Grace and the Eternal Plan
When discussing grace, it’s essential to shift our perspective and view it as a divine empowerment. Grace is not merely God’s favor; it’s a tool, a substance that we can harness through our agency to improve ourselves on the path back to the Father. As discussed in Doctrine and Covenants 93, we receive grace for grace as we keep the commandments and strive to become more Christlike. This concept highlights that grace is not a random occurrence but an integral part of God’s plan for our progression.
Understanding grace requires us to grasp that it was never an accident or a backup plan due to the fall or sin’s entry into the world. Grace has always been at the forefront of God’s plan for us. The plan was never for us to live perfectly from the beginning; it was always about going through a mortal experience that would require grace and mercy. Grace was ordained from the beginning, and it plays a vital role in our eternal progression.
The Role of Faith
Faith is a crucial element intertwined with grace. Faith is not mere belief but a principle of action. To have faith, we must act upon our beliefs, which involves experimentation, hope, and effort. Faith is a necessary principle on the covenant path, driving us to take affirmative actions to demonstrate our commitment to living in accordance with God’s commandments.
True faith goes hand in hand with trials and testing. It’s not enough for God to know that we have faith; we must also recognize it within ourselves. The testing of our faith validates the sincerity of our beliefs. In the temple, we see that receiving truth is the first step, but it’s during the trials that we prove our faith through righteous actions.
The Path of Repentance
The path of faith naturally leads to repentance. Repentance is a process that follows when we have faith, and it is an integral part of grace. Through Christ’s grace, we can repent and be forgiven of our sins. Grace covers us, and through this process, we can become better individuals.
Judged According to Works and Desire
While we will be judged according to our works, the Father also evaluates us based on the desire of our hearts. This is where grace comes into play. We may not be perfect, but our hearts can be filled with a perfect desire to follow Christ. We have control over the direction of our hearts, setting our sights on the path to eternal life.
Grace is not just a vague concept but an active force in our spiritual journey. By viewing grace as empowerment, understanding its role in God’s eternal plan, and coupling it with faith, repentance, and a sincere desire, we can experience its transformative effects in our lives. As we strive to receive grace for grace and progress towards God, we can rely on Christ’s grace to cover us and lead us back to the divine presence.