New Testament, Book of Mormon, and Modern Prophets: Faith by many has been understood as an act of mental assent. However, all these three texts refer to faith as being a power of belief strong enough to impel action, not just a mental assent.
James in the New Testament suggested that one's level of faith can be evidenced by his action. He said, "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."
The Book of Mormon speaks of "faith unto repentance", establishing repentance as a key followon act of initial faith. Modern Prophets states that the first principle of the gospel is faith in Jesus Christ, and the second, third and fourth are the actions it brings: repentance, baptism, and confirmation of the Holy Ghost."
View EntriesYes. God's intervention in our lives is only according to His will. The Quran repeatedly speaks of God acting according to His will. The Book of Mormon states, however, that God intervenes not solely upon His will, but only if and when we exercise faith in Him, "I work not among the children of men save it be according to their faith." This answers the question why God doesn't just intervene to prevent or stop many of the evils of life.
View EntriesRomans in the New Testament states,
"if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved."Some Christian believers understand Romans as superceding the scriptures commanding men to repent and be baptized. But others believe confessing is a sign of faith that includes repentance and baptism. Elsewhere in the new Testament James explains, "faith without works is dead." Matthew in the New Testament cites Jesus Christ as saying,
"Repent ye: for the kingdom of heaven is at hand."Modern Prophets states,
"His Atonement also redeems us from our own sins on condition of repentance."The Book of Mormon states,
"Repent ye, repent ye, and be baptized in the name of my Beloved Son." And again, "All men must repent"; and "none but the truly penitent are saved."All three texts the New Testament, Modern Prophets and Book of Mormon indicate that men are commanded to repent.
"Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit he cannot enter into the kingdom of God."Peter also said,
"Repent ye, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ unto the remission of your sins."Some Christians believe that Peter's words were advisory only, while others understand them as required for discipleship.
"follow thou me. Wherefore, my beloved brethren, can we follow Jesus save we shall be willing to keep the commandments of the Father? And the Father said: Repent ye, repent ye, and be baptized in the name of my Beloved Son."And Modern Prophets states,
"only through repentance do we gain access to the atoning grace of Jesus Christ and salvation", and "he that believeth and is baptized shall be saved, and he that believeth not, and is not baptized, shall be damned."View Entries