I am exploring the Lectures on Faith by Joseph Smith. In Lecture Third we are to learn about the Character of God. Let’s begin.
To recap, we learned that Lecture First was about Faith, and in Lecture Second the Object of that Faith. Faith being in God and God being the Object of Faith.
Let us here observe, that three things are necessary, in order that any rational and intelligent being may exercise faith in God unto life and salvation.
- First, The idea that he actually exists.
- Secondly, A correct idea of his character, perfections and attributes.
- Thirdly, An actual knowledge that the course of life which he is pursuing, is according to his will.
I believe what this lecture is saying is summed up by this quote: without the revelations which he has given to us, no man by searching could find out God.
Joseph goes on to rattle off a lot of scripture that describe different attributes of God. Then he summarizes those attributes.
- First, That he was God before the world was created, and the same God that he was, after it was created.
- Secondly, That he is merciful, and gracious, slow to anger, abundant in goodness, and that he was so from everlasting, and will be to everlasting.
- Thirdly, That he changes not, neither is there variableness with him; but that he is the same from everlasting to everlasting, being the same yesterday to-day and forever; and that his course is one eternal round, without variation.
- Fourthly, That he is a God of truth and cannot lie.
- Fifthly, That he is no respecter of persons; but in every nation he that fears God and works righteousness is accepted of him.
- Sixthly, That he is love.
Joseph follows up the list with an explanation of each. To me they seem as very valid truths that establish the reasoning behind an all powerful God.
- First, “for fear there should be a greater than he, who would thwart all his plans, and he, like the gods of the heathen, would be unable to fulfill his promises;”
- Second, “for doubt would take the place of faith, and those who know their weakness and liability to sin, would be in constant doubt of salvation”
- Third, “for without the idea of unchangeableness in the character of the Deity, doubt would take the place of faith.”
- Fourth, “for without the idea that he was a God of truth and could not lie, the confidence necessary to be placed in his word in order to the exercise of faith in him”
- Fifth, “for with the idea of all the other excellencies in his character, and this one wanting, men could not exercise faith in him, because if he were a respecter of persons, they could not tell what their privileges were, nor how far they were authorized to exercise faith in him, or whether they were authorized to do it at all, but all must be confusion”
- Sixth, “for with all the other excellencies in his character, without this one to influence them, they could not have such powerful dominion over the minds of men”
In the end Joseph Smith states that these are the same attributes of God give to “Former Day Saints.” They are not unique to Latter Day Saints, but they are the same today as in days of old.
Reading between the Lines means that if we learn to recognize these attributes, we can draw closer to God and one day talk to him Face to Face. These attributes are a sure foundation of Faith being that God is unchangeable and is the same yesterday, today, and tomorrow.
- Faith
- Merciful, Gracious, Slow to Anger, Abundant in Goodness, and Everlasting
- Changes Not
- Truth
- Respector of All Persons
- Love
Ummm… this one was shorter than the others. It finished and I did not seem to feel as though I learned anything profound within the words of this lecture. I see that these are attributes of God’s character and I do not dispute them. But, is the question having knowledge vs knowing? I’m sure.
I have Faith in God. I know God has certain characteristics, including mercy. I know God does not change. He is the same yesterday, today, and forever. I know God is truth. He loves all his children. All that he does, he does because of His love for His children.
I don’t dispute any of these, but I guess I do ask the question, are these supposed to make my faith stronger? Maybe they are not supposed to have any magic behind them, but rather they are establishing a foundation of established and agreeable truths.
I guess if I disputed one of these characteristics, my understanding of God would be flawed and thus not lead to knowing God face to face because my understanding of Him and his character would not be founded on truth.
RESOURCES:
WEBSITE: Lectures on Faith
VIDEO: