Faith and Works in LDS Theology: Understanding Their Relationship

LDS Perspective

In Latter-day Saint theology, faith and works are not opposing forces but complementary principles that work together to bring about salvation through the Atonement of Jesus Christ. Faith is the first principle of the gospel and serves as the activating power that opens the channels for grace to operate in our lives. As Elder Gerald N. Lund explained, "Faith is the principle that activates the power of the Atonement in our lives," while works—including obedience, repentance, baptism, and keeping commandments—are the conditions that allow that power to flow into us. The Lectures on Faith, which constituted the "doctrine" portion of the 1835 Doctrine and Covenants, taught that true faith requires not merely belief but a correct understanding of God's character and a willingness to sacrifice

Historical Perspective

In LDS theology, faith constitutes both cognitive assent and active commitment, defined scripturally as "the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen" (Hebrews 11:1) and elaborated in the Book of Mormon as hoping "for things which are not seen, which are true" (Alma 32:21). MormonThink’s glossary emphasizes that LDS doctrine treats faith not merely as passive belief but as "a principle of action and power" manifested whenever individuals work toward worthy goals, indicating that genuine faith inherently produces behavioral evidence. This conception aligns with the historical "Lectures on Faith," a series of seven theological lessons presented by Joseph Smith and Sidney Rigdon to the School of the Prophets in Kirtland, Ohio, during 1834–35. These lectures were canonize