Chapter 18: Faith in Jesus Christ

What is Faith?

Tremendous resources for this lesson can be found in the Teachings of the Presidents of the Church:... (the old Priesthood/Relief Society manuals). Especially helpful will be the manuals for Brigham Young, chapter 8, Wilford Woodruff, Chapter 15, Joseph F. Smith, Chapter 6, David O. McKay, pages 196-198 (Chapter 21), and Spencer W. Kimball, Chapter 13, and Harold B. Lee, pages 28-29 (Chapter 4). Remember, these can all be found on “lds.org” by clicking on “Gospel Library” then “Lessons” then “Melchizedek Priesthood and Relief Society.” All of the manuals are listed at the bottom of this page. You also may enjoy Chapter 13 in Doctrines of the Gospel Institute Manual, which can be found on “institute.lds.org” then “Institute Courses & Manuals.”

The first sentence of this section is “Faith in the Lord Jesus Christ is the first principle of the gospel. From the Doctrines of the Gospel Institute Manual comes this great quote to supplement this idea:

Faith is the first principle of the gospel and the foundation of all other principles. (p. 35)

From the former Priesthood/Relief Society manuals come the following which also supplement this concept:

Our faith in Jesus Christ lies at the foundation of our religion, the foundation of our hope for remission of sins, and for exaltation after death, and for the resurrection from death to everlasting life (Teachings of the Presidents of the Church: Joseph F. Smith, p. 50).

Faith applied to religion is its foundation principle and indeed the source of all righteousness that directs man in his efforts to gain eternal life in the world to come (Teachings of the Presidents of the Church: Harold B. Lee, p. 28).

An unwavering faith in Christ is the most important need of the world today. What does it mean to keep the faith? It means first, that we accept Jesus Christ, not merely as a great teacher, a powerful leader, but as the Savior, the Redeemer of the world. … He who keeps the faith will accept Jesus Christ as the Son of God, the Redeemer of the world. I would have all men keep that faith. I think it is fundamental to man’s happiness, fundamental to his peace of mind. I think it is the cardinal principle of the Church of Jesus Christ (Teachings of the Presidents of the Church: David O. McKay, pp. 196-7).

The next two sentences in this section represent a powerful doctrine perhaps too little understood, that the Savior’s atonement regarding spiritual life has no power except to those who have faith (and repent, etc. - - but those are future lessons). This doctrine needs to be taught well to be better understood.

The first sentence under “faith” in the Bible Dictionary states:

Faith…must be centered in Jesus Christ in order to produce salvation.

And later in this reference we find:

Even more important, by faith one obtains a remission of sins and eventually can stand in the presence of God.

From the Encyclopedia of Mormonism:

Though God delights to bless his children, he “first, [tries] their faith,…then shall the greater things be made manifest” (3 Ne. 26:9). But there will be “no witness until after the trial of your faith” (Ether 12:6), and “without faith you can do nothing” (D&C 8:10)… (pp. 484-5).

By the way, Ether 12:6 is a great additional cross-reference with the two scriptures in the second paragraph of this section.

Nephi also helps us with this doctrine:

For behold, I am God; and I am a God of miracles; and I will show unto the world that I am the same yesterday, today, and forever; and I work not among the children of men save it be according to their faith (2 Nephi 27:23).

In these latter days, Jesus Christ taught a great principle concerning this doctrine:

…for behold, my blood shall not cleanse them if they hear me not (D&C 29:17).

Again, from the Encyclopedia of Mormonism:

The gospel of Jesus Christ comprises fundamental principles and ordinances that must be followed to obtain a fulness of salvation. (p. 1257)

The atonement of Jesus Christ saved all men from physical death. But the atonement also made salvation from spiritual death possible. In short, the atonement made it possible for us to be saved from spiritual death, but we must use our sacred gift of agency to do what He asks for this salvation to happen. This will also tie in with “saying” versus “doing,” which is discussed later in this lesson.

