 13 verses 13 and 14, chapter 28 verse 18 and chapter 29 verse 18, we learn the following truths: Life and wisdom is obtained by keeping the commandments. Commandments are the lamp and the law is the light. Commandments keep us from evil, sin and unhappiness. Keeping the commandments will save your soul from spiritual death. We need to chasten those of our family who do not keep the commandments. When we reverence the commandments, we are rewarded with spiritual life. Keeping the commandments will bring salvation and happiness.

What, then, does the Lord require of us? Mosiah chapter 2 verse 22 has the answer: Keep His commandments! Let’s examine a few of the commandments other than the 10 commandments, which we have already discussed. These are divided into personal and general commandments; personal being those given to an individual and general being those given to all.

First, let’s examine commandments given to individuals or a confined group of people. In Mark chapter 10 verses 17 through 22, we see an excellent example of this. A rich man came running to Jesus asking what he must do to inherit eternal life. Jesus repeats a few of the 10 commandments, but the rich man replies saying that he has always kept these since his youth. Jesus, therefore, first tells the man that He loves him; then He says that there is yet one thing he needs to do, “Go thy way, sell whatsoever thou hast, and give to the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven:”.  Even though this commandment is given to a single individual, it is in harmony with the Law of Consecration as outlined in The Acts chapter 2 verse 44 and chapter 4 verses 32 through 37 and contains significant instruction to all of us. Jesus gives us commandments because He loves us, not to bind us down or restrict us in the enjoyment of life. He loved this young man so much that He wanted Him to be with Him in His kingdom. He knew that this young man had kept the commandments all his life, but yet he lacked one thing and that was to learn to sacrifice, to put the kingdom of God first. He needed to learn for himself that which is most important to him: His riches or his salvation. We learn that the commandments are for us, to perfect us, protect us and to guide us back to God. We also learn that all of God’s commandments, whether given to one or all, are always in harmony with His laws and that commandments support the law.

The next verse of scripture to examine is found in Alma chapter 39 verse 12. Alma was a leader among his people, the Nephites. Here he repeats, to his son, a commandment given by the Lord telling him to command his children to do good. The Lord knows the power of example, whether it be good or bad. He wants those who are in the public eye to be good examples of His gospel. Therefore, God gives a personal commandment to Alma concerning his sons. Do we remember the example of the sons of the prophet Eli in The First Book of Samuel? This individual commandment is also in harmony with the Law of Good Works and in harmony with the commandment to parents to teach their children.

Our next scripture is found in Matthew chapter 28 verses 19 and 20. Christ, before His ascension into heaven, commands His apostles to go into all the nations of the world, and teach the people and baptize them in the name of the Father, the Son and the Holy Ghost. He also instructs them to teach these new converts to keep the commandments. All of us should be willing to share the gospel with family, friends, neighbors, and so on, but these brethren received the commandment to take the Gospel into all the world.

We will next examine 1 Nephi chapter 3 verse 4. Prior to this time in the story, Lehi had been commanded of the Lord to take his family and flee into the wilderness to protect their lives. A few days after they left Jerusalem, the Lord comes to Lehi and commands him to send his sons back to Jerusalem and retrieve some records, what we will come to know as, “The Plates of Brass”. We learn in later chapters that these records contain the record of the seed of Joseph, who was sold into Egypt by his brethren. They are scripture given to his seed. Without these scriptures, Lehi and his family would be without the Word of God, and their seed would eventually lose their knowledge of God and His commandments. A few chapters later in 1 Nephi chapter 7 verse 2, the Lord again comes to Lehi and commands him to send his sons back to Jerusalem a second time, this time to bring back another family. This family is a family of many daughters, which would give Lehi’s sons wives to marry. In these examples, we see how the Lord instructs and commands to bless the one, which will eventually expand to bless an entire nation.

Can you imagine the ramification if these commandments had been ignored by those receiving them? In our first example, the commandment of Jesus to the rich man; it appears that it was ignored. Can he expect to be saved in the kingdom of God while ignoring this important commandment from Jesus, Himself? What about his posterity? Will they follow the example of their father? In the next example, we called upon the story of Alma and his sons. Previously in the story, one of his sons had deserted away from his duty and because of his bad example, many people would not believe in the teachings of his father and other missionaries. If Alma had not listened to and obeyed the Lord’s commandment to him, and his son had continued on in his bad example, could Alma expect to receive salvation with God and Christ? What about his son? What about the people they were expected to teach? Would they have accepted the gospel midst such a poor example of a missionary preaching the gospel?

Our next example is where the Lord commands His Apostles to take the gospel to all nations; what if these men ignored their Master? Then many thousands of people would have never had the opportunity to receive it. They would never have had an opportunity to believe in and come to know their Savior. In the stories found in the first book of Nephi, if Lehi had not taken the commandments to his sons, or if Nephi and his brothers had ignored their father, then they would never have had scripture, or the Word of God, they would never have had wives to marry; thus the posterity of Lehi would have come to an end. From these stories, we can easily see how important it is to keep God’s commandments. They are given not only for our own benefit, but to bless all mankind and they are always in harmony with Law.

The next sets of scripture we will examine are commandments given to all. In Isaiah, we read commandment after commandment for the children of Israel to repent and turn back to God.  In chapter 51 verses 4 and 7, we read the command of God for all Israel to Hearken unto Him. Hearken means to listen and obey. So not only does the Lord wants us to hear Him and listen to Him, but He wants us to obey Him. We know the children of Israel were eventually destroyed as a nation because they did not “hearken”. Also in verse 7, we read the commandment to fear not the reproach of men and to not be afraid of their reviling. Who do we fear more, God or man?

Next in John chapter 13 verse 34, we read God’s command to love one another. You will recall that it is upon this commandment that all commandments are founded and the teachings of all the prophets are grounded; for if we loved each other would there be a need for a commandment to not bear false witness, to not commit adultery, to not steel and so forth? In harmony with this commandment to love each other, we find in Galatians chapter 6 verse 2, the commandment to bear one another’s burdens. Alma teaches us in the book of Mosiah chapter 18 verses 8 through 10 that bearing each other’s burdens, mourning with those who mourn, comforting those who need comfort are expected attributes of disciples of Jesus Christ.

