When engaging with someone from the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (Mormonism), a good starting point for dialogue is to explore their understanding of the relationship between grace, works, and Jesus in the context of salvation. This approach encourages them to reflect not only on how salvation is achieved but also on how their personal relationship with Jesus influences their faith and actions.
Question:
"As Christians, we believe that salvation is a gift from God, freely given by His grace through faith in Jesus Christ alone (Ephesians 2:8-9). This faith leads to a personal relationship with God, which then transforms our lives and leads us to do good works out of love for Him. How do you see the role of Jesus in your own relationship with God? Do you feel that your connection to Him is based more on faith or on the works you do?"
Explanation:
Mormons believe that grace is essential for salvation but must be combined with good works and obedience to God's commandments. They often cite 2 Nephi 25:23 from the Book of Mormon: "For we know that it is by grace that we are saved, after all we can do." This suggests that while grace plays a role, salvation requires individuals to do their part through righteous living, ordinances like baptism, and adherence to the teachings of the Church. In contrast, traditional Christianity teaches that salvation is entirely by grace through faith in Jesus Christ, not by works (Ephesians 2:8-9). Good works are seen as the fruit of faith, not the means to earn salvation. Christians believe that Jesus' finished work on the cross is sufficient for salvation, and nothing can be added to it.
Possible Response:
A Mormon might respond by saying that while they believe in Jesus as the Savior, their relationship with God is rooted in obedience to His commandments and participating in ordinances. They may express that their faith and actions work together to secure their standing with God.
Follow-up Question:
"If our actions are what define our relationship with God, how can we ever be certain we’ve done enough? How does that affect your sense of peace and assurance in your relationship with Him?"
As you continue the conversation, remember that the goal is not to win an argument but to share the truth of what God desires: a personal relationship with each of us. At this point, sharing your testimony can be powerful, as it highlights how God has worked in your life in ways that are undeniable. Even if they don’t openly acknowledge it, such personal stories can plant seeds of thought in their hearts. Trust that God can use these seeds to cultivate a deeper understanding of His love and grace. As 1 Peter 3:15 encourages us, we should always be ready to share the reason for our hope, inviting others to explore the relationship with God that has transformed us.
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