Faith

In Lectures on Faith we are taught that faith is the first principle of the gospel. In other words all righteousness is built upon faith. Or in more words, faith is the foundation of all that is good. That being true it is so important that we understand faith.

In the scriptures the word faith is used to represent four concepts. (1) Faith is belief. (2) Faith is trust in Jesus Christ. (3) Faith is power. (4) Faith is a belief system [as when someone asks, “Which faith do you belong to?”].

What this means is that when we read the word faith we need to recognize which meaning is intended which in turn means understanding it within the context it is used. When Paul tells us that faith is the “assurance of things hope for, the evidence of things not seen” (JST Heb. 11:1) he is speaking of faith as a belief. But when he says that “Through faith we understand that the worlds were framed by the word of God” (Heb. 11:3) he is talking about faith as a power. But which concept is intended when Paul says, “Without faith it is impossible to please him [God]”? (Heb. 11:6).

Through the use of our agency we gain faith and with that faith we are empowered to serve God and help in His work. And when we are in the service of our God we find happiness and joy in life.