Saved by Grace, not works

Jim continues our conversation from my previous posts. He says, “Do you believe that Jesus is God? That it is only through him that we are saved? That there is nothing that we can do on earth, no “good deed,” that will make us deserve or achieve eternal life?”

Yes, Jim. I believe that. I am powerless to save myself. It is only through the Grace of Jesus Christ that we are saved. I think the difference is maybe our terminology and what we consider “saved”.

I think that through the Grace of God I am saved. I am saved from everlasting death. Jesus Christ, He is my Savior. He has saved me from death by and through his Grace and the Resurrection.

However, being saved from our sins I believe is different. I think that it is clear that we are not saved from our sin by doing nothing. James 2:14-26 concludes that faith without works is dead. “What doth it profit, my brethren, though a man say he hath faith, and have not works? can faith save him?” It might be easy to be confused since Paul taught in Ephesians 2:8-9 that we are saved by grace through faith. Yet in Matthew 7:21 we read that “Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven, but he that doeth the will of my Father, which is in heaven”. It says we have to do the will of the Father. In other words we have to keep the commandments and repent. Mathew 5:16 says to “Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.” God wants us to do good works. We will not earn our salvation, but we must follow Jesus Christ and His commandments. These are our works.

“For all have sinned and come short of the glory of God.” Romans 3:23. To be forgiven of our sins, we must keep the commandments. We must repent. We must be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ. “Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost, Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you.” Matthew 28:19-20. This is the works that we are commanded to do. “Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.” Act 2:38.

We will be judged according to our works. (Revelation 20:13). In other words, we will be judged if we have kept the commandments of God. We need to follow the example of Jesus Christ. We can’t save ourselves. The Grace of God does that. It is through that Grace that we are saved from our sins. Jesus has paid the price for our sins, but we must in turn come unto Christ and repent of them, and then follow Him; follow His commandments.

Yes Jim, Jesus is God. He came to earth. He did the will of the Father. He atoned for our sins in Gethsemane. He was crucified. He arose the third day overcoming mortal death. Jesus saves us all through His grace. I think that we mostly believe the same things. Maybe the terms we use are slightly different. I appreciate our conversations. I think that you would enjoy meeting with the missionaries or coming to one of our congregation meetings. My brother, we are united in our love and reverence for our Savior Jesus Christ. May God the Almighty be with you.

“If our eyes are single to the glory of God, our whole bodies will be filled with light.”
Matthew 6:22

A Bible, A Bible!

With his permission, I have been sharing an ongoing conversation over the past few posts with someone whom I have been calling Jim.

Jim is still having trouble accepting anything other than the Bible as the word of God. I thought that our conversation was over after my last response, but he writes, “I would genuinely like to thank you. I can see how strong you are in your faith. The Bible was given to us as a gift and it is all there. One Holy Book from One Holy God. Anything that goes against what God has already revealed about himself in the Bible is not his Word. Thank you again. I am very grateful for this conversation. The Lord bless you and keep you.”

Thank you Jim. I appreciate your genuine and thoughtful response.  I am happy that you also have faith in our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ and cherish His word. As I read your reply, it reminded me of this scripture, which I think is very relevant.

“Know ye not that there are more nations than one? Know ye not that I, the Lord your God, have created all men, and that I remember those who are upon the isles of the sea; and that I rule in the heavens above and in the earth beneath; and I bring forth my word unto the children of men, yea, even upon all the nations of the earth?

Wherefore murmur ye, because that ye shall receive more of my word? Know ye not that the testimony of two nations is a witness unto you that I am God, that I remember one nation like unto another? Wherefore, I speak the same words unto one nation like unto another. And when the two nations shall run together the testimony of the two nations shall run together also.

And I do this that I may prove unto many that I am the same yesterday, today, and forever; and that I speak forth my words according to mine own pleasure. And because that I have spoken one word ye need not suppose that I cannot speak another; for my work is not yet finished; neither shall it be until the end of man, neither from that time henceforth and forever.

Wherefore, because that ye have a Bible ye need not suppose that it contains all my words; neither need ye suppose that I have not caused more to be written.

For I command all men, both in the east and in the west, and in the north, and in the south, and in the islands of the sea, that they shall write the words which I speak unto them; for out of the books which shall be written I will judge the world, every man according to their works, according to that which is written.

