Are Mormons Christian

The following is my reply to a post on Mormon Coffee by an former Mormon discussing the question "Are Mormons Christian?"

Katrina,
I relate so much to your kind words. The difference in my life after truly understanding (and receiving) God's grace is hard to describe; but you have made a valiant attempt.

I too was an active, temple-worthy Mormon (with a stake calling). Like you, I have a firm grasp on the Mormon theology. I have studied it, taught it and defended it. I left the LDS church not because I had a problem with the church's history or doctrine or culture or because of serious transgression or because of being offended. I left because after more than 40 years of trying to overcome trials and burdens (many of my own making) the Lord showed His love unconditionally.

Then, I experienced a renewing of the mind that melted away so many of the apologetic arguments that tried to justify Mormon doctrines and practices. Of course, such a change included getting into God's Word through His Holy Spirit. (Yes, many non-Mormons can and do base their testimonies on a divine witness in addition to exercising their God-given intellect).

For example, Mormonism teaches that "the Lord...should not come to redeem them in their sins but to redeem them from their sins because of repentance" (Helaman 5:10-11). And Mormonism requires you to forsake your sins before it is considered repentance. Hence you are not redeemed until you stop sinning. I was on the spiritual treadmill never feeling like I could achieve the goal.

How beautiful is God's true grace where we can be redeemed while we are still sinners (Romans 5:8) and be saved unto good works (Ephesians 2:8-10) which follows true faith (not precede it nor qualify us for that grace).

Now, I don't intend to rekindle the works versus faith debate. Although Mormons think that the question is simply semantic and the LDS church shares the traditional Christian orthodoxy on salvation, the day-to-day living that results from the traditional Christian approach is incredible. You have to experience it to understand it. And obviously you have, Katrina. Praise God for that.
A senior missionary couple visited the other day and asked me "Knowing everything you know, how could you walk away?" I told them I did not feel that I was walking away from something; I was walking toward something. What an understatement!