God is well represented as the loving father in the Parable of the Prodigal Son. We are each Prodigal Sons. The point of doctrine here is that “when he came to himself” (Luke 15:17) the Father can bestow the most treasured blessings upon each of us.

The salvation from spiritual death, not physical death is what Christ was referring to in John 11:25 when He declared:

I am the resurrection, and the life: he that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live:

Note the phrase “he that believeth in me.” Thus “belief’ (or, as we will learn in this lesson, ”true faith”) is a necessary requirement for this salvation.

The second paragraph of this section discusses faith as “a principle of action”. President Woodruff had this to say:

It is truly good to … hear the word of the Lord, and it is truly a good thing to believe in it, but it is still better to practice it. (Presidents of the Church: Wilford Woodruff, p. 154).

Concerning this idea, President Kimball also explained:

The exercising of faith is a willingness to accept without total regular proof and to move forward and perform works.
A real faith pushes one forward to constructive and beneficial acts as though he knew in absoluteness.
One may enjoy the benefits of the miracles in the physical world without a complete knowledge of the underlying principles involved. He may turn darkness into light by pushing a button and read in the darkest night. He need not be able to develop the electricity, nor to have the knowledge to wire the home. But he must have the faith sufficient to secure lamps and faith to turn the switch. He then may receive the light. … He may turn a dial and enjoy sweet music from afar without being able to fashion a radio or understand fully its workings, but the blessing will never be his unless he connects his set with the power, and turns the dial correctly. In like manner, one may receive spiritual blessings and manifestations, by establishing contact turning the dial. Faith manifested by prayer and works is that key.
We pray for enlightenment, then go to with all our might and our books and our thoughts and righteousness to get the inspiration. We ask for judgment, then use all our powers to act wisely and develop wisdom. We pray for success in our work and then study hard and strive with all our might to help answer our prayers. When we pray for health we must live the laws of health and do all in our power to keep our bodies well and vigorous. We pray for protection and then take reasonable precaution to avoid danger. There must be works with faith (Teachings of the Presidents of the Church: Spencer W. Kimball, pp. 137-8).

Regarding this same idea, President McKay declared:

What we need today is faith in the living Christ, which is more than a mere feeling, but a power that moves us to action—a faith that will put purpose into life and courage into the heart. We need the gospel of application (Teachings of the Presidents of the Church: David O. McKay, pp. 197).

This section states very clearly that faith must have action. For those in other religions, or for those of us who do not quite grasp that action separates belief and faith, the apostle James declared:

Even so faith, if it hath not works, is dead, being alone.
Yea, a man may say, Thou hast faith, and I have works: shew me thy faith without thy works, and I will shew thee my faith by my works.
Thou believest that there is one God; thou doest well: the devils also believe, and tremble.
But wilt thou know, O vain man, that faith without works is dead? (James 2:17-20)

So devils believe, but disciples are separated by works (actions).

The last paragraph of this section discusses various scriptural examples of faith. There is wonderful additional discussion from President Woodruff (Presidents of the Church: Wilford Woodruff, pp. 155-156) and President Kimball (Teachings of the Presidents of the Church: Spencer W. Kimball, pp. 140-2).

In the teachings of President Woodruff, he also discusses temple work and missions as examples of faith which may add to the question, if discussed, posed at the end of this section.

In the teachings of President Kimball, he concludes with:

Remember there were no towns and cities, no farms and gardens, no homes and storehouses, no blossoming desert in Utah when the persecuted pioneers crossed the plains. And remember that there were no heavenly beings in Palmyra, on the Susquehanna or on Cumorah when the soul-hungry Joseph slipped quietly into the Grove, knelt in prayer on the river bank, and climbed the slopes of the sacred hill. (Teachings of the Presidents of the Church: Spencer W. Kimball, p. 142).

The third paragraph discusses belief. Brigham Young had this to say:

If we speak of faith in the abstract, it is the power of God by which the worlds are and were made, and is a gift of God to those who believe and obey his commandments. On the other hand, no living, intelligent being, whether serving God or not, acts without belief. He might as well undertake to live without breathing as to live without the principle of belief. But he must believe the truth, obey the truth, and practice the truth, to obtain the power of God called faith (Teachings of the Presidents of the Church: Brigham Young, 56).

