| Question |
I
believe that it's not your religion that saves you; It's your confession of sin and accepting Jesus Christ as your personal Savior. I believe it's a way of
life. A personal relationship with Jesus Christ. He told us that, "All are welcome at my table". Many people go to church each week and know many
rules of their church. Unfortunately, many never get to really know our Savior Jesus Christ. Going to church is just a weekly duty for many. Jesus
said, "I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father, but by me. With so many denominations and religions, how can I
decide which are true and which are false?
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| Response |
First of all, It is absolutely true that no one comes to the Father, that is--returns to live with Father in the eternities--except those
who have accepted Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior and live their lives in accordance with His doctrine and
commandments. I believe that it is not enough
that a man simply "accept" Christ as his Savior, but that he also does the will of the Father. See Matt. 7:21. A
companion scripture to that is found in James 2:14-20.
What is the will of the Father? We are commanded to not only "accept" Jesus Christ as our Savior, but we must also repent,
be baptized and receive the gift of the Holy Ghost as Peter instructed the people in the day of Pentecost.
I know that it is by grace that we are saved after all that we can do, but there is much that we must do in
mortality to show our faithfulness and willingness to keep his commandments.
In specific answer to your question, "With so many denominations and religions how can I decide which are true and which
are false?" Apparently, you do know something about the prophet Joseph Smith since you referred to him in the first part of
your email. It must be that you are aware of the scripture which motivated him to go in humble prayer as a young boy and
ask the very same question you are asking. That particular scripture is found in James 1:5-6. After you have done all
that you can do, including studying the basic doctrine, attended worship
services to feel the Spirit there, ask the Lord's forgiveness for past sins and indiscretions, then you have the right to
prayerfully seek his guidance to know which church is right. But notice the first line in the 6th verse of James 1. It
says, "But, let him ask in faith, nothing wavering. . . ." In other words, Robert, you must ask God with a sincere heart,
with real intent, having faith in Christ, and if you do that, I promise you that he will show the truth of it unto you by
the power of the Holy Ghost. For it is by that power that we will come to know the truth of all things.
If you would like, I would be more than happy to send a couple of representatives from our Church to explain exactly what
it is we believe and why. Once you've had the chance to hear that, then you can determine for yourself whether or not it
would be worth pursuing. I am confident you will find what you're looking for. If I can help in this way, please email me
back with your address and telephone number so that I can have them call on you. If you so desire.
Sincerely,
Donny Osmond
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