Faith

Believe All Things!

Lets look again at what Joseph said about Faith as previously quoted in the Doctrine of Christ post. All I should do is point you to the Lectures on Faith and this post is done but there are a few things I will highlight.

You can read them online for free at either of these links.
https://rsc.byu.edu/out-print/lectures-faith-historical-perspective
http://www.mormonbeliefs.com/lectures_on_faith.htm

Faith: comes by hearing the word of God 3 through the testimony of the Servants of God, that Testimony is always attended by the Spirit of prophecy & Revelation (here)

Lecture two states the same thing in the Questions and Answer section.

Q. What testimony have men, in the first instance, that there is a God?
A. Human testimony, and human testimony only. (2:56. ) 

Q. What excited the ancient saints to seek diligently after a knowledge of the glory of God, his perfections and attributes?
A. The credence they gave to the testimony of their fathers. (2:56.) 

Q. How do men obtain a knowledge of the glory of God, his perfections and attributes?
A. By devoting themselves to his service, through prayer and supplication incessantly, strengthening their faith in him, until like Enoch, the brother of Jared, and Moses, they obtain a manifestation of God to themselves. (2:55.) 

Q. Is the knowledge of the existence of God a matter of mere tradition, founded upon human testimony alone, until a person receives a manifestation of God to themselves?
A. It is. 

Q. How do you prove it
A. From the whole of the first lecture of the second section.

So our testimony is based off the testimony of our fathers. What kind of testimony is required to bring us into the presence of God? Joseph has been known to say you cannot elevate another when you are not on higher ground. So we need a testimony from one who has been in the presence of God and been redeemed from the Fall if we ever want to be elevated to abide by that Glory. Christ being the great prototype. The fathers or servants, being witnesses to this prototype. Joseph Smith was one as we can read his testimony in D&C 76. "We have seen him" and "he received of his fulness". Its important to know and gain a testimony for ourselves whether someone has not only seen but received of His fulness or not.

Verse 55 in the Lectures on Faith states,

Let us here observe, that after any portion of the human family are made acquainted with the important fact that there is a God who has created and does uphold all things, the extent of their knowledge, respecting his character and glory, will depend upon their diligence and faithfulness in seeking after him, until like Enoch the brother of Jared, and Moses, they shall obtain faith in God, and power with him to. behold him face to face.

Again another part of the LOF that explains what is seen when faith is present among the children of men.

All these appear when faith appears on the earth, and disappear when it disappears from the earth. For these are the effects of faith and always have, and always will attend it. 

For where faith is, there will the knowledge of God be also, with all things which pertain thereto revelations, visions, and dreams, as well as every other necessary thing in order that the possessors of faith may be perfected and obtain salvation... And he who possesses it will, through it, obtain all necessary knowledge and wisdom until he shall know God, and the Lord Jesus Christ, whom he has sent: whom to know is eternal life: Amen. (pg 73-74)

Revelations, visions, dreams, as well as every other necessary thing in order that the possessors of faith may be perfected and obtain salvation. Because these are ALL necessary to elevate us, and bring us to Faith in God. We should seek diligently these gifts. While some are given more abundantly to different people due to ones faith in obtaining them they can be gained by all when in accordance with the Lord's will. For only we can deliver our own souls (Ezekial 14:14,20).

These are the things that Joseph Smith said in the first quote on this page that testimony accompanies the spirit of prophecy and revelation. The spirit of prophecy, revelations, etc.. The Holy Ghost will testify of all things as well.

Finally lets quote from Lecture 6.

7 Let us here observe, that a religion that does not require the sacrifice of all things, never has power sufficient to produce the faith necessary unto life and salvation; for from the first existence of man, the faith necessary unto the enjoyment of life and salvation never could be obtained without the sacrifice of all earthly things: it was through this sacrifice, and this only, that God has ordained that men should enjoy eternal life; and it is through the medium of the sacrifice of all earthly things, that men do actually know that they are doing the things that are well pleasing in the sight of God. 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 & offering, & that he has not nor will not seek his face

Faith comes by sacrifice. We obtain faith when we sacrifice. There is no other way. If we are not willing to follow the Holy Ghost in all things, the Lord will not trust us with his will and we will not be able to abide in his law, which we will be required to if we ever want to lay hold upon eternal life. One of the first sacrifices one is asked to make is a broken heart and a contrite spirit which helps us remain humble.

