Faith in the Lord Jesus Christ

The topic of faith has been on my mind lately, and I started thinking about what it is, how we can develop it, and how we can act in faith. 


What is Faith?
In the scriptures we read that the first principle of the restored gospel of Jesus Christ is, "faith in the Lord Jesus Christ" (Article of Faith 1:4).

Other scriptural definitions of faith include:

“I would show unto the world that faith is things which are hoped for and not seen” (Ether 12:6).

“Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen” (Hebrews 11:1).

I have also heard of faith being defined as believing in something that we can not see that is true. 

What faith is not is really, really hoping that something will happen, and that through the strength of our will power we can make it happen.

If we substitute the greek translation of substance with “assurance”, and evidence with “proof” in the scripture from Hebrews 11:1, we see that faith is the proof of things which we hope for, that are not seen, with the assurance that they are true (see Hebrews 11:1 footnotes 1b and 1d). The key word I want to point out is "assurance", and that assurance can only come from the Holy Ghost. 

Webster's Thesaurus explains that assurance is "a state of mind in which one is free from doubt" (Merriam-Webster.com: assurance). In my own life I have felt that assurance for brief moments while other times it seems to last longer. We have been counseled to write down spiritual impressions, and it might be because we may sometimes forget the assurance we once felt. Having it written down allows us to go back to it and reaffirm that assurance.


How Do We Develop Our Faith in Jesus Christ?

This brings us to the question of how to develop our faith, and I want to specifically think about faith in Jesus Christ; because that is where the power of faith germinates. As Sheri Dew wrote, “It is our willingness to believe in the Savior…that unleashes His power in our lives” (Sheri L. Dew, “God Wants a Powerful People”, p 178).

However, as with anything else of great worth, there is no shortcut to developing our faith.

Elder Robert D. Hales taught:

"Our society has developed a shortcut mentality. In a day of instant oatmeal, instant messaging, and instant credit, far too many have come to expect instant gratification in everything....The truth is that we cannot receive the greatest blessings Heavenly Father has in store for us without developing the patience and faith to wait....We wait upon the Lord when we walk in faith with a humble expectation that His promises are sure. We also wait upon the Lord when we obey a commandment before completely understanding the rationale behind it....There are no shortcuts to becoming powerful servants of the Lord. We must do it, with the Lord's help, in the practice of prayer and fasting, of scripture study and gospel living" (Robert D. Hales, "Return", p 204-205, 211).

If we look to the story of Nephi, in the Book of Mormon: Another Testament of Jesus Christ, we find many examples of faith. In the first part of the story, while living in Jerusalem, the Lord asks Lehi (Nephi's father) to take his family, leave everything behind except what they will need to survive, and flee into the wilderness (see 1 Nephi 2:2-4). We learn a little later that Nephi may not have been as eager to leave as one might think, especially from the faith-filled stories that fill his record. He shares, "I did cry unto the Lord; and behold he did visit me, and did soften my heart that I did believe all the words which had been spoken by my father; wherefore, I did not rebel against him like unto my brothers" (1 Nephi 2:16, emphasis added). Nephi might have struggled with this decision, but he turned to the Lord for guidance. He had faith in the Lord, and he showed his faith by his action to follow his father -- uncomplainingly -- into the unknown wilderness.

There was a time in my life where things were very hard. There were several challenges that all seemed to come at once, and they seemed to never end. During this time I felt that the Lord was trying to teach me something, but I didn't know exactly what. I was trying to be patient, but it was really hard. I remember opening my scriptures to where I had been reading about the people of King Limhi, who were in bondage to the Lamanites. The verse that struck me at this time in my life is when King Limhi is speaking to his people and says, 

"But if ye will turn to the Lord with full purpose of heart, and put your trust in him, and serve him with all diligence of mind, if ye do this, he will, according to his own will and pleasure, deliver you out of bondage" (Mosiah 7:33). 

