Latter-day Saints Believe Everyone Is Saved

Unlike my friend’s understanding of “being saved,” Latter-day Saints believe that Jesus Christ saves everyone from sin, not just those who say they accept Him. That isn’t to say, however, that everyone is automatically redeemed. The grace of Jesus Christ—one aspect of which Latter-day Saints (“Mormons”) commonly call the Atonement—isn’t something that you earn, but rather it’s something that you’re given. And, like a gift, we have the choice to accept it or not.

When Jesus suffered for our sins in Gethsemane and died on the cross at Calvary, He suffered for everyone, not just those who He thought might need it or accept it. His Atonement is a blanket one. Our entering mortality came with the condition that we would be saved through the sacrifice of Jesus Christ. He suffered and died for us so that we might be made clean and perfect, so that we could live with Heavenly Father again. Latter-day Saints believe that everyone is saved because Jesus Christ overcame death and sin; that triumph alone is enough to qualify everyone for redemption. Even those who never accept Jesus Christ’s sacrifice will be saved from a fate in hell.

We Must Choose Jesus Christ

The Atonement of Jesus Christ doesn’t automatically make everyone clean, however. Rather, it makes it possible to become clean. In Psalms we learn about the conditions for dwelling with God: “Who shall ascend into the hill of the Lord? or who shall stand in his holy place? He that hath clean hands, and a pure heart” (24:3–4). No one can be perfectly clean through their sole efforts; anyone who lives with God must be made clean through the grace of Jesus Christ.

The key to being saved is our own moral agency. (Moral agency is a term Latter-day Saints use to describe our ability, freedom, and responsibility to choose between right and wrong. Our moral agency is a gift from God and gives us the power to become as He is.) When the Savior completed the Atonement, He established a condition whereby we may be cleansed. He made it possible. But because He won’t force us to keep His commandments and live by His example, He cannot guarantee that we will be saved unless we choose to accept His gift of grace.

In the Book of Mormon (a book of scripture unique to Latter-day Saints and a companion book to the Bible) we learn a key characteristic of the sacrifice of Jesus Christ: “he [Christ] cannot save them in their sins; for I cannot deny his word, and he hath said that no unclean thing can inherit the kingdom of heaven; therefore, how can ye be saved except ye inherit the kingdom of heaven? Therefore, ye cannot be saved in your sins” (Alma 11:37, emphasis added). The key to this scripture is that Christ cannot save us in our sins; He can only save us from them. If He redeemed us in our sins, then we wouldn’t be required to change, and we wouldn’t really be made clean. He saves us from our sins, so that we can repent, change, and be cleansed.

Faith and Works

When my friend and I were discussing this, she got hung up on the battle of faith versus works. In James we read that “faith without works is dead” (2:26). But we also know that we cannot become perfect and clean through our own efforts. So how do faith and works fit together? What James means is that our faith in Jesus Christ is powerless unless we act on it. We must use our faith to propel us into making choices that guide us closer to Jesus Christ and Heavenly Father.

When it comes to grace and being saved, our works are crucial, not because we “earn” salvation but because we surrender ourselves to God’s will. We cannot say that we accept Jesus Christ as our Savior without changing the way we live. So when my friend said that her relative had accepted Jesus Christ as his Savior, he was clearly indicating that he had faith in the Lord. But unless he changed his life to fit more in line with the teachings of Christ, then his faith didn’t do much.

We Are Saved by Grace

I need to emphasize that Latter-day Saints (“Mormons”) do not believe that our works will get us a ticket into heaven. The pathway to salvation isn’t divided up into one part works and two parts grace. The atonement of Jesus Christ is the whole pathway. Our works come into play because they are what gets us onto the road of grace, and our works keep us there. Being saved isn’t a passive act; it is an involved and active way of living. Being saved is a way of life that invites the Savior into your heart, mind, and actions so that He can make you clean. He can’t wash away our sins if we insist on holding on to them.

Latter-day Saints say that everyone can be saved, because that pathway to salvation is available to everyone. No one is exempt from being able to choose to follow the Savior, and because of His sacrifice, all can make it down the road He has prepared for us.

Brigham Young University (BYU) is operated by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latterday Saints, often mistakenly called the “Mormon Church.” As part of their undergraduate coursework, BYU students take multiple semesters of spiritually uplifting, stimulating religion classes.

