I think you need to be careful when you say "It doesn't matter what you are doing" because what we do is actually very important. Faith without works is dead... and as a Mormon I believe that our actions define who we are. Especially since repentance is, as a fact, doing something. I admire what you guys are doing, but reference doctrine when you teach.
I think the post about Identity is the one you are referring to. And I posted it orginally so I will respond to this.
It DOES matter what we do. It is very important. And you are absolutely correct. Faith without works is dead.
BUT although our actions may define us. They have nothing to do with our UNCHANGEABLE identity. Our identity changes in life. Because we change. I was a slut, now I am numbered with the saints. I was a student, now I will be a missionary. I was a girlfriend, now I'm single. The things we do, DO define us. When I was dating someone, I was a girlfriend. The action implied what I was. So when we make sinful choices, we are not followers of Christ. That would be an incorrect identity. Does that make sense?
BUT we have an UNCHANGABLE identity. And that has nothing to do with our actions. God is our Father and he loves us. He loves EVERYONE. The Bible tells us that nothing can separate us from His love. That is doctrine.
If God is our Father and He loves us, then one thing is sure... We are His children and we are loved. This can also be found in scripture and is doctrine.
God is unchangeable. So although we change and our actions change and some of our identities change, THAT NEVER DOES.
As one of the leaders in the Church has said repeatedly: "True doctrine understood changes behavior more than the study of behavior ever could." And that is our goal. To help you realize that UNCHANGEABLE identity because once you realize that, it changes your actions. And that changed me from "slut to saint".
Repentance is first returning to God. Then it is changing your ways. God always comes first. We don't change and then return to God, that doesn't work. We backslide much more when we do that. And I say this as someone who has been through a repentance process guided by church leaders.
Repentance is something you do. But repentance is also something that happens to you. The Church Reference Library defines repentance as "much more than just acknowledging wrongdoings." It also goes on to explain the real meaning of the word from its Greek roots. "It denotes a change of heart and mind which gives you a fresh view of God, yourself, and the world in general." Repentance is not only an action but a state of being. And it changes those changeable identities. But it's something you do when you realize how much God loves you. Being a son or daughter is not dependent on their actions. It is dependent on the fact that they have parents. We have a God who is our Father. And it doesn't depend on what we're doing. But when we realize that it can lead us to become much better people.
I apologize for the confusion that may have arisen out of my post. We answer questions mostly from those who are struggling with their faith, with their identity, with the very basics of the Gospel. And that is what we are trying to help with. We are trying to reach out to those on Tumblr who don't feel good enough to come to God or be a part of His Church. Who believe that His love is dependent on their actions. That they need to change first before praying. There are a lot of people who feel this way on Tumblr and it breaks my heart every time I hear their trials.
So we call ALL people to come to Christ. No matter what you are doing right now. My favorite scripture is 2 Nephi 26:24
He doeth not anything save it be for the benefit of the world; for he loveth the world, even that he layeth down his own life that he may draw all men unto him. Wherefore, he commandeth none that they shall not partake of his salvation.
There is not one of us that God forbids from coming to Him. He loves us.
When I became a nanny, I started to act like a nanny in a way I had never before. And when I realized I was a daughter of God and that He loved me and nothing was going to change that, I started acting like a daughter of God in a way I had never before.
Our actions do define us. But our identity guides our actions. And our identity as beloved sons and daughters of God NEVER changes. So those actions shouldn't either.
Thanks again. I'm glad that you sent this in because I don't want anyone taking the wrong message away from what I am saying. I know there were probably others who were confused as well. Thank you.
