Okay now im getting worried. Many similiraties with the Latter-day Saints? Oy vey!
With all due respect we differ on core doctrines, I believe in the Trinity, you guys believe in a billion gods, even the Father and Son are two different gods. I believe in the Bible, you have the book of Mormon and the Bible. I believe i will not be "a god", you guys believe you can become gods. I believe in salvation by grace through faith, you guys believe in works salvation. That is unless ALOT has changed in the LDS teaching recently.
Oh boy, I pray to my God that things can change in the future. I have been so impressed lately by John 17 and the prayer the Savior gave...”that they all may be one.” I don’t have the answers of how, but I believe He knows and He will get us all there if we are willing to listen. You are no better than I and I am no better than you. We sin differently, that’s for sure. How are we ever going to be one if we cannot see the similarities and seek understanding? As a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, I am considered by 75% of this world as Christian. Of the 25% of Christians on this planet, there is a large percentage of those who will not accept me as a Christian because of misunderstanding. We are all ready out numbered 3 to 1! How are we going to win the battles coming if we do not become one? I feel it has to do with facing fear with faith. I see a lot of good in what you have shared with me. In fact, I still just love the not work for but work out your salvation thing you said. Here is what I believe and there are a few similarities if you have eyes to see (Romans 11)...
Jesus taught:
“13 Behold I have given unto you my gospel, and this is the gospel which I have given unto you--that I came into the world to do the will of my Father, because my Father sent me.
14 And my Father sent me that I might be lifted up upon the cross; and after that I had been lifted up upon the cross, that I might draw all men unto me, that as I have been lifted up by men even so should men be lifted up by the Father, to stand before me, to be judged of their works, whether they be good or whether they be evil--
15 And for this cause have I been lifted up; therefore, according to the power of the Father I will draw all men unto me, that they may be judged according to their works.
16 And it shall come to pass, that whoso repenteth and is baptized in my name shall be filled; and if he endureth to the end, behold, him will I hold guiltless before my Father at that day when I shall stand to judge the world.
17 And he that endureth not unto the end, the same is he that is also hewn down and cast into the fire, from whence they can no more return, because of the justice of the Father.
18 And this is the word which he hath given unto the children of men. And for this cause he fulfilleth the words which he hath given, and he lieth not, but fulfilleth all his words.
19 And no unclean thing can enter into his kingdom; therefore nothing entereth into his rest save it be those who have washed their garments in my blood, because of their faith, and the repentance of all their sins, and their faithfulness unto the end.
20 Now this is the commandment: Repent, all ye ends of the earth, and come unto me and be baptized in my name, that ye may be sanctified by the reception of the Holy Ghost, that ye may stand spotless before me at the last day.
21 Verily, verily, I say unto you, this is my gospel; and ye know the things that ye must do in my church; for the works which ye have seen me do that shall ye also do; for that which ye have seen me do even that shall ye do;
22 Therefore, if ye do these things blessed are ye, for ye shall be lifted up at the last day.
Is that so wonderfully clear and powerful? The Savior, the most intelligent man who has ever lived can explain His own gospel so well!