I should add that while I may reject the application of scriptural terminology here the actual reason is quite fair and correct. To me the issue is somewhat less interesting as I tend to see it more as a semantic debate even if it’s not usually presented as such.

That’s because even if the way people talk about grace might be incorrect the way they demonstrate understanding of the issues seems correct. That is once we move from theological formal discourse to a broader narrative the typical Mormon appears to get it right.

To me the two clear examples of grace are the Brother of Jared in Ether 3 with the narration of getting the stones lit for the arks and then Lehi and the Liahonah. I think both these stories, which pretty much every Mormon is extremely familiar with, is pretty evidence in how they relate their own encounters with God’s grace. They just don’t call it grace.

Anything short of prevenient grace falls short of being true grace. If I can/must earn it, why call it grace?

Clark, do you know why the discussion you mention on LDS-Herm is centered on the presumed error of Robinson and Millet, when what they teach seems to be nothing more than what most members believe? What else could they teach that could be published in Deseret Book. Blake offers a better understanding of grace, but I seriously doubt if Deseret would publish his books.

I think a lot of confusion among LDS arises because there is a lot of latent Calvinist thinking in American culture. (Even amongst atheists) I have a post on this I might post tonight – albeit one done in more technical Derridean language.

I have a radically different conception. Namely that grace only comes from sacrifice. Divine grace from divine sacrifice. Not the work of a day, but of an eternity. Why good works? Because in the long run, if no one does any work or makes any sacrifices, there is no grace.

That verse also emphasizes that we only accomplish rightous acts through God’s help. It also says that we can be confident–have faith–that we will receive God’s help IF we are doing what God commands us to do! In other words, both of these scriptures are Nephi emphasizing that when we do righteous works, to obey God’s commandments–whether obtaining sacred records or teaching our families the plan of salvation–that is when we are receiving God’s help and grace. There is not a dichotomy between obedient works and grace. Rather, it is precisely when we make the effort to obey God that God steps in and helps us to do what he commands, to accomplish things that we don’t have the skills or knowledge to do on our own. Our righteous and faithful works become GRACIOUS and GRACE-FULL works, filled and enabled and empowered by God’s gifts. We don’t do righteousness first, then wait for Christ’s seal of approval. It is even as we set out to do obedient works that God’s grace starts flowing into us, enabling and enlightening and encouraging us.

We Mormons do not need to be forever anxious about whether we are going to receive Christ’s grace. When we are obedient, we are getting that gift, and the testimony of the Holy Ghost is the manifestation of that grace. As also are the inspirations we receive when we are teaching as parents, and church leaders, and missionaries.

Perhaps the best way to picture the operation of grace is the invitation of the Savior in Matthew 11, to “take my yoke upon you, for my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.” The yoke of the Savior is a two-man yoke. It lifts the burden of our sins, and it does so because Christ is carrying the lion’s share of the load. For him to lift our load, we must become jointly yoked with him. We cannot expect him to lift our burden if we are going off somewhere else. It only works, we only get the help, when the destination we are going to is the one the Savior chooses.

Finally, the relation of our works to grace is explained by the angel to King Benjamin in Mosiah 3, where we learn that the “natural man” must change, and become like an obedient child, offering up a broken –that is, an obedient and humble and meek–heart, submitting to God as Christ did. Only when we give ourselves to him can we receive the gift he offers.

I am not sure what you mean “changes our bodies to change our mind.” All the rest, I totally agree with. And I have not doubt that I worry about things too much.