Mormons believe that to be saved, those who are above the age of accountability must believe in Jesus Christ, take his name upon them, bear witness of him, obey his commandments and be baptized in his name by one holding authority given by Christ. And they must keep that covenant, learn and follow the teachings of Christ and keep faith in and follow Christ throughout their lives, enduring to the end.
For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: 9 Not of works, lest any man should boast. Ephesians 2:8-9 (KJV)
For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: but it is the gift of God: 9 Not of works, lest any man should boast. Ephesians 2:8-9 (JST)
For we labor diligently to write, to persuade our children, and also our brethren, to believe in Christ, and to be reconciled to God; for we know that it is by grace that we are saved, after all we can do. 2 Nephi 25:23 (Book of Mormon)
Mormon doctrine and culture work together to create an elastic web.
It is sticky on the inside. Disenchanted Mormons have great difficulty leaving the Mormon church. They get stuck. Their questions and doubts are answered in doublespeak. They are told they are Christian, so there is no point in looking for answers there. They are told that if they are struggling or have doubts, it is because of their own unworthiness.
It is rubbery on the outside. When Christians attempt to witness the truth of God's Word they find the doublespeak and Mormonese definition of biblical terms bounce their words back.
This is the plight of Mormons.