For behold, I shall speak unto the Jews and they shall write it; and I shall also speak unto the Nephites and they shall write it; and I shall also speak unto the other tribes of the house of Israel, which I have led away, and they shall write it; and I shall also speak unto all nations of the earth and they shall write it.

And it shall come to pass that the Jews shall have the words of the Nephites, and the Nephites shall have the words of the Jews; and the Nephites and the Jews shall have the words of the lost tribes of Israel; and the lost tribes of Israel shall have the words of the Nephites and the Jews.

And it shall come to pass that my people, which are of the house of Israel, shall be gathered home unto the lands of their possessions; and my word also shall be gathered in one. And I will show unto them that fight against my word and against my people, who are of the house of Israel, that I am God, and that I covenanted with Abraham that I would remember his seed forever.” 2 Nephi 29

I have said a lot in our previous conversations, so I will be brief and end there. I just wanted to share this with you.

Be well my brother and pray always. God loves us all.

For further reading you may be interested in this article and video:
https://knowhy.bookofmormoncentral.org/knowhy/why-is-there-a-need-for-the-testimony-of-two-nations

Do not add to his words – The Book of Mormon

Jim writes, “Proverbs 30:6 says, ‘Do not add to his words, or he will rebuke you and prove you a liar’ (NIV). The Book of Mormon was established years after this was already written and established as truth in the Bible. God would not have had this written if he was later going to add to it.”

Jim, I have enjoyed talking to you about something that is very important to me. I think that I’ve said everything that can be said about how you may know if the Book of Mormon is the word of God.

In answer to your question, Proverbs was written about 700 bc. If nobody was to add to the words from that point on, then we would have to do away with the entire New Testament.

I don’t see going back and forth trying to interpret what a certain verse in the Bible means to you or to me from another perspective as productive. We can pick and choose a singular verse to make it seem like it is proving our point. I don’t want to cherry pick scriptures to try and prove a point.

I wish you well brother. God is not limited to what the apostles chose to write down from the teachings of Jesus’s mortal ministry and what the people who compiled the Bible decided to include. God is not limited to that being His only words. He is all-powerful. He is Alpha and Omega, the ever-living God. He loves His children wherever they may live, not just those who were living during biblical times. He continues to speak to us today. I seek Him. I want to know Him. I believe the Book of Mormon is rich with His words, and it is entirely compatible with the Bible, which I also believe is the word of God.

I believe you to be a good person. Don’t let pride in thinking that you know more about the word of God keep you from finding more light and from feeling the impressions of the Holy Ghost which will testify of the truth of all things.

Around 421 A.D., As Moroni was sealing the the gold plates and burying them, he knew that he was doing it according to God’s instruction for a wise purpose. He said, “The time speedily cometh that ye shall know that I lie not, for ye shall see me at the bar of God; and the Lord God will say unto you: Did I not declare my words unto you, which were written by this man, like as one crying from the dead, yea, even as one speaking out of the dust?” Moroni 10:27

I don’t know how to top that, so I will let Moroni’s word stand on their own. His words are as one speaking out of the dust. The Book of Mormon was brought forth in our time to help God’s children believe on His Son Jesus Christ, the Redeemer and Savior of the world. Its words are true. God bless you my brother. FYI, you can always discuss more with a missionary: https://www.comeuntochrist.org/requests/missionary-visit

Moroni burying the Golden Plates of the Book of Mormon
Artwork: Katie Payne

Contradictions in the Bible and Book of Mormon

My conversation has continued with my friend who I will call Jim.

Jim asked, “How do you reconcile the contradictions of the Book of Mormon to the Bible? There should be no disparity in the Word of God. One Word, one God.”

Jim, There are also many contradictions within the Bible itself. Here are some that I’ve found: God is not a man that He should “change his mind,” we read in Numbers 23:19 (NRSV). But a few books later, Jeremiah insists that if the people repent, “the Lord will change his mind” (Jeremiah 26:13, NRSV). Judas hangs himself in Matthew, but he falls headlong and dies in Acts. Jehoiachin was 18 years old when he began to reign according to one chronicler, but 8 years old according to another. “Answer a fool according to his folly,” we are admonished in one Proverb; but another verse had already instructed us, “Answer not a fool according to his folly.” Source: https://www.ldsliving.com/Why-Scriptures-Sometimes-Contradict-Each-Other-and-What-Do-When-That-Happens/s/87877


