09) WORKS: Is it essential to believe in justification by faith (that we are saved without works, without keeping all of the commandments, and jointly with Christ) to be saved?

Prophetic Statements

Joseph Fielding Smith

“This mortal life is granted us that we may be schooled properly and trained through the plan of salvation to be worthy to become in very deed sons and daughters of God. Our Eternal Father would have every soul saved if that were feasible. Salvation, however, is based on merit and obedience to divine law and therefore is only obtained through compliance with divine commandments.” ¹

“Very gladly would the Lord give to everyone eternal life, but since that blessing can come only on merit-through the faithful performance of duty-only those who are worthy shall receive it.” ²

Ezra Taft Benson

“The gospel of Jesus Christ has always been essentially a plan for living more abundantly. To do so requires righteous, worth while effort and application. If we are to pattern our lives in accordance with the divine example set for us by the Savior, we must attain to that stature by releasing and developing our capacities to the fullest through devoted service. Only in this way may we become worthy examples of the kingdom of God on earth and merit consideration for membership in the kingdom of God in heaven. ³

Thomas S. Monson

“It is the celestial glory which we seek. It is in the presence of God we desire to dwell. It is a forever family in which we want membership. Such blessings must be earned.” ⁴

Supporting Statements

Jonathan C. Cutler

“Now, in order that we may bring and merit unto ourselves a complete exaltation, and he worthy to come back into the presence of our Father, there is a code of laws that we must live up to.” ⁵

1. Joseph Fielding Smith, Answers to Gospel Questions, 5 vols., 5:, p.82
2. Joseph Fielding Smith, Doctrines of Salvation, 3 vols., edited by Bruce R. McConkie, 2:, p.5
3. “Power Through Service,” Millennial Star 118 [9 October 1956]: 298.) – Ezra Taft Benson, The Teachings of Ezra Taft Benson, p.330
4. Thomas Monson, “An Invitation to Exaltation,” Ensign (Conference Edition), May 1988, p.53
5. Jonathan C. Cutler., Conference Report, October 1918, Outdoor Meeting.,p.96