A few weeks ago I was sitting in on a discussion on Faith. As we read Alma Chapter 32 in the Book of Mormon, the group leader posted three headings on the board-Faith, Belief, Knowledge. As the discussion continued others were asked to give their thoughts on what faith is and how we get it. Basically, this is what was concluded-belief is in the mind, it is reason, faith comes from the heart where we use our intuition and insight, and as far as the knowledge part-nothing was listed.
Now from the reading of this chapter one might be satisfied with the things that were "picked out" and added to the board, but as I read on my own a bigger vision was viewable in my mind. When you read the chapter one thing is evident in acquiring faith, humility, and sometimes you have to go through trials and hardship to be humble. And that, "faith is not to have a perfect knowledge of things", but, "if ye have faith ye hope for things which are not seen, which are true". We should believe in Christ and His words. As I see it, this is what constitutes "the seed" and the fertile ground. Then we are asked to "give place" for Christ and His words, and "if it is a true seed, or a good seed, it will begin to swell and grow". The only way this will not happen is if we "cast it out because of our unbelief". Christ and His words will swell and grow within us and "enlarge our souls and enlighten our understanding" and "it will be delicious" to [us], and then we will receive perfect knowledge, (maybe this is where the knowledge part comes in mentioned earlier). OK-that is all well and good-and we all know that "every seed bringeth forth unto its own likeness", in other words, if you plant a tomato seed you get a tomato plant not a sun flower, (there is truth within itself), but as I continued to read about this "experiment", I had come to my mind the story of the "tree of life" and the Lectures on Faith by Joseph Smith, and as I looked at the things listed on the board, I found myself wanting to call out, "Faith is Power"!
The items listed on the board seamed so puny and superficial! Let me share what I learned studying the Lectures of Faith. Faith is the first principle of revealed religion and the foundation of all righteousness, Joseph Smith outlines, in seven short chapters, the doctrine of Christ through the subject of faith in three steps-First, faith itself and what it is, Second, the object on which it rests, and Thirdly, the effects which flow from it.
In the first lecture we learn, in short, (or maybe not so short), faith is the principle of action. In English-faith is an action word! Joseph says, "without it both mind and body would be in a state of inactivity, both physical and mental." Joseph poses this question, "is there anything that you would have done, either physical or mental, if you had not previously believed?" Faith is the moving cause of action (temporal and spiritual). Joseph says, "faith is the moving cause of all action in temporal concerns, so it is in spiritual. We receive by faith all temporal blessings and in like manner receive by faith all spiritual blessings. Faith is not only the principle of action, but of power". Through faith we understand that the "worlds were framed by the word of God, and that by the power that exists in Deity, all things are created and exist. God framed the world by faith, by faith He exercised power over them, "it must be so in man as well as in the Deity." Do you recall, "if you have the faith of a mustard seed . . . you can move mountains?"
As you can see, faith is rooted in the creation. Belief in a creator, a creator who has power, even all power! And we can tap into that power just by believing in Him-the word-or His words.
In the second lecture we learn that, "God is the only supreme governor and independent being in whom all fullness and perfection dwell", evidenced by the works of creation and by the evidences by which the first thoughts were suggested to the minds of men that there was a God who created all things. We are taught in Genesis that God said to His Son, "let us make man in our image", so they created man (and woman), male and female. God blessed them and said, "be fruitful, and multiply and replenish the earth." Although man was not left without intelligence or understanding, man did transgress, and even this did not deprive him of the previous knowledge with which he was endowed. Though our first parents were driven out of the garden of Eden and were separated from the presence of God, they still retained a knowledge of his existence, to move them to call upon him, and no sooner was the plan of redemption revealed to man, he began to call upon God, and the Holy Spirit was given, bearing record of the Father and the Son. Long story short-Adam and Eve obeyed the commandment to multiply and replenish the earth and they had a great posterity. Adam and Eve passed on their testimony and knowledge, and the whole human family in the early age of their existence, had this knowledge, so that the existence of God became an object of faith. And that testimony was the testimony of man.
