Book of Mormon
Posted in Atonement Book of Mormon Doctrine Gospel of Jesus Christ Grace Jesus Christ language Problems Salvation

Saved by Grace “After All We Can Do”? Nephi’s Context of Reconciliation

2 Nephi 25:23 has the statement, “for we know that it is by grace that we are saved, after all we can do.” Does this mean that salvation is a chore in which we do much of the work, or a transaction in which we pay as much of the price as we can, and Christ only steps in after all we have done or paid to make up the difference? Or does this actually mean that salvation is completely “apart from” if not unrelated to all that we can do? Or something else? I think a plausible answer comes through considering the context. 

Continue Reading...
Posted in Ancient Near East Atonement Baptism Book of Mormon covenants Doctrine Faith Gospel of Jesus Christ Jesus Christ Restoration Salvation

Cherishing the Book of Mormon’s Teachings on the Fairness of God

One of the most spiritually and intellectually satisfying elements of the Restored Gospel of Jesus Christ the is fairness of God. Contrary to centuries of tragically misguided theology about the…

Continue Reading...
Posted in Uncategorized

Mother’s Day and Grace, Mormon Style

As I reflected upon Mothers Day and my relationship with my mother, I saw a potential opportunity to clarify a common misunderstanding about the LDS perspectives on grace and obedience….

Continue Reading...
Posted in Uncategorized

“Why Marriage, Why Family”–A Highlight from the 2015 LDS Conference

For those struggling with questions about the Church’s emphasis on marriage, and the sanctity of marriage between a man and woman, a thoughtful talk from the recent General Conference might…

Continue Reading...
Posted in Ancient Near East Christianity Doctrine Evidence history Salvation Scholarship

Early Christianity and the (Restored) Concept of Three Degrees of Glory

A page in Barry Bickmores’ “Mormonism and Early Christianity” site provides some information from early Christian writings that are consistent with the Latter-day Saint doctrine of three degrees of glory…

Continue Reading...