Here, in this column, students enrolled in scripture study classes have shared their thoughts, insights, and reflections on the New Testament and gospel of Jesus Christ in the form of letters to someone they know.  In publishing these, we fulfill their desire to witness to all of us of the relevance, power, and beauty of the New Testament, and God’s plan of happiness for each of us.  We invite you to take a look at their epiphanies and discoveries as they delve into the scriptures. Let us know how these may help you in your own life. Share them with a friend.

Letter to my wife about giving up our will

I want to share an idea from my New Testament class this week. We were reading in Philippians 2 and noticed the importance of our will, especially in verses 12 through 17 or so. I have always found it interesting to notice that all we have that we can truly give to God, that He hasn’t directly given us, is our will. I have always felt humble about this idea and have loved attempting to accomplish it. Basically, the only way to do this is to place our will on the altar of God. Then, once our will has been given up, we can receive God’s will in our heart. I think this is the essence of the Atonement and our best way to become like Christ.

My professor told a story that really magnified this idea that I would like to share with you. It started with him telling us about a little old widow convert from his mission in Brazil. He said she lived down by the river on property that you don’t have to purchase, because no one is interested in a property that would flood a couple times every year. This woman’s house was tin-roofed and the slats that made up the walls left small gaps. In about a 10×8 foot house she had only a small bed, a stump for a chair, and a small table made of two sawhorses and three 2×6 pieces of wood.

After the bishop of the ward had been to her house, he felt badly for her and wanted to help her. He decided to start with one piece of furniture at a time. Over the pulpit during the next sacrament meeting, the bishop announced that a family that was in need of a small table and if anyone could spare one to come to his office after church. After church, he had a light knock on his door. It was the old woman. She said, “Bishop, I want to talk to you about your announcement today.” The bishop was afraid that she was offended. Instead, she told him that she thought all families should have a table to eat at and she had a very small basic table, but that she would give it to them until they could find a nicer one. The bishop then smiled and told her it was supposed to be for her. She was polite, but told him thanks anyways. She said he should spend his time helping those who really needed it.

I love this story, and think it very much explains the way we should give up our will. I hope I can do this and hope it brightens your day also.
Love you forever,

Ian

In this series (see below), students enrolled in scripture study classes have shared their thoughts, insights, and reflections on the Book of Mormon in the form of letters to someone they know. We invite you to take a look at their epiphanies and discoveries as they delve into the scriptures.

In publishing these, we fulfill their desire to speak to all of us of the relevance, power and beauty of the Book of Mormon, a second witness of Jesus Christ and complement to the Bible. The Book of Mormon includes the religious history of a group of Israelites who settled in ancient America. (The names they use are those of prophets who taught the Book of Mormon peoples to look forward to the coming of Christ—Nephi, Lehi, Alma, Helaman, and other unfamiliar names. We hope those names will become more familiar to you as you read their inspiring words and feel the relevance and divinity of their messages through these letters.)

Let us know if you’d like to receive your own copy of the Book of Mormon, and/or if these messages encourage and assist you spiritually as well.

Mormon Thoughts: The Physical Representation of the Effects of Sin
Letter to a Friend

Dear David,

I hope you are doing well. I know it’s been awhile since we last talked, but I would really like to explain better now why the destruction of the ancient inhabitants of America was so terrifying in chapters 7-10 of Third Nephi in The Book of Mormon.

God, the master of words that he is, had several purposes for having this descriptive account recorded for us in this time. One that we talked about in my Book of Mormon class that is fairly clear is to show the fate of the wicked at the last day that they will not be allowed to abide in Jesus Christ’s or God’s presence.

Another reason I learned about recently is to describe with physical events the spiritual pain we go through when we sin. Our guilt may burn and consume us like fire. Our souls are thrown into upheaval as those things that were once one way are drastically changed into another, just as the scriptures said that the smooth places were made rough and the rough places were made flat.

Another description of the effects of sin is drowning: unable to draw breath and panicking. The inhabitants of ancient America were also described as swallowed up by the earth and rocks falling down to bury them. Similarly, when we sin we feel a weight and pressure upon us, crushing and immobilizing us. All these effects of sin destroy us and leave us destitute, but these effects can be contrasted to the joy and healing to be found when we repent of our sins and turn unto Christ.

