A Different Gospel
THE WARNING
Gal 1:8-9 But even though we, or an angel from heaven, should preach to you a gospel contrary to that which we have preached
to you, let him be accursed. As we have said before, so I say again now, if any man is preaching to you a gospel contrary to
that which you received, let him be accursed.
The L.D.S 3rd article of faith states: "We believe that through the Atonement of Christ, all mankind may be saved, by
obedience to the laws and ordinances of the Gospel"
Even if we took this 3rd article of faith at the true meaning of the word "saved" it would be an untrue statement. We are not
saved by obedience to the laws and ordinances of the gospel. So if we take this 3rd article of faith at face value then the issues
between Christianity and Mormonism would be What does it mean to be saved? and Grace Versus Works. Unless
otherwise noted scripture is from the New American Standard.
What does it mean to be Saved?
I believe a good place to start this discussion is to see what the words saved and salvation actually mean.
Webster's Collegiate Dictionary tenth edition
SAVED 1. a: to deliver from sin b: to rescue or deliver from danger or harm c: to preserve or guard from injury, destruction or
loss
SALVATION 1. a: deliverance from the power and effects of sin.
Nelson's Illustrated Bible Dictionary
SALVATION: Deliverance from the power of sin; redemption. In the Old Testament, the word salvation sometimes refers
to deliverance from danger <Jer. 15:20>, deliverance of the weak from an oppressor <Ps. 35:9-10>, the healing of sickness
<Is. 38:20>, and deliverance from blood guilt and its consequences <Ps. 51:14>. It may also refer to national deliverance from
military threat <Ex. 14:13> or release from captivity <Ps. 14:7>. But salvation finds its deepest meaning in the spiritual realm of
life. Man's universal need for salvation is one of the clearest teachings of the Bible.
The term saved and salvation means that we are rescued and delivered. So a logical question would be rescued and delivered
from what? When we turn to Christ we are saved from receiving God's wrath.
Rom 5:8-9 "God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. Much more then,
having now been justified by His blood, we shall be saved from the wrath of God through Him.
John 3:36 "He who believes in the Son has eternal life; but he who does not obey the Son shall not see life, but the wrath of
God abides on him."
1Thes 1:9-10 For they themselves report about us what kind of a reception we had with you, and how you turned to God from
idols to serve a living and true God, and to wait for His Son from heaven, whom He raised from the dead, that is Jesus, who
delivers us from the wrath to come.
The scripture is clear that to be saved means that we will escape the wrath of God. According to the L.D.S 3rd Article of Faith
"all mankind may be saved, by obedience to the laws and ordinances of the Gospel" The Bible however states that salvation
comes apart from works. In other words we are not saved because of "obedience to the laws and ordinances of the Gospel".
Gal 3:2-3 This is the only thing I want to find out from you: did you receive the Spirit by the works of the Law, or by hearing with
faith? Are you so foolish? Having begun by the Spirit, are you now being perfected by the flesh?
Rom 4:1-5 What then shall we say that Abraham, our forefather according to the flesh, has found? For if Abraham was justified
by works, he has something to boast about; but not before God. For what does the Scripture say? "And Abraham believed
God, and it was reckoned to him as righteousness." Now to the one who works, his wage is not reckoned as a favor, but as
what is due. But to the one who does not work, but believes in Him who justifies the ungodly, his faith is reckoned as
righteousness,
Titus 3:5 He saved us, not on the basis of deeds which we have done in righteousness, but according to His mercy, by the
washing of regeneration and renewing by the Holy Spirit,
John 6:28-29 They said therefore to Him, "What shall we do, that we may work the works of God?" Jesus answered and said to
them, "This is the work of God, that you believe in Him whom He has sent."
Eph 2:8-9 For by grace you have been saved through faith; and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God; not as a result
of works, that no one should boast.
(See also Rom.6:23)
Notice that salvation is a gift of God. You do not work for and earn a gift. If you work for something it is wages due and no
longer a gift. Mormons will of course refer to the book of James to show try to show that we are saved by works. In context
James is not contradicting Paul he simply is showing that genuine faith produces works. We are not saved by our good works.
However if we really are saved we will naturally have good works. One does not say baa baa to become a sheep. One says
baa baa because one is a sheep.
The L.D.S 3rd Article of Faith also redefines the word saved to mean something other than how the Bible defines the word
saved. Remember saved means delivered from the wrath of God Rom.5:8-9
Bruce R. McConkie (Mormon Apostle)
Mormon Doctrine, p.670-671 Salvation by Grace
Since all good things come by the grace of God (that is, by his love, mercy, and condescension), it follows that salvation itself --
in all its forms and degrees -- is bestowed because of this infinite goodness. However, one of the untrue doctrines found in
modern Christendom is the concept that man can gain salvation (meaning in the kingdom of God) by grace alone and without
obedience. This soul-destroying doctrine has the obvious effect of lessening the determination of an individual to conform to all
of the laws and ordinances of the gospel, such conformity being essential if the sought for reward is in reality to be gained.
