The Official "Ask A Mormon" Thread

[Hantlers]

Several questions:


1) What is the Mormon view on how people attain salvation?


2) If the Bible shows us the way to attain salvation, then why is the Book of Mormon necessary?

 

[Zulu]

Several questions:


1) What is the Mormon view on how people attain salvation?


2) If the Bible shows us the way to attain salvation, then why is the Book of Mormon necessary?

1. Man can never atone for his own sins and no unclean thing can dwell with God, Hence why Christ suffered in Gethsemane and on the Cross for us and was Raised from the Grave 3days later!! So we believe that Christ has made it possible for us to be made clean through his Atoning blood...

All we must do is accept him as our savior, repent of our sins and be baptized!

Mormons also believe if we are to attain the highest degree of heavenly glory we must make sacred covenants in the Temple and be Sealed to our spouse there as well!!

2. The book of Mormon is another witness of Christ and works in conjunction with the bible to spread the Good news that Christ is the Son of God and our one and true Savior!!

 

[colton]

I can only speak from personal experience:
When I was on my mission, I didn't try to "convince" anybody to "change their mind". All I did was share my beliefs and ask them to listen with an open mind and heart. If somebody wanted to argue with me about anything, I wasn't interested, as I don't feel that is the best way to bring the feelings of God. If somebody says they don't believe in God, or doesn't want to talk to you about Him, what's the point? I certainly wouldn't have stood there and tried to convince you to talk to me. I would have gone on and found somebody willing to do it without an argument.

I think this is a very good answer and I felt the same way. As a missionary I wasn't there to convince anyone, I was there to present my beliefs to people who would listen.

 

[colton]

So is there any % or numbers of converts missionaries are expected to have at the end of their mission?

Not really. Missions leaders set goals, but there aren't quotas or anything like that.

What if you fail to convert a single one - would that be considered a failure?

It would certainly have been disappointing, but to paraphrase Forrest Gump, "Failure is as failure does". That is, I would still have been proud of my service as long as I worked hard (and smart), even if I hadn't had any convert baptisms. In fact, my in laws served a mission in Switzerland 6-7 years ago, and if I recall correctly were basically in that situation--no convert baptisms that were a direct result of their efforts. And they said that wasn't at all uncommon for their area. But I think they still held their heads high.

Just out of curiosity did you keep track of the number you converted during your mission?

I'm sure most missionaries do keep track. But hopefully not just of the number, but rather of the individuals.

 

[Stoked]

Several questions:


1) What is the Mormon view on how people attain salvation?


2) If the Bible shows us the way to attain salvation, then why is the Book of Mormon necessary?

Hot Damn! Welcome back. Keep it together please.

 

[Stoked]

It would be impossible for there to be a "quota" for baptisms for a missionary. Every person is different, both the missionaries and the people they contact. Also, each area is different in each mission. Plus, some months are just better for getting baptisms. For example, in my mission, December was always a good month for whatever reason.
Every mission is also different. Central and South America are good places for lots of baptisms. I think most of Europe is a lot harder to get baptisms (that's just my guess based on people I have talked to). I would imagine most of Asia is pretty difficult as well.
I think every missionary knows how many people they've baptized while they are out, but that would be for personal reasons.

I think it depends on the part of Asia you go to and I have heard Africa is becoming a good place for baptisms as well.

bigB since we went to boardering missions, did you have the same problem with JWs and 7th Days that I did? They'd see you and beeline stright for you. They'd go into this big long winded, debate oriented speach about what they believe and why it is right. I'd just smile, touch their shoulder and tell them I was happy they found something that brought them closer to God. That usually ended it but it would happen every single time.

 

[Hantlers]

1. Man can never atone for his own sins and no unclean thing can dwell with God, Hence why Christ suffered in Gethsemane and on the Cross for us and was Raised from the Grave 3days later!! So we believe that Christ has made it possible for us to be made clean through his Atoning blood...

All we must do is accept him as our savior, repent of our sins and be baptized!

Mormons also believe if we are to attain the highest degree of heavenly glory we must make sacred covenants in the Temple and be Sealed to our spouse there as well!!

2. The book of Mormon is another witness of Christ and works in conjunction with the bible to spread the Good news that Christ is the Son of God and our one and true Savior!!

Follow up questions!

Is it necessary to be baptized to be saved?

Where do you get the idea of how to attain the highest degree of heavenly glory? I'm just not quite sure where that's found at.

Thanks!

 

[Stoked]

Follow up questions!

Is it necessary to be baptized to be saved?

Where do you get the idea of how to attain the highest degree of heavenly glory? I'm just not quite sure where that's found at.

Thanks!

Yes you have to be baptised. We also believe that everyone, yes everyone, will have the chance to hear the gospel if they wish.

 

[Zulu]

Follow up questions!

Is it necessary to be baptized to be saved?

Where do you get the idea of how to attain the highest degree of heavenly glory? I'm just not quite sure where that's found at.

Thanks!

Paul talk about three heavens...

2. I knew a man in Christ above fourteen years ago, (whether in the body, I cannot tell; or whether out of the body, I cannot tell: God knoweth such an one caught up to the third heaven. (New Testament, 2 Corinthians, Chapter 12)

Information on the qualifications of the obtaining the highest degree of heaven is found in "The Doctrine and Covenants" a book of modern day revelations given to Joseph Smith and other recent Prophets of our church!!

 

[Hantlers]

Yes you have to be baptised. We also believe that everyone, yes everyone, will have the chance to hear the gospel if they wish.

What are the reasonings behind the idea that you need to be baptized?

 

[Stoked]

What are the reasonings behind the idea that you need to be baptized?

Baptism by immersion is symbolic of our commitment to Heavenly Father. That we agree to follow his commandments and laws. A covenant if you will. This also leads to the gift of the Holy Ghost.

 

[Gameface]

Baptism by immersion is symbolic of our commitment to Heavenly Father. That we agree to follow his commandments and laws. A covenant if you will. This also leads to the gift of the Holy Ghost.