Question
Hello Gramps!
I need to know for my own sake after having conversations with my daughter’s father (my ex) that he is leaving the LDS church because he has a problem with 2 Nephi 25:23. “For we labor diligently to write, to persuade our children, and also our brethren, to believe in Christ, and to be reconciled to God; for we know that it is by grace that we are saved after all we can do.” He argues that we are saved no matter what we have done in our lives as long as we have faith in Christ. He says that the referenced scripture above does not say that. He says that LDS believes that we have to do “certain” things to be able to live with GOD and according to the New Testament this is not so. He mentions our former prophet Kimball and his teachings as well. Can you help me out here? Also, why would we need the Book of Mormon IF we live (to the best of our abilities) as Christ did and taught? Since we are saved by grace? I would be so very grateful since I worry about our daughter who is at a critical age. Thank you for your time and consideration.
Help
Answer
Dear Parent,
Your daughter is of utmost importance in your request. Do not lose sight of that, and I will try to do the same in my response. How do you teach her faith? Especially when someone with an opposing opinion holds influence. The key here is that you are transmitting your own values to the next generation, not abstract principles or well-proved theory. Get comfortable with what you believe and it will be that much the simpler to explain it.
A question of faith
So take a moment to determine where you stand on faith. What does it mean to have faith in Christ? Can you have faith in other things (is there a secular application of faith)? Is faith different from belief, or a synonym? Is faith different from positive-thinking? Do I have faith in Christ? How do I know? Can others tell if I have faith in Christ? Does it matter if others can tell or not?
Similarly, take a moment to determine where you stand on works. What is a work? Is an ordinance work? What about prayer? Is obedience work? What if obedience is simply abstaining from evil (“thou shalt not”) – is that still a work? Why do I perform my works? Is there a relationship between my faith and my works? Is there a relationship between my works and my faith?
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