In tracing the chronology of the world from Adam to Abraham, there was no difficulty in preserving the knowledge of God in the world from creation of Adam, and the manifestation made to his immediate descendants, that the knowledge and existence of God must have continued from father to son, as a matter of tradition.
Through this we see how important personal testimony is. I felt the power of my testimony as I pondered this subject contained in this Sunday discussion.
In the third lecture we learn that three things are necessary in order for rational and intelligent beings to exercise faith in God unto life and salvation. First-the idea that he actually exists. Second-a correct idea of his character, perfections, and attributes. Thirdly-an actual knowledge the course in life we are pursuing is according to his will . . . abounding in righteousness, unto a praise of God. We learn that God is eternal, that he is merciful and gracious and, slow to anger. That he changes not, he is a God of truth and cannot lie. He is no respecter of persons, and that he is love. We must be acquainted with the attributes of God and his divine character in order for life and salvation. For if we do not believe him to be God, we could not center our faith on him. God is over all-everlasting. The creator and upholder of all things, in this, our faith must be unwavering! Those who know their weakness and liability to sin would be in constant doubt of salvation if it were not for the idea of the character of God. He is slow to anger and long-suffering, and of a forgiving disposition, and does forgive iniquity, transgression, and sin. These facts do away with doubt, and makes faith exceedingly strong. He is a God of truth, this gives power to our minds to exercise faith in him. And lastly-God is love. In this descriptive character of Deity, there is a sure foundation for the exercise of faith.
Without correct ideas of his character we could not have sufficient power with God to the exercise of faith necessary to the enjoyment of eternal life; correct ideas of his character lay a foundation to exercise faith unto eternal life.
In the fourth lecture we learn more about the attributes of God and show how they are necessary, a correct idea of his attributes are to enable men to exercise faith in him unto eternal life. Evident in these scriptures; First-knowledge. The knowledge of God and all his works from the beginning. "I am God, there is none else; there is none like me . . . My counsel shall stand" (Acts 15:18). Secondly-Faith or power. "Through faith, the worlds were framed by the word of God."(Hebrews 11:3). "In the beginning God created the heavens and earth."(Genesis 1:1). "His hand is stretched out."(Isaiah 14:27). Thirdly-Justice. "Justice and judgment are the habitation of thy throne."(Psalm 89:14). "There is no God but me; a just God and a Saviour."(Isaiah 45:21). "Rejoice greatly, O daughter of Zion; thy King cometh unto thee; he is just, and having salvation."(Zechariah 9:9). Fourthly-Judgment. "Justice and judgment are the habitation of thy throne."(Psalm 89:14). "He is the Rock, his work is perfect; for all his ways are judgment: a God of truth and without iniquity, just and right is he." (Deuteronomy 32:4). "He hath prepared his throne for judgment."(Psalm 9:7). "The Lord is known by the judgment which he executeth."(Psalm 9:16). Fifthly-Mercy. "Mercy and truth shall go before they face."(Psalm 89:14). "The Lord God, merciful and gracious."(Exodus 34:6). "Thou art a God ready to pardon, gracious and merciful."(Nehemiah 9:17). And Sixthly-Truth. "Mercy and truth shall go before thy face."(Psalm 89:14). "Long-suffering; and abundant in goodness and truth."(Exodus 34:6). "His work is perfect: his ways are judgment: a God of truth and without iniquity, just and right is he."(Deuteronomy 32:4). "Into thine hand I commit my spirit: thou hast redeemed me, O Lord God of truth."(Psalm 31:5).
Without the knowledge of all things God would not be able to save any portion of his creatures; for it is by this knowledge which he has of all things, from the beginning to the end, that enables him to give that understanding to his creatures; and if it were not for the idea that God had all knowledge, it would be impossible for them to exercise faith in him. Without the attribute of power; unless God had power over all things; men could not be saved. Because of God's attribute of power, men feel as though they had nothing to fear. God has power to save all who come to him!
