Salvation ...According To Mormon Theology

When speaking to a Mormon, the word “salvation” is a word that has an entirely different meaning than when speaking of a biblical salvation. When speaking of this subject in light of Mormonism, one must be aware of the language barrier that must be scaled in order to completely understand what is being in said between Mormons and non Mormons.
A small handbook was published by the Mormon church titled “True To The Faith.” In it was a section on salvation that stated:

“In your conversations with other Christians, you may sometimes be asked, “Have you been saved?” Those who ask this question usually refer to the act of sincerely confessing, or declaring, that you have accepted Jesus Christ as your personal Lord and Savior. In asking the question, they show their faith in the following words, written by the Apostle Paul: “If thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation (Romans 10:9–10)." [1]

Being “saved” has an entirely different meaning to Mormons when compared traditional Christianity. The book goes on further to explain this by stating:

Answering the Question “Have You Been Saved?” In Romans 10:9–10, the words saved and salvation signify a covenant relationship with Jesus Christ. Through this covenant relationship, we are assured salvation from the eternal consequences of sin if we are obedient. Every faithful Latter-day Saint is saved according to this meaning. We have been converted to the restored gospel.

When examining the text here we can see a few things that stand out in direct opposition to Biblical salvation. Notice that it says “if we are obedient.” Also one must understand that this is just the beginning of many works that must accompany a Mormon if he or she truly desires the highest level of their belief of three heavens. As we read further in this book, it starts to lay the groundwork for true Mormon salvation as it states:

“To be cleansed from sin through the Savior’s Atonement, you must exercise faith in Jesus Christ, repent, be baptized, and receive the gift of the Holy Ghost (see Acts 2:37–38). If you have been baptized and have received the Holy Ghost through the proper priesthood authority, you have already been conditionally saved from sin. You will not be completely saved from sin until you have finished your life on the earth, having faithfully endured to the end. Note that you cannot be saved in your sins; you cannot receive unconditional salvation simply by declaring your belief in Christ with the understanding that you will inevitably commit sins throughout the rest of your life (see Alma 11:36–37).” [2]

It is clear that a Mormon cannot be saved by simply asking for Jesus to come into the life of the Mormon. Works such as; baptism, repentance, temple works and staying obedient to the principles that encompass Mormonism are needed in addition to accepting Jesus. This would raise question concerning the passage in Luke 23:43 where a dying thief on a cross received instant salvation by simply stating his faith and acknowledgement in Christ's love and power.

When reading the book of Mormon certain passages can slide by without much notice. But when bringing them to the attention of a Mormon or innocent reader, certain passages relating to the topic of salvation are shocking. For example in II Nephi 25:23 it reads:

"...We know that it is by grace that we are saved, after all we can do."

Another scripture found in the book of Mormon that does not set one at ease is Alma 11:37, which reads:

"And I say unto you again that he cannot save them in their sins; for I cannot deny his word, and he hath said that no unclean thing can inherit the kingdom of heaven; therefore, how can ye be saved, except ye inherit the kingdom of heaven? Therefore, ye cannot be saved in your sins."

Just from these few references taken from Mormon approved theological studies and doctrine, we can see that Mormons are not granted eternal life with God simply for accepting Jesus as their savior. Much more must be done by the Mormon in order to receive Jesus’ free gift that was paid for in full on the cross of Calvary. In a book titled "The Miracle of Forgiveness" written by Mormon prophet Spencer W. Kimball, he writes:

“...it may be well to say a word about the idea of salvation by faith alone. Some people who are not members of our Church like to quote, in support of that concept the following words of Paul:
“For it is by grace that you are saved through faith; and not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast." (Eph. 2:8-9) One of the most fallacious doctrines originated by Satan and propounded by man is that man is saved alone by the grace of God; that belief in Jesus Christ alone is all that is needed for salvation.” [3]


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Notes

[1] True To The Faith, A Gospel Reference, p. 150
[2] True To The Faith, A Gospel Reference, pp. 151,152
[3] Spencer W. Kimball, Miracle of Forgiveness, p. 206