The Vitality of Mormonism: Brief Essays on Distinctive Doctrines of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day SaintsTalmage, James E. (James Edward)
Religion
The Vitality of Mormonism: Brief Essays on Distinctive Doctrines of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints
Talmage, James E. (James Edward)
Latter Day Saint churches; Latter Day Saints
In a theological sense faith includes a moving, vital, inspiring
confidence in God, and the acceptance of His will as our law and of
His words as our guide in life. Faith in God is a principle of power,
for by its exercise spiritual forces are made operative. By this power
phenomena that appear to be supernatural, such as we call miracles, are
wrought. Even the Lord Jesus was influenced and in a measure controlled
by the lack of faith or the possession thereof by those who sought
blessings at His hands. We are told that at a certain time and place
Jesus "could there do no mighty work" because of the people's unbelief,
which was so dense that He marveled at it. (Mark 6:5, 6). Repeatedly
did the Lord rebuke and admonish with such reproofs as "O ye of little
faith," "Where is your faith?" and "How is it that ye have no faith?"
In glorious contrast rang out His words of benediction to those whose
faith had made it possible for Him to heal and to save: "Thy faith hath
made thee whole" and "According to your faith be it unto you."
Read the record of the youthful demoniac whose agonized father
brought his son to the Master, pleading pitiably "If thou canst do
any thing, have compassion on us and help us." To this qualified
intercession Jesus replied "If thou canst believe" and added "All
things are possible to him that believeth." (Read Mark 9:14-29). The
faith requisite to the healing was not that of the Healer alone, but
primarily faith on the part of the suppliant.
If through faith Divine interposition may be secured to the
accomplishment of what we call material or physical miracles, and of
this the Scriptures contain copious testimony (read Hebrews, chap.
11), is it consistent to doubt that faith is the appointed agency for
invoking and securing spiritual blessings, even to the attainment of
salvation in the eternal worlds?
As shown in earlier articles, redemption from the power of death is
assured to all through the victory achieved by Jesus Christ; but
salvation is an individual gift, provided for all who shall establish
claim thereto through obedience to the laws and ordinances of the
Gospel. Faith in God the Eternal Father, and in His Son Jesus Christ
as the Redeemer and Savior of the race, and in the Holy Ghost, is
essential to the securing of individual salvation. Paul forcefully
declares "But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that
cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of
them that diligently seek him." (Heb. 11:6).
The Scriptures abound in assurances of salvation to those who exercise
faith in God. The Savior's teachings are conclusive:
"He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that
believeth not shall be damned." (Mark 16:16).
And again:
"He that believeth on the Son hath everlasting life: and he that
believeth not the Son shall not see life; but the wrath of God abideth
on him." (John 3:36).
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
Reviews
Reviews
No reviews yet
Be the first to share your thoughts on this work.
Join the Discussion
Join the discussion
Sign in to leave a comment or review.
Sign InorCreate an account