"You have faith and believe." tantiboh Ahh, and the word faithe is substituted for believe and the life I'm living is a walk with Him in my human spirit, transforming me by the renewing of my mind. In your belief system, when will the Holy Spirit come into your human spirit to renew your mind?... After all that you can do to earn that Grace?
"If you’re right, we’re both filled with the Holy Spirit, we’re both cleansed, and we’re both saved." tantiboh Son, if you are filled with the Holy Spirit now, not some later after all that you can do to be worthy, then you and I are in --already in-- the same family! I sincerely hope that is the case, Tant.
"Meanwhile, I’ll have a happier life." tantiboh Oh really? If you are awaiting some deliverance after all that you can do, then you are in a different LIFE because eternal LIFE is already in me due to my faithing in the Promise from God that He will be in me to will and to do of His good pleasure. I count it the greatest expression of happiness to be able to write this to you of assurance, because what I write to you regarding my gaurantee is based on amening the Promises of God, not some doctrine penned by a peepstone false prophet who is a proven liar and conman who put all sorts of man-made conditions on your assurance of God's Deliverance for your immortal soul.
~”Have faith in what...”~
In Christ and His atonement. I thought that went without saying. I forgot that you would be looking for ways to nitpick. My apologies.
~”Oh really?”~
Yes. Do you find joy in serving others? In striving to become a better person? Perhaps not, since works are not required in your framework of beliefs. But I certainly do.
In fact, just a couple of days ago, I went with the missionaries to the home of a young man. He’s Catholic by heritage, but is searching for something more. It was a great joy to express to him my love for the Savior and to help teach him of God’s love for him. I’m very pleased that I had the opportunity.
This evening, another member of my ward (a former Methodist, by the way) dropped by with his pickup to retrieve an extra bed that I had. He was transporting it for a young woman in our ward who has just struck out on her own with very little means and was sleeping on the floor. I found happiness and joy in the ability that I had to help her in this way. Tonight, she will be more comfortable.
My religion teaches me to take advantage of such opportunities. It’s a constant source of joy; and I can feel my relationship with Christ strengthen as I take advantage of them, as well as when I strive to become more honest, more charitable, and more honorable. These things are called “works.” Indeed, I have far, far to go before I am a perfect person; but as long as I am moving forward steadfastly on the path, then the Grace of Christ is sufficient for me. He does not expect perfection. Just our faith, love, and efforts to be obedient.
You, of course, are freed from the shackles of service and goodwill. You don’t need them. God bless you.
As for your tired disparagement of Joseph Smith, I reject it out of hand. Joseph was a prophet of God. He was God’s instrument in the restoration of Christ’s own Church to the earth. Satan, naturally, is displeased, and strives in the hearts of many to tear down the work of Christ. He does so through lies and half-truths, such as those you have listed. It doesn’t matter; Christ’s Church will go forth, unashamed, bold, and ultimately triumphant over evil. God has spoken it.
In the meantime, I would suggest you join the fight of Mormonism against the forces of evil; but I understand that you are reticent to do so. Those would be works, and for you, works are not necessary.