[T. P. Pole]

Re: grace and works, there are scriptures in the Bible that support works, too. Revelation 20:12 comes to mind, where it says the dead are judged "according to their works"

James 2 (the last half) also comes to mind. Peter 1:17 sure seems to say the Father judges according to our works.

Like I tried to say, God requires works. However, no matter how much "works" I do, I cannot approach the throne without the grace of Christ. My works are really a sign of my conversion or faith, but really do not save me. Only Christ's grace saves me.

But Christ does reach out and says "come, follow me."

[T. P. Pole]

Funny story. On our missions we are encouraged not to "Bible bash" with other people. For the most part we complied.

One day, as we were tracting (knocking on doors) there was this guy following us. He would stand on the sidewalk and shout anti-Mormon stuff at us as we were talking to folks.

Eventually we approached him to chat. He stated something like this thread - that Mormons are not Christians because our hymns do not teach about Christ, etc.

Interestingly, we both happened to have our respective hymnals with us. We spend the next 15 minutes or so having a "hymnal bash." By the time we were done we were all laughing at the situation and left as civil friends.

[Godzilla]

But Christ does reach out and says "come, follow me."

Actually, TAKE UP YOUR CROSS and follow me.