So without God's attribute of justice we could not have confidence to place ourselves under his guidance and direction, believing that the judge of all will do right. And judgment? It is by judgment that the Lord delivers his saints out of the hands of all their enemies. In his own due time he will bear them off conquerors in all things. Without the attribute of mercy, the saints would faint in the midst of the tribulations, afflictions, and persecutions which they have to endure for righteousness' sake. It gives life and energy to the spirits of the saints. The mercy of God will lay hold of them and secure them in the arms of his love. Without the attribute of truth, the mind of man could have nothing upon which it could rest with certainty, believing that all that the Lord has said, shall be fulfilled in their time. And there is a sure foundation laid for the exercise of faith in him for life and salvation. For as much as God possesses the attribute of knowledge, he can make all things known to his saints necessary for their salvation.
In the fifth lecture we learn about the Godhead-meaning the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. We learn that there are two personages who constitute the great , matchless, governing, and supreme power over all things, they are the Father and the Son-the Father being a personages of spirit, glory, and power, possessing all perfection and fullness, the Son, a personage of tabernacle like unto man, possessing a fullness of the Father. He kept the law of God, remaining without sin, showing that it is in the power of man to keep the law and remain also without sin. By him a righteous judgment might come to all flesh. The Only Begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth, having overcome, and received a fullness of the glory of the Father, possessing the same mind with the Father, which mind is the Holy Spirit, that bears record of the Father and the Son, these three are one; these three constitute the great supreme power over all things; these three constitute the Godhead.
The Son is the mediator for us. All those who believe on him and keep his commandments and "grow from grace to grace", and become heirs of the heaven will become joint heirs with Christ; possessing the same mind, being transformed into the same image or likeness, in the express image of him, being filled with the fullness of his glory; and become one in him, even as the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit are one. "I pray. . . that they all may be one; as thou, Father, art in me, and I in thee, that they also may be one in us."(John 17:20-21).
Lecture six deals with the knowledge that we must have that our course of life which we are pursuing is according to the will of God. This knowledge is important for us to have confidence in God, without which, no person can obtain eternal life. It was this knowledge that enabled the ancient saints to endure all their afflictions and persecutions, and to "take joyfully the spoiling of their goods, knowing they had a more enduring substance." And without this knowledge they would grow weary and faint. Nothing short of this knowledge would give them confidence to overcome the world. Now this is more than mere belief, this is actual knowledge. Unless we know that we are walking according to the will of God, and doing his will, our confidence can be equally strong that we will be a partaker the glory of God. A religion that does not require the sacrifice of all things never has power sufficient to produce the faith necessary unto life and salvation. Salvation never could be obtained without the sacrifice of all earthly things. Those who make the sacrifice will have the testimony and have faith to lay hold on eternal life, to endure to the end, and receive the "crown" that is laid up for them that love the Lord.
Where doubt and uncertainty are, faith is not, nor can it be. For doubt and faith do not exist in the same person at the same time.
