During my time in Utah, I was immersed in the LDS culture and got a good picture of the LDS “gospel”. Through numerous conversations and reading of the Book of Mormon, it was clear to me that their gospel was impossible to follow. I recall a particular conversation that made this clear. On the last day of the trip, I was partnering with Margo. We had been going door-to-door and found no conversation lasting longer than 20 minutes.
We arrived at an apartment complex and knocked on the door of a man who had recently returned from his mission. I knew this conversation had potential. Margo and I explained our evangelical backgrounds and that we were in Utah to learn more about the LDS faith. We then began asking questions regarding his faith: “How long have you been a member of the LDS church?” “Where was your mission to?”; questions to get the conversation started. Margo then asked, “What is the main difference between evangelical doctrine and LDS doctrine?”, which led to a comparison between the Book of Mormon and the Bible.
Through his explanation, it was revealed that their faith was based on the work of Jesus on the cross, plus their own works. The gentleman we spoke with used the phrase, “trying daily to be a good person” repeatedly to answer what our work has to do with our faith. This belief is in direct contrast with the evangelical view. As Ephesians 2:8-9 says, “It is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— not by works, so that no one can boast”. Our salvation isn’t about our work, but the work of Jesus on the cross.
Though faith without works is dead (James 2:17), those works don’t bring forth salvation.
This is what makes our faith possible. We do not rely on ourselves or our own works, but the work of Jesus. Through His sacrifice, we can have a relationship with God. Utah was such an unforgettable experience, and I thank the Lord for making the impossible possible.
Cameron Bearinger, Class of 2027
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