If you want to increase your faith in Him, than ask him to prepare you to sacrifice. He will prepare you before he asks you to sacrifice. When you are prepared he will ask you just like Abraham to make an offering in Sacrifice, and by knowing (not guessing, not believing, but must know this sacrifice is from God, for Satan waits to deceive) it was called by God, God  "will accept [your] sacrifice & offering". There will be many sacrifices asked of you to help you develop the Faith required "unto life and salvation". Learn to recognize the spirit now. Learn to gain manifestations of the spirit. It takes sacrifice, time, solemn thought to find the ways of heaven out. Be still and know he is and you can learn and hear his voice.

Signs Follow those with Faith

Signs will follow those who have faith, they do not come to increase your faith. Moroni Explains more on Faith and the manifestations that accompany one with faith.

Wherefore, by the ministering of angels, and by every word which proceeded forth out of the mouth of God, men began to exercise faith in Christ; and thus by faith, they did lay hold upon every good thing; and thus it was until the coming of Christ. 

And after that he came men also were saved by faith in his name; and by faith, they become the sons of God. And as surely as Christ liveth he spake these words unto our fathers, saying: Whatsoever thing ye shall ask the Father in my name, which is good, in faith believing that ye shall receive, behold, it shall be done unto you. (Moroni 7:25-26)

First we learn the purpose of his word from the mouth of God and by the ministering of Angels is to increase faith. That is one responsibility of ministering of angels is to increase Faith in the land. As we learned in the Doctrine of Christ thread they "speak by the power of the holy ghost" (2 Nephi 32:1-5).

Or have angels ceased to appear unto the children of men? Or has he withheld the power of the Holy Ghost from them? Or will he, so long as time shall last, or the earth shall stand, or there shall be one man upon the face thereof to be saved? 

 Behold I say unto you, Nay; for it is by faith that miracles are wrought; and it is by faith that angels appear and minister unto men; wherefore, if these things have ceased wo be unto the children of men, for it is because of unbelief, and all is vain. For no man can be saved, according to the words of Christ, save they shall have faith in his name; wherefore, if these things have ceased, then has faith ceased also; and awful is the state of man, for they are as though there had been no redemption made. (vs 36-38)

So the ministry of angels and miracles accompany those with faith, and if there is no faith to produce these great works that are bestowed from our savior to us than it is as if no redemption has been made. They only "minister to those with strong faith and a firm mind in the every form of Godliness" (vs 30)

Examples of Sacrifice

The most used example is abraham and his sacrifice of Isaac. It was through his son that the promise of Abraham would be fulfilled, for a numerous posterity (seed). It was that same promise that he was asked to sacrifice. This was done to see if he would regard all things as "filth and dross" (LOF) before God. He willingly went and did what was commanded of him and gained the knowledge needed for him to secure salvation. It was through this sacrifice he showed the Lord he was willing to "sacrifice all things".

Another example is Emma Smith. I don't know the entire story behind it all but there is a verse that explains what was asked of Emma and Joseph. 

Verily, I say unto you: A commandment I give unto mine handmaid, Emma Smith, your wife, whom I have given unto you, that she stay herself and partake not of that which I commanded you to offer unto her; for I did it, saith the Lord, to prove you all, as I did Abraham, and that I might require an offering at your hand, by covenant and sacrifice. (D&C 132:51)

Joseph was commanded to give something to Emma. Emma was commanded to not receive it. This was done to require an offering by covenant and sacrifice. It was this that allowed her as the LOF point out that she could gain the knowledge (faith) unto life and salvation.

The story shows the importance to always listen to the voice of the Lord FIRST. Even before the prophet, church leader, wife, or child. If she would have listened she would have failed. Likewise we should only receive the council of anyone, including the Lords servants, when the Lord confirms to our minds that it is right. After all it could be a test to see if you will do all things the Lord requires of you. He even could test you by having someone you respect, a spouse, a father, mother, a leader, or even a prophet offer or require something at your hands, after the Lord has told you to do something else. 