Immortality is a free gift and comes without works or righteousness of any sort; all men will come forth in the resurrection
because of the atoning sacrifice of Christ. (1 Cor. 15:22.) In and of itself the resurrection is a form of salvation meaning that
men are thereby saved from death, hell, the devil, and endless torment. (2 Ne. 9:17-27.) "O the wisdom of God, his mercy and
grace! For behold, if the flesh should rise no more our spirits must become subject to that angel who fell from before the
presence of the Eternal God, and became the devil, to rise no more." (2 Ne. 9:8) In this sense, the mere fact of resurrection is
called salvation by grace alone. Works are not involved, neither the works of the Mosaic law nor the works of righteousness that
go with the fullness of the gospel.
The trouble with Bruce McConkie's statement is that saved does not mean resurrected no matter what dictionary you use. The
Bible does not teach universal salvation. In other words not every one will be saved.
John 3:17-18 "For God did not send the Son into the world to judge the world, but that the world should be saved through Him.
"He who believes in Him is not judged; he who does not believe has been judged already, because he has not believed in the
name of the only begotten Son of God.
Luke 8:11-12 (Jesus speaking) "Now the parable is this: the seed is the word of God."And those beside the road are those
who have heard; then the devil comes and takes away the word from their heart, so that they may not believe and be saved.
It is obvious in these 2 passages that not every one will be saved. So it cannot mean resurrection in the way Bruce McConkie
uses it. Everyone will not be saved but everyone will be resurrected as you can see in the next two passages.
Dan 12:2 "And many of those who sleep in the dust of the ground will awake, these to everlasting life, but the others to disgrace
and everlasting contempt.
John 5:28-29 "Do not marvel at this; for an hour is coming, in which all who are in the tombs shall hear His voice, and shall
come forth; those who did the good deeds to a resurrection of life, those who committed the evil deeds to a resurrection of
judgment.
In summary we are not saved by works but by grace alone. We do good works because we are saved not to become saved.
Not every one will be saved but everyone will be resurrected some to eternal life others to eternal judgment. Therefore the 3rd
article of faith and Bruce McConkie's book Mormon Doctrine are both incorrect because the Bible disagrees with them.
To dig a little deeper into this subject we will next examine Grace VS Works.
THE WARNING
Gal 1:8-9 But even though we, or an angel from heaven, should preach to you a gospel contrary to that which we have preached
to you, let him be accursed. As we have said before, so I say again now, if any man is preaching to you a gospel contrary to
that which you received, let him be accursed.
The L.D.S 3rd article of faith states: "We believe that through the Atonement of Christ, all mankind may be saved, by
obedience to the laws and ordinances of the Gospel"
Even if we took this 3rd article of faith at the true meaning of the word "saved" it would be an untrue statement. We are not
saved by obedience to the laws and ordinances of the gospel. So if we take this 3rd article of faith at face value then the issues
between Christianity and Mormonism would be What does it mean to be saved? and Grace Versus Works. Unless
otherwise noted scripture is from the New American Standard.
What does it mean to be Saved?
I believe a good place to start this discussion is to see what the words saved and salvation actually mean.
Webster's Collegiate Dictionary tenth edition
SAVED 1. a: to deliver from sin b: to rescue or deliver from danger or harm c: to preserve or guard from injury, destruction or
loss
SALVATION 1. a: deliverance from the power and effects of sin.
Nelson's Illustrated Bible Dictionary
SALVATION: Deliverance from the power of sin; redemption. In the Old Testament, the word salvation sometimes refers
to deliverance from danger <Jer. 15:20>, deliverance of the weak from an oppressor <Ps. 35:9-10>, the healing of sickness
<Is. 38:20>, and deliverance from blood guilt and its consequences <Ps. 51:14>. It may also refer to national deliverance from
military threat <Ex. 14:13> or release from captivity <Ps. 14:7>. But salvation finds its deepest meaning in the spiritual realm of
life. Man's universal need for salvation is one of the clearest teachings of the Bible.
The term saved and salvation means that we are rescued and delivered. So a logical question would be rescued and delivered
from what? When we turn to Christ we are saved from receiving God's wrath.
Rom 5:8-9 "God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. Much more then,
having now been justified by His blood, we shall be saved from the wrath of God through Him.
John 3:36 "He who believes in the Son has eternal life; but he who does not obey the Son shall not see life, but the wrath of
God abides on him."
1Thes 1:9-10 For they themselves report about us what kind of a reception we had with you, and how you turned to God from
idols to serve a living and true God, and to wait for His Son from heaven, whom He raised from the dead, that is Jesus, who
delivers us from the wrath to come.
