Why Don't We Drive Cars On The Moon?

      In the world today there are many different concepts of being "saved", but the most usual description among Christian denominations is not burning in hell, or escaping eternal damnation. Easy enough right? Ultimately we are saved by our Savior, Jesus Christ. His infinite atonement is what makes it possible for us to return to live with our Heavenly Father again. But how do we become "saved"?
      The doctrines of my faith go a lot further than simply implying that we are either saved or not, but I want to focus on specifically the manner in which we seek our salvation from God. Some say that by grace and grace alone we are saved, that with faith and believing we win our salvation. This is a common belief among many denominations. Some also say that our works alone will be the ultimate factor in our final judgment. So which one is it? 
      The truth is, we need both our faith, and our works.
 "Even so faith, if it hath not works, is dead, being alone. Yea, a man may say, Thou hast faith, and I have works: shew me thy faith without thy works, and I will shew thee my faith by my works. Thou believest that there is one God; thou doest well: the devils also believe, and tremble. But wilt thou know, O vain man, that faith without works is dead? Was not Abraham our father justified by works, when he had offered Isaac his son upon the altar? Seest thou how faith wrought with his works, and by works was faith made perfect? And the scripture was fulfilled which saith, Abraham believed God, and it was imputed unto him for righteousness: and he was called the Friend of God. Ye see then how that by works a man is justified. . For as the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works is dead also." (James 2:14-26)
        This is a lot similar to how an auto engine works. If you would ask someone how a car runs, they would most likely tell you that it runs on gas. This is true, and obvious as well. But there is another necessary thing for your car to run as well. Just as important, but sometimes overlooked. . . Air. 
     This is the breakdown of where the power comes from inside a four stroke engine:
On the first stroke, the piston pulls down, and the gas and air mixture comes in through the valves at the top - INTAKE. Then, the piston pushes upward to squeeze the air/fuel mixture together - COMPRESSION. Just as that happens, the spark plug ignites the gas/air mixture and creates the combustion - POWER. That small explosion forces the piston back down and the other valves open at the top, letting the exhaust gases  out - EXHAUST.
      Now that we just learned what powers an engine, we can learn what the significance is. Looking specifically at the intake stroke, we see that both gas and air are required. If you have one without the other, or the ratio in the mixture is off, the motor won't run properly. Even when the spark plug fires, the gas alone will not keep the engine running, and neither will the air. You need both. This combination mixed with the spark from the spark plug is what moves us.
      Our works and our faith must go hand in hand for us to receive the full effect of God's gifts. His grace and mercy aren't conditional, He loves us all. And through Jesus Christ's atonement we can all be saved, but we must show our willingness and gratitude by doing good works and believing. 
     "Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap." (Galatians 6:7)
      It is my humble prayer that we can all remember to have faith and do good works to those around us, just as our great Redeemer did. We must show our gratitude for the wonderful gifts the we have been so mercifully given. Truly we are blessed to do so!