In lecture seven we learn that it is by faith that Deity works. We learn that when we work by faith, we work by mental exertion instead of physical force. It is by words, instead of exerting his physical powers, with which every being works when he works by faith. God said, "let there be light." Joshua spake and the "great lights which God created stood still." Elijah commanded, and "the heavens were stayed for the space of three years and six months, it did not rain", and "again he commanded and the heavens gave forth rain." All this was done by faith. So we learn that faith works by words! "The mightiest works have been, and will be, performed by faith. Angels move by virtue of this power. The creation is the effect of faith. Faith is the first principle in the science of Theology. The principle of faith is how the heavenly host perform their works. All blessings of eternity are the effects of faith. Without faith it is impossible to please God. It is impossible to be saved without faith. When we begin to live by faith we begin to draw near to God. When faith is perfected we are like him. "And when he appears they shall be like him, for they will see him as he is."(Moroni 7:48). Visible creation is the effect of faith. This chapter goes on to show how the teachings of the Saviour most clearly show us the nature of salvation, and that he proposed to make us like unto himself, and that any portion of the human family assimilated into their likeness is to be saved, on this hinge turns the door of salvation. We then see that salvation is the effect of faith! Over and over again we are told in the scriptures to "be like him", "believe in him", "learn of him". How are we to obtain the knowledge of God? Through faith, we can with that knowledge obtain all other things that pertain to life and godliness, and these are the effects of faith. "They sought by faith, and by faith obtained." What can be more enjoyable than the knowledge of Christ Jesus."
Now that is a lot to have pass through your mind in the midst of this discussion. The vision of the tree of life (1 Nephi 11) came to life in a new way for me at that moment. To me it all was connected in vivid detail to the lectures on faith and Alma 32. Now I spent a year and a half studying the Lectures on Faith, (a little booklet 78 pages long) and supplimented by the scriptures and words of the prophets and personal experiences, I am not saying I am an expert, far from it. It just seams like we take faith for granted, and don't see it as the power it is, or do it justice. I just think that if we really believed the power that faith has, and the potential it has to refine our lives, we would seek to know more about it and profess it in our everyday lives, without excuse. Yes- we believe in God's creations, but do we recognize that he really exists and possesses the power to create them and that he has power over all? Do we really believe that he possesses all the desirable attributes known to mankind and will exercise them in righteousness? Do we recognize that through our being baptized and having the Gift of the Holy Ghost bestowed upon us through the power of the priesthood we have an actual member of the Godhead as our companion who will testify of truth and of the divinity of the Son? That through the love of the Father and the mediation of Christ and the gift of the Holy Ghost we can be joint heirs of God and Christ. We don't give enough credence to having that God of Spirit with us. One of the toughest things to do is to acquire the actual knowledge that I am living my life in accordance to the will of God, but if I am trying to know him and acquire his attributes on a daily basis and seek the Spirit, I guess I can rest assured I am. As far as exhibiting this power we are supposed to be acquiring, I guess I should be declaring it by words and works. Bearing testimony like Adam did to his descendants. That there is a God, that he created all things temporal and spiritual, that there is a purpose to our existence here. That we are to make something of our lives . . . something good. That our faith will give us power to overcome and endure. That if justice and judgment need serving, God will do it in wisdom and righteousness.
I guess in the end what was manifested to me, in my mind and heart and seared in my soul, (in a big way), was that faith is more than a thought in the mind or a feeling of the heart, it is power!
Now from the reading of this chapter one might be satisfied with the things that were "picked out" and added to the board, but as I read on my own a bigger vision was viewable in my mind. When you read the chapter one thing is evident in acquiring faith, humility, and sometimes you have to go through trials and hardship to be humble. And that, "faith is not to have a perfect knowledge of things", but, "if ye have faith ye hope for things which are not seen, which are true". We should believe in Christ and His words. As I see it, this is what constitutes "the seed" and the fertile ground. Then we are asked to "give place" for Christ and His words, and "if it is a true seed, or a good seed, it will begin to swell and grow". The only way this will not happen is if we "cast it out because of our unbelief". Christ and His words will swell and grow within us and "enlarge our souls and enlighten our understanding" and "it will be delicious" to [us], and then we will receive perfect knowledge, (maybe this is where the knowledge part comes in mentioned earlier). OK-that is all well and good-and we all know that "every seed bringeth forth unto its own likeness", in other words, if you plant a tomato seed you get a tomato plant not a sun flower, (there is truth within itself), but as I continued to read about this "experiment", I had come to my mind the story of the "tree of life" and the Lectures on Faith by Joseph Smith, and as I looked at the things listed on the board, I found myself wanting to call out, "Faith is Power"!
The items listed on the board seamed so puny and superficial! Let me share what I learned studying the Lectures of Faith. Faith is the first principle of revealed religion and the foundation of all righteousness, Joseph Smith outlines, in seven short chapters, the doctrine of Christ through the subject of faith in three steps-First, faith itself and what it is, Second, the object on which it rests, and Thirdly, the effects which flow from it.
In the first lecture we learn, in short, (or maybe not so short), faith is the principle of action. In English-faith is an action word! Joseph says, "without it both mind and body would be in a state of inactivity, both physical and mental." Joseph poses this question, "is there anything that you would have done, either physical or mental, if you had not previously believed?" Faith is the moving cause of action (temporal and spiritual). Joseph says, "faith is the moving cause of all action in temporal concerns, so it is in spiritual. We receive by faith all temporal blessings and in like manner receive by faith all spiritual blessings. Faith is not only the principle of action, but of power". Through faith we understand that the "worlds were framed by the word of God, and that by the power that exists in Deity, all things are created and exist. God framed the world by faith, by faith He exercised power over them, "it must be so in man as well as in the Deity." Do you recall, "if you have the faith of a mustard seed . . . you can move mountains?"
"Faith is the first great governing principle that has power, dominion, and authority over all things; by it they exist, by it they are upheld, by it they are changed, or by it they remain, agreeable to the will of God. Without it there is no power, and without power there could be no creation or existence!" (J.S.)
As you can see, faith is rooted in the creation. Belief in a creator, a creator who has power, even all power! And we can tap into that power just by believing in Him-the word-or His words.
In the second lecture we learn that, "God is the only supreme governor and independent being in whom all fullness and perfection dwell", evidenced by the works of creation and by the evidences by which the first thoughts were suggested to the minds of men that there was a God who created all things. We are taught in Genesis that God said to His Son, "let us make man in our image", so they created man (and woman), male and female. God blessed them and said, "be fruitful, and multiply and replenish the earth." Although man was not left without intelligence or understanding, man did transgress, and even this did not deprive him of the previous knowledge with which he was endowed. Though our first parents were driven out of the garden of Eden and were separated from the presence of God, they still retained a knowledge of his existence, to move them to call upon him, and no sooner was the plan of redemption revealed to man, he began to call upon God, and the Holy Spirit was given, bearing record of the Father and the Son. Long story short-Adam and Eve obeyed the commandment to multiply and replenish the earth and they had a great posterity. Adam and Eve passed on their testimony and knowledge, and the whole human family in the early age of their existence, had this knowledge, so that the existence of God became an object of faith. And that testimony was the testimony of man.
In tracing the chronology of the world from Adam to Abraham, there was no difficulty in preserving the knowledge of God in the world from creation of Adam, and the manifestation made to his immediate descendants, that the knowledge and existence of God must have continued from father to son, as a matter of tradition.
"We have now clearly set forth how it is, that God become an object of faith for rational beings; and upon what foundation the testimony was based which exited the inquiry and diligent search of the ancient saints to seek after and obtain a knowledge of the glory of God; and we have seen that it was human testimony, and human testimony only, that excited this inquiry. In their minds, it was the credence they gave to the testimony of their fathers, this testimony having aroused their minds to inquire after the knowledge of God, in the most glorious discoveries and eternal certainty." (J.S.)
Through this we see how important personal testimony is. I felt the power of my testimony as I pondered this subject contained in this Sunday discussion.