God lets us know exactly what we can expect when we sin and when we repent. Please try to understand these things because they will bring you the greatest joy in life.

Your friend,

Ryan

Additional Resources:

Mormon Beliefs

In this series (see below), students enrolled in scripture study classes have shared their thoughts, insights, and reflections on the Book of Mormon in the form of letters to someone they know. We invite you to take a look at their epiphanies and discoveries as they delve into the scriptures.

In publishing these, we fulfill their desire to speak to all of us of the relevance, power and beauty of the Book of Mormon, a second witness of Jesus Christ and complement to the Bible. The Book of Mormon includes the religious history of a group of Israelites who settled in ancient America. (The names they use are those of prophets who taught the Book of Mormon peoples to look forward to the coming of Christ—Nephi, Lehi, Alma, Helaman, and other unfamiliar names. We hope those names will become more familiar to you as you read their inspiring words and feel the relevance and divinity of their messages through these letters.)

Let us know if you’d like to receive your own copy of the Book of Mormon, and/or if these messages encourage and assist you spiritually as well.

Mormon Thoughts: Intimate Atonement
Letter to Author’s Sister

I am writing you early this week because I don’t want to forget the feelings I just had in class. I was incredibly tired, and prayed at the beginning of class to pay attention and feel the spirit. Oh boy, did I feel the tender spirit as we read through only half the chapter together as a class and discuss this unique passage of scripture. My hand didn’t stop writing until we watched a short video at the end of class.

There are three witnesses that occur in chapter 11 of 3 Nephi of the divinity of the Savior Jesus Christ. The first and most powerful in all scripture is the testimony of the Father, “Behold my Beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased, in whom I have glorified my name—hear ye him” (3 Nephi 11:7). Second, Christ testifies of himself. Finally, and most importantly, the Savior invited the multitude to, “Arise and come forth unto me, that ye may thrust your hands into my side, and also that ye may feel the prints of the nails in my hands and in my feet, that ye may know (3 Nephi 11:14, emphasis added).

Interesting that after the testimony of the Father and the Son, the personal confirmation of the Spirit is the most lasting testimony we can receive. Christ understands our mortal state and the effect of our senses to increase our knowledge and understanding of principles. But I truly believe that what the people needed most of all was to feel his love for each of them personally as it was conveyed by the spirit.

This is my favorite scripture among all latter-day revelation:

And it came to pass that the multitude went forth, and thrust their hands into his side, and did feel the prints of the nails in his hands and in his feet; and this they did do, going forth one by one until they had all gone forth, and did see with their eyes and did feel with their hands, and did know of a surety and did bear record, that it was he, of whom it was written by the prophets, that should come (3 Nephi 11:15, emphasis added).

This scripture demonstrates the infinite and intimate nature of the Atonement. I know that Christ suffered for the sins of the world, but he also suffered for our infirmities, pains, afflictions, temptations, sicknesses, etc., as stated in Alma 7:11-12.

My teacher made the statement, “When you come to Jesus he will be exactly what you need him to be.” If you need someone to cry with, he’ll weep with you, or smile with you, or comfort you. He knows what we need when we need it.

I know that you and I are daughters of God. I know that through sincere, consistent prayer I feel that the Savior is exactly the kind of friend, father, or brother that I need him to be. I have my struggles, like everyone does. The Atonement is how I take these to him daily, weekly, and monthly to reconcile, strengthen, and succor me through this life.

I love you and hope that this was understandable.

Hailey

Additional Resources:

Mormon Beliefs

In this series (see below), students enrolled in scripture study classes have shared their thoughts, insights, and reflections on the Book of Mormon in the form of letters to someone they know. We invite you to take a look at their epiphanies and discoveries as they delve into the scriptures.

In publishing these, we fulfill their desire to speak to all of us of the relevance, power and beauty of the Book of Mormon, a second witness of Jesus Christ and complement to the Bible. The Book of Mormon includes the religious history of a group of Israelites who settled in ancient America. (The names they use are those of prophets who taught the Book of Mormon peoples to look forward to the coming of Christ—Nephi, Lehi, Alma, Helaman, and other unfamiliar names. We hope those names will become more familiar to you as you read their inspiring words and feel the relevance and divinity of their messages through these letters.)

