I have been going back and forth in my mind over these topics. "It is by Grace we are saved after all we can do." But I feel like members of the church, me included, do us so much on the works part that we almost forget Grace. How do they go together? How do I place proper importance on both of them? James gave me the answer this morning. In James 2:22, it says "by works was faith made perfect". Faith is the link between the two that brings the right perspective.
The scriptures make it clear that Christ is the only way to salvation. His atonement is what makes eternal life possible. But it isn't freely given. We must keep his commandments and follow him. But keeping commandments isn't enough. Sometimes we act as if we can actually achieve salvation through our actions. But the scriptures also say we gain salvation through faith. So how do we have enough faith and how do works fit in? By works is faith made perfect. So I follow Christ as best I can. I keep his commandments. Through my efforts, my faith can be made perfect. And perfect faith in Christ will give me access to the blessings of his Atonement.
That also explains why each of us go through different experiences in life. God knows the best way to make my faith perfect so he sends me experiences that will move me towards that goal.
So it is true, as other religions say, that believing in Christ will get you to heaven. What they miss out on is that the way to truly believe in Christ, to have that perfect faith, is through works.
