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This lesson discusses obedience to God's commandments. This concept is a sticking point for some Christian theologians, who believe that LDS doctrine is not truly "christian" because of its emphasis on works and obedience. Their argument is typically that men are saved by grace, not works, and that someone who has accepted Christ into their hearts, will obey God's commandments out of love and humility, rather than in an attempt to "earn" salvation, which cannot be earned.
I think that this argument misunderstands LDS doctrine and misunderstands New Testament teachings of Christ. LDS doctrine clearly teaches that man can only be saved by God's grace, but also teaches that man can essentially surrender or give up that salvation by disobedience. This concept is nicely illustrated by this quote from Joseph Smith:
“Any man may believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God, and be happy in that belief, and yet not obey his commandments, and at last be cut down for disobedience to the Lord’s righteous requirements.”7
Likewise, the New Testament is thoroughly peppered with references to the need for good works, for obedience and righteouess, and for these things being somehow connected to salvation. Consider for example the simple story Christ shares in Matthew 25 in which he describes the judgment day, when the King will separate the righteous from the wicked. The righteous in this case are those that fed the hungry, gave drink to the thirsty, took strangers in, clothed the naked and visited the sick. The wicked -- who did none of these good works -- "go away into everlasting punishment." Matthew 25:46.
Time and time again, Christ makes it clear that in order to be saved in the Kingdom of Heaven, we must not merely accept Him, but we must do the works that demonstrate we are His followers. That is Christ's doctrine and it is LDS Doctrine as well.
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