Let us know if you’d like to receive your own copy of the Book of Mormon, and/or if these messages encourage and assist you spiritually as well.

Mormon Thoughts
Letter to Author’s Grandmother

Grandma,

It has been a bit since Joy and I last saw you. We just made a scrapbook for the year 2011 and another for 2012, and we included pictures of us going to the Las Vegas temple with you and Sherida. Joy and I have set goals to attend the temple as it is so very close to us. Next time we come down, it would be nice to go again with you guys.

With my studies I have been studying the scriptures with Joy, and something made me think of you and your life. You have a few years on me, and I still have much to learn, but I admire those who give themselves to a cause and to a belief. In 3 Nephi chapter 9 verses 19 and 20, we read how Jesus introduces the higher law that coincides with His sacrifice. He teaches that we should not offer blood or burnt sacrifices anymore. Instead, He explains what He requires of each of us: “And ye shall offer for a sacrifice unto me a broken heart and a contrite spirit.”

I believe that sacrifice in ancient times is not so different from what it means today. While we do not offer up a physical animal to sacrifice, we offer up the animal in each of us. The carnal and natural man must be offered up as sacrifice. In ancient days, “sacrifice” meant to make something or someone holy. This can be very difficult, and it is supposed to be.

I think we all have daily opportunities to sacrifice for the God that suffered and died for us. Going to the temple, studying the scriptures, and magnifying my callings are the ones I am working on. It seems like the only thing I lack in my abundance is time. Days and weeks fly by and that means tests and papers. But each time I lay myself on the altar and give up snowboarding or movies or video games to do His work, I really feel closer to Him.

I sure do admire that you have been faithful for so many years and I know it has affected a lot of people outside our family to have a grandma who taught her kids about the church.

Stay healthy and write when you can.

Brandon

Additional Resources:

Mormon Beliefs

In this series (see below), students enrolled in scripture study classes have shared their thoughts, insights, and reflections on the Book of Mormon in the form of letters to someone they know. We invite you to take a look at their epiphanies and discoveries as they delve into the scriptures.

In publishing these, we fulfill their desire to speak to all of us of the relevance, power and beauty of the Book of Mormon, a second witness of Jesus Christ and complement to the Bible. The Book of Mormon includes the religious history of a group of Israelites who settled in ancient America. (The names they use are those of prophets who taught the Book of Mormon peoples to look forward to the coming of Christ—Nephi, Lehi, Alma, Helaman, and other unfamiliar names. We hope those names will become more familiar to you as you read their inspiring words and feel the relevance and divinity of their messages through these letters.)

Let us know if you’d like to receive your own copy of the Book of Mormon, and/or if these messages encourage and assist you spiritually as well.

Mormon Thoughts
Letter to Brother on a Mission

Dear Ryker,

This week we have been studying chapters 7 through 10 in 3 Nephi. In these chapters it shows how the people are becoming more and more wicked right before the Savior’s coming. A few concepts that caught my attention were how there are many paths to wickedness but only one path to Christ, and how signs or miracles can be overlooked if our spiritual eyes are shut.

Satan wishes to deceive all mankind by distracting us from the good and preaching against the doctrine of Christ. Although there are many signs in these chapters that followed the great sign of the star (the sign which had been prophesied would appear at Christ’s birth), the people become ignorant in their wickedness. They turn hardhearted and prideful as their attention strays from God. I believe that happens to us at times as well.

We know that we live in the last days and that Christ will soon come again, but with the many vain things of the world fighting for our attention we lose focus on our true and eternal goal. President Uchtdorf (member of the First Presidency of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints) talked once in a story about a time when the navigation on his plane began to malfunction. As the controls went out, there was only a small compass to lead their coarse. With that they believed they were on track but little did they know they were only a few degrees off. Little by little they strayed from their destination and when they reached journey’s end, they realized they had ended up very far off course.

Satan will try and sway us only a little bit at a time as to confuse us and make us not notice where we are in the storm of life. We must hold fast to the word of God and follow our modern-day Liahonas (ancient spiritually guided compass), such as the living prophets, to guide and direct us with the Spirit. For if we don’t, we will become desensitized to even the greatest of God’s miracles, like the people in 3 Nephi did when they watched Nephi cast out devils and raise his brother from the dead.