There are other examples of people who have fallen due to listening to another over the spirit of God who have lost their salvation. 1 Kings 13 is my favorite.

The Doctrine of Christ

The Lord tells us the following about the doctrine of Christ.

Verily, verily, I say unto you, that this is my doctrine [After expounding it], and whoso buildeth upon this buildeth upon my rock, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against them. 

And whoso shall declare more or less than this, and establish it for my doctrine, the same cometh of evil, and is not built upon my rock; but he buildeth upon a sandy foundation, and the gates of hell stand open to receive such when the floods come and the winds beat upon them.
3 Nephi11:39-40

If any man declares more or less than what He has established he cometh of evil and is not built upon the Rock. This is a striking declaration from the Savior. It shows the strict line one must walk to return to his presence. It shows the great burden it places upon each of us to not only know the doctrine for ourselves but make sure we follow this admonition seriously and carefully. We may not be perfect but if we ever want to be Zion we must learn how to do precisely what Christ asks us to do and become precisely like Him.

The Doctrine and Covenants gives us another view of this doctrine.

And this I do that I may establish my gospel, that there may not be so much contention; yea, Satan doth stir up the hearts of the people to contention concerning the points of my doctrine; and in these things they do err, for they do wrest the scriptures and do not understand them. 

Therefore, I will unfold unto them this great mystery; 

For, behold, I will gather them as a hen gathereth her chickens under her wings, if they will not harden their hearts; 

 Yea, if they will come, they may, and partake of the waters of life freely. 

Behold, this is my doctrine—whosoever repenteth and cometh unto me, the same is my church.

Whosoever declareth more or less than this, the same is not of me, but is against me; therefore he is not of my church.
D&C10:63-68

He is unfolding a mystery here! We should take heed. There were many contentions so he taught this to do away with them. Christ's Gospel is a gospel where we accept each other even with differing personal beliefs, but we will have the core understanding of the Doctrine of Christ and all will be obeying the will of the Lord

Again the Lord tells us, those who repents and cometh unto Him, IS His Church. Know ye not the kingdom of God is within you? This is a warning the Savior gives to His disiples about the last days as well.

Neither shall they say, Lo here! or, lo there! for, behold, the kingdom of God is within you.  

Luke 17:21

Many will say lo here, or lo there in the last days. Joseph Smith spoke about his experience in Joseph Smith History Verse 5. Perhaps this will be another post.

Each of us are to be built upon His rock, His doctrine, and if we do that we shall not fall. Not another man, not another servant, prophet, priest, or king, But Jesus Christ Only. For He is the keeper of the Gate and he employeth no servant there (2 Nephi 9:41)

So what is the Doctrine of Christ?

The Doctrine is outlined in 2 Nephi 31:17-21; 32:1-7. 

...for this cause have they been shown unto me, that ye might know the gate by which ye should enter. For the gate by which ye should enter is repentance and baptism by water; and then cometh a remission of your sins by fire and by the Holy Ghost. 

 And then are ye in this strait and narrow path which leads to eternal life; yea, ye have entered in by the gate; ye have done according to the commandments of the Father and the Son; and ye have received the Holy Ghost, which witnesses of the Father and the Son, unto the fulfilling of the promise which he hath made, that if ye entered in by the way ye should receive. (Ch 31, vs 17-18)

Repentance, Baptism by Water, baptism by fire and the Holy Ghost is the gospel along with faith. One enters the path by receiving the Holy Ghost (Baptism by fire and the holy ghost).Verse 21 tells us this is the doctrine of Christ, verse 20 tells us to pressforward, feasting upon the words of Christ (which we will hear His words through the Holy Ghost) and endure to the end. 

So what does it mean to endure to the End? Also why is the name "the end" also given to Jesus Christ? Is it pointing us to Him, or "endure to Christ" that we may have eternal life? Chapter 32 touches on this a little more.

And now, behold, my beloved brethren, I suppose that ye ponder somewhat in your hearts concerning that which ye should do after ye have entered in by the way. But, behold, why do ye ponder these things in your hearts? (vs 1)

So how did we enter in by the Way? Verse 17 from chapter 31 told us. Repentance, Baptism, and the remission of sins by fire and the holy ghost (baptism by fire and the holy ghost). Now that we are on the way what should we do? He really did see our day didn't he? I have asked this question many times.