In the Doctrine and Covenants section 119 verses 4 and 5, we read the commandment to pay a tithe of 10 percent of all our interest annually. Interest, in this case, is defined as increase or income. This commandment is in harmony with the teachings found in Malachi chapter 3 verses 8 through 12 and Doctrine and Covenants section 64 verse 23. It would not be impossible for the Lord to inspire His prophet where to find a great gold mine by which He could finance His church and kingdom. Therefore, there must be a purpose, a reason for financing His kingdom through the tithing of the members of His church. We know that He has given us this beautiful earth with all its abundance. He has blessed us with talents, gifts and abilities whereby we are able to sustain ourselves and our families. So is it possible that He wants us to give a little in return? Does He want us to learn to sacrifice, to be unselfish and to remember that our blessings come from Him and that all that we are and ever could imagine of becoming is only possible because of Him? This is what the commandment of tithing teaches us.

In the following verses of the Doctrine and Covenants section 121 verses 41 through 46, we read beautiful counsel given by our Lord teaching us the proper way to handle authority. Often when authority is granted unto men they will immediately begin to exercise unrighteous dominion. They forget that with authority comes the responsibility to use the authority wisely and appropriately. These verses are a great example of how God gives us wise counsel and advice and then tells us what our blessings will be if followed. Although God does not say, “I command you,” or “Thou Shalt,” we should always treat His word as a commandment, if we do we will never go wrong.

Finally, in Mark chapter 7 verses 7 through 9 and chapter 8 verse 15, our Savior warns us of the commandments of men, or the teachings of men that are not inspired or given from heaven. There are men who will teach their own doctrine as if it came from heaven leading them away from the teachings of God. As a result, men and women begin to hold to the tradition of men rather than to the commandments of God. All teachings that come to us, by whatever means, should be in harmony with the revealed Word of God as found in scripture.

From these several verses of scripture, we learn that all God’s commandments are in harmony with Law, which is given to lead us back into His presence. They will keep us from evil and sin; they will keep us from spiritual and physical harm; they will lead us back to Him and His kingdom. 

Topic: Keep the Commandments

Exodus 20:1-17 > Ephesians 3:14-15 > Doctrine and Covenants 18:23-24 > John 13:34-35 > John 14:15-31 > Exodus 20:6 > John 15:14, 17 > Doctrine and Covenants 84:77 > Matthew 5:44-48 > Matthew 5:19-20 > Matthew 15:1-9 > Genesis 6:22 > 1 Nephi 2:10 > 1 Nephi 3:6-8 > 1 Nephi 22:31 > Jacob 2:10 > Ephesians 6:1-4 > Doctrine and Covenants 1:24, 32 > Leviticus 26:3-46 > 1 John 2:3-6 > 1 John 3:2-3, 22-24 > Revelation 22:14 > Doctrine and Covenants 58:30-33 > Doctrine and Covenants 29:35 > Doctrine and Covenants 93:20

In the previous Scripture Train, we learned that keeping the commandments of God is among the good works that is required of us for our salvation. What, then, is a commandment? For what purpose and intent did God give us commandments? What does God expect us to do with these commandments that He has given us? What benefit are the commandments to us?

A commandment is an order, a directive, a mandate from God to us, His children. God is the supreme creator and Father of us all. As such, He has authority over all His creations, which includes, of course, you and me. As our Creator, He has every right to issue commandments to us. Probably the most famous or well-known commandments are the 10 Commandments that He issued to the children of Israel through His prophet Moses. These are found in Exodus chapter 20 verses 1 through 17, let’s examine these commandments.

The first four commandments found in verses 3 through 7 dictate the foundation of our relationship with God. First, we are to put no other god’s before Him. After all, He is our creator, our Father and our God. He expects us to put Him first in our lives. Second, we are not to make and worship any graven image or any likeness of anything found in heaven or in earth. Third, we are not to take the name of the Lord, our God, in vain. In the scriptures, particularly in Ephesians chapter 3 verses 14 and 15, we learn that they entire family of God is called by the name of Christ; and in Doctrine and Covenants section 18 verses 23 and 24, we learn that we must take upon ourselves the name of Christ and be called in His name. Therefore, someone who takes upon Himself the name of Christ, but does not put Him first in his or her life, or who gives not the proper value to this action, or sees no worth in it and does not keep His commandments, has taken the name of God in vain. The fourth commandment, the commandment to keep the Sabbath Day holy, was given to us by God to be a day of rest from our daily labors or in other words, to bless us. To the extent that we keep this day holy is a direct indication of our relationship with God. Do we think enough of Him to set aside our own will and give Him special remembrance and to worship Him on this special day?

The first four commandments define our relationship with God; the remainder define our relationships with each other. We are commanded to honor our Father and our Mother; we are not to kill; we are not to commit adultery, or steal, or bear false witness or covet. As you can plainly tell, these commandments fit in nicely with our Savior’s commandment to love one another as found in John chapter 13 verses 34 and 35. The commandment to love is taught repeatedly throughout the scriptures. Certainly, if we love each other as we should, then we would never kill, we would never be unfaithful spouse. We would not steal from our neighbor, nor bear false witness against them or covet their possessions.

If we show each other that we love each other as we keep these commandments, then how do we show God and His Son, Jesus Christ, that we love them? Of course, Christ gave the answer! In John chapter 14 verses 13 through 31, Jesus teaches us how to show Him that we love Him; it is very clear. If we love Him, then we will keep His commandments. Jesus, always showing a perfect example, tells us in the final verse, verse 31, that He keeps the commandments of the Father, because He loves Him. As we come to understand these truths, we learn that one the God’s great intents in giving us commandments is that keeping them is a sign of our love for Him and a sign that we love our fellowmen.

Looking back in the book of Exodus chapter 20 verse 6 for a moment, we see another blessing that comes to those who keep the commandments! We learn that the mercy of God will be upon those that love Him and keep His commandments. It is obvious that God wants to show us mercy, but the only way He can is if we do our part in demonstrating our love for Him.