I testify that there are miracles in our days and the closer we are to God, the more clear they come into our vision so that we can look to God and feel secure that he is in control. Thanks for being such a great example and preaching the good word to those who so desperately need it. You are the miracle that can help them see Christ’s love and accept Him as their Savior.

Love ya tons!

Brock Guthrie

Additional Resources:

Mormon Beliefs

In this series (see below), students enrolled in scripture study classes have shared their thoughts, insights, and reflections on the Book of Mormon in the form of letters to someone they know. We invite you to take a look at their epiphanies and discoveries as they delve into the scriptures.

In publishing these, we fulfill their desire to speak to all of us of the relevance, power and beauty of the Book of Mormon, a second witness of Jesus Christ and complement to the Bible. The Book of Mormon includes the religious history of a group of Israelites who settled in ancient America. (The names they use are those of prophets who taught the Book of Mormon peoples to look forward to the coming of Christ—Nephi, Lehi, Alma, Helaman, and other unfamiliar names. We hope those names will become more familiar to you as you read their inspiring words and feel the relevance and divinity of their messages through these letters.)

Let us know if you’d like to receive your own copy of the Book of Mormon, and/or if these messages encourage and assist you spiritually as well.

Mormon Thoughts: Good Doesn’t Come Easily
A Letter to a Friend

I know you have been going through a lot lately. Sometimes it can seem unbearable or unfair. I have felt this way at many instances in my life and the Book of Mormon has given me a wonderful life line to hold on to in these difficult times. It came to me as I was reading in the 3rd book of Nephi. The first few chapters of this book are some of the darkest moments in the Nephite nation’s history. It is here that the Lord’s hand was so evident.

A few chapters earlier, in the book of Helaman, the people had heard the prophecy of the sign that would signify Jesus Christ’s birth. Here as the time drew near, divisions broke out as some people chose not to believe. Just as in our own lives, we worry sometimes and wonder if God really will help us and if all will be ok. No other confirmation was sent by God ahead of time, and it wasn’t until the very last moment that the promised sign of Christ’s birth came. This truly stretched the faith and patience of the humble followers of Jesus Christ. We must always be steadfast and immovable as Nephi was in his moment of great trial. He was threatened with death and ridicule, yet he endured to the end.

Julie, I can tell you truly that God knows how we feel and wants to help us become the best we can be. He often waits until the last possible moment to test and prove our own ability to choose the right. No good thing comes easily. God’s way may seem hard at first but always ends in a much happier and better state. Like any test we ever took in school, we must attend class, study, and practice in order to truly earn a good grade. In life it will always be the same. Perk up and keep trying. I know you will make it through even the toughest of trials because God will be there in the end if you do your part and stand firm.

I also learned from this instance that Satan always presents the easier path. I know you’ve heard it before but I have found that some lessons are always worth repeating. Don’t fall for the candy-lined, chocolate-paved, sugar-coated sidewalk that looks so appealing. Take the path less traveled by. I found that I must always be on my guard and pay attention to where I walk.

Also as a final thought, watch out for those abundant blessings because once one trial ends and the blessings role in, a new one is likely soon to come. I know my Savior lives and somehow everything has always worked out when I am in the right.

Have a great day,

Devon L

Additional Resources:

Mormon Beliefs

In this series (see below), students enrolled in scripture study classes have shared their thoughts, insights, and reflections on the Book of Mormon in the form of letters to someone they know. We invite you to take a look at their epiphanies and discoveries as they delve into the scriptures.

In publishing these, we fulfill their desire to speak to all of us of the relevance, power and beauty of the Book of Mormon, a second witness of Jesus Christ and complement to the Bible. The Book of Mormon includes the religious history of a group of Israelites who settled in ancient America. (The names they use are those of prophets who taught the Book of Mormon peoples to look forward to the coming of Christ—Nephi, Lehi, Alma, Helaman, and other unfamiliar names. We hope those names will become more familiar to you as you read their inspiring words and feel the relevance and divinity of their messages through these letters.)

Let us know if you’d like to receive your own copy of the Book of Mormon, and/or if these messages encourage and assist you spiritually as well.

