[306] Matt. xvi, 17; John vi, 44, 65; Eph. ii, 8; I Cor. xii, 9; Rom. xii, 3; Moroni x, 11. [307] See Rom. x, 17. =17. Faith and Works.=--Faith in a passive sense, that is, as mere belief, is inefficient as a means of salvation. This truth was clearly set forth both by Christ and the apostles, and the vigor with which it was declared may be an indication of the early development of a most pernicious doctrine,--that of justification by belief alone. The Savior taught that works were essential to the validity of profession and the efficacy of faith. Mark his words:--"Not every one that sayeth unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven."[308] "He that hath my commandments, and keepeth them, he it is that loveth me: and he that loveth me shall be loved of my Father, and I will love him, and will manifest myself to him."[309] The instructions of the Apostle James are particularly explicit:--"What doth it profit, my brethren, though a man say he hath faith, and have not works? can faith save him? If a brother or sister be naked, and destitute of daily food, and one of you say unto them, depart in peace, be ye warmed and filled; notwithstanding ye give them not those things which are needful to the body; what doth it profit? Even so faith, if it hath not works, is dead, being alone. Yea, a man may say, Thou hast faith, and I have works: shew me thy faith without thy works, and I will shew thee my faith by my works."[310] And to this may be added the words of John:--"And hereby we do know that we know him, if we keep his commandments. He that saith, I know him, and keepeth not his commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him. But whoso keepeth his word, in him verily is the love of God perfected: hereby know we that we are in him."[311] [308] Matt. vii, 21. [309] John xiv, 21. [310] James ii, 14-18. [311] I John ii, 3-5. =18.= To these teachings may be added many inspired utterances from Nephite scriptures[312] and from modern revelation,[313] all affirming the necessity of works, and denying the saving efficacy of mere belief. Yet in spite of the plain word of God, sectarian dogmas have been promulgated to the effect that by faith alone man may achieve salvation, and that a mere profession of belief shall open the doors of heaven to the sinner.[314] The scriptures cited and man's inherent sense of justice furnish a sufficient refutation of these false teachings. [312] See I Nephi xv, 33; II Nephi xxix, 11; Mosiah v, 15; Alma vii, 27; ix, 28; xxxvii, 32-34; xli, 3-5. [313] Doc. and Cov. throughout. [314] See Note 2. REPENTANCE.