In the third lecture we learn that three things are necessary in order for rational and intelligent beings to exercise faith in God unto life and salvation. First-the idea that he actually exists. Second-a correct idea of his character, perfections, and attributes. Thirdly-an actual knowledge the course in life we are pursuing is according to his will . . . abounding in righteousness, unto a praise of God. We learn that God is eternal, that he is merciful and gracious and, slow to anger. That he changes not, he is a God of truth and cannot lie. He is no respecter of persons, and that he is love. We must be acquainted with the attributes of God and his divine character in order for life and salvation. For if we do not believe him to be God, we could not center our faith on him. God is over all-everlasting. The creator and upholder of all things, in this, our faith must be unwavering! Those who know their weakness and liability to sin would be in constant doubt of salvation if it were not for the idea of the character of God. He is slow to anger and long-suffering, and of a forgiving disposition, and does forgive iniquity, transgression, and sin. These facts do away with doubt, and makes faith exceedingly strong. He is a God of truth, this gives power to our minds to exercise faith in him. And lastly-God is love. In this descriptive character of Deity, there is a sure foundation for the exercise of faith.
"Let us here observe that the character which is given of God in his revelations to the Former-day Saints, and also the Latter-day Saints are both alike in this respect; the Latter-day Saints having as good grounds to exercise faith in God as the Former-day Saints had, because the same character is given of him to both". (J.S.)
Without correct ideas of his character we could not have sufficient power with God to the exercise of faith necessary to the enjoyment of eternal life; correct ideas of his character lay a foundation to exercise faith unto eternal life.
In the fourth lecture we learn more about the attributes of God and show how they are necessary, a correct idea of his attributes are to enable men to exercise faith in him unto eternal life. Evident in these scriptures; First-knowledge. The knowledge of God and all his works from the beginning. "I am God, there is none else; there is none like me . . . My counsel shall stand" (Acts 15:18). Secondly-Faith or power. "Through faith, the worlds were framed by the word of God."(Hebrews 11:3). "In the beginning God created the heavens and earth."(Genesis 1:1). "His hand is stretched out."(Isaiah 14:27). Thirdly-Justice. "Justice and judgment are the habitation of thy throne."(Psalm 89:14). "There is no God but me; a just God and a Saviour."(Isaiah 45:21). "Rejoice greatly, O daughter of Zion; thy King cometh unto thee; he is just, and having salvation."(Zechariah 9:9). Fourthly-Judgment. "Justice and judgment are the habitation of thy throne."(Psalm 89:14). "He is the Rock, his work is perfect; for all his ways are judgment: a God of truth and without iniquity, just and right is he." (Deuteronomy 32:4). "He hath prepared his throne for judgment."(Psalm 9:7). "The Lord is known by the judgment which he executeth."(Psalm 9:16). Fifthly-Mercy. "Mercy and truth shall go before they face."(Psalm 89:14). "The Lord God, merciful and gracious."(Exodus 34:6). "Thou art a God ready to pardon, gracious and merciful."(Nehemiah 9:17). And Sixthly-Truth. "Mercy and truth shall go before thy face."(Psalm 89:14). "Long-suffering; and abundant in goodness and truth."(Exodus 34:6). "His work is perfect: his ways are judgment: a God of truth and without iniquity, just and right is he."(Deuteronomy 32:4). "Into thine hand I commit my spirit: thou hast redeemed me, O Lord God of truth."(Psalm 31:5).
Without the knowledge of all things God would not be able to save any portion of his creatures; for it is by this knowledge which he has of all things, from the beginning to the end, that enables him to give that understanding to his creatures; and if it were not for the idea that God had all knowledge, it would be impossible for them to exercise faith in him. Without the attribute of power; unless God had power over all things; men could not be saved. Because of God's attribute of power, men feel as though they had nothing to fear. God has power to save all who come to him!
"Therefore his attributes and character remain forever the same. It is through the revelation of these that a foundation is laid for the exercise of faith in God unto life and salvation, the foundation for the exercise of faith was, is and ever will be, the same; so that all men have had, and will have, an equal privilege." (J.S.)
