Faith and Repentance

“What we need in the Church, as well as out of it, is repentance. We need more faith and more determination to serve the Lord.”

Let it be uppermost in your minds, now and at all times, that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of the living God, who came into the world to lay down his life that we might live. That is the truth, and is fundamental. Upon that our faith is built. It can not be destroyed. We must adhere to this teaching in spite of the teachings of the world, and the notions of men; for this is paramount, this is essential to our salvation.

“Faith is the moving cause of all action.” “Faith without works is dead” [James 2:26]—in other words, it does not exist. I think James’ meaning clearly is, “You show me your faith without your works, and nothing will result; but I will show you my faith with my works, and something will be accomplished.” [See James 2:18.] Faith means action. … Faith, therefore, is stronger than belief. … Faith cannot be obtained by inaction or through indifference or passive belief. The mere desire to obtain faith will not bring faith any more than the desire to be skilled in music or painting will bring proficiency in these things without intelligent action.

… If we want to have a living, abiding faith, we must be active in the performance of every duty as members of this Church. …

Repentance is the second fundamental principle of the gospel and the outgrowth of faith.

Repentance is one of the most comforting and glorious principles taught in the gospel. In this principle the mercy of our Heavenly Father and his Only Begotten Son, Jesus Christ, is made manifest perhaps more strongly than in any other principle.  If we really understood and could feel even to a small degree, the love and gracious willingness on the part of Jesus Christ to suffer for our sins, we would be willing to repent of all our transgressions and serve him.

(Lesson given by Sister Cheryl Demke and taken from Teachings of Presidents of the Church: Joseph Fielding Smith, Chapter 5.)