For years, Kevin Cardone lived under the heavy burden of Mormonism’s demands for perfection. As a faithful Latter-day Saint, he sincerely wanted to please God — but deep down, he knew he could never measure up. Mormon apostle Spencer W. Kimball had taught that true forgiveness only comes after a person has completely abandoned all sin, even the desire to sin — a standard impossible for any human being to achieve.
Kevin tried harder, served faithfully, and participated in temple ordinances, but peace never came. The harder he worked for “worthiness,” the more unworthy he felt. The Bible describes this struggle perfectly: “By the works of the law shall no flesh be justified in His sight” (Romans 3:20). No matter how devoted he was, Kevin saw that the LDS system of eternal progression left him trapped in guilt rather than freed by grace.
Everything changed when Kevin encountered the true Gospel of Jesus Christ. He began reading the Bible and saw that salvation is not a reward for the righteous, but a gift for the guilty who believe in Christ. “For by grace you have been saved through faith; and that not of yourselves—it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast” (Ephesians 2:8–9).
Kevin realized that what was impossible in Mormonism was accomplished completely in Christ. On the cross, Jesus declared, “It is finished” (John 19:30). Every sin was paid for. Forgiveness wasn’t earned by perfection — it was purchased by the blood of the perfect Lamb of God. “For by one offering He has perfected forever those who are being sanctified” (Hebrews 10:14).
When Kevin renounced his former dependence on temple “works” and placed his full trust in Christ’s finished work, he finally experienced true peace with God. “Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ” (Romans 5:1). No longer striving for worthiness, Kevin rests in the assurance that Christ’s righteousness has been credited to his account forever (2 Corinthians 5:21).
Today, Kevin testifies that salvation is not found in religion, ordinances, or endless striving — it’s found in a personal relationship with Jesus Christ, who saves completely by grace. As Scripture promises, “If the Son therefore shall make you free, you shall be free indeed” (John 8:36).
