This column

usually takes a tack that seeks to bring diverse Christian links together

under the umbrella of the Lordship of Jesus Christ. Consequently, I usually

lift up all those beliefs and convictions that bring us together in the

Christian family.

But. As I listened

to NBC Anchor Tom Brokaw interview Gordon B. Hinckley, president and prophet

of the Mormon Church, it hit me that you can divide all religions into

two camps, whether or not they carry the Christian label.

Hinckley said,

"Of course, we are Christians." Above all, the church now insists

it be regarded as a Christian church, albeit one with doctrines about

God, salvation and the priesthood that differ radically from traditional

Christianity. For example: with Olympic fever heating up, the church's

hierarchy recently advised the media that the term Mormon Church is no

longer acceptable. Henceforth, officials declared, short references to

the church should read: "The Church of Jesus Christ." In this

way the church hopes to emphasize what Mormons share with historic Christianity.

One religious

camp is the "grace" camp. The other religious camp is the "works"

camp. I sincerely believe, every scent of religion can be gathered to

one of the two camps. Let me explain. "Works" means that my

salvation or bottom-line,my getting into heaven depends upon something

that I can do and must do. "Grace" means that my salvation depends

upon what someone else can do and does for me.

As I understand

it, New Testament Christianity gathers to the grace camp although certain

expressions of "Christianity" seem to gather to the works camp.

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, i.e., Mormons, falls

into the "works" camp although their president and prophet is

not saying that it should be included into historic Christianity. For

instance, to be a Mormon, one can't drink iced tea. Do you realize how

apostate churches are that host dinner-on-the-grounds with plenty of sweet

iced tea?

I am not trying

to put down the Mormons. They have many sterling characteristics including

their commendable position on the importance of family life. Still, however,

the dividing line falls between religion of grace and works.

Within the

Baptist world, one could find evidence of a religion of works rather than

grace. As one friend put it one time, when all is said and done, it comes

down to "drinking, dipping, and makeup." In other words, if

you don't drink, don't dip snuff, and don't use makeup, you are home to

heaven free.

The Apostle

Paul fought many a battle over the purity of the Christian faith precisely

at this point of grace. He declared that one is put into right relationship

with God "by grace through faith" in the Lord Jesus Christ.

When Christians started a retrograde to keeping the law as trustworthy

for salvation, he called them, "foolish."

Why don't you

do a grace/works test of your religion? If you are planning to get to

heaven on your merits, work hard. If you are planning to get to heaven

on grace, then hang very close to Jesus Christ because he is your ticket.

The Rev. Dr. John Hatcher is pastor

of River's Edge

Community Church in Fayetteville.

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