As the Bible was compiled, organized, translated, and transcribed, many errors entered the text. The existence of such errors becomes apparent when one considers the numerous and often conflicting translations of the Bible in existence today. Careful students of the Bible are often puzzled by apparent contradictions and omissions. Many people have also been curious about references by biblical prophets to books or scriptural passages that are not currently in the Bible. Source: https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/manual/gospel-topics/bible-inerrancy-of?lang=eng

I do not worry about seeming contradictions. I believe that scripture is simply writings by men. We are all human. I might make mistakes on my blog. It doesn’t mean that what I’m saying isn’t true. In the scriptures there might be mistakes and faults, but they are of men, and not of God. God teaches us through the Holy Ghost. “I am but a man” Mormon told his son Moroni in the Book of Mormon. (Moroni 9:18) At the beginning of The Book of Mormon it says, “If there are faults they are the mistakes of men; wherefore, condemn not the things of God.” I do not want to condemn The Book of Mormon because something written might seem to contradict something in the Bible, especially when the Bible contradicts itself sometimes. Learn from what the message is of The Book of Mormon. Learn from the word of Jesus Christ as he spoke to this people after His Resurrection. Don’t seek after the faults. Search out the good.


As the prophet Mormon said to his son Moroni, “I am but a man.” So too am I but a man. I am not going to convince you of the truthfulness of The Book of Mormon by my mere writings. But a sure witness can and will come into your heart if you sincerely seek to know. It has to be sincere. God knows your heart. Read The Book of Mormon. Be humble. Ask God, sincerely, with real intent in the name of Jesus Christ, having faith in Jesus Christ and ask to know the truth, and then He will tell you in your heart. When that happens, nothing that any naysayer can say will persuade you differently, because your answer came from God Himself, through the Holy Ghost. I pray that you will accept my challenge. At the end of The Book of Mormon, the prophet Moroni gave this same challenge. He said, “By the power of the Holy Ghost ye may know the truth of all things.”


This is why I have a conviction of The Book of Mormon. This is why I read from it every day. I’ve had the Holy Ghost bear witness to me that it is the word of God. I know that it is true, and I know that God knows, that I know it is true.

Why do we need the Book of Mormon?

I was asked this question yesterday by someone who I think was sincere in his asking. Many who believe in the Bible think that it is the complete word of God.

“Why do we need the Book of Mormon?” I responded, very simply, if you believe in Jesus Christ, and you love His words, why would you not want to read about what others recorded when the resurrected Lord Jesus Christ came and taught them?

The Bible is wonderful. Its teachings are true and witness of the divinity of Jesus Christ. God loves all His children. Jesus Christ visited this ancient people of the Book of Mormon after His resurrection and they witnessed His resurrected body. He blessed their children. The Book of Mormon does not replace the Bible. It is the record of another group of Christians who recorded their experiences and witness. I think that any believer in Jesus will love the Book of Mormon.

He then responded and said, “Is The Book of Mormon an extension of God’s Word or more of an optional reading that can accompany the Bible and encourage us in our faith, like a devotional book?”

Again, I think he is genuinely asking the question, so I responded, The Book of Mormon is also God’s word. I would not say that it is an optional extra reading.

Do you think that everything that Jesus ever has said or will say is contained in the Bible? I do not. I believe that Jesus Christ is alive. I believe the Bible, while its teachings are good and true, only give us part of what Jesus taught. The Bible is simply writings of multiple apostles and prophets compiled into one book, and what has been included in the Bible has changed through the centuries.

I don’t want to downplay the Bible, but I believe that God is not limited to the words that men have compiled into what we now know today as the Bible.

I believe that Jesus speaks to prophets today. If God speaks to a prophet in our day, would not this be considered scripture as well? Isn’t that what scriptures are; the words and teachings of prophets and apostles?

So, yes, I do think that it is ultimately good to continue learning all that we can about Jesus Christ and His words through His holy prophets, which in my opinion are not limited to the Bible. The Book of Mormon is not just an extension of His word. It is His word as given to another people.

Jesus clearly taught more than what is recorded in the Bible. We do not have a complete record of everything Jesus Christ said. I’m glad to have what we have, but it is not complete. After the Crucifixion and Resurrection of Jesus, His apostles continued to teach the people. They continued to call other apostles. Paul traveled to many places teaching and we read his words in the Bible. Paul’s words are those of an apostle of Jesus Christ written after Jesus had died. They are wonderful. But if we found today another epistle from Paul, wouldn’t you want to have it as scripture? I learn much from his writings.

This is what the Book of Mormon is. It is more holy scripture. It builds and fortifies all that is in the Bible. It clarifies some things which may not make sense. It has not gone through multiple translations. There are many who claim the bible is false and that Jesus was not resurrected. The Book of Mormon is another witness that Jesus Christ lived and was resurrected. It is a record of the resurrected Jesus Christ visiting another people and teaching them. Those are the words of Christ. We are meant to feast upon those words, not put them as a side note. It is another record, more scripture, which testifies of the divinity of the Lord Jesus Christ. You have the Old Testament, the New Testament, and the Book of Mormon Testament.

I think it was God’s plan to make another witness available to help convince His children of the truth of the gospel. It is a mistake to ignore the Book of Mormon by thinking everything that Jesus spoke to the world is in the Bible. Embrace all that is good brother; both the Bible and The Book of Mormon. Together, they will bring the Light of Christ into your life brighter and more sure than any other way.

What does it mean to “bear your testimony”?

Someone asked this question yesterday, “What does it mean to bear your testimony?” I’m guessing they are not of my faith. I’ll call him Jim. Here is my reply.

That is a good question Jim. As an active, practicing member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, I would say that it means that you are sharing something for which you’ve had a spiritual confirmation. For example, when the Holy Ghost bears witness to your soul that Jesus Christ is the Savior of the world, that happens from Spirit to spirit. It can be completely silent, but very powerful, or it can be more subtle in still and quiet moments. It doesn’t happen with a text, a tweet, a voicemail, or a loud voice. Often it is an impression that we feel. When the Holy Ghost testifies to you of truth, you can then share that testimony or witness with others.

For example, I have a testimony of Jesus Christ personally. How? Well, through the study of His teachings in the Bible and the Book of Mormon, I feel that I’ve come to understand somewhat of the nature of who Christ is; His love for each of us, His Atonement for us, and His example to love one another. As I’ve tried to live by His teachings, I’ve seen joy and peace in my life. To me that is a testimony of the truthfulness of His gospel and of His teachings. That is my testimony. I’ve put them to the test. So now that I’ve felt His love, and seen the blessings, I feel that I can share a testimony, or my words of this truth.

I have a testimony of many things, one of which is the Book of Mormon. Today, I will personally finish reading it again. I’ve read it dozens of times, from cover to cover. I still learn from it every time. I don’t know that I’ve ever read a book more than once, except for small children’s books that I read to my kids. But The Book of Mormon has a power to continue teaching me, every time I open it and read the words from these prophets of old. It blesses my life in ways that I can’t even describe.

The purpose of missionaries who go out across the globe, dedicating two years (for the men and 18 months for the women), and the purpose of The Book of Mormon, is to bring souls unto Christ. When you feel that the Holy Ghost is whispering to your spirit, and what it is saying is a good thing, follow that impression. All good comes from Christ.

I’ve felt God in my life, directing me, giving me peace, especially during difficult times. When this happens, I try to recognize it and I can bear testimony of it. I suggest you check out : https://www.comeuntochrist.org/

Take care brother,

Jason

Me and my son Xavier Bringhurst on the day of his baptism in Port Angeles, Washington

Sauveur d’Israël

There is something very poetic about the French language. I think all hymns just sound better in French. After having served a mission in France for 2 years in 1991-1993, I have a special place in my heart for these French hymns. I can’t find them in French on YouTube, so while I don’t have a studio, and I don’t have an American Idol voice, I’ve decided to keep recording some of these beautiful hymns. This one is done with me recording my voice several times singing the melody and bass part to give it a men’s choir sound. It’s way amateur, but I hope that you enjoy it.

Il y a quelque chose de très poétique dans la langue française. Je pense que tous les hymnes sonnent mieux en français. Après avoir fait une mission en France pendant 2 ans entre 1991-1993, j’ai une place privilégiée pour ces hymnes français. Je ne les trouve pas en français sur YouTube, alors même si je n’ai pas de studio, et je n’ai pas de voix d’American Idol, j’ai décidé de continuer à enregistrer certains de ces beaux hymnes. Celui-ci est fait avec moi enregistrant ma voix à plusieurs reprises en chantant la partie mélodie et basse pour lui donner un son de chœur d’hommes. C’est vraiment amateur, mais j’espère que ça vous plaira.

