Wednesday, April 1, 2015

Synonym for Faith

Moroni 7: 33 states, " And Christ hath said: If ye will have faith in me ye shall have power to do whatsoever thing is expedient in me.

The Synonym of faith is power. 

In Hebrews 11:3 we read that , " Through faith we understand that the worlds were framed by the word of God, so that things which are seen were not made of things which do appear."  

The Lectures on Faith State:

" As we receive faith - all temporal blessings of that faith do we receive. So we in like manner receive in faith all spiritual blessings. But faith is not only the principle of action, but of power also, in all intelligent beings, wether in heaven or earth. 

             Through faith we understand that the worlds were framed by the word of God; so that things which are seen were made of things which do appear. By this we understand that the principle of power which existed in the bosom of God, by which the worlds were framed, was faith; and that it is by reason of this principle of faith the worlds would never have been framed neither would man have been formed from the dust. It is the principle by which Jehovah works, and through which he exercises all power over all temporal as well as eternal things. Take this principle or attribute -- for it is an attribute -- from the Deity, and he would cease to exist. Who can not see that if God framed the worlds by faith, that it is by faith that he exercises power over them, and that faith is the principle of power? And if the principle of power, it must be so in man as well as in the Deity? This is the testimony of all the sacred writers, and the lesson which they have been endeavoring to teach to man. "    
                                                                                                                          Joseph Smith - First Lecture on Faith 


This principle of faith also being power, perfectly explains why some Priesthood Holders would have more effective use of their Priesthood; and would also explain why, no matter the amount of power the Priesthood Holder has; the person receiving the blessing's faith is of vital importance. When one understands that they they are acting righteously they are thus able to have more faith or power in the use of their Priesthood. 

D&C 121:36:
"That the rights of the priesthood are inseparably connected with the powers of heaven, and that the powers of heaven cannot be controlled nor handled only upon the principles of righteousness."

Lastly, 
Unless man has an actual faith that the course that he is pursing is according to the will of God, he will grow weary in his mind. Having embraced the order of things which God has established for our exhaltation, enables man necessary confidence to overcome the world, and obtain the crown of glory which is laid up for them that fear God. 

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