So without God's attribute of justice we could not have confidence to place ourselves under his guidance and direction, believing that the judge of all will do right. And judgment? It is by judgment that the Lord delivers his saints out of the hands of all their enemies. In his own due time he will bear them off conquerors in all things. Without the attribute of mercy, the saints would faint in the midst of the tribulations, afflictions, and persecutions which they have to endure for righteousness' sake. It gives life and energy to the spirits of the saints. The mercy of God will lay hold of them and secure them in the arms of his love. Without the attribute of truth, the mind of man could have nothing upon which it could rest with certainty, believing that all that the Lord has said, shall be fulfilled in their time. And there is a sure foundation laid for the exercise of faith in him for life and salvation. For as much as God possesses the attribute of knowledge, he can make all things known to his saints necessary for their salvation.
In the fifth lecture we learn about the Godhead-meaning the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. We learn that there are two personages who constitute the great , matchless, governing, and supreme power over all things, they are the Father and the Son-the Father being a personages of spirit, glory, and power, possessing all perfection and fullness, the Son, a personage of tabernacle like unto man, possessing a fullness of the Father. He kept the law of God, remaining without sin, showing that it is in the power of man to keep the law and remain also without sin. By him a righteous judgment might come to all flesh. The Only Begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth, having overcome, and received a fullness of the glory of the Father, possessing the same mind with the Father, which mind is the Holy Spirit, that bears record of the Father and the Son, these three are one; these three constitute the great supreme power over all things; these three constitute the Godhead.
"The saints have a sure foundation for the exercise of faith unto life and salvation, through the atonement and mediation of Jesus Christ: a sure reward laid up for them in heaven, even that of partaking of the fullness of the Father and the Son through the Spirit. The saints are to be one in them. Through the love of the Father , the mediation of Jesus Christ, and the gift of the Holy Spirit. They are to be heirs of God, and joint heirs with Jesus Christ." (J.S.).
The Son is the mediator for us. All those who believe on him and keep his commandments and "grow from grace to grace", and become heirs of the heaven will become joint heirs with Christ; possessing the same mind, being transformed into the same image or likeness, in the express image of him, being filled with the fullness of his glory; and become one in him, even as the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit are one. "I pray. . . that they all may be one; as thou, Father, art in me, and I in thee, that they also may be one in us."(John 17:20-21).
Lecture six deals with the knowledge that we must have that our course of life which we are pursuing is according to the will of God. This knowledge is important for us to have confidence in God, without which, no person can obtain eternal life. It was this knowledge that enabled the ancient saints to endure all their afflictions and persecutions, and to "take joyfully the spoiling of their goods, knowing they had a more enduring substance." And without this knowledge they would grow weary and faint. Nothing short of this knowledge would give them confidence to overcome the world. Now this is more than mere belief, this is actual knowledge. Unless we know that we are walking according to the will of God, and doing his will, our confidence can be equally strong that we will be a partaker the glory of God. A religion that does not require the sacrifice of all things never has power sufficient to produce the faith necessary unto life and salvation. Salvation never could be obtained without the sacrifice of all earthly things. Those who make the sacrifice will have the testimony and have faith to lay hold on eternal life, to endure to the end, and receive the "crown" that is laid up for them that love the Lord.
"When a man has offered in sacrifice all that he has for the truth's sake, not even withholding his life, and believing before God that he has been called to make this sacrifice because he seeks to do his will, he does know, most assuredly, that God does and will accept his sacrifice and offering, and that he has not, nor will not seek his face in vain. Under these circumstances, then, he can obtain the faith necessary for him to lay hold on eternal life."(J.S.).
Where doubt and uncertainty are, faith is not, nor can it be. For doubt and faith do not exist in the same person at the same time.
