What verses in “Amazing Grace” run counter to Mormon doctrine?

Question

Dear Gramps,

Will you please identify the verses in “Amazing Grace” that run counter to Mormon doctrine–hence the reason the hymn is not sung in our Mormon Church services? I understand we are not “saved” by grace alone.

Greg

Answer

Dear Greg,

Your understanding is correct. The message of the popular hymn, Amazing Grace, in all its verses, is salvation to all be grace alone. As you pointed out, the Mormon Church does believe in salvation by grace. Salvation is a gift that cannot be earned, as we are powerless to pay retribution for all our sins. It is only by the grace of God, through the great atoning sacrifice of the Lord Jesus Christ, that salvation comes to anyone. Yet man is accountable before God for his behavior, and if man does not thoroughly repent of all his sins–i.e., overcome them, get them out of his system–he can never inherit God’s highest kingdom of glory. We read in the scriptures—

I do not frustrate the grace of God: for if righteousness come by the law, then Christ is dead in vain (Gal 2:21).

Righteousness must come from the actions, words and thoughts of men.

For we labor diligently to write, to persuade our children, and also our brethren, to believe in Christ, and to be reconciled to God; for we know that it is by grace that we are saved, after all we can do (2 Nephi 25:23).

The key here is that salvation comes by the grace of God to all those who qualify themselves to receive the gift.

Gramps