Mormon Thoughts: God’s Plan
Letter to an Old Highschool Friend

There have been several times in my life where I have come to you in desperate need of advice and guidance. I am forever grateful that you were willing to listen to me and esteem me even during the times when I did not deserve your attention. You have a fine quality of listening which makes you a good friend. Listening has been one thing that I find myself doing a lot lately.

Recently, I have been surrounded by amazing spiritual giants that have helped shaped me to become a better and more loving person. I am humbled every day when I listen to them because they have such strong righteous desires and insights and I feel a bit inadequate at times when I am around them. Because of their example I have taken it upon myself to become a stronger disciple of Jesus Christ. I find myself listening throughout the day for the Spirit because I long to hear Him. I love being able to feel my whole body warm up and feel lighter when He enters into my heart.

After these past few weeks I have come to the conclusion that I need to hear God’s plan for me. There are times when I know that I am doing what He wants me to, even when no one else agrees with my decisions. Recently, the prophet of our church (The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints) announced an age change for missionaries. Young men are now allowed to served when they are 18 and young women are able to serve when they are 19. Many young women decided they were going to serve a mission and the pressure to join them was immense. I pondered many hours as to whether I should go on one or not and I received my answer: I knew it was not my time to serve a mission. Perhaps when I am older I can serve a mission with my husband after retirement. However God wants me to stay here for now.

It was difficult to tell people that I was not going because I could tell they expected me to go. My family did not push me, but I could tell there was a bit of hesitation when the subject was brought up. There will be times in your life where only God will understand what is best for you. You will receive confirmation from Him and no one else will. It is important to understand the authority and power that God has, especially during times like these where no one seems to understand or want to listen. He will guide you to where you need to be even when it seems like He is not in your life. We cannot let those around us distract us from hearing what God wants us to do. Even our most loved ones can block the Spirit at times.

I am telling you this because I want you to realize that God does love each of His children and will challenge their faith in order to make them grow. The Book of Mormon, scriptures that are a second witness of Jesus Christ, contains a scriptures in 2 Nephi 2:11 that states, “For it must needs be, that there is an opposition in all things. If not so, my first-born in the wilderness, righteousness could not be brought to pass, neither wickedness, neither holiness nor misery, neither good nor bad.”

I pray that you will be able to find God’s plan for you and when He reveals it to you I hope that you will be strong enough to never let go of it, even when those around you say otherwise.

Additional Resources:

Mormon Beliefs

Here, in this column, students enrolled in scripture study classes have shared their thoughts, insights, and reflections on the New Testament and gospel of Jesus Christ in the form of letters to someone they know.  In publishing these, we fulfill their desire to witness to all of us of the relevance, power, and beauty of the New Testament, and God’s plan of happiness for each of us.  We invite you to take a look at their epiphanies and discoveries as they delve into the scriptures. Let us know how these may help you in your own life. Share them with a friend.

Actions speak louder than words

A Thought
In class on tuesday my Professor said, “You are the epistle of Christ.” This statement, while simple, hit me with a profound depth.

The statement originates out of 2 Corinthians chapter 3. At the time, the people of Corinth, like many others, were caught up in the letter of the law rather than the spirit of the law. Verse 3 says, “Forasmuch as ye are manifestly declared to be the epistle of Christ ministered by us, written not with ink, but with the Spirit of the living God; not in tables of stone, but in fleshy tables of the heart.” Christ is using us, trusting us, to write and preach his word through our actions.

I love watching people interact and often note how you can tell when people are taking the necessary actions in their life to stay in tune with the spirit. The way they think, act, and react to situations is often grounded, mature, and typically does not result in hurt feelings but rather clear and productive communications. It is quiet and they just do it. It is apart of their nature. It is how they live.

It made me think about how I have the responsibility to be Christ’s message through my actions. I teach by being me. I may not always have the in depth conversations, but by aligning my actions with Christ and living in the good ways I know how may provide a greater force for good than I could ever realize or understand. People’s hearts are sensitive. I love the imagery in this verse, ink on stone and spirit in flesh. People’s hearts can be written on, changed by our actions and by following the small promptings of the spirit. It is the kind of writing that will not erode over time as stone does, rather it impacts the people our lives collide with.

Often small actions can speak and teach so much louder than any words can.