In lecture seven we learn that it is by faith that Deity works. We learn that when we work by faith, we work by mental exertion instead of physical force. It is by words, instead of exerting his physical powers, with which every being works when he works by faith. God said, "let there be light." Joshua spake and the "great lights which God created stood still." Elijah commanded, and "the heavens were stayed for the space of three years and six months, it did not rain", and "again he commanded and the heavens gave forth rain." All this was done by faith. So we learn that faith works by words! "The mightiest works have been, and will be, performed by faith. Angels move by virtue of this power. The creation is the effect of faith. Faith is the first principle in the science of Theology. The principle of faith is how the heavenly host perform their works. All blessings of eternity are the effects of faith. Without faith it is impossible to please God. It is impossible to be saved without faith. When we begin to live by faith we begin to draw near to God. When faith is perfected we are like him. "And when he appears they shall be like him, for they will see him as he is."(Moroni 7:48). Visible creation is the effect of faith. This chapter goes on to show how the teachings of the Saviour most clearly show us the nature of salvation, and that he proposed to make us like unto himself, and that any portion of the human family assimilated into their likeness is to be saved, on this hinge turns the door of salvation. We then see that salvation is the effect of faith! Over and over again we are told in the scriptures to "be like him", "believe in him", "learn of him". How are we to obtain the knowledge of God? Through faith, we can with that knowledge obtain all other things that pertain to life and godliness, and these are the effects of faith. "They sought by faith, and by faith obtained." What can be more enjoyable than the knowledge of Christ Jesus."
"The reason that the Former-day Saints knew more, and understood more, of heaven and the heavenly things than all others, is because this information is the effect of faith-to be obtained by no other means. This is the reason that men, as soon as they lose their faith, run into strife's, contentions, darkness,and difficulties; for the knowledge which tends to life disappears with faith, but returns when faith returns; for when faith comes, it brings its train of attendants with it-apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors, teachers, gifts, wisdom, knowledge, miracles, healings, tongues, interpretation of tongues, etc. All these appear when faith appears on earth, and disappear when it disappears from the earth; for these are the effects of faith. For where faith is there will the knowledge of God be also. He who possesses it will obtain all necessary knowledge and wisdom until he shall know God and the Lord Jesus Christ-whom to know is eternal life." (J.S.).
Now that is a lot to have pass through your mind in the midst of this discussion. The vision of the tree of life (1 Nephi 11) came to life in a new way for me at that moment. To me it all was connected in vivid detail to the lectures on faith and Alma 32. Now I spent a year and a half studying the Lectures on Faith, (a little booklet 78 pages long) and supplimented by the scriptures and words of the prophets and personal experiences, I am not saying I am an expert, far from it. It just seams like we take faith for granted, and don't see it as the power it is, or do it justice. I just think that if we really believed the power that faith has, and the potential it has to refine our lives, we would seek to know more about it and profess it in our everyday lives, without excuse. Yes- we believe in God's creations, but do we recognize that he really exists and possesses the power to create them and that he has power over all? Do we really believe that he possesses all the desirable attributes known to mankind and will exercise them in righteousness? Do we recognize that through our being baptized and having the Gift of the Holy Ghost bestowed upon us through the power of the priesthood we have an actual member of the Godhead as our companion who will testify of truth and of the divinity of the Son? That through the love of the Father and the mediation of Christ and the gift of the Holy Ghost we can be joint heirs of God and Christ. We don't give enough credence to having that God of Spirit with us. One of the toughest things to do is to acquire the actual knowledge that I am living my life in accordance to the will of God, but if I am trying to know him and acquire his attributes on a daily basis and seek the Spirit, I guess I can rest assured I am. As far as exhibiting this power we are supposed to be acquiring, I guess I should be declaring it by words and works. Bearing testimony like Adam did to his descendants. That there is a God, that he created all things temporal and spiritual, that there is a purpose to our existence here. That we are to make something of our lives . . . something good. That our faith will give us power to overcome and endure. That if justice and judgment need serving, God will do it in wisdom and righteousness.
I guess in the end what was manifested to me, in my mind and heart and seared in my soul, (in a big way), was that faith is more than a thought in the mind or a feeling of the heart, it is power!
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