It may help students to understand that with true faith, there is no need to fear. As the Lord told Emma Smith:

And thou needest not fear, for thy husband shall support thee in the church; for unto them is his calling, that all things might be revealed unto them, whatsoever I will, according to their faith, (D&C 25:9).

President Gordon B. Hinckley explained it this way:

Who among us can say that he or she has not felt fear? I know of no one who has been entirely spared. Some, of course, experience fear to a greater degree than do others. Some are able to rise above it quickly, but others are trapped and pulled down by it and even driven to defeat. We suffer from the fear of ridicule, the fear of failure, the fear of loneliness, the fear of ignorance. Some fear the present, some the future. Some carry the burden of sin and would give almost anything to unshackle themselves from those burdens but fear to change their lives. Let us recognize that fear comes not of God, but rather that this gnawing, destructive element comes from the adversary of truth and righteousness. Fear is the antithesis of faith. It is corrosive in its effects, even deadly.
“For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind” (2 Tim. 1:7).
We need not fear as long as we have in our lives the power that comes from righteously living by the truth which is from God our Eternal Father.
Nor need we fear as long as we have the power of faith (from Ensign, Oct. 1984, 2–3).

In his first conference talk as an apostle, Elder Quentin L. Cook shared the following:

The overwhelming feeling that I have in receiving this call is that we must live by faith and not by fear (Ensign, Nov 2007, 70).

Concerning faith, the following statement by President Joseph F. Smith may be meaningful in Relief Society (okay, maybe the Priesthood needs it even more):

There are people fond of saying that women are the weaker vessels. I don’t believe it. Physically, they may be; but spiritually, morally, religiously and in faith, what man can match a woman who is really convinced? Daniel had faith to sustain him in the lion’s den, but women have seen their sons torn limb from limb, and endured every torture satanic cruelty could invent because they believed. They are always more willing to make sacrifices, and are the peers of men in stability, Godliness, morality, and faith (Teachings of the Presidents of the Church: Joseph F. Smith, p. 56).

Why Should We Have Faith in Jesus Christ?

The first sentence in this section states that we must “center our faith in the Lord Jesus Christ.” It should not be overlooked that without knowledge of the correct nature of God as learned in the very first act of the restoration (First Vision), there could be no “true faith.” This is stated well under “faith” in the Bible Dictionary:

All true faith must be based upon correct knowledge or it cannot produce the desired results.

The second paragraph in this section discusses the idea that “faith in Jesus Christ” means “trust” in Him. In the Bible Dictionary, is also found the following:

To have faith is to have confidence in something or someone. The Lord has revealed himself and his perfect character, possessing in their fulness all the attributes of love, knowledge, justice, mercy, unchangeableness, power, and every other needful thing, so as to enable the mind of man to place confidence in him without reservation.

Explaining why we can trust God, President Joseph F. Smith stated:

Faith in God is to believe that he is, and “that he is the only supreme Governor and independent Being, in whom all fulness and perfection and every good gift and principle dwell independently…that he is the great Creator of all things, that he is omnipotent, omniscient, and by his works and the power of his Spirit omnipresent (Teachings of the Presidents of the Church: Joseph F. Smith, p. 53).

Some have confused the principle of trust and faith, especially as it applies to obedience, with the false concept of “blind obedience.” If this is important to members of your class, you will want to refer to President Kimball’s wonderful explanation of this heresy (Teachings of the Presidents of the Church: Spencer W. Kimball, pp. 139-140).

The second paragraph of this section discusses the powerful concept that “Through faith we cam receive strength to overcome temptations.” The opposite of this is discussed in the Encyclopedia of Mormonism where it is stated:

Elder Dallin H. Oaks also explained this well:

Faith must include trust…When we have faith in the Lord Jesus Christ, we must have trust in him. We must trust him enough that we are content to accept his will, knowing that he knows what is best for us.
When we try to develop faith in the Lord Jesus Christ rather than merely cultivating faith as an abstract principle of power, we understand the meaning of the Savior’s words: “If ye will have faith in me ye shall have power to do whatsoever thing is expedient in me” (Moro. 7:33).
(Ensign, May 1994, 99).