In John chapter 15 verse 14, Christ teaches us that He considers those who keep His commandments His friends! We see this demonstrated in the Doctrine and Covenants. After many years of faithful service, Joseph Smith and many of his associates received the great honor of being called the friends of God. In Doctrine and Covenants section 84 verse 77 the Lord says, “From henceforth I shall call you friends”. He also states in this verse that His Disciples of old were also called His friends. What a wonderful blessing and relationship! Returning to John chapter 15, we now examine verse 17. Once again He commands us to love each other. It is only through love that we, too, can someday be called His friends. At this point, allow me to recall to your mind another of God’s great commandments; another that deals specifically with love. Let’s turn to Matthew chapter 5 verses 44 through 48. Do we remember God’s commandment to love our enemies?  Does He really expect us to do so? Can we really call down blessings from Heaven upon those who curse us or do good to them who hate us or pray for them who use and persecute us? Did not Jesus set the example before us? He did and He expects us to do so too! As we do so, we learn that there is no better way to show someone that we love them than to pray for them and to do good things for them. Certainly, when we show our enemies that we love them, we also show God that we love Him, for even our enemies are God’s children and He loves them too! Jesus ends this chapter by commanding us to be perfect; can we learn to love everyone? Yes, we can! We must come to learn that God will not give us a commandment without opening the way for us to keep it! We learned this in the last Scripture Train; we learned that through His grace we are given the strength to do all that He asks of us.

Not only are we to keep the commandments of God, but in Matthew chapter 5 verses 19 and 20, we are taught to teach others to do the same. The Lord continues by teaching us that unless our righteousness, which comes by willingly keeping His commandments, shall exceed that of the Scribes and the Pharisees, we shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven. What does this mean? The Scribes were sometimes known as lawyers and they were charged with developing the law and applying it to the circumstances of their day, but because they did not do well in keeping these laws that they developed, they were referred to as hypocrites by the Savior. The Pharisees were a religious party among the Jews and were known for their strict observance of the law. However, despite their strictness, their observance failed to prepare them for the coming of the Savior for it was more for show than for the desire of righteousness; thus the Savior referred to them as hypocrites also. A good reference for this is Matthew chapter 15 verses 1 through 9.

Among the Lord’s commandments is His commandment to teach these things to our children. There are many parents among us who refuse to indoctrinate their children with the teachings of God; rather they would be inclined to say, “Let them make their own choice”. Parents have the responsibility to teach their children! The Book of Mormon prophet, Lehi, taught his children to keep the commandments as recorded in 1 Nephi chapter 2 verse 10, 1 Nephi chapter 3 verses 6 through 8, and 1 Nephi chapter 22 verse 31. Paul, teaching the people of Ephesus, taught parents to teach their children and children to obey their parents. See Ephesians chapter 6 verses 1 through 4.

Of what benefit are the commandments to us? Yes, keeping them shows God and our fellow men that we love them, but what do they do for us? In the Doctrine and Covenants section 1 verses 24 and 32, we learn a two very important principles. First, commandments come from God and if we keep them, we will come to understand why we have them. Second, keeping the commandments is part of the repentance process. If we truly desire to repent and be forgiven, then we must keep the commandments. In order to know why we have commandments that wisdom can be gained only by keeping them. Yes, I can teach the principles the commandments are based on and I can expound my understanding that I have gained through my own experience, but until an individual actually keeps them, he won’t fully comprehend and understand. For example, I can testify that keeping the Law of Chastity will keep you safe from sexually transmitted diseases and you may gain an intellectual understanding, but until you keep the law you will not feel that peace of mind. Another example is found in Leviticus chapter 26 verses 3 through 46. The Lord is very firm when it comes to the need to keep His commandments. He lays out the blessings that will be ours when we keep them and the curses that will come if we don’t. Our duty is to put the Lord to the test and learn for ourselves and gain understanding.

Faithfully keeping the commandments will prepare us for salvation. In 1 John chapter 2 verses 3 through 6, we learn a very hard lesson! We cannot say we know God if we do not keep His commandments. We cannot say we are in Christ if we do not walk His walk. In 1 John chapter 3 verses 2 through 3, and 22 through 24, we learn that as we keep His commandments, we become like Him, we will purify ourselves of sin, we will receive an answer to our prayers and He will dwell in us and we in Him. Finally in Revelation 22:14 we learn that he who keeps the commandments will have a right to the tree of life, in other words, Eternal Life. So what do we learn here? 1. When we keep the commandments, we come to know God, a requirement for salvation, 2. The love of God is perfected in those who keep His commandments, 3. Those who keep the commandments of God will abide in Him forever, 4. Those who keep the commandments will become like the Savior, 5. To those who have this hope, becoming like the Savior, he will purify himself, even as Jesus is pure, 6. The children of God are made known; they are they who keep the commandments and will not continue in sin, 7. We show our love by the things that we do, 8. Those who keep the commandments will have confidence toward God, 9. If I keep the commandments then God will dwell in me and I in Him, 10. Those who keep the commandments will have eternal life!

In the Doctrine and Covenants section 58 verses 30 through 33, we are given a word of warning. God gives commandments to us, if we do not keep them, then we will not receive the blessings attached to those commandments. He warns us not to complain when we are not blessed and say that this is not the work of the Lord for His promises are not fulfilled. We only receive the blessings when the commandments are kept. In Doctrine and Covenants section 29 verse 35, we learn that there are no temporal commandments; all commandments are designed to protect us spiritually.

Finally, in Doctrine and Covenants section 93 verse 20, we learn that if we keep the commandments we will receive of the fullness of the Father and be glorified in Him even as Jesus is glorified in the Father. Beautiful, wonderful blessings are available to those who keep the commandments. 

