Last time we talked about the first tier, or principles of faith. The second tier of faith comes by understanding the natural result of faith. James in the New Testament clearly outlines this step when he states:
“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” (James 2:15-17).
These verses make a link between the principle of faith and that of action. For example, those who attend school often have to take exams. Those who study for these exams put in the effort and time required because of an assurance or a belief that studying will give them higher grades. And, they may seek for higher grades because they know they can get scholarships. Those who exercise, may do so because of a belief that they will lose weight, build muscle or live a healthier life. Can you imagine finding someone who runs a couple miles every day, yet at the same time believe he does so with no benefit? Or, if they did not believe benefit would come, why would they make the effort to do it? If they have faith, they are motivated to action, to do, to attain their dreams. Since the natural progression of faith leads to action then, if no action is manifest we might well ask ourselves if we really have faith. Please note the phrase at the end of verse 16 in James 2: “What doth it profit?” What does it profit to have faith, and yet sit back and do nothing? The principle then taught is that work is a natural manifestation of faith.
With this in mind, the second tier is faith in Jesus Christ. As Alma finishes his talk about the word as compared to a seed, the Zoramites begin to believe in his words. According to the record, Alma then teaches them in what they should place their faith:
“Then cast about your eyes and begin to believe in the Son of God, that he will come to redeem his people, and that he shall suffer and die to atone for their sins; and that he shall rise again from the dead, which shall bring to pass the resurrection, that all men shall stand before him, to be judged at the last and judgment day, according to their works” (Alma 33:22).
Note that according to the Gospel of Jesus Christ, one must not only have faith, but that faith must be placed in a specific person: Jesus Christ. As important as faith is, without that faith being placed in Jesus Christ, it can never lead us to eternal life and salvation. We talk often about faith and miracles, but I fear that many members of the Church of Jesus Christ have missed this important step. Elder David A. Bednar expressed the same concern in an address given to students on the topic of repentance when he said:
“I must admit that I have sometimes wondered if we as members of the Church memorize the Rs of repentance, such as recognition, remorse, and restitution, and omit the most important R of all-the Redeemer” (Bednar, David A; Turn Ye, Turn Ye unto the Lord Your God, Ricks College Devotional, Jan. 9, 2001).
Elder Bednar’s words strikes at the heart of the matter. We all must come unto Jesus Christ in order to receive that eternal life and salvation for which we have hope for. It can come in no other way. When we have faith in Christ, we actually have faith in His character or divine attributes. It is His selflessness that softens our hearts. We believe in His promises, because we know he can never lie. We come to Him because he is merciful and forgiving. We trust in His plan because of His foresight, he knows all things. These godly attributes are the things that make Him great, that lead Him to suffer and die for us. Elder Dieter F. Uchtdorf, of the Quorum of the Twelve, has taught this principle when he stated:
“We need a strong faith in Christ to be able to repent. Our faith has to include a correct idea of God’s character, perfections, and attributes. If we believe that God knows all things, is loving, and is merciful, we will be able to put our trust in Him for our salvation without wavering” (Point of Safe Return, Conference Report, April 2007).
This is the second tier of faith: to not just have faith, but have faith in Jesus Christ. Only through Him can we receive salvation. Many may say that they believe, but as James has said, “for as the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works is dead also” (James 2:3). I hope that we can all build on the faith that we have and make the Savior the center of all that we believe and trust. We begin to do this by patterning our life after His, follow His example, and do what He has done. This is my prayer for all.