The last paragraph in this section discusses faith in the Godhead. It may need to be pointed out that there is no difference in faith in the Father, or the Son, or the Holy Ghost. The Bible, Book of Mormon and Doctrine and Covenants all proclaim that they are one - - in unity. This means that “faith in God” can apply to any of the Godhead. This is what President Joseph F. Smith said concerning this:

Not only is it necessary to have faith in God, but also in Jesus Christ, his Son, the Savior of mankind and the Mediator of the New Covenant; and in the Holy Ghost, who bears record of the Father and the Son, “the same in all ages and forever” (Teachings of the Presidents of the Church: Joseph F. Smith, p. 50).

Note how this quote ties in with 2 Nephi 27:23.

Perhaps the best answer to the question heading this section is that given by President Monson about a year ago. After checking off a laundry list of the terrible conditions of the world, he then concluded:

Though the storm clouds may gather, though the rains may pour down upon us, our knowledge of the gospel and our love of our Heavenly Father and of our Savior will comfort and sustain us and bring joy to our hearts as we walk uprightly and keep the commandments. There will be nothing in this world that can defeat us.
My beloved brothers and sisters, fear not. Be of good cheer. The future is as bright as your faith. (Ensign, May 2009, 89–92).


On the other hand, as President Monson has earlier declared;

Stated simply, if we do not have a deep foundation of faith and a solid testimony of truth, we may have difficulty withstanding the harsh storms and icy winds of adversity which inevitably come to each of us. (Ensign, Nov 2006, 62).

How Can We Increase Our Faith in Jesus Christ?

This section has a wonderful discussion of the question it poses. Some (okay all mortals) may sometimes be discouraged about the challenge to “increase our faith in Jesus Christ” This quote from President Joseph F. Smith gives me hope:

We are all babes in this principle of the gospel. We are only beginning, the best of us, to know something of this principle of life and salvation, this principle of power. By faith, we are told, the worlds were made. Who of us have faith to do much of anything? Our faith is so limited that we can scarcely live the little principles of the gospel that God has revealed to us that are necessary for social peace and enjoyment. We have scarcely faith to carry out these little principles that are revealed to us for the government of our every day lives. The Lord has to bear with us and to be patient with us and to teach us here a little and there a little, line upon line and precept upon precept that we may eventually gain that faith that was once delivered to the Saints by which the mouths of lions were stopped, and the heat of the fiery furnace was assuaged. …Our great teacher, Jesus Christ…is trying to teach us the principles of life and salvation which are principles of power, teaching men to rise from the depths of sorrow, from the depths of humanity to the heights of glory and knowledge of God.
An enriched faith means an enlarged power, and though man may not have in this life an occasion to exercise all the powers that come to him through the enrichment of his faith, those powers may be exercised in their fulness in eternity, if not in time (Teachings of the Presidents of the Church: Joseph F. Smith, pp. 52-3).

The “mustard seed” is discussed in the first paragraph of this section. Here is a delightful discussion of this parable from Elder David B. Haight:

If ye had but the faith of a tiny—I’m trying to think of the name of that little tree. [President Hinckley says, “Mustard.”] Mustard! Thank you, President. (I keep the President around to help me.) If you had but the faith of a mustard seed. Perhaps not many of you have seen a mustard seed. A few years ago in Jerusalem we were in a car with a driver, and he said, “Oh, there’s a mustard tree.” And I said, “Let’s see it.” We got out to look at that mustard tree, and it had a little pod on it, and I was able to open the pod, which was like those on a locust tree, and see those tiny little seeds, not much larger than a grain of pepper.
Just imagine the analogy that the Savior was teaching the people. If you only had as much faith as that little tiny mustard seed—and I held it in my hand, and I could hardly see it—if you had that much faith you would say to the mountain, “Move hence,” and it would move, if you had that much faith (see Matt. 17:20) (Ensign, Nov. 2001, 22).