It was then that I realized that the Lord could deliver me out of the bondage I felt myself in, if I would turn more fully to him and put my trust in him. As I did that, the challenges didn't go away. It still took several years. But looking back now, I see the spiritual growth that I gained from turning to the Lord during those hard times.

We, as members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, have been taught of the increased need for faith in these final days before the Second Coming of our Savior, Jesus Christ.

In 2011, President Russell M. Nelson prophesied of this need when he said, 

"Why do we need such resilient faith? Because difficult days are ahead. Rarely in the future will it be easy or popular to be a faithful Latter-day Saint. Each of us will be tested. The Apostle Paul warned that in the latter days, those who diligently follow the Lord 'shall suffer persecution'" (Russell M. Nelson, "Face the Future With Faith", General Conference, April 2011).

In 2017, Robert D. Hales counseled, "The constellation of characteristics that result from faith in Christ...are all necessary to our standing strong in these last days" (Robert D. Hales, "Becoming a Disciple of Our Lord Jesus Christ, General Conference, April 2017).

In 2018 President Nelson prophesied, "Our Savior and Redeemer, Jesus Christ, will perform some of His mightiest works between now and when He comes again. We will see miraculous indications that God the Father and His Son, Jesus Christ, preside over this Church in majesty and glory. But in coming days, it will not be possible to survive spiritually without the guiding, directing, comforting, and constant influence of the Holy Ghost" He then pleads with us to "to increase [our] spiritual capacity to receive revelation" (Russell M. Nelson, "Revelation for the Church. Revelation for our Lives", General Conference, April 2018, emphasis added).

So, how do we increase our capacity to receive revelation? Elder David A. Bednar gives us a clue. "Just as expressing gratitude more often in our prayers enlarges the conduit for revelation, so praying for others with all of the energy of our souls increases our capacity to hear and to heed the voice of the Lord" (David A. Bednar, "Pray Always", General Conference, October 2008, emphasis added). I wonder if this is one of the reasons that the Savior was able to be so close to the spirit. He served others, and prayed for them as well.


Acting in Faith
So, how does one act in faith?

The other morning as I was thinking about faith, this thought came to my mind:

Faith is an assurance, from the Spirit, that something is true, will happen, will turn out okay, or whatever the feeling is. My part is to act on that assurance to allow the Lord to make it happen. With this in mind, it seems that the way we do our part to act on our faith is to look forward to something with hope, and act on that assurance.

There was a time in my life when I found myself needing to find a new apartment, as my roommates were moving out. I had been looking for a while and had found nothing. It was nearing the end of the month when I would need to be out, and I still wasn't sure what to do. About this time I remember driving past a friend's apartment when the impression came to me "you will live there". My friends were moving soon, so I was thrilled at the prospect. Shortly after, I called the landlord, who met me at the apartment. I told him I was interested, and he said, "you are the one I want to have this apartment". It was a perfect fit.

It wasn't until a few weeks later that some of my other friends asked how I was able to get into that apartment. As it turns out, they had been on a waiting list for 6 months!

I have come to learn that acting in faith is a choice, and Elder Neil L. Andersen affirmed. "My dear friends, your faith did not begin at birth, and it will not end at death. Faith is a choice" (Neil L. Andersen, "Faith Is Not By Chance, But By Choice", Ensign, November 2015).

As the Lord tests our faith, however, we might not always have an assurance as we try to move forward in faith. If we read in Ether, Moroni teaches us, "wherefore, dispute not because ye see not, for ye receive no witness until after the trial of your faith." (Ether 12:6).