Topic: Good Works and Grace

Ephesians 2:8-10 > 1 Peter 1:20 > Ether 3:14 > Hebrews 11:1 > 1 Timothy 1:1 > 1 Thessalonians 5:8 > Ether 12: 4, 32 > Moroni 7:40-41 > Moroni 8:26 > John 20:17 > John 17:3 > 3 Nephi 27:21 > John 3:16 > Philippians 4:13 > Jacob 4:6-7 > John 15:1-11 > Matthew 25:31-46 > James 1:27 > Mosiah 2:17 > Alma 34:28 > James 1:22-26 > James 5:16 > Luke 16:15 > Romans 3:27 > Titus 1:16 > Ephesians 5:5 > James 2:14-26 > Psalms 62:12 > Proverbs 24:12 > 2 Timothy 4:14 > Revelation 14:12-13 > 1 Nephi 15:32 > Ecclesiastes 12:13-14 > Matthew 5:13-16 > Hebrews 12:2 > Matthew 7:12, 15-29 > John 3:18-21 > Romans 1:16-2:16 > Matthew 16:27 > Doctrine and Covenants 76:15-119 >  2 Timothy 3:14-17 > Titus 3:1-8 > Doctrine and Covenants 130:20-21 > Hebrews 6:4-20 > James 1:12-21 > James 4:17 > Ether 12:26-27 > The Acts 15:11 >  1 Peter 1:1-23 > Revelation 20:12-13 > Daniel 12:2 > Doctrine and Covenants 93:20 > 2 Nephi 10:24 > 2 Nephi 25:23 > Romans 11:6 > John 9:4 > Philippians 2:12

Many people often misunderstand the doctrines of faith, good works and the grace of Christ and how they work together towards our salvation. The scriptures are replete with examples of these beautiful doctrines. In this Scripture Train, we will examine how these doctrines work together in bringing about the salvation of mankind.

Let us first turn to the well-known teachings of Paul in Ephesians chapter 2 verses 8 through 10. These verses of scripture address our three doctrines. Paul teaches that it is by the grace of God through our faith in Jesus Christ that we are saved. He then makes a clear statement that ‘it’, salvation, is a gift of God. I would like to state, without hesitation, that this is a true statement! There would be no salvation for mankind if it were not for the gift of Jesus Christ. There would be no salvation for mankind if it were not for the gift of faith. There would be no salvation for mankind if it were not for the gift of grace. Verse 10 is also clear, we are the workmanship of Christ and have been created to work or to bring forth good works and were ordained to do so. The scriptures we will study throughout this Scripture Train will endeavor to help us all understand how these principles of the gospel work together for our salvation.

In a past Scripture Train, we discussed the truth that Jesus Christ is the literal Son of God. In 1 Peter chapter 1 verse 20, Peter reminds the readers in this beautiful epistle that Jesus Christ was foreordained to be the Savior of mankind. Therefore, God knew that Adam and Eve would fall and bring sin and death into the world and that a Savior would be required to save fallen man from death and hell. Jesus Christ is the first and great gift given to mankind. The Book of Mormon testifies to this truth! In Ether chapter 3 verse 14, Jesus Christ, Himself, testifies that He was prepared from the foundation of the world to redeem all mankind. God, through His love and grace, gave to us, as a gift, His Son, Jesus Christ. As Paul taught, our duty is to exercise faith in Jesus. This has also been discussed in a previous Scripture Train.

The faith we exercise in Jesus Christ, not surprisingly, is also a gift from God. Christ asked His Disciples in Mark chapter 4 verse 40, “How is it that ye have no faith?” Could it be that they had not as yet sought it? Faith does not just happen! In Hebrews chapter 11 verse 1, Paul states that faith is the substance, or in other words, the assurance of the things we hope for. As taught in an earlier Scripture Train, faith is the first principle of the gospel of Jesus Christ; without it nothing is possible. Faith is born within us as we hope; and what do we hope for? Timothy teaches in chapter 1 verse 1 that Jesus Christ is our hope. Paul teaches in 1 Thessalonians chapter 5 verse 8 that we hope for salvation; of course salvation comes through Christ, so to hope for one is to hope for the other. Moroni, in the Book of Ether chapter 12 verse 4 expands on this for us teaching that if we believe in God we will with surety hope for a better world, even a world where we dwell with God, which of course is salvation, which of course comes through Jesus Christ. He also teaches that this hope serves to anchor our souls keeping us sure and steadfast always abounding in good works! So the hope of salvation will lead us to exercise our faith to do good, for our faith is anchored in Christ and Christ is our example of doing good. Skipping over to verse 32, we learn that, man must hope, or he cannot receive an inheritance in the place which Christ has prepared. Moroni then teaches in Moroni chapter 7 verses 40 and 41 that in order to obtain a fullness of faith we must develop hope in our faith along the way. Faith and hope are born in our hearts as we hear the Word of God. We hear the Word of God from either the spoken word or from the written word; either way it has come to us as a gift from God. Mankind didn’t just make it up! It came as God granted, through his love and grace. So as we hear the Word, which gives us hope and as we exercise our faith in the Word, our hope grows stronger in the salvation through Jesus Christ; as our hope grows stronger, we exercise greater faith, which faith motivates us to go out and do what the Word teaches us to do! As we do this the more exciting our hope becomes and the stronger our faith grows. All of this is grounded, as Moroni teaches, in the atonement of Jesus Christ. Moroni continues to teach us in Chapter 8 verse 26 that once we are baptized and receive the gift of the Holy Ghost then the Holy Ghost will also fill our souls with hope; thus hope comes additionally as a gift through the Holy Ghost, which will also increase our faith and increase our good works.

What is the conclusion that we come to at this point? Jesus Christ was given to us as a gift of love from our Father in Heaven or we may say, “by the grace of God”; additionally, faith and hope in Christ are gifts from God, as well! Faith and hope are offered to us as we hear the Word of God; it is important to note that we have the gift of agency to choose to accept these gifts or to reject them; to accept them means that we must work to keep them and to grow them.

