Are There Different Levels of Heaven and Hell?

Welcome to Day 19 of our 60-Day Challenge! But before we tackle today’s question, let’s take a moment to reflect on the question from Day 18: Why do some Christians say our works don’t matter, while Jesus teaches that we must repent and keep the commandments?

This question cuts to the heart of how faith, grace, and works fit into the gospel. So, let’s break it down into simple, actionable insights to see how these elements work together in God’s plan for us.

Faith Without Works is Dead: Understanding James’ Teaching

Let’s start with James 2:17-18, where he lays it out plainly:

“Even so faith, if it hath not works, is dead, being alone. Yea, a man may say, Thou hast faith, and I have works: show me thy faith without thy works, and I will show thee my faith by my works.”

James isn’t saying faith doesn’t matter—quite the opposite. He’s showing us that true faith is more than intellectual belief; it’s an active, living principle that leads to righteous action.

Think of it this way:

• Faith is like planting a seed.

• Works—repentance, obedience, and service—are the water and sunlight that help the seed grow.

• Without action, faith remains dormant, just like a seed left in dry soil.

What Did Jesus Teach About Works?

Jesus Himself made it clear that faith and works go hand in hand:

• Matthew 4:17: “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.”

• Matthew 7:21: “Not everyone that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven, but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven.”

• John 14:15: “If ye love me, keep my commandments.”

Jesus wasn’t just looking for believers—He was looking for disciples. Repentance and obedience weren’t optional add-ons to faith; they were part of what it meant to follow Him.

Why the Confusion About Works?

So why do some Christians say works don’t matter? Often, it comes from a misunderstanding of grace. Paul teaches in Ephesians 2:8-9:

“For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast.”

Paul is absolutely right: None of us can “earn” salvation. Grace is a gift, made possible through Jesus Christ. But does that mean works are irrelevant? No!

Instead, works are the natural result of true faith. They show that we’ve accepted God’s gift of grace and are striving to live in alignment with His will.

How Faith, Grace, and Works Come Together in the Restored Gospel

In The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, faith, grace, and works are seen as complementary elements of salvation. Let’s explore how they fit together:

1. Faith is the Foundation

Faith in Jesus Christ is where it all begins. But faith isn’t just intellectual belief—it’s trust in Christ that leads us to act.

In the Book of Mormon, 2 Nephi 25:23 teaches:

“For we know that it is by grace that we are saved, after all we can do.”

This verse doesn’t mean we “earn” grace. Instead, it acknowledges that salvation is a partnership between us and Christ. Grace is always there, but we must act in faith to fully access its power.

2. Repentance is Essential

Repentance is how we demonstrate our faith and turn back to God. It’s not a one-time event—it’s a daily process of realigning ourselves with Christ.

Grace makes repentance possible, but repentance is how we show we’re committed to following Him. Without it, we miss the opportunity to grow spiritually and access the blessings of Christ’s Atonement.

3. Obedience Reflects Our Love for God

Obedience to God’s commandments isn’t about earning salvation—it’s about showing our love for Him.

Jesus said in John 14:15:

“If ye love me, keep my commandments.”

For members of the restored church, obedience also fulfills the covenants made at baptism and in the temple. It’s how we demonstrate that we’re serious about following Christ.

4. Grace and Works Work Together

Here’s where it all comes together: Grace is the enabling power of salvation. It’s a free gift, offered through Christ’s Atonement, that none of us can earn.

But to fully access the power of grace, we must act. Works—repentance, obedience, and service—aren’t the cause of salvation; they’re the evidence of our faith.

This balance is beautifully summarized in the phrase:

“Grace after all we can do.”

Christ’s grace is always there, but it’s up to us to exercise our agency to act—choosing to repent, obey, and follow His teachings.

Why This Matters for You

Understanding the relationship between faith, grace, and works isn’t just theology—it’s deeply practical. It shapes how we approach life, our relationship with God, and our journey toward salvation.

Here’s what this means for you:

1. Faith Leads to Action: Don’t just believe—act on your belief. Let your faith inspire repentance, obedience, and service.

2. Grace Empowers You: Christ’s grace is always available. Trust in Him to bridge the gap where you fall short.

3. Works Demonstrate Commitment: Your actions show your love for God and your desire to follow Him.

What’s Next? Question 19

Now that we’ve explored the balance of faith, grace, and works, here’s your next question to consider:

Why do people believe in one heaven and one hell when the Bible teaches there are various degrees of glory after the resurrection?

You’ll find the answer in 1 Corinthians 15:40-42, and it’s a fascinating topic that highlights God’s fairness and love.

