Chapter 6: But Are Not the “Four Principles and Ordinances” Another Form of “Good Works”?Grace, Agency, and Choice

In brief

Are faith, repentance, baptism, and the gift of the Holy Ghost “works” that earn grace? No. Each is an expression of dependence on God, not a personal merit, like the publican’s prayer, “God be merciful to me a sinner” (Luke 18:13). Yet God leaves the choice to us. Seaich rejects predestination because it would make people “robots of grace” without moral agency.

This page summarizes Chapter 6 of Understanding Mormonism: The Restored Gospel of Christ and Its Biblical Foundations in Latter-day Saint Belief by Eugene Seaich (2026 Annotated Edition, edited by Eric Hendrickson). The summary is quoted from the book’s “In brief” and is editorial material, not the author’s words. The full chapter, with its notes and argument, is in the book.

Independent scholarship by Eugene Seaich. Not an official publication of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.