Some days I find it more difficult than others to read LDS literature. Today is one of those “difficult” days. I subscribe to a service from LDS.org called “LDS Gems”. Every day a few “Gems” are sent to my email that are considered “Inspirational” quotes from LDS leaders. I am so thankful that the Holy Ghost has opened my eyes and heart to know that these leaders have not been “inspired” by Him. At the same time, my heart cries out in anguish that you are still deceived. I so long for you to know the Savior whose Atonement covers your every sin with His blood.
Today’s “Young Single Adult Gem” was titled “Peace, the Fruit of a Righteous Life”. LDS Apostle Richard G. Scott testifies: “Peace is the precious fruit of a righteous life. It is possible because of the Atonement of the Savior. It is earned through full repentance, for that leads to refreshing forgiveness.” (Richard G. Scott, “The Path to Peace and Joy,” Ensign, Nov. 2000, 25)
Peace truly is the precious fruit of a righteous life, but certainly not yours! No one can be righteous through obedience. You are not righteous and will never be, unless you place your trust in the Savior who was righteous for you. You can never “earn” peace or forgiveness through the LDS requirements of repentance. (The word “earn” is not even found in the Bible.) Believing that you can “earn” peace and forgiveness is proof that you don’t know the Savior who has already won those gifts for you. Imagine how Jesus feels, knowing that you are attempting to “earn” the precious gift He offers you freely—the gift He has already bought for you with His life’s blood:
“For it pleased the Father that in him should all fulness dwell; And, having made peace through the blood of his cross, by him to reconcile all things unto himself; by him, I say, whether they be things in earth, or things in heaven.” (Colossians 1:19-23)
The Apostle Peter testified:
“To him give all the prophets witness, that through his name whosoever believeth in him shall receive remission of sins.” (Acts 10:43)
Believe it, and receive it! Then, dedicate your life:
“Unto him that loved us, and washed us from our sins in his own blood, And hath made us kings and priests unto God and his Father; to him be glory and dominion for ever and ever. Amen.” (Revelation 1:5b-6)
Latter-day Saint Woman 
Aaron Shaf said,
April 28, 2010 at 8:39 pm
Great catch, what a quote. Ouch. I just added it to mrm.org/merit
latterdaysaintwoman said,
April 29, 2010 at 1:13 am
Aaron,
That quote is not the worst when it comes to LDS having to “earn” God’s blessings. Another Richard G. Scott quote, from 2006 General Conference:
“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.” Richard G. Scott, “The Atonement Can Secure Your Peace and Happiness,” Ensign, Nov 2006, 40–42
Another quote from the same General Conference:
“We are to keep the law of tithing. We attend to our responsibilities in the Church. We gather each week for sacrament meeting to renew the covenants and earn the promises in those simple and sacred prayers over the bread and water. We are to honor the priesthood and be obedient to the covenants and ordinances.” Boyd K. Packer, “A Defense and a Refuge,” Ensign, Nov 2006, 85–88
Scott probably learned that we have to earn peace from Elder Ashton in this 1985 General Conference:
“Peace is a blessing that comes to those who trust in God. It is established through individual righteousness. True personal peace comes about through eternal vigilance and constant righteous efforts. No man can be at peace who is untrue to his better self. No man can have lasting peace who is living a lie. Peace can never come to the transgressor of the law. Commitment to God’s laws is the basis for peace. Peace is something we earn. It is not a gift. Rather, it is a possession earned by those who love God and work to achieve the blessings of peace.” Marvin J. Ashton, “Peace—A Triumph of Principles,” Ensign, Nov 1985, 69
Compare Elder’s Scott and Ashton’s testimony about obtaining peace with what the Bible declares:
Now the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that ye may abound in hope, through the power of the Holy Ghost. Romans 15:13 (Not listed in LDS KJV Topical Guide)
Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ: Romans 5:1
Speak unto Aaron and unto his sons, saying, On this wise ye shall bless the children of Israel, saying unto them, The Lord bless thee, and keep thee: The Lord make his face shine upon thee, and be gracious unto thee: The Lord lift up his countenance upon thee, and give thee peace. Numbers 6: 23-27
For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace. Isaiah 9:6-7
It is amazing to me that Jesus, who is the “Prince of Peace” gives us His peace:
These things have I spoken unto you, being yet present with you. But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you. Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid. John 14:25-27
These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world. John 16:33
ckuhrasch said,
April 29, 2010 at 11:54 am
Thank you for this…I pray that my dear friends will “hold fast to the liberty for which Christ set us free” including the liberty of trying to “earn peace”.