In the April
2020 issue of the Ensign, we read the
following from Elder Kyle S. McKay of the Seventy, showing the Christo-centric
nature of LDS soteriology and how, contra many misinformed critics, our
theology is not raw works righteousness, etc:
Reliant on
God
Here we should pause and acknowledge that
this mighty change of which we speak is wrought in us; it is not wrought by
us. We are capable of repenting, changing our conduct, our attitudes, even our
desires and beliefs, but it is beyond our power and capacity to change our
nature. For this mighty change, we are wholly reliant on Almighty God. It is He
who graciously purifies our hearts and changes our nature “after all we can do”
(2 Nephi 25:23). His invitation is constant and sure: “Repent, and come unto me
with full purpose of heart, and I shall heal
[you]” (3 Nephi 18:32; emphasis added).
The effect of being healed from sinfulness is
that we become “changed from [our] carnal and fallen state, to a state of
righteousness … becoming his sons and daughters; And thus [we] become new
creatures” (Mosiah 27:25, 26). Our countenances radiate the Light of Christ.
Moreover, the scriptures tell us that “whosoever is born of God sinneth not” (1
John 5:18). This is so, not because we are incapable of sinning, but because it
is now our nature not to sin. That is
a mighty change, indeed.
It should be remembered that experiencing a
mighty change of heart is a process over time, not a point in time. The change
is usually gradual, sometimes incrementally imperceptible, but it is real, it
is powerful, and it is necessary.
If you have not yet experienced such a mighty
change, I would ask of you: Have you repented and received a remission of your
sins? Do you study the holy scriptures? Do you fast and pray often, that you
may wax firmer and firmer in the faith of Christ? Do you have faith enough to
trust the Lord with all your heart? Are you standing steadfastly in that faith?
Do you watch your thoughts, words, and deeds and observe the commandments of
God? If you do these things, you will always rejoice and be filled with the
love of God and always retain a remission of your sins. And if you stay in
remission, you will be healed, cured, and changed!
Jesus Christ has power to cleanse us from our
sins and also cure us of our sinfulness. He is mighty to save, and to that end,
He is mighty to change. If we will yield our hearts to Him, exercising faith by
making all the changes we are capable of making, He will exercise His power in
us to bring about this mighty change of heart (see Alma 5:14). (A
Mighty Change of Heart)