Referring back to Hebrews chapter 1 verse 11 for a moment, Paul also taught that faith is the evidence of the things we do not see. What evidence do we have of salvation? Of course we have the written Word of God; we have God’s prophets who testify of salvation, but how many of us have actually seen a person who has received their salvation in the kingdom of God? Very few of us! Yet, in the scriptures there is evidence of such a being. The scriptures teach of such a being! Of course it is Christ. He is our example of a saved being. Remember that in John chapter 20 verse 17, the resurrected Jesus tells Mary that He has not yet ascended to His Father in Heaven, but that He is about to do so. Is not this salvation? Is not the salvation we all seek the blessing of returning to God and making our abode with Him? Jesus teaches that if we hope to be saved in the kingdom of God, then we need to come to know Him! This teaching is recorded in John chapter 17 verse 3. When we come to know Christ, we come to know a being who has been saved in the kingdom of God. This, then, becomes the evidence of our faith, coming to know Christ. So how do we come to know Christ? Jesus, teaching the Saints of the Book of Mormon, teaches in 3 Nephi chapter 27 verse 21 that we come to know Him by doing what we have seen Him do, or in our case by doing what we have read that He did. We could also rephrase this scripture saying, “By learning to serve as He served”, or “By doing the works that He did”. Throughout our lives, we need to learn how to do like He did or how to serve like He served. In order for this to happen, we must follow His teachings and His example; as we do this we learn to exercise our faith and our hope in Him. Will we do so perfectly and without error? No of course not. We will always end up short; so what is to be done? Remember the teachings of John in John chapter 3 verse 16? We are taught that God loved us so much that He gave His Son, Jesus Christ, to live and to die for us so that we might have everlasting life. This is the grace of God! His grace will make up the difference. It is the bridge that spans the gulf between Him and us; what we are incapable of achieving due to our own weakness and inability and what He desires for us.

Everything we have discussed in this Scripture Train is bound up in the grace of God. Therefore, when we read that salvation is through the grace of God we can interpret it to mean that it is through His love, or because He loves us, He has offered salvation to us. So when we read the teachings of the ancient Apostles and Prophets that salvation is a gift from God and not of our works, we can completely understand why! We did not foreordain Christ to be our Savior; we did not bestow the gifts of faith and hope upon ourselves! All these came from a loving Father in Heaven as gifts.

The second part of the meaning of grace can be understood as we read Philippians chapter 4 verse 13 and Jacob chapter 4 verses 6 and 7. Paul records that he can do all things through Christ, who strengthens him. Jacob teaches us that as he recognized his weaknesses he learned that it was through the grace of Christ that he was given the power or the strength to do great things. Here in we see the application of the principle of faith in Christ. Without faith in Christ, Paul and Jacob would not have obtained the grace of Christ to strengthen them to do the things that God required of them. Paul and Jacob recorded these scriptures for our benefit and learning. We learn from these verses that it is Christ who strengthens us to be able to do all things that He requires of us. Why? Because without His help, we could not do what He asks of us. So, what is the grace of Christ? It is the enabling power graciously given to us to strengthen us to do all that He requires of us.

This is further taught, very plainly, in John chapter 15 verses 1 through 11. In these verses, Jesus teaches that He is the true vine, meaning that if we want to bear fruit unto salvation, then we must be a branch abiding in Him. This is so plain and so beautiful! It is through His strength that we gain the ability to bear fruit! We cannot bear fruit if we are detached from Him! He also says that every one of us who will not bear fruit will be cut away from the vine, or from Him. Obviously, this verse is speaking to those who have already attached themselves to Him through baptism, but are not drawing from Jesus the strength needed to bear fruit, they are dying while on the vine! If I have made those sacred covenants, as we have spoken of already in a previous Scripture Train, but am not fruitful, I will be cut away. Those who will not attach themselves to the vine will never bear fruit. From this incredible teaching of the Master, we learn that one of the requirements given us from our Savior is that we must bear fruit. What does it mean to bear fruit? It means that we must bring forth good works! We must do the works that Jesus exemplified! It only makes sense! If we are a branch and He is the vine, we should be bearing the same fruit! We cannot bring forth good works unless we are in Him and He in us. This is the enabling or strengthening grace of Christ. We cannot bear fruit on our own. He is the vine, we are the branches. We will bear much fruit if we are in Him, if not we can do nothing and will be cast out.

In verse 7 of this parable, we see how faith plays its important role. If we abide in Him and His word abides in us, then whatsoever we ask for will be given us. Of course, with such unity and faith as this would require, we would never ask amiss, we would only ask for that which was God’s will to give us in the first place. The Branch and the vine have become so unified that His will for us has become our will. We also learn that as we do good works through the enabling strength or grace of Christ, we will glorify the Father; we can only glorify the Father as we do good works through our unity with Jesus Christ. It is only then that our works are in accordance with the will of God. If our works are not according to His will, then they are not good works and they will not glorify our Father in Heaven. We seek for this unity, this oneness with our Savior because we love Him, have faith in Him and have hope in His word. He offers us this unity because He loves us. He commands us to abide in His love because He wants what is best for us. The only way we can abide in His love is by keeping the commandments of the Father, which were given to the Son, which He keeps and by which He also abides in the love of His Father. If we do this, our joy will be full. Thus we learn that the grace of God, which is also the grace of Jesus Christ, is manifest to us through their love, which offers us the strength necessary to keep the commandments and bring forth good works. When we do this we show God and Christ that we love them, which keeps our branch securely in the Vine, Jesus Christ.