Let’s Keep the Conversation Going

I hope today’s lesson has helped you see how faith, grace, and works fit together in God’s plan.

What do you think? How does this understanding shape the way you live your faith? Drop your thoughts in the comments, and if this blog spoke to you, share it with someone who might need this message.

Transcription:

 Hi, my name is Joe Cirillo with Gospel First, and thanks for your decision to follow me on this exciting journey to find Christ restored church in our day. But before I give you question number 19, did you get the answer to question 18? Why do many Christians say that our works don't matter? But Jesus says that we are required to repent and keep the commandments.

James chapter 2 verse 17 to 18 says, Even so, faith, if it hath not works, is dead, being alone. Yea, a man may say thou hast faith, and I have works, show me thy faith without thy works, and I will show thee my faith by my works. Matthew chapter 7 verse 21 says, Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven, but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven.

Matthew chapter 4 verse 17 also says, From that time Jesus began to preach and to say, Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand. And John 4. 14. 15 says, If ye love me, keep my commandments. So when some Christians say that works don't matter, they often mean that works do not contribute to earning salvation, which is by grace through faith.

However, this doesn't mean that works, repentance, and obedience are irrelevant. Jesus and the apostles clearly teach that a true living faith will result in a life of repentance. Keeping God's commandments and good works is a fruit of faith. In the Restored Church, the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter day Saints, it provides a more harmonious balance between grace, faith, and works than in some other Christian traditions.

Here's how its views reconcile Jesus teaching on repentance and keeping the commandments with the doctrine of grace. First, faith in Jesus Christ. This doctrine of faith in Jesus Christ is foundational to salvation, as emphasized throughout the Bible and the Book of Mormon. However, this faith is more than just intellectual belief.

It is an act of trust in Christ that leads to repentance and righteous living. And this is why faith is the first principle of the gospel. In the Book of Mormon, 2 Nephi chapter 25 verse 23 teaches, For we know that it is by grace that we are saved, after all we can do. The we is not you and me. It is Christ and me.

After all, we, Christ and us, can do together. This verse emphasizes that salvation ultimately comes through grace, but it acknowledges that humans have a responsibility, such as faith, repentance, and striving to keep the commandments as part of the covenantal relationship with God. Repentance as a key to grace.

Jesus'. Call to repentance is not just a one-time event, but a daily process. It's the means by which we align ourselves with Christ and seek to become more like him. Repentance is seen as a, an essential act of faith. While grace makes repentance possible, repentance is the way that we receive forgiveness and demonstrates our willingness to follow Christ.

Three, obedience and commandments. Well, the restored church teaches that obedience to God's commandments is crucial. Jesus teaching on keeping the commandments, loving God, and loving one's neighbor are emphasized as part of what it means to follow Christ. John 14 verses 15 says, If you love me, keep my commandments.

For members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter day Saints, obedience to the commandments isn't about earning salvation, but it's about showing love for God and fulfilling the terms of the covenant. Made at baptism and in the temple. Obedience is a natural consequence of faith and repentance. The LDS or the Latter day Saint perspective aligns closely with the idea that faith without works is dead.

That's James chapter 2 verse 26. Meaning that true faith must result in righteous action. And then, number four, grace and works together. The Restored Church's perspective emphasizes that while grace is the enabling power of salvation, human beings have a role to play. Works, that's righteous actions, repentance, and keeping the commandments are not seen as the cause of salvation, but as the evidence of one's faith and commitment to Christ.

For members of the Restored Church, the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter day Saints, grace is essential for salvation and is a free gift from Christ through His Atonement. However, in order to fully access the power of grace, individuals must do their part by exercising faith, repenting, and strive to follow Christ's teachings.

This is often summarized in the phrase, grace after all we can do, meaning that Christ's grace is always available to make up for what we lack, but we are still expected to do our part. Remember, Jesus never forces anybody, and we must exercise our agency to act. And that means to act, to repent, to have faith, and do all part to be obedient.

And here's question 19. Why do people believe in one heaven and one hell when the Bible teaches that there are various degrees of glory after the resurrection? And you can find the answer in 1 Corinthians chapter 15, verses 40 to 42. And of course, I'd love to hear your thoughts. I hope you've enjoyed this episode of Gospel First Lesson.

And have found it inspiring. For more insights on God's plan of happiness for you, you can visit our website at gospelfirst. net. Now I'd love to hear from you, so please leave your questions or comments in the comments section of this video. Also, you can help me spread the word. Spread the good news of the gospel of Jesus Christ by hitting the like, subscribe and share button.

Together, we can make a difference. So until next time, God bless.