My understanding is that many, if not most, Protestants feel that good works will happen automatically if you accept Jesus as your savior. They would argue that doing good works is not the end unto itself, but rather an “indicator” that you have truly and sincerely been saved by inviting Jesus into your heart. While that could be, I am more apt to agree with the earlier poster who indicated that faith and works are equally important. Certainly, Catholicism teaches that. And that seems to be the Mormon view as well, is it not?

Next, on the subject of gods, I wonder: Does the LDS church teach that worthy males become Gods equal to the father, the creator (i.e. God with a capital “G”). Or do they become lesser gods (with a small “g”)? Is it possible that we are actually talking about two entirely different nouns with entirely different meanings? If that were the case, it could explain a lot of things: the first commandment, for example, or the divine nature of Jesus Christ. ohaven[at]hotmail[dot]com

My answer to you would match the second of the two that you have posed above. The first is refuted by James himself in the Bible, and the last of the three, I haven’t ever heard. This is not to say it doesn not exist, but I know that the church condemns suicide, murder, and anything of the sort. We know that sacrifices of blood ended when the Lord was resurrected.

I would be more than happy to continue to discuss this with you if you could find a reference to the third example you gave. Otherwise, I would humbly suggest to you, that as members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter–Day Saints, we believe that Jesus Christ saves us after all we can do. To learn the official stance the church takes on issues like this, you can visit the official church web site or invite church representatives into your home.

Thank you for your great question. I look forward to hearing back from you.

I would love to continue to talk to you about these things if you would like to. You might also enjoy and benefit from speaking with official representatives of the church. You can contact them by clicking here.

“Those who are worthy to return to the presence of our Father in Heaven and Jesus Christ become “heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ” (Romans 8:17) of all that the Father has. They will return to live with Heavenly Father and with their families in His eternal glory.”

I am a simple believer, Mike. But I seem to understand difficult truths like this one by relating it to events here on earth that I CAN understand. Let me illustrate:
Let’s assume my father is the President of an enormous company. He raises me by teaching me all about the business he works in, the things he does on a daily basis, and the skills he has acquired. He hopes, as any good father might, that I can, one day become everything that he has become and more. After I go through life, get my education, work for the company, and prove my ability to do what my father asks of me within the company, I am promoted. Promotions continue until, one day, I am the Vice President. The only person in the company that is above me is my father. Remembering that he wants me to acheive all that he has and more, he then offers me the ability to be a joint partner with him in this company so I can experience all that he has.

I would submit to you, in my own simple way, that this is how our Heavenly Father, God, works as well. He wants us to gain all the experience we can while here on earth, prove ourselves, and return to dwell with him. We are then worthy to posses “all the Father hath.” God wants us to attain all we can and has prepared a plan by which we can do so.

I don’t have all the answers, Mike, but I can tell you that I know that God loves us and wants the most for us as His children. I can also testify to you that the complete and whole truth of the gospel of Jesus Christ is on the earth today and found in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter–Day Saints. I know that for myself.

I would invite you to meet with missionaries and ask them the questions that you have posed here. They would be more than happy to answer your questions and talk with you about the church a little more. They are the official representatives of the church and of God on the earth. You can invite them to visit with you by clicking here.

Thanks so much, Mike for asking that question. I would love to talk to you more about the topic if you would like to email me by clicking here. Or you can leave a comment in response to this one. Thanks again, and good luck in everything!