Faith isn't merely believing, it requires action. Bishop Richard C. Edgley instructs, 

"Because of the conflicts and challenges we face in today’s world, I wish to suggest a single choice—a choice of peace and protection and a choice that is appropriate for all. That choice is faith. Be aware that faith is not a free gift given without thought, desire, or effort. It does not come as the dew falls from heaven. The Savior said, 'Come unto me' and 'Knock, and it shall be [given] you'. These are action verbs—come, knock. They are choices. So I say, choose faith. Choose faith over doubt, choose faith over fear, choose faith over the unknown and the unseen, and choose faith over pessimism" (Richard C. Edgley, "Faith—the Choice Is Yours", General Conference, October 2010).

I love the thought of faith being like a muscle. Something that we must use in order for it to grow. But, in order to increase our faith, I like the words of Elder Juan Pablo Villar, "If we want to increase our faith, then let’s do things that require faith" (Juan Pablo Villar, "Exercising Our Spiritual Muscles", Ensign, April 2019).

And what do we do when there are setbacks? Life is full of setbacks. We have a choice to become discouraged by them, or trust in the goodness of God and believe that "all these things shall give thee experience, and shall be for thy good" (Doctrine & Covenants 122:7).

Elder David A. Bednar taught, 

"In many of the uncertainties and challenges we encounter in our lives, God requires us to do our best, to act and not be acted upon, and to trust in Him. We may not see angels, hear heavenly voices, or receive overwhelming spiritual impressions. We frequently may press forward hoping and praying—but without absolute assurance—that we are acting in accordance with God’s will. But as we honor our covenants and keep the commandments, as we strive ever more consistently to do good and to become better, we can walk with the confidence that God will guide our steps" (David A. Bednar, "The Spirit of Revelation", Ensign, April 2011).

When thinking of ways to act on faith I thought of choosing to believe...

• that there is a God in heaven who knows you and loves you more than you can imagine
• You are a child of Heavenly Parents, of royal birth, with a purpose on this earth. 
• Challenges in this life are for a reason; and can help us become like our Heavenly Parents.
• The Lord has a prophet on the earth (and then act on his words) 

Some of the words from our current prophet, Russell M. Nelson, include:

"My dear brothers and sisters, I promise that as you prayerfully study the Book of Mormon every day, you will make better decisions—every day. I promise that as you ponder what you study, the windows of heaven will open, and you will receive answers to your own questions and direction for your own life. I promise that as you daily immerse yourself in the Book of Mormon, you can be immunized against the evils of the day, even the gripping plague of pornography and other mind-numbing addictions" (Russell M. Nelson, "The Book of Mormon: What Would Your Life Be Like without It?", General Conference, October 2017).

"[In coming days, it will not be possible to survive spiritually without the guiding, directing, comforting, and constant influence of the Holy Ghost.

"My beloved brothers and sisters, I plead with you to increase your spiritual capacity to receive revelation. Let this Easter Sunday be a defining moment in your life. Choose to do the spiritual work required to enjoy the gift of the Holy Ghost and hear the voice of the Spirit more frequently and more clearly" (Russell M. Nelson, " Revelation for the Church, Revelation for Our Lives", General Conference, April 2018).

It is our choice. We can choose to act in faith, allow the Spirit to penetrate our hearts, and teach us truth. Or we can choose not to.

9 Verses and Receiving Greater Revelation

President Russell M. Nelson made the following statement in the April 2018 General Conference. In the April 2019 General Conference this same statement was quoted three times.

“[I]n coming days, it will not be possible to survive spiritually without the guiding, directing, comforting, and constant influence of the Holy Ghost” (Russell M. Nelson, “Revelation for the Church, Revelation for Our Lives”, General Conference, April 2018; see also the following from General Conference April 2019: Mathias Held, “Seeking Knowledge by the Spirit”; Takashi Wada, “Feasting upon the Words of Christ”; and Ronald A. Rasband, “Build a Fortress of Spirituality and Protection”).

If it is so crucial to our spiritual survival to know how to listen to, and recognize, the Holy Ghost how would one go about doing it? Answers can be found in the holy scriptures, in the words of our modern prophets and apostles, and through personal revelation.

