The Lectures on Faith present a systematic exploration of what faith is, how it functions, and the conditions under which it has the power to save. Across seven lectures, Joseph Smith defines faith as the governing principle of action and power in both mortals and Gods and explains that such faith requires correct knowledge of God’s existence, character, and attributes. No one can exercise genuine, effective faith without understanding who God is and why He can be trusted. The lectures then unfold the nature of the Godhead, the unity of the Father and the Son through the Holy Spirit, and the role that divine mind plays in unifying believers with God.
Lectures on Faith teach that true faith requires the sacrifice of all earthly things, leading to a perfected assurance borne of revelation and personal knowledge rather than mere belief. This is the doctrine of the church: faith begins with understanding, grows through trust in God’s unchanging character, and is proven by consecration until it matures into the knowledge that saves.
Summary:
Lecture 1 — What Faith Is
Faith is defined as the foundational principle of both action and power in all intelligent beings. Every action—whether human or divine—is motivated by faith, and that faith is the very means by which worlds are created and salvation is obtained. How true faith may be distinguished from mere belief or hope: Faith requires both correct knowledge and trust, and that without faith no one can please God or act in accordance with His will.
Lecture 2 — Faith Requires Knowledge of God’s Existence
Faith cannot arise in a vacuum; it must be grounded in the knowledge that God truly exists. Scriptural history is reviewed from Adam to Noah to show that early patriarchs gained faith through direct revelation, which enabled them to exercise godly power. Humanity must know that God exists and who He is, or else faith cannot take hold, because faith rests on a correct understanding of the character and identity of the Being we worship.
Lecture 3 — Understanding God’s Character
Faith becomes effective only when we understand the essential attributes of God’s character. There are three primary attributes: (1) God is all-powerful (omnipotent), (2) God is all-knowing (omniscient), and (3) God is full of truth, justice, mercy, and unchanging goodness. These attributes make it possible for humans to trust Him completely. Only when believers know God is reliable and unchangeable can they exercise the faith necessary for salvation with confidence in His covenants.
Lecture 4 — Additional Attributes of God Necessary for Faith
The list of attributes needed to ground faith. God possesses: (1) love, (2) mercy, (3) truth, (4) holiness, and (5) that He cannot lie. These attributes are essential because no one can exercise faith in a being whose character is unpredictable or malevolent. Knowing God’s moral perfections gives believers the assurance that He will keep His promises, making strong faith possible.
Lecture 5 — The Godhead and the Persons of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit
The nature of the Godhead; there are two personages in the Godhead—the Father and the Son—and that the Holy Spirit is the shared mind, will, and power that proceeds from them. There is unity of purpose between Father and Son, and the Holy Spirit is the means by which believers become one with God. This unity of mind is what enables faith to increase, for through the Spirit believers can participate in divine knowledge and power.
Lecture 6 — Sacrifice as the Power Behind Faith
No person can attain the faith necessary for salvation without first offering sacrifice. This principle applies to every prophet and disciple: all must be willing to give up every earthly thing, including reputation, security, comfort, and even life, if required. True faith arises only when a person holds nothing back from God. Such consecration creates confidence before God and makes one’s faith capable of producing mighty works.
Lecture 7 — The Effects of Faith and the Path to Salvation
The results of fully developed faith: knowledge, redemption, and communion with God. When a person understands God’s character, obeys His commandments, and willingly sacrifices all things, faith becomes perfect and leads to actual knowledge that the course one is pursuing is according to God’s will. It is such knowledge—not blind belief—is what saves, for salvation comes through entering the presence of God and receiving His approval, something attainable only through living, active, perfected faith.
