“We believe that men and women will be punished for their own sins, and not for Adam or Eve’s transgression.” -Second Article of Faith
The human race is a race of fallen beings. While Adam and Eve were likely the first humans we are aware of the Lord introduced himself to, they were not the first people. They are the first parents of our salvation. Through them both spiritual life and death enter the world. They are the first man and woman we know that received and taught the Gospel to the world. It is because of Adam and Eve humans first learned that through Christ we may repent and return to our Heavenly Parents (2 Nephi 2: 18-25, OPV). [1]
Sin
“Even the righteousness of God which is by faith of Jesus Christ unto all and upon all them that believe: for there is no difference: For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God; Being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus.” -Romans 3:22-24)
All mankind has sinned and fallen short of the Glory of God. Sin is simply when we love ourselves more than we love God. Once a person accepts Jesus Christ as their personal Savior, they accept the doctrine of Christ. This means they allow His Grace to grow within them. Because of this, they reject sin and spiritual death. This leads us to desire baptism by water and fire. In the Fellowship of Christ we offer a nondenominational baptism and confirmation into the Church of Christ.
Grace
“…the Lord God showeth us our weakness that we may know that it is by his grace, and his great condescensions unto the children of men, that we have power to do these things.” -Jacob 3:8 RAV, 4:7 OPV
It is by Grace that we are saved, after all we can do (2 Nephi 11:48 RAV, 25: 26 OPV). The Book of Mormon makes it clear that we can only obey (do Good Works) through Grace (Jacob 3:8 RAV 4:7 OPV). Rather than seeking to live by a set of strict guidelines, we attempt to follow the Holy Spirit to the best of our ability as we grow, Grace by Grace, in Jesus Christ. This means letting go of our pride and our ego and embracing Christlike love four the creation and neighbors.
All of the Law and the Prophets rest on these (Matthew 22: 35-40). We cannot love the Lord if we do not know Jesus Christ. We cannot love our neighbors until we see them as the Lord sees them – as family. We can only do this through our relationship with the Holy Spirit.
This doesn’t mean that we no longer have to obey the commandments of God, it means that we must follow the Holy Spirit to know the Lord’s will for us.
Have questions? Contact us: info@cjccf.org
1 In the Fellowship of Christ, those with the proper keys can baptize souls into the universal Church of Jesus Christ, making the baptized non-denominational Christians/Mormons. Those requesting baptism are asked a few simple questions before joining about their faith in Jesus Christ. Those under 18 must have their parent or guardian’s permission. Beyond these it is up to each individual to pray and determine for themselves their worthiness to partake of the Holy Sacraments (1 Corinthians 11: 29).