The Lectures on Faith

by Jr. Joseph Smith

Section III.

1. In the second lecture it was shown, how it was that the knowledge of the existence of God, came into the world, and by what means the first thoughts were suggested to the minds of men, that such a Being did actually exist: and that it was by reason of the knowledge of his existence that there was a foundation laid for the exercise of faith in him, as the only Being in whom faith could center for life and salvation. For faith could not center in a Being of whose existence we have no idea; because the idea of his existence in the first instance, is essential to the exercise of faith in him. Rom. 10:14 How then shall they call on him in whom they have not believed? and how shall they believe in him of whom they have not heard? and how shall they hear without a preacher? (or one sent to tell them?) So then faith comes by hearing the word of God. [New Translation.]

2. Let us here observe, that three things are necessary, in order that any rational and intelligent being may exercise faith in God unto life and salvation.

3. First, the idea that he actually exists.

4. Secondly, A correct idea of his character, perfections, and attributes.

5. Thirdly, An actual knowledge that the course of life which he is pursuing, is according to his will.—For without an acquaintance with these three important facts, the faith of every rational being must be imperfect and unproductive; but with this understanding it can become perfect and fruitful, abounding in righteousness, unto the praise and glory of God the Father, and the Lord Jesus Christ.

6. Having previously been made acquainted with the way the idea of his existence came into the world, as well as the fact of his existence, we shall proceed to examine his character, perfections and attributes, in order that this class may see, not only the just grounds which they have for the exercise of faith in him, for life and salvation, but the reasons that all the world, also, as far as the idea of his existence extends, may have to exercise faith in him the Father of all living.

7. As we have been indebted to a revelation which God made of himself to his creatures in the first instance, for the idea of his existence, so in like manner we are indebted to the revelations which he has given to us, for a correct understanding of his character, perfections, and attributes; because, without the revelations which he has given to us, no man by searching could find out God. Job 11:7,8,9. First Cor. 2:9,10,11: But as it is written, eye has not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him; but God hath revealed them unto us by his Spirit, for the Spirit searches all things, yea, the deep things of God. For what man knows the things of a man, save the spirit of man which is in him? Even so, the things of God knows no man but by the Spirit of God.

8. Having said so much, we proceed to examine the character which the revelations have given of God.

9. Moses gives us the following account in Exodus, 34:6 And the Lord passed by before him, and proclaimed, 'The Lord God, the Lord God, merciful and gracious, long suffering and abundant in goodness and truth. Psalm 103:6,7,8 The Lord executeth righteousness and judgment for all that are oppressed. He made known his ways unto Moses, his acts unto the children of Israel. The Lord is merciful and gracious, slow to anger and plenteous in mercy: Psalm 103:17,18: But the mercy of the Lord is from everlasting to everlasting upon them that fear him, and his righteousness unto children's children, to such as keep his covenant, and to those that remember his commandments to do them. Psalm 90:2: Before the mountains were brought forth, or ever you had formed the earth and the world, even from everlasting to everlasting, you are God. Heb. 1:10,11,12 And you, Lord, in the beginning, have laid the foundation of the earth; and the heavens are the works of your hands: they shall perish, but you remain; and they shall wax old as a garment; and as a vesture shall you fold them up, and they shall be changed; but you are the same and your years shall not fail James 1:17: Every good gift, and every perfect gift, is from above, and comes down from the Father of lights; with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning. Malachi 3:6. For I am the Lord, I change not; therefore ye sons of Jacob are not consumed.