One will often hear from critics of the Church that it is only in recent years that Latter-day Saints have put emphasis on the grace of God as the basis of one’s salvation and exaltation, abandoning a very strong legalistic if not “Pelagian” soteriology of “old-fashioned Mormonism.” Of course, this is as false as their claim that the Christocentric nature of modern “Mormonism” is in opposition to so-called “old fashioned Mormonism” (discussed here).
To be sure, Latter-day Saint soteriology is not monergistic; instead, it is consistent with the teachings as explicated in Jas 2:22-24; 1 Cor 3:15; Psa 106:30-31 and other key soteriological passages. However, in spite of the abuse of 2 Nephi 25:23 and the phrase “after all we can do” (see James Stutz’ excellent exegesis of this verse), Latter-day Saint soteriology is grounded in the grace of God, not human works that are not empowered by such grace (see my discussion of Isa 64:6 here).
Today, I read the following from a book by Timberline Riggs, A Skeptic Discovers Mormonism which was originally published in 1941. The following quote shows that this attitude towards grace has always been part of Latter-day Saint soteriology and it is not a novelty towards ecumenism (fwiw, I oppose theological ecumenism in the sense of hashing out theological differences and coming to a theological compromise รก la the modern ecumenical movement [e.g. ARCIC]):
GRACE AND WORKS: We understand the mission and sacrifice of The Messiah, together with the organization He effected and the continuing help He offers to man, to constitute The Grace of God, and that only through these means provided can man be “saved.” We also believe that the acceptance of this “Grace” is not a passive acquiescence in any sense of the word, and that it remains ineffective to long as man does not actively respond to it with good works, and by placing himself in tune with God’s work. We also believe that this Grace of God makes possible man’s advancement far beyond the point of mere “saving”, but that such further advancement is directly predicated on man’s proving himself through his works. (Timberline W. Riggs, A Skeptic Discovers Mormonism as told by a Mormon Convert [4th ed.: Salt Lake City: Deseret Book Company, 1946], 105-6)
In a related passage, we read:
ALLEGIANCE TO CHRIST. We find ourselves in this life, in degree, held subject by compulsion to the dominance of evil—to a physic mastery of our moods and thoughts, beyond our capacity to break without help—that same dominance of Lucifer our father Adam first submitted to, and which I believe some religions call “original sin.” “The good that we would, we do not, and the evil we would not, we do.”
The help to break this slavery must come from the only source capable to give it—from Jesus, The Saviour, Himself.
Therefore, the first necessary step in the right direction is to, with sincere desire and earnest heart ask that help of God, “who giveth liberally and upbraideth not.” In other words, we must seek new leadership and source of inspiration. Without that change of leadership, it is impossible for us to control our moods and thoughts and actions and to solve our overwhelming problems—for attention waves—purpose falters—and confusion overtakes us.
But with such change of leadership and consequent “aim,” we find ourselves at last on the right road. This of course, does not mean that we “are saved,” or that from that time on, all we have to do is rely on God and His Providence and “the Blood of the Lamb.” It means that we have started right on a long, long journey—a journey only we ourselves can make, but now with a proper guide and teacher, and sufficient help when we have it.
Observe, please, that this growth and schooling which we call “life” is not merely scientific mechanics and compliance with material law. There are higher laws, and spiritual values, which too, we must experience and learn. God has meant that His children should be bound together by personal understanding of each other and their leaders: by mutual attraction and liking; by love and loyalty; and this all comes through “association, service, and sacrifice.” Particularly, this is meant in regard to allegiance and loyalty to The Great Leader, Jesus, who has made our advancement and salvation His task and duty. By tremendous service and sacrifice He has earned that allegiance, and it is good that through working in His cause (the welfare of man) we learn to know and to love Him and His ways. To Him be all honor and reverence. (Ibid., 122-123; italics in original).
