Discussion No. 9

Faith and Faith and Works

1. Definition: Faith includes belief, but goes further. See Articles of Faith by Talmage, page 97. Heb. 11; Alma 32:21.

2. We must have faith in Christ. John 3:35-36; 14:11-15; 1 John 3:22-24; Mosiah 3:170-18; Moroni 7:25-26.

3. and we must have faith in what He taught. Heb. 4:2; 2 Peter 1:19-21; John 5:45-47; 1 John 3:23; Moroni 7:37-38; Mosiah 3:18.

4. How to get faith: Study, prayer, fasting, obedience. Rom. 10:13-17; alma 32:26-38; Matt. 17:17-21.

5. Benefits: Signs follow them that believe – mark 16:17-18. Receive remission of sins. Acts 10:43. Receive power to become sons of God. John 1:12; Matt. 8:5-13; D. & C. 68:7-19; Moroni 8:25-26.

6. Sincerity of purpose is not enough. Matt. 7;21-23; John 14:12; 15:21-24. Paul was sincere in persecuting the Christians, but would have been condemned had he continued. People of dark ages believed earth to be flat, but that did not make it so. God said, “I am a God of truth” and the Savior said, “You shall know the truth and the truth shall make you free.” D. & C. 131:6.

7. Faith and works must go together. James 2:14-20; Phil. 2:12. Rich man. Mark 10:17-21; D. & C. 82:10; 2 Nephi 31:15-20; James 1:22-24.

8. Sanctification is not enough. 2 Peter 2:20-21; 1 John 1:8-10; John 8:31; 1 Cor. 15:10; D. & C. 20:30-34; 1 Cor. 9:27.

9. The person who believes in faith only is taking part of the truth as is the person who depends on works only and says, “I treat my neighbor honestly and fairly and that is all God requires of me.” We must have faith to attain a great reward and we must have works to prove, strengthen and develop our faith. Eccl. 12:12-13; Matt. 19:7; Rev. 22:14.

10. When you are confronted with Eph. 2:8-10, do not counter with James 2:14-20, because Paul and James are teaching the same religion, but call attention to the fact that Paul’s words were directed to the Saints in Ephesus who had already done at least some of the works required. Eph. 1:1; D. & C. 8:10; Mosiah 3:18.

Suggested Tracts:

Form of Godliness – Talmage
Take Heed – Callis
Faith and Works – Ray No. 1
Faith – Ray No. 2

Parables:

Unforgiving Servant – Matt. 18:23-35
Rich Young Man – Mark 10:17-21