Got rid of your ‘stuff’ yet?
Jesus’ Teachings
It is ironic that those who preach salvation by grace alone typically cite the apostle Paul’s writings but ignore the teachings of Christ himself. While the Book of Mormon teaching that we are “saved by grace after all we can do”26 may conflict with the theology of some modern Christian groups, it is consistent with Jesus’ teachings in the New Testament.
The Savior spent three years teaching people the principles by which they should live their lives, never once mentioning grace. His principal message was “Repent: for the kingdom of heaven is at hand,”27 (which was the same message taught by John the Baptist.28 He upbraided certain cities and said they were under condemnation because they did not choose to repent.29
Christ taught that it was necessary to keep the commandments, both in reality and in thought, in order to enter the kingdom of heaven.30 When the rich young man came to Jesus asking how he could gain eternal life, Jesus began by telling him to keep the ten commandments, then added that he should give his wealth to the poor and follow him.31 He required his disciples to follow his teachings and commandments32 and said that they would be rejected at the judgment day if they did not do so.33 He declared that “not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven,”34 suggesting that confession of his name, while necessary, is insufficient for salvation.
Jesus also commanded that baptism be performed35 and was himself baptized.36 He told Nicodemus that “except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God.”37 He taught that those who were baptized were considered “justified,” while those who chose not to be baptized were not justified and were under condemnation.38Prior to ascending to his Father, he instructed the apostles to go to all the world, baptizing in his name and teaching their converts to keep all of his commandments.39 According to Mark 16:16, he declared that “he that believeth and is baptized shall be saved.”
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