Expert: Mrs. Priscilla Lyons - 1/24/2007

Question
As a Christian in Utah, I live in a more unusual environment than most Christians.  One of the thoughts that has crossed by my mind is; How wrong is too wrong?  Every Christian has their own mental picture of their own faith, and certainly none of us have the absolutely correct understanding of all that is required of us.  The big question for me is; How wrong can a Mormon be before he/she is too wrong -- or for that matter, a Baptist, a Lutheran, a Catholic, or an AOG?

I've been reading the gospels to see what Christ said about salvation, and I find two dominant requirement: 1 - Belief in Jesus as the Christ, and 2 - Follow Christ's commands (which amount to Love God and Love your neighbor).  There is nothing about joining a specific church, or having the correct understanding of all doctrine, etc..

What's your view on this?

Answer
Dear Jay,
   Thanks for writing.  I'm sure that there will be people in Heaven who are there in spite of their religion or denomination's errors.  And no doubt there will be people in Hell in spite of their religion or denomination's correct doctrine.  Only God can read the heart and know if a person has really entrusted him/herself to the true God.
   Basically, if a person realizes that God is perfect and we can only live with Him if our sins are forgiven and we receive the perfect righteousness of Christ, then God gives us the gift of eternal life.  Jesus provided forgiveness and His righteousness at the cost of His life.  We can only receive His righteousness by allowing Jesus to live in and through us to fulfill His commands.  That's what the picture of baptism means--the total surrender and death to "our old man." (Romans 6)
   I can't tell whether another person is being loving and good because Jesus is in control of their life, or whether that person is being loving and good to try to earn God's favor or to be liked by others.  The Mormons I've known are super nice people.  But it is only by trusting in Jesus' perfection, not my own efforts, that I can have assurance of an eternity with God.  That is what God wants us to share, because no church or doctrine can save, only Jesus Himself can save anyone.  So your two points are exactly right--believe Jesus enough to save us from our sins and to follow Him as Lord.  
   I thank God for allowing Christians to work together as the body of Christ.  We do need each other, and our local church family means a lot to us.
   I pray that God will shine through you to others in Utah!
   Priscilla