Verse 2, "angels speak by the power of the holy ghost", and in verse 3 Nephi states "I said unto you, feast upon the words of Christ; for behold, the words of Christ will tell you all things what ye should do." So here we feast upon His words so that we can receive revelation, or the spirit of prophecy, through the Holy ghost to be guided in all things. (vs 5) 

Now he ends talking about the doctrine of Christ in verses 6-7.

Behold, this is the doctrine of Christ, and there will be no more doctrine given until after he shall manifest himself unto you in the flesh. And when he shall manifest himself unto you in the flesh, the things which he shall say unto you shall ye observe to do. 

And now I, Nephi, cannot say more; the Spirit stoppeth mine utterance, and I am left to mourn because of the unbelief, and the wickedness, and the ignorance, and the stiffneckedness of men; for they will not search knowledge, nor understand great knowledge, when it is given unto them in plainness, even as plain as word can be.

These verses should be taken literally. I would like to suggest that verse 6 refers to YOU. That no more doctrine (more or less) will be given until he shall manifest (appear) unto you in the flesh. Verse 7 tell us why more is not given. Unbelief, wickedness, ignorance, stiffneckedness, will not search knowledge, nor understand it. This is the purpose of the Holy Ghost. To bring us to the Son, Jesus Christ, and Jesus Christ brings us to the Father. We receive the Holy Ghost by listening to the Light of Christ.

This is the doctrine of Christ. Here is what Joseph Smith expounded on these same principles. Here I will simply Quote what Joseph Smith has already written. I hope I have laid out the basic doctrine of Christ. Of course each principle expands in many directions but it all ties back into Faith, repentance, baptism by water, baptism by fire and the holy ghost, and receiving Christ as the Second Comforter.

Willard Richards 2 Pocket Companion Other important items of doctrines from Joseph given in Commerce Ills On the Doctrines of Faith

Faith: comes by hearing the word of God 3 through the testimony of the Servants of God, that Testimony is always attended by the Spirit of prophecy & Revelation
.

Repentance: Is a thing that cannot be trifled with every day. Daily transgression & daily repentance is not that which is pleasing in the sight of God

Baptism: Is a holy ordinance preparatory to the reception of the Holy Ghost. It is the channel & Key by which the Holy Ghost will be administered The gift of the Holy Ghost by the laying on of hands cannot be received through the medium of any other principle. than the principle of Righteousness, for if the proposals are not complied with it is of no use but withdraws.

The doctrine of the Resurrection of the Dead & Eternal Judgment are necessary to preach among the first principles of the gospel of Jesus Christ.

The Doctrine of Election [Calling and Election] ...

Second Comforter ...

Widtsoe, John A.; Whitney, Orson F.; Roberts, B. H.; Smith, Joseph Fielding; Smith, Joseph; Ehat, Andrew; Smith, Lucy Mack; Cannon, George Q.; Taylor, John (2012-02-25). Words of Joseph Smith - Deluxe Study Edition including the LDS Standar Works, Teachings of the Prophet Joseph Smith, Lectures on Faith, History of the Church, History of Joseph by His Mother, and More (Kindle Locations 245-289).Packard Technologies. Kindle Edition.

Also found here: (Some things were omitted from the original quote that one can read at this link as they do relate)

I have only attempted to outline the basics of the Doctrine of Christ and the need for us to understand it. I will like to add also what Joseph Smith said elsewhere.

“Oh! I beseech you to forward, go forward and make your calling and your election sure and if any man preach any other gospel with that which I have preached, he shall be cursed.” (Teachings of the Prophet Joseph Smith, pg 366-367)

This is consistent with Galatians 1:8-9 . The main thing I wanted to bring up here is that Calling and election and the Second Comforter are a part of the core gospel of Jesus Christ, for Jesus Christ is the fullness of the gospel. The gospel leads us to the fullness, Jesus Christ. These things must be sought after and anything “less or more” than this they shall “be cursed”. Have I expounded less or more? Most likely J. But the scriptures are there already so I will leave it at this to expound themselves further.