The great plan of happiness: Insights from the Lectures on faith

By Jerry A. Wilson

Book Overview

No Synopsis Available.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 1570083290
• ISBN13: 9781570083297
• Release Date: January 1997
• Publisher: Bookcraft
• Length: 145 Pages
• Weight: 0.62 lbs.

Customer Reviews

Principles on the lectures of faith (Joseph Smith)

1.Knowledge must precede faith2.Faith is a principle of action and power. Whether faith is simply a principle of action or power of salvation depends on the knowledge base that gives it life.3.God is the object of faith unto power. The knowledge of the true God must be within the knowledge base of anyone who desires salvation.4.The knowledge that God exists is given to us by the prophets, chosen vessels who have seen God and who, by "human testimony" establish a knowledge base on which we can then exercise our faith..5.For us to receive salvation, it is important that we have three kinds of knowledge: first, the knowledge that God exists; second, the knowledge of the characteristics and attributes of God; and third, a knowledge that our course in life is agreeable to God6.The knowledge of the nature of God is given to us by God through prophets and in the scriptures. It is important to know the specific characteristics and attributes of God as given in the lectures-that he was God before the Creation; that he is the same from everlasting to everlasting that he is no respecter of persons; and that he is a God of mercy, truth, love, knowledge, power, justice, and judgment. Without the knowledge of these characteristics and attributes of God, we would not have power to lay hold upon eternal life.7.The Father, the son, and the Holy Ghost are "one" in purpose. They are one in their characteristics and attributes and perfections. Their oneness is evidence that salvation is possible.8.As the children of God we have the opportunity to become one with God, to have the same image, likeness, mind, and fullness.9.There is a course in life that is agreeable to God and which is a covenantal pathway to pursue that path, thereby knowing that his course in life is approved of God, for without that knowledge no one can be saved.10.The price of the pathway is the sacrifice of, or the willingness to sacrifice, all earthly things. A religion must require such sacrifice or it will not have the power to produce faith sufficient unto salvation.11.Salvation is to be made like God himself. Being assimulated into the likeness of God is the greatest effect of faith.12.Faith is a process of mental exertion that allows us to hold onto the knowledge necessary for our salvation. The ability to set and keep goals is the ability, in a similar manner, to make sacred covenants with God and keep them.13.The scriptures, the record and persuasions of the chosen vessels, teach us of God's existence, his nature, and the promises of eternal life. Without a constant immersion in the scriptures, we may not be able to maintain our place along the mortal path.14.Without faith it is impossible to become like God and, therefore, to please God. Faith is a power unto salveation-the "first principle in revealed religion, and the foundation of all righteousness.