Conclusions – LDS Prophets

But by and large, LDS prophets refute these Gems.  LDS prophets hold up the “process of repentance” as the way the guilt of sin is removed.  This process involves six or seven steps as outlined in various official LDS publications.  Excerpts are provided in these pop-ups.  Gospel Principles, True to the Faith, Teachings of Presidents of the Church (TOPOTC) Spencer W. Kimball, TOPOTC Harold B. Lee, TOPOTC Joseph F. Smith, The Miracle of Forgiveness, The Presidents of the Church.

One of the primary tenets of Mormonism is that the only way to gain forgiveness is through fulfilling the demands of this "process" of repentance (often simply called "repentance" in LDS circles).  This pop-up provides a compilation of references that reinforce this tenet.

The critical elements of the LDS “process of repentance” go far beyond being sorry for your sins, and include making restitution, abandoning the sin and obedience to all the rest of Heavenly Father’s commands.  Through upholding these requirements as prerequisites to forgiveness, the LDS prophets’ witness is very different than that of the Gems in this Drawer.  The conclusions from these Gems are contrasted with the testimony of the LDS prophets below:

1. LDS prophets testify that forgiveness is not immediate nor complete.  It comes only after all the elements of the “process of repentance” are met.  It is doled out on a sin by sin basis.  LDS members adhering to their church’s teaching are not cleansed of all sin and are not fit to come into the presence of God until after Judgment Day.  They will admittedly still carry the guilt, still “be in” many of their sins.  They will stand as individuals before God where their efforts to gain forgiveness for each of their sins will be judged.  Only if they have done all that they could have done and have met all the additional ordinances of the LDS church will they have their remaining sins removed (forgiven).

“Through faithful discipleship to him and repentance of all our sins, we can be forgiven for our sins and become pure and holy so that we can dwell in the presence of God.  As we repent of our sins, giving up every impure thought and act, the Holy Ghost will change our hearts so we no longer have even the desire to sin.  Then when we are judged, we will be found ready to enter into God’s presence.  Discussion • Ask class members to imagine hearing all their thoughts, words, and actions revealed at the Judgment.  Then have them silently think about what they can do to improve their thoughts, words, and actions.”  Gospel Principles Page 295.

2. LDS prophets declare that the demands of Justice were paid  by Mercy through the merciful action of Christ in the Atonement.  But they deny that this now frees Mercy to act by offering full forgiveness to the undeserving.  By saying:  “Repentance is a kind and merciful law” (Teachings of Presidents of the Church Spencer W. Kimball page 37) they instead put Mercy in the role of Justice, requiring that forgiveness of each sin is earned through the “process of repentance”.  In effect they teach that Justice must be paid twice; once by Christ through his atonement, a second time by individuals as they complete the process of repentance.

The demands of justice for broken law can be satisfied through mercy, earned by your continual repentance and obedience to the laws of God.  Such repentance and obedience are absolutely essential for the Atonement to work its complete miracle in your life.  The Redeemer can settle your individual account with justice and grant forgiveness through the merciful path of your repentance.  Through the Atonement you can live in a world where justice assures that you will retain what you earn by obedience.  Through His mercy you can resolve the consequences of broken laws.  Conference Talk given by Elder Richard G. Scott of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, November 2006 Ensign, page 42.

3. LDS members who accept the teachings of their prophets are still “dead in their sins”.  They believe they have not yet been “forgiven all trespasses”.  They are still burdened by the guilt of their unforgiven sins.
4. LDS members often contend: “Everyone can look at him or her self and see sin, so how could we be considered to be without sin?”  The key is Imputeth not!   Sins covered by Christ’s blood. Sins forgotten, sent away.  Justice paid so Mercy reigns.  It would seem that, in effect, LDS prophets ascribe the role of granting forgiveness to Justice; that is, forgiveness given out only after the demands of Justice for that sin has been fully met.

   “Your Heavenly Father has promised forgiveness upon total repentance and meeting all the requirements, but that forgiveness is not granted merely for the asking.  There must be works—many works—and an all-out, total surrender, with a great humility and “ a broken heart and a contrite spirit.”  It depends upon you whether or not you are forgiven, and when. It could be weeks, it could be years, it could be centuries before that happy day when you have the positive assurance that the Lord has forgiven you.  That depends on your humility, your sincerity, your works, your attitudes.” The Miracle of Forgiveness Spenser W. Kimball pages 324-325.

    
   But this contradicts the underlying concept of the word “forgive” – excuse, pardon, absolve.  The very nature of forgiveness is that restitution has not been made.  A person who is forgiven is acquitted, their guilty verdict cancelled, the slate wiped clean, their sin payment discharged.  They have been exonerated, vindicated, justified.  The definition of these words does not include the concept of making restitution, of first meeting the Demands of Justice.