Henry B. Eyring said the following, “The Prophet Joseph set an example for us of how to receive continual spiritual direction and comfort through the Holy Ghost" (Henry B. Eyring, "His Spirit to Be with You", General Conference, April 2018). President Eyring then explained the pattern. First, be humble before God. Second, pray with faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. Third, obey exactly. And fourth, "ask for inspiration, receive direction, and act on it" (ibid.).

Elder Richard G. Scott recounted a time when he was seeking for answers. He asked for help, received inspiration, expressed gratitude, and asked if there was any more. He received more. He repeated the cycle several times, and more was received each time. He then made this statement, "I believe that you can leave the most precious, personal direction of the Spirit unheard because you do not respond to, record, and apply the first promptings that come to you" (Richard G. Scott, "To Acquire Spiritual Guidance", General Conference, April 2009).

A few examples from the scriptures show how applying the pattern to receive revelation can work. One example is recounted in the book of First Nephi. Nephi's father, Lehi, had just shared an amazing dream that he had, and Nephi wanted to know more about it. The pattern that Nephi followed may be familiar to some: desire, believe that the Lord can make it known unto you, and ponder (see 1 Nephi 11:1). This same pattern was followed by President Joseph F. Smith when he received the vision on the Savior's visit to the deceased spirits in the spirit world while his body was lying in the tomb. President Smith pondered, reflected, and desired to know. His vision is recorded as Doctrine & Covenants section 138 (see Doctrine & Covenants 138). Another example from this dispensation is the story of a young boy who desired to know which church to join. He read the scriptures, pondered on them, prayed in faith, believed the Lord would answer him, and was given a glorious vision of the Father and the Son appearing to him in a quiet grove in upstate New York (see Joseph Smith—History 1:10-17).

If we explore the first of those scriptural examples, Nephi desiring to know for himself, Nephi followed the pattern of desiring, believing, and pondering. He was caught away in the Spirit and was asked what he wanted. He replied, "to behold the things which my father saw" (1 Nephi 11:3). The Spirit then showed him the tree, and within 9 verses Nephi had applied the pattern of revelation and received what he had asked for. 

Nephi, after receiving what he had asked for didn't say "amen" and stand up ready to move forward with his day. Nephi was listening.

I feel that the next verse is a key that can take us into a higher state of spiritual learning. A state where we can, "increase [our] spiritual capacity to receive revelation....[and] do the spiritual work required to enjoy the gift of the Holy Ghost and hear the voice of the Spirit more frequently and more clearly" (Russell M. Nelson, “Revelation for the Church, Revelation for Our Lives”, General Conference, April 2018)

The Spirit asked Nephi, "What desirest though?" (1 Nephi 11:10). Because Nephi was listening, he was able to respond to these gentle whisperings. By taking the time to listen when the Spirit spoke to him, he was able to receive much, much more than he had asked for. In fact, the information he had received in the first 9 verses where expanded to 122 additional verses including many things that Nephi "saw [which] are not written" (1 Nephi 14:30). 

What if each of our prayers were answered to such an extent? They can be, if we take the time to listen.

Elder David  A. Bednar taught, 

"The overarching purpose of Heavenly Father’s plan is for His children to become more like Him. Accordingly, He provides us with essential opportunities to grow and progress. Our commitment to learn and live according to truth is increasingly important in a world that is 'in commotion' and is ever more confused and wicked. We cannot expect simply to attend Church meetings and participate in programs and thereby receive all of the spiritual edification and protection that will enable us 'to withstand in the evil day'...

"If all you or I know about Jesus Christ and His restored gospel is what other people teach or tell us, then the foundation of our testimony of Him and His glorious latter-day work is built upon sand. We cannot rely exclusively upon or borrow gospel light and knowledge from other people—even those whom we love and trust" (David A. Bednar, "Prepared to Obtain Every Needful Thing, General Conference, April 2019).

We must come to know for ourselves.