25 Years is a Long Time!

Today is my 25th wedding anniversary. So happy 25th Anniversary Jen!

I made this little video from our original wedding video which was over an hour long.

We’ve had an incredible 25 years which has taken us from Provo, Utah, to Springville, Utah, to Almere, The Netherlands, to St. Ives, England, to Springville, Utah, to Highland, Utah, and now to Port Angeles, Washington!

We’ve had 6 children. We’ve owned 3 dogs and 3 homes. I’ve started a couple of businesses. We’ve made a lot of friends around the world. We’ve grown to love each other’s families. A lot has happened in these 25 years!

As I look at this video, life was exciting. The future was bright. And I had no idea what was ahead. Now looking back and looking forward, I think the future is even brighter. We’ve done a lot of hard things. I feel like we will accomplish even more great things in the next 25 years.

I love you more today than I did May 6, 1995. I expect that I’ll love you even more on May 6, 2045 on our 50th anniversary. Who knows what craziness awaits us. But I’m glad we get to experience it together.

Enjoy the video. It seems like we were a wee bit younger back then!

The Bringhurst family and the Gospel of Jesus Christ

Here is a video we put together to share why the Gospel of Jesus Christ is important to our family.

We live in Port Angeles, Washington. We are members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. We were asked by the missionaries here in Port Angeles, Elder Kartchner and Elder Smith, to share what the gospel of Jesus Christ means to our family on a video so that they could share it on their Facebook page, Come Unto Christ on the Olympic Peninsula. We invite you to find out more about the gospel of Jesus Christ and His Church at ComeuntoChrist.org.

You can request a free Book or Mormon on the website: https://www.comeuntochrist.org/reques…

Here is a link to talk to the missionaries: https://www.comeuntochrist.org/reques…

Feel free to ask us any questions and we will be happy to reply.

I hope you enjoy the video.

I Believe in Christ

We were asked to sing I Believe In Christ to share with our church congregation virtually on Easter Sunday since there is a stay-at-home mandate due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Xavier was not too happy about it, but for the very first take, he did great. I would have re-recorded it once I saw that I was not fully in the frame. We were supposed to record 2-3 times and take the best one. Xavier had other plans. So this is our family, minus Julienne who is in Provo, Utah, and who has a beautiful voice, and Maggie, who is in Logan, Utah, and also has a beautiful voice. When we are all together we sound even better.

We don’t claim to be professionals. I hope that you can feel the message and spirit of this hymn.

Bringhurst Family sings I Believe In Christ

I miss being with our ward this Easter Sunday. It is a church service I always look forward to. I usually sing with our choir. I always come home uplifted and grateful for Jesus Christ. As this hymn says, I do believe in Christ. He is my King of Kings and Lord of Lords. He is the Redeemer and Savior of the world. He is risen from the tomb giving the gift of resurrection to all of God’s children. I know that some day I will kneel before Him. I know that thanks to His atonement and resurrection, some day I will see my loved ones who have passed to the other side of the veil. Easter is the glorious day where we say to the world, He lives. I know that my Redeemer lives.

1. I believe in Christ; he is my King! With all my heart to him I’ll sing; I’ll raise my voice in praise and joy, In grand amens my tongue employ. I believe in Christ; he is God’s Son. On earth to dwell his soul did come. He healed the sick; the dead he raised. Good works were his; his name be praised.

2. I believe in Christ; oh blessed name! As Mary’s Son he came to reign ’Mid mortal men, his earthly kin, To save them from the woes of sin. I believe in Christ, who marked the path, Who did gain all his Father hath, Who said to men: “Come, follow me, That ye, my friends, with God may be.”

3. I believe in Christ—my Lord, my God! My feet he plants on gospel sod. I’ll worship him with all my might; He is the source of truth and light. I believe in Christ; he ransoms me. From Satan’s grasp he sets me free, And I shall live with joy and love In his eternal courts above.

4. I believe in Christ; he stands supreme! From him I’ll gain my fondest dream; And while I strive through grief and pain, His voice is heard: “Ye shall obtain.” I believe in Christ; so come what may, With him I’ll stand in that great day When on this earth he comes again To rule among the sons of men.

Text: Bruce R. McConkie, 1915–1985.

Music: John Longhurst, b. 1940. #comeuntochrist #hearhim

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