Works

From The Encyclopedia of Mormonism

See this page in the original 1992 publication.

[God has made provision through the Atonement of Jesus Christ for the salvation of the human family. Those things that God does for mankind are called "grace." Those things that people have to do for themselves are called "works." Both are necessary.

The Lord requires all persons to do all that they can do for themselves to obtain salvation. For instance, James said, "Faith without works is dead" ( James 2:26), and John wrote that the dead are judged "according to their works" ( Rev. 20:12). Paul emphasized grace, but did not exclude works: "By grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: not of works, lest any man should boast. For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them" ( Eph. 2:8-10). Also, "as ye have always obeyed,…work out your own salvation with fear and trembling" ( Philip. 2:12). Likewise, Nephi1 wrote, "We know that it is by grace that we are saved, after all we can do" ( 2 Ne. 25:23).

Latter-day Saint doctrine teaches that works alone can never bring salvation, but good works accompany both faith and grace. Articles pertaining to this topic are Atonement of Jesus Christ; Commandments; Enduring to the End; Faith in Jesus Christ; Grace; Judgment Day, Final; Justification; Obedience; Righteousness; Salvation; Second Estate. ]

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