The scripture is clear that to be saved means that we will escape the wrath of God. According to the L.D.S 3rd Article of Faith
"all mankind may be saved, by obedience to the laws and ordinances of the Gospel" The Bible however states that salvation
comes apart from works. In other words we are not saved because of "obedience to the laws and ordinances of the Gospel".
Gal 3:2-3 This is the only thing I want to find out from you: did you receive the Spirit by the works of the Law, or by hearing with
faith? Are you so foolish? Having begun by the Spirit, are you now being perfected by the flesh?
Rom 4:1-5 What then shall we say that Abraham, our forefather according to the flesh, has found? For if Abraham was justified
by works, he has something to boast about; but not before God. For what does the Scripture say? "And Abraham believed
God, and it was reckoned to him as righteousness." Now to the one who works, his wage is not reckoned as a favor, but as
what is due. But to the one who does not work, but believes in Him who justifies the ungodly, his faith is reckoned as
righteousness,
Titus 3:5 He saved us, not on the basis of deeds which we have done in righteousness, but according to His mercy, by the
washing of regeneration and renewing by the Holy Spirit,
John 6:28-29 They said therefore to Him, "What shall we do, that we may work the works of God?" Jesus answered and said to
them, "This is the work of God, that you believe in Him whom He has sent."
Eph 2:8-9 For by grace you have been saved through faith; and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God; not as a result
of works, that no one should boast.
(See also Rom.6:23)
Notice that salvation is a gift of God. You do not work for and earn a gift. If you work for something it is wages due and no
longer a gift. Mormons will of course refer to the book of James to show try to show that we are saved by works. In context
James is not contradicting Paul he simply is showing that genuine faith produces works. We are not saved by our good works.
However if we really are saved we will naturally have good works. One does not say baa baa to become a sheep. One says
baa baa because one is a sheep.
The L.D.S 3rd Article of Faith also redefines the word saved to mean something other than how the Bible defines the word
saved. Remember saved means delivered from the wrath of God Rom.5:8-9
Bruce R. McConkie (Mormon Apostle)
Mormon Doctrine, p.670-671 Salvation by Grace
Since all good things come by the grace of God (that is, by his love, mercy, and condescension), it follows that salvation itself --
in all its forms and degrees -- is bestowed because of this infinite goodness. However, one of the untrue doctrines found in
modern Christendom is the concept that man can gain salvation (meaning in the kingdom of God) by grace alone and without
obedience. This soul-destroying doctrine has the obvious effect of lessening the determination of an individual to conform to all
of the laws and ordinances of the gospel, such conformity being essential if the sought for reward is in reality to be gained.
Immortality is a free gift and comes without works or righteousness of any sort; all men will come forth in the resurrection
because of the atoning sacrifice of Christ. (1 Cor. 15:22.) In and of itself the resurrection is a form of salvation meaning that
men are thereby saved from death, hell, the devil, and endless torment. (2 Ne. 9:17-27.) "O the wisdom of God, his mercy and
grace! For behold, if the flesh should rise no more our spirits must become subject to that angel who fell from before the
presence of the Eternal God, and became the devil, to rise no more." (2 Ne. 9:8) In this sense, the mere fact of resurrection is
called salvation by grace alone. Works are not involved, neither the works of the Mosaic law nor the works of righteousness that
go with the fullness of the gospel.
The trouble with Bruce McConkie's statement is that saved does not mean resurrected no matter what dictionary you use. The
Bible does not teach universal salvation. In other words not every one will be saved.
John 3:17-18 "For God did not send the Son into the world to judge the world, but that the world should be saved through Him.
"He who believes in Him is not judged; he who does not believe has been judged already, because he has not believed in the
name of the only begotten Son of God.
Luke 8:11-12 (Jesus speaking) "Now the parable is this: the seed is the word of God."And those beside the road are those
who have heard; then the devil comes and takes away the word from their heart, so that they may not believe and be saved.
It is obvious in these 2 passages that not every one will be saved. So it cannot mean resurrection in the way Bruce McConkie
uses it. Everyone will not be saved but everyone will be resurrected as you can see in the next two passages.
Dan 12:2 "And many of those who sleep in the dust of the ground will awake, these to everlasting life, but the others to disgrace
and everlasting contempt.
John 5:28-29 "Do not marvel at this; for an hour is coming, in which all who are in the tombs shall hear His voice, and shall
come forth; those who did the good deeds to a resurrection of life, those who committed the evil deeds to a resurrection of
judgment.
In summary we are not saved by works but by grace alone. We do good works because we are saved not to become saved.
Not every one will be saved but everyone will be resurrected some to eternal life others to eternal judgment. Therefore the 3rd
article of faith and Bruce McConkie's book Mormon Doctrine are both incorrect because the Bible disagrees with them.
To dig a little deeper into this subject we will next examine Grace VS Works.
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