What do Mormons believe - Choices

Q. Do Mormons believe in making their own choices?

or

After a recent conversation on this blog under the “Salvation” post, I came to understand that Mormons and other Christian faiths don’t always share the same views on the topic of making choices.

I have thought about this question for the last few days and I realize that it merits more explaining; however, I want to keep my answer to this specific question concise, so I have decided to write another post that will be posted shortly. It will explain more in depth our doctrine of making choices. I do this, because from our perspective the ability to freely make choices is crucial to our salvation. I don’t think many understand how important the ability to freely choose is to the Mormon faith. It's fundamental to the very purpose of life.

To answer the above question, yes Mormons believe in making their own choices. The Doctrine and Covenants (part of our open canon of scripture) is a collection of revelations that Joseph Smith received. I quote from Section 58, verses 26-28 (italics added):

26 For behold, it is not meet that I should command in all things; for he that is compelled in all things, the same is a slothful and not a wise servant; wherefore he receiveth no reward.
27 Verily I say, men should be anxiously engaged in a good cause, and do many things of their own free will, and bring to pass much righteousness;
28 For the power is in them, wherein they are agents unto themselves. And inasmuch as men do good they shall in nowise lose their reward.

We believe that we are free to make any choice. God may encourage us, just as Satan may tempt us; nevertheless, the choice is ultimately ours and we cannot be forced. It should be stated that there are consequences with every choice. As stated in the above scripture, choosing to do the right will bring good results. Conversely, choosing that which is not right will bring undesirable consequences.

Furthermore, we believe that our choices are what God will judge us by. We believe that the Atonement of Jesus Christ is what will save us. Nevertheless, we must consistently make choices that are in alignment with the commandments of God and choose to repent and change when we make mistakes. In essence, we have to do our part by denying ourselves of all ungodliness while relying on the mercies and grace of God. By so doing, we believe that when we are judged by God, we will be found worthy of his kingdom. Not because we were perfect ourselves, but perfect in Christ (Moroni 10:32-33).

What Do Mormons Believe? -- Faith

At least once a year, a priesthood quorum has a lesson on faith, and one of the first things spoken by the instructor is this question: "What is faith?"

It can be a confusing question to answer because everyone has his own definition. Among active latter-day saints, you often need to clarify your meaning of this word. Look outside Mormonism, and it becomes even more vital.

"I Have Faith in God"
For instance, many people associate the word 'belief' with faith; "I have faith in God" to some means that they believe He exists. To others it is an affirmation that God will provide for them. They might phrase it, "I trust God will help me." A slightly different way to say it is, "I trust God's wisdom." And still another meaning might be better put, "I am faithful to (or loyal to) God," emphasizing our role in our relationship with Him. As you mature in the gospel, your understanding of faith expands to incorporate all of these elements (and possibly more), but it can be a hard topic to discuss if you're on one level, and your friend is on another.

For this reason, it may shock some evangelicals (as well as some Mormons) that we actually do believe Paul when he said, "For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God:" Ephesians 2:8 We have to really ask ourselves what Paul's definition of faith included.

Joseph Smith taught two kinds of faith: 1) Faith as a principle of action, and 2) Faith as a principle of power. Not just any faith has power to save you. You might have faith in toothpaste (believing it will clean your teeth), or you could have faith in the Red Sox (believing they can win the world series). These kinds of faith lead you to action (you'll brush regularly, or you'll buy a ticket to Fenway Park), but neither of these is associated with any kind of heavenly power.

Faith as a principle of power
The first principle of the gospel is not just faith, it is 'faith in the Lord Jesus Christ' (see Articles of Faith 4). He alone holds the keys to your salvation. Remember, though, that salvation is not a place or an event. It is a state of being. The plan of the gospel is developmental, and we are the ones who are supposed to develop.

Because He is gracious, Jesus will accept any sinners who turn to Him, but he doesn't intend for them to remain sinners. He will send guidance through the Holy Ghost as well as messengers on the earth. The sinners will begin to feel the desire to become better. They will repent and promise the Lord (by covenant of baptism) to remain faithful to the end. Jesus will notice this leap of faith. He will send miracles (see Moroni 7:35-37). In this way, faith becomes a principle of power. As we continue to grow in faith, the Lord gladly and graciously opens the windows of heaven to pour out more and more blessings (see Malachi 3:10).

Works and Grace

Some find this to be an intimidating topic in the world of religion, particularly as it relates to the LDS faith. It needn't be. It is a simple doctrine.

We do not believe, as some, that Christ's grace will save us in and of itself. That is not to say that His grace is not sufficient for all, because it is. However, were we saved by grace alone, what would be the point in living a lifestyle of obedience? We could do whatever we desired and still obtain salvation by accepting Christ. Yet God requires that His followers obey Him, whether or
not we know (or understand) His reasoning.

The problem here is that we simply cannot be perfectly obedient. Only the Savior could fulfill the demands of justice and be perfectly compliant with the Father's will. That is why works alone will not suffice. No one would be able to achieve the expectations placed before us by only our own efforts. We are all dependent on Christ for our salvation. Thus, we need His grace. And we need repentance. We must do our part, which consists of both continuous efforts for improvement and proper repentance.

Let me share part of the explanation from the Bible dictionary:

"It is . . . through the grace of the Lord that individuals, through faith in the atonement of Jesus Christ and repentance of their sins, receive strength and assistance to do good works that they otherwise would not be able to maintain if left to their own means. This grace is an enabling power that allows men and women to lay hold on eternal life and exaltation after they have expended their own best efforts.

Divine grace is needed by every soul in consequence of the fall of Adam and also because of man’s weaknesses and shortcomings. However, grace cannot suffice without total effort on the
part of the recipient."

Christ invites all men to "Come unto me . . . and I will give you rest . . . For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light" (Matt. 11:28,30) But we must first come; He will not simply bestow His lighter burden on all. We must first knock in order to enter in to His rest. We need both to act and accept His divine grace.

Suggested readings on this topic:

The Atonement: Our Greatest Hope
by President James E. Faust (Liahona, Jan. 2002, 19-22)

Words of the Early Apostles: Grace
by Elder Christoffel Golden Jr. (Ensign, Oct. 2003, 48-52)

Beauty for Ashes: The Atonement of Jesus Christ
by Elder Bruce C. Hafen (Liahona, Apr. 1997, 39)