In Latter-day Saint theology, good works empowered by God’s grace, unlike works performed that are independent of such, can be meritorious. Such is part of the soteriology of many non-Reformed groups within the broad Christian spectrum. This differentiation, so often ignored by critics of Latter-day Saint theology, is actually mirrored by the 1647 Westminster Confession of Faith. While rejecting that good works performed by believers can merit forgiveness of sins and eternal life, God views the good works of believers differently than that of non-believers, similar to how a loving Father views the imperfect works of their children than that of a strict judge rejecting any work with even the slightest imperfection (an analogy I often use when discussing good works empowered by God’s grace vs. works independent of such).
In chapter XVI “Of Good Works,” we read the following:
VI. Yet notwithstanding [good works not being able to merit the pardon of sin or eternal life per paragraph V], the persons of believers being accepted through Christ, their good works also are accepted in him, not as though they were in this life wholly unblamable and unreprovable in God’s sight; but that he, looking upon them in his Son, is pleased to accept and reward that which is sincere, although accompanied with many weaknesses and imperfections.
VII. Works done by unregenerate men, although for the matter of them they may be things which God commands, and of good use both to themselves and others; yet because they proceed not from a heart purified by faith, not are done in a right manner, according to the Word, not to a right end, the glory of God; they are therefore sinful, and can not please God, or make a man meet to receive grace from God. And yet their neglect of them is more sinful and displeasing unto God.
Of course, the main factor as to why the WCF and other informed Protestants reject meritorious good works is due to the blasphemous doctrines of (1) imputed righteousness and (2) Penal Substitution. For a refutation of these heresies, see, for e.g.:
For more, see, for e.g.:
