In LDS theology, faith and works are deeply intertwined, both playing essential roles in the process of salvation. Faith is viewed as the foundational principle, but true faith, according to LDS teachings, naturally leads to action or works. Here’s an exploration of their relationship, supported by quotes from modern LDS apostles and prophets:
1. Faith as the Foundation:
– “Faith in the Lord Jesus Christ is the first principle of the gospel. It is more than belief. Faith is a “hope for things which are not seen, which are true” (Alma 32:21). True faith always leads to action.” – **Preach My Gospel**, a guide used by LDS missionaries.
2. Works as Evidence of Faith:
– “Faith without works is dead (James 2:17). And our works, in and of themselves, do not justify us. It is the Savior who justifies and sanctifies us. Works manifest our faith. As we keep the commandments, we show our love for Jesus Christ and strengthen our faith in Him.” – **Elder D. Todd Christofferson** of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles in a talk titled “The Just Shall Live by Faith.”
3. The Balance of Grace, Faith, and Works:
– “We are not saved by works alone—no matter how good; we are saved by the grace of God, which is in Jesus Christ. But His grace is not fully activated in our lives until we access the power of godliness through the ordinances and covenants of the priesthood.” – **Elder D. Todd Christofferson** in a talk titled “The Power of Covenants.”
4. Works as an Expression of Love and Gratitude:
– “The scriptures tell us that once we have received that witness and testimony of the Spirit, we must be diligent in living the commandments, continue in the process of repentance, keep the commandments and endure to the end.” – **President Henry B. Eyring**, Second Counselor in the First Presidency, in a talk titled “Witnesses to the Truth.”
5. **A Lifelong Process:**
– “Our journey towards eternal salvation and exaltation is known as the plan of salvation, the great plan of happiness, and the doctrine of Christ. Our journey is more than simply what we do after baptism or during our few years in mortality. Our journey began long before we came to this earth and will continue after we leave. It includes all of the experiences designed to test us, teach us, and allow us to use our agency.” – **Elder Ronald A. Rasband** of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles in a talk titled “Our Journey.”
From these quotes, it’s clear that while The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints emphasizes the foundational role of faith in Jesus Christ and His grace in salvation, it also emphasizes the importance of individual effort, obedience to commandments, and participation in sacred ordinances. The relationship between faith and works in LDS theology can be summarized as a cooperative effort between individuals and God, where faith in Christ leads to righteous actions, which in turn strengthens that faith.
The Book of Mormon, often referred to as “Another Testament of Jesus Christ,” gives significant attention to the principles of faith and works. Throughout its pages, it provides teachings, stories, and examples that emphasize the importance of both faith in Jesus Christ and the accompanying actions (works) that should follow true faith. Here are some key teachings on faith and works from the Book of Mormon:
1. Faith as a Principle of Action:
– “For behold, 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.” (Moroni 7:37)
2. Faith Leading to Works:
– “Even so faith, if it hath not works, is dead, being alone. Yea, a man may say, Thou hast faith, and I have works—show me thy faith without thy works, and I will show thee my faith by my works.” (James 2:17-18, as quoted in the Bible, is echoed in the teachings and stories of the Book of Mormon.)
3. The Relationship Between Faith, Grace, and Works:
– “For we labor diligently to write, to persuade our children, and also our brethren, to believe in Christ, and to be reconciled to God; for we know that it is by grace that we are saved, after all we can do.” (2 Nephi 25:23)
4. Repentance as a Manifestation of Faith:
– “And the first fruits of repentance is baptism; and baptism cometh by faith unto the fulfilling the commandments; and the fulfilling the commandments bringeth remission of sins;” (Moroni 8:25)
5. Faith Must be Nourished:
– “But behold, if ye will awake and arouse your faculties, even to an experiment upon my words, and exercise a particle of faith, yea, even if ye can no more than desire to believe, let this desire work in you, even until ye believe in a manner that ye can give place for a portion of my words.” (Alma 32:27)
6. Exercising Faith in Christ Leads to a Mighty Change:
– “And they all cried with one voice, saying: Yea, we believe all the words which thou hast spoken unto us; and also, we know of their surety and truth, because of the Spirit of the Lord Omnipotent, which has wrought a mighty change in us, or in our hearts, that we have no more disposition to do evil, but to do good continually.” (Mosiah 5:2)
7. Enduring to the End
– “And now, my beloved brethren, after ye have gotten into this strait and narrow path, I would ask if all is done? Behold, I say unto you, Nay; for ye have not come thus far save it were by the word of Christ with unshaken faith in him, relying wholly upon the merits of him who is mighty to save. Wherefore, ye must press forward with a steadfastness in Christ, having a perfect brightness of hope, and a love of God and of all men.” (2 Nephi 31:19-20)
From these verses, the Book of Mormon clearly establishes that while faith is essential, it is an active principle that should lead to works. True faith, when nourished, grows and results in righteous actions, and it is through the combined power of faith and the grace of Jesus Christ that individuals can be saved. The balance between faith and works is a recurring theme, emphasizing that one without the other is insufficient for salvation.