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Members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints (Mormons) are Christians because they are followers of Jesus Christ. They believe Jesus Christ performed the great work of the Atonement, and that only through faith in the blood of Christ are we saved.

Mormons accept Christ as Savior of the world, but do not interpret grace the way most protestant churches do. Salvation by grace alone was introduced in the late 1500s by Martin Luther. It was Martin Luther's interpretation of some of Paul's letters and was primarily introduced to fight the Church's practice of selling indulgences. There are ample scriptural references to the value of good works, but this value does not come into play and could NEVER matter if not for the blood of Christ and our faith in his sacrifice. Ordinances such as baptism and the sacrament and efforts such as repentance and doing good to others only have value because of Christ's sacrifice, so it is by grace we are saved and not because of the works we do.

The Bible tells us over and over that we must keep God's commandments and do good to one another to enter into the kingdom of heaven. In another article I wrote for Helium, I use the parable of the sheep and goats to show how caring for others was the criterion for entering into the kingdom of heaven. This can be the criterion only because Christ made it possible for us to return to God through the shedding of his blood.

Mormons believe in God the Father, his Son Jesus Christ, and the Holy Ghost. They do not know or worship other Gods; they do not worship Joseph Smith, Moroni, Nephi, or Moses. They pray to God the Father in Christ's name. They believe, as Paul told the Romans, that they are heirs of God and joint-heirs with Christ. What does it mean to be an heir and a joint-heir? I don't believe anyone knows exactly what that means, but an heir inherits something from his or her parents.

Christians everywhere disagree on Gospel points. For this reason, there are so many sects and denominations out there. I have always found it interesting that Mormons, who call themselves Christians, have never had a problem with any other group wanting to call themselves Christian. We can disagree on principles of the Gospel, and still all be Christians if a Christian is someone who follows Christ and accepts his as the Savior of the world.

Christ said "Follow me." Mormons, like other Christians, are trying to do just that.

Learn more about this author, Ron Arendas.
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