Up to this point, we have studied the doctrine of grace and how our good works flow from our receiving the grace of God. We will now further examine the Doctrine of Good Works. I believe that Matthew chapter 25 verses 31 through 46, the parable of the sheep and goats, demonstrate clearly the importance of the Doctrine of Good Works. When Christ comes the second time, all nations, meaning those who claim a belief in Him, will be gathered before Him and He will separate them one from another just as a shepherd divides his sheep from his goats. He will set the sheep on His right hand symbolic of a blessing and the goats will be placed on His left, symbolic of a cursing. Christ will then speak to the sheep on His right and say, “Come, ye blessed of my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world”. He then explains why they are thus blessed. He then turns to the goats on His left hand and explains to them why they will not be blessed. So what is the difference between the two? From Christ’s explanation given to both groups, we can know for a surety that it is Good works! Christ, in His explanation to the two groups, explains very simply that those who he counts as His sheep were those who fed the hungry, gave drink to the thirsty, took in the stranger, clothed the naked and visited the sick and the prisoner.  It is these people who will inherit the kingdom of God! Notice, that the acts that Christ describes are not difficult acts. They are not some mighty works that take a great deal of time, money or intellect, but rather they are very simple things that show we love our neighbor as ourselves, and that we treat our brothers and sisters the way we would want to be treated. Also note that in verse 37 Christ describes these people as the righteous. These who He describes as such then ask, “When did we do all these things for you”? Christ’s reply is, “Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me.” It is my sincere belief that these acts were done in kindness and love for their fellowmen, otherwise they would not have been deemed as righteous by our Savior. Never did they think that they were working their way into heaven. Christ then turns to those on His left and tells them to depart into everlasting fire prepared for the devil and His angels. Notice here that Christ calls them cursed for they did none of these works for their fellowmen as He described earlier speaking to the righteous. He describes their reward as everlasting punishment. These verses of scripture make it perfectly clear that without Good Works salvation in the kingdom of God is impossible. We cannot be couch potatoes and think that just because we have confessed Jesus with our mouths or stated that we believe in Jesus, we will be saved with Him in His kingdom. James chapter 1 verse 27 reconfirms this understanding stating that pure religion is looking after each other, seeing to each other’s needs and keeping apart from worldliness. The Book of Mormon, a second witness to the truth of the Savior’s teachings, states in Mosiah chapter 2 verse 17 that when we are in the service of our fellowman we are only in the service of our God. If we want to serve God then we do so by serving His children, our brothers and sisters. Through our good works, we serve one another. This also reemphasizes the principle that our good works, the service we do for each other, glorifies God. Additionally, Amulek teaches in the book of Alma chapter 34 verse 28 that if we turn away the needy, the naked, and visit not the sick and so forth that our prayers are in vain and will do nothing for us, but rather we are like the hypocrites who deny the faith. Our Good Works are essential to our salvation!

Prior to verse 27 in James chapter 1, we read in verses 22 through 26 that we should be doers of the word and not hearers only. This means that the word only becomes meaningful when we do it, when we become participants in Christ’s work with Him. Can Christ come down and minister to each sick soul in every hospital throughout the world? Can Christ visit every prisoner? Can Christ feed and give drink to every hungry and thirsty child? Can Christ visit all the fatherless, every widow, everyone in their afflictions? No! He depends and relies on us to do that and if we don’t then we will be held accountable for the good that we could have done, but did not. We will find ourselves on His left side among the goats, the cursed. As we learned earlier, the grace of God will strengthen us in our good works. Now, not everyone is able to get out and do; they may be physically unable. There may be many reasons, many good, valid reasons why some cannot get out and do. Will they be found among the cursed? No! They will be blessed according to the righteous desires of their hearts and those righteous desires will be known of God and heard in their prayers. See James 5:15 and Luke 16:15.

In Romans chapter 3 verse 27, we have further emphasized to our minds and hearts that in all the good works we do we have nowhere to boast. We remember the ability and strength to accomplish the will of God comes through His grace. Without His grace, we may not even recognize a brother or sister in need for whom we can sacrifice our time or our means. Thus, through our faith in Christ and by His grace all good works are accomplished. Realizing the importance of grace in our lives and the dependence we have on Christ, tempers any pride that may arise when we do good things in our service to others. We learn very quickly that there is no patting ourselves on the back in the service of God.

Then there are those who profess to believe in God and have professed the name of Christ to be their Savior, but yet there works are not good, what of them, are they saved in the kingdom of God? We touched lightly on this earlier. In the book of Titus chapter 1 verse 16, we learn that they are abominable, disobedient and a reprobate. Combine this knowledge with that found in Ephesians chapter 5 verse 5 that no unclean person has any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and God, we quickly learn what Christ and His Apostles are teaching, that the grace of God will not cover the unclean or the unrepentant. Rather, our works must demonstrate our faith and belief in God and Christ. This understanding is reinforced by the teaching of James found in the book of James chapter 2 verses 14 through 26. I cannot profess faith in Christ without my good deeds. If I say to the hungry be filled or to the thirsty be quenched or to the naked be clothed or to the cold be warmed, but do nothing to provide for their necessities, do I really have faith? No, for faith without the works is dead, being alone. Faith and works are opposite sides of the same coin. You cannot have one without the other. I will show you my faith by the works that I will do. Remember verse 19, the devils also know Jesus is the Christ; they know and tremble, but they have no faith in Him; their works are evil continually. Verse 20 teaches that faith without works is vain. Abraham’s faith was justified through his works showing his willingness to do all that the Lord commanded, even to the offering of his son Isaac upon an alter. We are taught that faith is made perfect by our works. James goes to great lengths to teach us that faith without works is dead, even likening it to our living souls, that without the spirit our bodies are dead.

With this understanding, let’s view these teachings from a different point of view, from the view point of judgment day. Beginning in Psalms chapter 62 verse 12, we read that we will be judged according to our works. Why? Because, as the scriptures have taught, we show our faith by our works. The teachings of the servants of God in the following verses of scripture teach the same doctrine: Proverbs chapter 24 verse 12, 2 Timothy chapter 4 verse 14, Revelation chapter 14 verses 12 and 13, 1 Nephi chapter 15 verse 32 and Ecclesiastes chapter 12 verses 13 and 14. We will be judged according to our works.

As mentioned previously it is through the grace of God that we are able, in the first place, to have the strength and even the ability to rise up and do good works. The good works we do are inspired of God and must be done according to His will and not our own. This is the only way our good works can be counted to us for righteousness. Abraham did not go out on his own to sacrifice his son Isaac. Moses did not go out on his own to deliver the children of Israel. These acts of righteousness came according to the will of God and their fulfillment glorified the name of God throughout the world. Our good works must come as a result of our faith in God and inspired of Him. Matthew chapter 5 verses 13 through 16 demonstrates this truth. Speaking to His disciples, Christ teaches that through faith and righteous works we become the salt of the earth. Salt has very important functions. First, as a food preservative; in Biblical times salt was used to symbolize permanence, see 2 Chronicles chapter 13 verse 5. Second, also in Biblical times, there was rarely a food, which was not seasoned with salt, see Job chapter 6 verse 6. Third, biologically speaking, salt (sodium) plays a major role in human health. It not only feeds nutritional mineral elements to our cells, it also dissolves, sanitizes and cleanses toxic wastes from our system. This latter function makes salt a great healing substance.  Classic biology textbooks refer to salt as the cleanser of bodily fluids. From these examples we can see what a powerful parable this was; for Christ to compare a disciple to such a significant substance would be very powerful. Do we begin yet, to understand how incredibly important our works are. If that was not significant enough Christ then compares a disciple to light; a disciple is to be a light to the people of the earth. In other words, through their good deeds a disciple shows the way for a person to walk in order to return to the presence of God. A good sermon is not enough, they must walk the talk, they must set the example and let their lives be living examples. When mankind sees the good works of Christ’s disciples they will glorify God, for God is the author, He inspires us to good works and gives us the strength to do them; He is the finisher of our faith, He saves us through His grace after we have done all that He commands us, after we have done all that we can do; see Hebrews chapter 12 verse 2.

With this in mind, Christ’s teachings in Matthew chapter 7 verses 12 and 15 through 29 also become much more meaningful. Christ teaches the golden rule; if we are true to ourselves, our God and our fellowmen, then we would never treat another child of God with any less love and respect than what we would want shown to us. This brings us back to the teaching of Christ that we have already touched upon, where He taught that whatever we do to our fellowman we also do to our God. Christ teaches us to beware of false prophets, or false teachers; He said that we could discern them by their fruits, or in other words, their works, their deeds. This verse ties directly back to Christ being the Vine and we being a branch in the Vine! If we are in Christ, we will bear good fruit. If not our fruit will be evil. So, how do we recognize good and evil fruit? We can ask ourselves a few questions: What kind of an example do they set? Do their day-to-day lives walk the talk? Do they uplift and edify? Do they bring us closer to Christ? How important are our works? They are vitally important. Remember, in the end the fruit of an evil tree will be evil and it will be hewn down and cast into the fire of everlasting misery, no matter whether they confessed with their lips a belief in the Christ or not. Their works will follow them. The fruit of a good tree will be delicious and very desirable; it will lift, enlighten, instruct, and bring us unto Christ. This instruction can be found in John chapter 3 verses 18 through 21 and Romans chapter 1 verse 16 through chapter 2 verse 16.

In these verses of the 1^st and 2^nd chapter of Romans there are a couple of important principles to point out besides those which help us discern between a good and evil tree. First principle: In chapter 1 verse 16, Paul states that he is, “Not ashamed of the gospel of Jesus Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to everyone that believes”. The gospel of Jesus Christ has the power to lift man unto salvation, but only the man that believes. Belief is not passive it is an action verb. Belief, like faith, must be demonstrated in our works and deeds. Belief and faith go hand-in-hand. If I profess a true belief in Jesus, then I must have some degree of faith in what He teaches. If I have faith in what He teaches, then I will do what He asks of me. Second principle: It is not our place to judge, or in other words, condemn the sinner, for we, ourselves, are not without sin. If we condemn another for his sins, we will receive the greater condemnation. Sins are unrighteous works, works for which we will be judged and condemned if we do not repent. Repentance is a good work that we do for ourselves, which good work we are inspired to do when we come to know the goodness of God. The goodness or grace of God should inspire us to all good works. The good works that we do for ourselves and others will bring peace, honor and glory. If we do not do these good works, then we will be judged accordingly and receive the appropriate rewards. Third principle: God does not play favorites. He will judge us all individually according to His perfect righteousness, each according to His unique individuality. No one of us is alike. Each of us had different opportunities in life for learning, growth, and individual development. Can the mentally retarded be judged on the same ground as the mentally elite? Or can the orphaned boy who dies on the street at age 10 be judged the same as the boy who had every privilege? Fourth principle: Jesus Christ will be our judge and His judgments will be just, according to the teachings of the gospel. Do we comprehend how all our eternal rewards are conditioned upon ourselves? God and Christ have given us, by their grace, everything we need to succeed in our mortal journey; now the rest depends on us and we show that we love them, we demonstrate that we desire all that they have to give us by our works. That is all that we have!

In Matthew chapter 16 verse 27, we have a new possibility opened to our view. Christ teaches that He will come in the glory of His Father. Jesus is the perfect example of humility. He does not take glory unto Himself, but gives all the glory to God. Then, He says and this is what we need to ponder on: That He will reward every man according to his works. Every man, millions of us, all rewarded according to our works. What reward will we receive? Will we all be lumped together and be the recipients of one or two rewards, heaven or hell? Not according to Christ’s word. We will receive a reward that is, “According to our works”, a reward that is tailored to fit us perfectly. Are all our works the same? No, of course not; thus our rewards will not all be the same. Our final reward will be tailored to us according to our works. These teachings would lend to a belief that there are differing degrees of heaven and possibly even hell. This would match better the human condition; we all live differing degrees of righteousness and wickedness. In the Doctrine and Covenants, our Latter-day Scripture, we learn that this is indeed the case. Section 76, beginning in verse 15, we learn that as each individual is judged he will receive his individual reward according to his works. Those who learn in their lives to do the works of Christ will receive the same kind of reward that Christ received. In 2 Timothy chapter 3 verses 14 through 17, we learn that being furnished unto all good works is part of becoming perfect, whole or complete, just like Christ. We need good works to complete our faith, just like Christ. Indeed, our works perfect our faith!

In Titus chapter 3 verses 1 through 8, our knowledge and understanding of the grace of God continues to grow. We learn in these verses that we should always be ready to render good works whenever or wherever opportunities should appear. Paul, as he continues, suggests in verse two the righteous works that we, who have been rescued, should be found doing. Then he goes on and gives us some examples of unrighteous conduct that many had been accustomed to prior to their being rescued.  Obviously, Paul is very careful to remind us of the kind of men and women followers of Christ ought to be. So, if prior to our rescuing many were found involved in unrighteousness, then obviously what Paul states is true that we were rescued not by our personal righteousness at the time, but rather by the mercy of Christ, or in other words through His grace. Paul, himself is an excellent example! Paul, known as Saul prior to his rescue, could have refused the grace of Christ offered him; we all have our choice, God does not remove our choice in the offering of grace. We who are offered the hand of the rescuer must still accept the hand and accomplish, through faith, all that Christ and God command us to do; such as repent and be baptized and receive the Holy Ghost and then endure in faith for the rest of our lives. This is what verse 7 means! Verse 7 invokes the Law of Justification, which in part means that all blessings are predicated on obedience to the law upon which that blessing is predicated. See Doctrine and Covenants section 130:20-21. In other words, we will not receive a blessing of a law that we have not kept. Being imperfect beings we will not keep every law perfectly, so when we have done our best, we can justly plead for the grace of Christ to make up the rest. Through His grace, then, we are justified to become an heir of eternal life, all according to our hope and desire for eternal life, which is manifest through our works. This does not mean, however, that we are assured of eternal life; it only means that we are an heir. The actual realization of eternal life will continue to depend on us as we stay true to Christ and the hope and faith we have in Him as demonstrated by our works.

