When witnessing to members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS), one of the most important—and misunderstood—topics is salvation. While LDS theology speaks of exaltation as something achieved through a lifetime of obedience, the Bible clearly teaches that eternal life is a gift, freely given through faith in Jesus Christ.
Below are five powerful Bible passages that highlight the truth of salvation by grace alone. We’ve also included guidance on how to use each verse in your conversations to lovingly contrast the biblical message with LDS teachings.
Bible Verses About the Gift of Eternal Life and How to Use Them:
Here is a selection of Bible verses that Christians can use to share the biblical view of eternal life as a free gift from God:
- John 3:16 – “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.”
- How to Use: Point out that eternal life is promised to “whoever believes,” not just those who fulfill specific requirements. Emphasize that God is the giver of eternal life (“he gave”), not something we earn. This shows that eternal life is accessible to all through faith alone.
- 1 John 5:11-13 – “And this is the testimony: God has given us eternal life, and this life is in his Son. Whoever has the Son has life; whoever does not have the Son of God does not have life.”
- How to Use: Highlight the past tense “has given” and present possession “has life” to demonstrate that eternal life is already granted to believers. Contrast this with the LDS idea that exaltation is something earned over time.
- Ephesians 2:3-9 – “All of us also lived among them at one time, gratifying the cravings of our flesh and following its desires and thoughts. Like the rest, we were by nature deserving of wrath. But because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions—it is by grace you have been saved… For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God—not by works, so that no one can boast.”
- How to Use: Focus on the “but God” contrast—what humans cannot achieve on their own (“deserving of wrath”) versus what God has done (“made us alive with Christ”). Emphasize that salvation is by grace alone, not works, and that believers “have been saved”—a completed act, not a future goal.
- Romans 6:23 – “For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.”
- How to Use: Highlight the contrast between what we deserve (death) and what God freely gives (eternal life). Explain that a gift is not something earned but freely given, reinforcing that eternal life is not a reward for human effort but a gift from God.
- Titus 3:5-7 – “He saved us, not because of righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy… having been justified by his grace, we might become heirs having the hope of eternal life.”
- How to Use: Emphasize that salvation is based on God’s mercy and grace, not our actions. Point out the past tense “He saved us” and “having been justified” to show that eternal life is already assured for believers, not something they work to achieve.
When talking to members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints about salvation and eternal life, these verses offer more than just theological insight—they offer hope. Eternal life isn’t something we achieve by climbing a spiritual ladder. It’s a gift from a loving God, already secured by Jesus’ perfect life, death, and resurrection.
If you’re looking for more ways to share the good news with Mormons in a loving, respectful, and biblical way, we encourage you to explore our Please Open the Door course. It’s designed to equip you with the tools, confidence, and compassion needed to witness effectively.