On page 104 of this section is discussed Alma’s tremendous comparison “of the word of God to a seed.” President Lee added some interesting insights to this:

The preaching of the truth concerning God and his purposes has been compared to the sowing of a seed, which if a good seed will begin to sprout and grow in your hearts on these conditions: First, that it is planted in the rich, fertile soil of sincerity and real desire; second, that it is cultivated with diligent study and searching; and third, that it is watered by genial spiritual “dews” and warmed by rays of inspiration that come from humble prayer. The harvest from such planting comes only to that individual who acts upon the truths he has learned and reforms his life of sin and fills his days with purposeful conduct in keeping the commandments of God in whom he has faith, and in service toward his fellowmen (Teachings of the Presidents of the Church: Harold B. Lee, p. 28).

Something that may be valuable for this lesson might be to have each of us set up a measuring standard as to exactly how we can “increase our faith in Jesus Christ.” There are some great helps for doing this. First, from Encyclopedia of Mormonism is found:

Righteousness leads to greater faith, while sin and wickedness diminish faith (p. 484).

Along this same line of thought, under “faith” in the Bible Dictionary we find:

A lack of faith leads one to despair, which comes because of iniquity.

President Brigham Young also stated:

Every person who lives in this Church must be faithful. They cannot run by sight, but must actually exercise faith in the Lord Jesus Christ, in order to enjoy the light of the Holy Ghost. When they neglect this, the spirit of the world takes possession of them, and they become cold and fruitless, and pine away into darkness, and spiritual death (Teachings of the Presidents of the Church: Brigham Young, p. 55).

So we might ask ourselves, “Am I sinning and despairing or becoming cold?” This is an important measure of our faith.

Another idea from Encyclopedia of Mormonism:

One who has this faith [in Jesus Christ] believes him to be the living Son of God, trusts in his goodness and power, repents of one’s sins, and follows his guidance (p. 483).

So the questions, “Am I repenting daily?” and “Am I being obedient?” are good measures of our faith. Of course, we will learn much more about repentance in next week’s lesson.

Some other measures are found under “faith” in the Bible Dictionary:

The effects of true faith in Jesus Christ include

(1) an actual knowledge that the course of life one is pursuing is acceptable to the Lord (see Heb. 11:4);

(2) a reception of the blessings of the Lord that are available to man in this life; and

(3) an assurance of personal salvation in the world to come.

Concerning the first point, President Joseph F. Smith also declared:

…unless the Saints have an actual knowledge that the course which they are pursuing is in harmony with the will of God, they will grow weary in trial, and will faint under persecution. … But, on the contrary, with this trust in God burned into their souls, no matter what comes, they are happy in doing his will, knowing full well that at last the promise shall be theirs (Teachings of the Presidents of the Church: Joseph F. Smith, p. 55).

Concerning the second point, President Woodruff taught:

In any and every age of the world when God has called or commanded a man or a people to perform a certain work, they through determination and perseverance, and faith in him, have been enabled to accomplish it.
It is our duty to be continually increasing in faith, that we may be enabled to call upon the Lord with acceptance (Presidents of the Church: Wilford Woodruff, p. 156, 157).

Richard G. Scott also commented on this idea in the second point:

Since with even our best efforts to obey His teachings we will still fall short, because of His grace we will be “saved, after all we can do” (2 Nephi 25:23) (Ensign, Nov 2006, 40).

Concerning the third point, under “faith” in the Bible Dictionary we find:

Faith in Jesus Christ is the first principle of the gospel and is more than belief, since true faith always moves its possessor to some kind of physical and mental action; it carries an assurance of the fulfillment of the things hoped for.

Hopefully these measures will help us with the important question heading this section of the lesson.

What Are Some Blessings That Follow Faith?

