Several times on my mission people would approach me with the comment that Mormons believe we are saved by our works. This is not true, at least not for me or any other Mormons I know personally and it is certainly not taught by any of the leaders.
But I would like to share with you something the Savior Himself taught us about works.
In the margins of Matthew 25:33-45 I had written some time ago:
I don't remember writing that, and I'm not sure when I did but as I pondered it I came to understand not only what the Savior taught through these verses, but what He taught through all of chapter 25.
Matthew 25 has story after story of virgins, servants, men, who, because of choices they made were ultimately cast out of our Savior's presence.
If our "works" meant nothing at all to Him who created us, why then does He tell us these stories?
Why does He teach us what we should do?
Why, when He was baptized, did the Savior say:
He said it because living righteously does matter. He wants us to do what is right because He wants us to become more like Him.
I am not saved because I choose to do what He has asked. My salvation can only come because Jesus Christ suffered for me. He died on the cross and rose again for me. And this is the reason I choose to do what He has asked. Because He did this, He has every right to ask what He will of me and I should be willing to do it.
I hope to be better at following His commandments every day.
But I would like to share with you something the Savior Himself taught us about works.
In the margins of Matthew 25:33-45 I had written some time ago:
"Our works do not save us, but they can condemn us"
I don't remember writing that, and I'm not sure when I did but as I pondered it I came to understand not only what the Savior taught through these verses, but what He taught through all of chapter 25.
Matthew 25 has story after story of virgins, servants, men, who, because of choices they made were ultimately cast out of our Savior's presence.
If our "works" meant nothing at all to Him who created us, why then does He tell us these stories?
Why does He teach us what we should do?
Why, when He was baptized, did the Savior say:
"It becometh us to fulfil all righteousness?" Matt 3:15
He said it because living righteously does matter. He wants us to do what is right because He wants us to become more like Him.
I am not saved because I choose to do what He has asked. My salvation can only come because Jesus Christ suffered for me. He died on the cross and rose again for me. And this is the reason I choose to do what He has asked. Because He did this, He has every right to ask what He will of me and I should be willing to do it.
I hope to be better at following His commandments every day.
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