There is much good I can do just by being me and letting Christ work through that medium. I, through my actions, am the epistle of Christ.

According to Wikipedia, Lent is “the period of 40 weekdays from Ash Wednesday to Easter.” According to Wikipedia, the length of Lent commemorates the 40 days that Jesus spent fasting in the wilderness and where he was tempted by the devil (Matthew 4:1-11). Lent is a time of preparation through prayer, fasting, penance, repentance, almsgiving and self-denial, according to the site. Often, believers give up a luxury or vice during this time.

Although members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints don’t observe Lent, the traditions of Lent are similar in nature to a monthly Mormon observance called “Fast Sunday.” Fast Sunday is usually the first Sunday of each month, unless other church-wide or regional meetings are scheduled. In that case, Fast Sunday is either the Sunday before or after. This Sunday is also a time of prayer, fasting, repentance and almsgiving.

Fast Sunday, as the name connotes, is a time of fasting. In the LDS Church, members usually abstain from food and drink for two full meals. Fasting is a way to humble ourselves before the Lord and purify, or chasten, our hearts. Psalms 35:13 says, “I humbled my soul with fasting.” Psalms 69:10 reads, “I wept, and chastened my soul with fasting.”

In the scriptures, fasting is rarely mentioned without prayer. When members fast, they prepare themselves to commune with God through prayer. Daniel 9:3 reads, “And I set my face unto the Lord God, to seek by prayer and supplications, with fasting, and sackcloth, and ashes.” In the LDS Church, members are taught to fast with a purpose, and to begin with a prayer, asking for guidance and help. During the fast, in “sackcloth and ashes”—in other words, in humility— members prayerfully ponder and study their scriptures and the words of the prophets. It is also a time to repent and seek to do better, to recommit oneself to the Lord. These acts of humility allow our hearts to be open to the promptings of the Holy Spirit and the answers we are seeking.

Last Fast Sunday, the members of my family (the ones who are old enough to do so) fasted for my 8-year-old daughter regarding some health concerns. She was sick, so she and I stayed home from church. Her health issues had been going on for years but were so subtle that I missed the signs. My friend texted me later that day and asked why I had missed church. I told her my daughter was sick. She asked what her symptoms were, and I told her. She told me it sounded like something she had when she was my daughter’s age. She explained it to me. I searched online for more information and then took my daughter back to the doctor, who gave her some much-needed medicine for temporary relief. I had a follow-up visit two weeks later with our family doctor, who scheduled lab work and tests to find out exactly what needs to be done for her. We are in the middle of that process now. My friend’s text and subsequent information was the answer to our prayers. The Lord does not always answer as quickly as He did that day, but He always answers our sincere prayers.

On Fast Sunday, members of the Church donate the money that would have been spent on meals to the Church. This donation is called Fast Offering, and the money is used to care for the needy both locally and around the world. The Savior teaches, in Luke 11:41, to “give alms of such things as ye have.” In Matthew 19:21, He teaches: “If thou wilt be perfect, go and sell that thou hast, and give it to the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven.” As part of the baptismal and temple covenants, LDS Church members promise to give of their resources to help others, especially those in need.

In the LDS Church, sacrament meeting has special significance on Fast Day. First, members partake of the sacrament, “an ordinance in which Church members partake of bread and water in remembrance of Jesus Christ’s atoning sacrifice. This ordinance is an essential part of worship and spiritual development. Through this ordinance, Church members renew the covenants they made with God when they were baptized,” according to lds.org.

In the Mormon Church, another component of Fast Day is the bearing of testimonies, which comprise the remainder of the sacrament meeting. Members, as they feel prompted by the Holy Spirit, stand before the congregation and share their feelings of the Savior, Jesus Christ, and His restored gospel. They sometimes share short experiences that have strengthened their faith.

Similar to Lent, Fast Sunday is a time for members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints to prepare themselves spiritually as well as to increase their faith and commitment to the Savior, Jesus Christ. At Easter, all Christians would be wise to spiritually prepare themselves to celebrate the greatest victory known to man—the resurrection of our Lord. If we will do this, our Easter celebrations will become more sacred and meaningful in our lives.

This article was written by Lisa Montague, a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

Additional Resources:

A Mormon Temple in a Catholic Country

Mormon Sacrament Meeting

Worship with Mormons