The book of Hebrews chapter 6 verses 4 through 20 is very plain on this matter. We must remain steadfast or we may fall from the grace of God. We must endure faithful unto the end of our lives. Christ’s warning to His Disciples in Matthew chapter 10 verse 22 is a good example of this doctrine; the day would come when they would be persecuted terribly, but through it all they must remain faithful if salvation with Him were to come to pass. James is also very clear on this subject. In James chapter 1 verses 12 through 21, we read that we are still subject to temptations and sin and that salvation is still very much dependant on us. James chapter 4 verse 17 reconfirms this principle stating that those who know to do good and do not, to them it is sin. With this knowledge, we know that we are subject to spiritual death. The grace of God is not sufficient to lift the unrepentant sinner to salvation. All the stories of the New Testament and the Book of Mormon, where sinners have been brought to salvation, are stories where the individual was offered salvation through the grace of God and accepted it through their faith in Christ and subsequent repentance. We see in these stories how grace and works work together to the salvation of the soul. If we say that the grace of God is not sufficient to lift the unrepentant sinner to salvation, does this mean that God is not all powerful? No, certainly not! Rather, He cannot prevent justice from claiming its own. Mercy and grace are extended unto man through the atonement of Jesus Christ. Mercy claims the repentant. Grace is extended to all through the resurrection without price and to the meek and humble who seek it. In Ether chapter 12 verses 26 and 27, we learn that we have been given weaknesses to teach us humility. Those who will humble themselves before God and in faith confess their weaknesses can seek the grace of God to strengthen them so that they may eventually overcome them. So, other than the resurrection, the grace of God is only available to the humble and meek and it will only be the humble and meek who inherit the kingdom God. Thus, the teaching in The Acts chapter 15 verse 11 is true that we are saved through the grace of Jesus Christ.

Continuing on with this principle, Peter, Christ’s chief Apostle, in 1 Peter chapter 1 verses 1 through 23, teaches the following basic, important principles: 1. God had a foreknowledge of Peter, thus, He has a foreknowledge of each of us, 2. All Saints should have a living hope of the resurrection, 3. Our inheritance is reserved for us in heaven and is kept through our faith in God, 4. We all suffer from temptation, which temptations can be heavy to bear, 5. The trial of our faith is precious and purifying unto the praise, glory and honor of Jesus Christ, 6. We rejoice in the knowledge we have of Christ, which knowledge has not come from seeing Him, but rather through the Holy Ghost, 7. Salvation comes at the end or as a result of our faith, through the grace of Christ, 8. Gird up the loins of your mind, in other words, take courage, be brave, be positive, be faithful and hope for the end for the grace that will be granted to you when Christ is revealed to you, 9. Be holy as Christ is holy, 10. Be prayerful, 11. You will be judged according to your works, 12. Be reverent, for you were redeemed by the blood of Christ, 13. Purification comes through obedience, 14. Love one another, 15. You were born again by water (baptism) and fire (the gift of the Holy Ghost). All this verifies that grace and works work together toward our salvation. According to John as recorded in revelation chapter 20 verses 12 and 13, we will all be judged out of the books that were kept and the book of life, a book that records our works here upon the earth. Even Daniel, many thousand years ago, saw that some of us would be resurrected to everlasting life, some to shame and everlasting contempt; see Daniel chapter 12 verse 2.

To finish this very enlightening Scripture Train, we will look at the final five references simultaneously. In the Doctrine and Covenants section 93 verse 20, we are commanded to keep the commandments of God; if we do so we will receive of the fullness of God by receiving grace for grace. In 2 Nephi chapter 10 verse 24, we are commanded to reconcile ourselves with God and that after doing such we will be saved through the grace of God. Then in 2 Nephi chapter 25 verse 23, we read one of the most concise and simple explanations of how grace and works work together to our salvation. In a very simple way, it sums up all that we have discussed through these many pages of discourse: We are saved by grace after all we can do! This makes Romans chapter 11 verse 6 very understandable and brings John chapter 9 verse 4 into clear understanding. Throughout the scriptures we are admonished, counseled, and commanded to keep the commandments of God. Prophets of old warned of famines, pestilence, and terrible destructions that would come if we do not keep the commandments of God. At the same time, we are commanded to repent of our wrong doings, our breaking the commandments, and reconcile ourselves with God. Christ commanded His disciples to go throughout the earth and preach repentance, baptism and the Holy Ghost to all. Throughout the New Testament Christ and His Apostles, invite all to follow Him in doing good. Christ teaches that if we love Him we will keep His commandments and remember, we cannot inherit His kingdom if we do not love Him. He knows we will not be perfect, thus He and His Apostles taught that if we will do all that we can, always striving to do our best, repenting of our sins, failings and shortcomings, then His grace will be sufficient for us and make up the rest. So Paul’s teaching in the Romans becomes clear. We cannot enter heaven via our good works; we will always come up short, way short; but just because we cannot enter heaven via our good works does not mean we are not to bring forth good works. It is through our faith and His grace that we bring forth good works and thus demonstrate our faith, hopes and desires. We are commanded to do these things, so we must, if not we break the commandment and are unclean and no unclean thing can enter the kingdom of God. Thus, salvation comes by the grace of God to us weak creatures who must rely totally upon Him for everything we hope to be. He asks that we do our best and He will make up the rest. Finally, John teaches that the opportunity we have to demonstrate our faith by our works will someday come to an end. Just as the day gives way to the night, someday our lives here on earth will end. The daytime is the time we are living. The nighttime is the time after death. We must use the daytime to work out our salvation, see Philippians chapter 2 verse 12. After that, it is too late. There are a couple of exceptions to this rule, but they are for another time.