This section begins “Through the gift of faith…” President Joseph F. Smith stated:

Faith is always a gift of God to man, which is obtained by obedience, as all other blessings are. The man or woman in this Church who desires to enrich his or her faith to the highest possible degree will desire to observe every rite and ordinance in the Church in conformity to the law of obedience to the will of God (Teachings of the Presidents of the Church: Joseph F. Smith, pp. 52-3).

The next word in the first sentence quoted above is “…miracles…” In the Bible Dictionary we find a great explanation of this:

Miracles do not produce faith but strong faith is developed by obedience to the gospel of Jesus Christ; in other words, faith comes by righteousness, although miracles often confirm one’s faith.

This powerful first paragraph in this section ends with the blessing of faith makes it possible that “men [and women] become sons [and daughters] of God.” This concept is related to the following ideas from Presidents Harold B. Lee and Brigham Young:

By faith in God then, you too … can become attuned to the Infinite and by power and wisdom obtained from your Heavenly Father harness the powers of the universe and have them serve you in your hour of need in the solution of problems too great for your human strength or intelligence (Teachings of the Presidents of the Church: Harold B. Lee, p. 28).

My faith is, when we have done all we can, then the Lord is under obligation, and will not disappoint the faithful; he will perform the rest (Teachings of the Presidents of the Church: Brigham Young, 57).

Again, it is important that we understand that faith and doing all we can do is absolutely necessary for us to be in position for Christ to do all that He can.

President Lee also had this to say about the process of becoming as God:

By faith we would understand that whatever contributes in life to the standard of Jesus “Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect” [Matthew 5:48] is for our good and our eternal benefit…
Every child must learn that faith sufficient to perfection can only be developed by sacrifice and except he learns to sacrifice of his appetites and [physical] desires in obedience to the laws of the Gospel he cannot be sanctified and made holy before the Lord (Teachings of the Presidents of the Church: Harold B. Lee, pp. 28-9).

It is important that we conclude that “sons and daughters of God” can become like Him.

President Gordon B. Hinckley made a terrific statement about the blessings of faith in building the kingdom:

This precious and marvelous gift of faith, this gift from God our Eternal Father, is still the strength of this work and the quiet vibrancy of its message. Faith underlies it all. Faith is the substance of it all. Whether it be going into the mission field, living the Word of Wisdom, paying one’s tithing, it is all the same. It is the faith within us that is evidenced in all we do.
Our critics cannot understand it. Because they do not understand, they attack. A quiet inquiry, an anxious desire to grasp the principle behind the result, could bring greater understanding and appreciation.
I was asked at a news conference on one occasion how we get men to leave their vocations, to leave home, and serve the Church.
I responded that we simply ask them, and we know what their answer will be.
What a marvelous and wonderful thing it is, this powerful conviction that says the Church is true. It is God’s holy work. He overrules in the things of His kingdom and in the lives of His sons and daughters. This is the reason for the growth of the Church. The strength of this cause and kingdom is not found in its temporal assets, impressive as they may be. It is found in the hearts of its people. That is why it is successful. That is why it is strong and growing. That is why it is able to accomplish the wonderful things that it does. It all comes of the gift of faith, bestowed by the Almighty upon His children who doubt not and fear not, but go forward (Ensign, May 2001, 67).

Similarly, President Brigham Young had this to say:

When faith springs up in the heart, good works will follow, and good works will increase that pure faith within them (Teachings of the Presidents of the Church: Brigham Young, 57).

I really like the following statement from the Bible Dictionary:

Faith is kindled by hearing the testimony of those who have faith (Rom. 10:14-17).

A wonderful illustration this idea is found in the story related by Elder Russell M. Nelson at the funeral for President Spencer W. Kimball:

In March 1972, when President Kimball’s heart was failing and he sensed that death was nigh, he obtained a conference with his file leaders in the Church, the First Presidency. To provide medical information as requested, he invited his devoted cardiologist, Dr. Ernest L. Wilkinson, and me.
President Kimball breathlessly began, “I am a dying man. I can feel my life slipping. At the present rate of deterioration I believe that I can live only about two more months. Now I would like my doctor to present his views.”
Dr. Wilkinson then reaffirmed President Kimball’s feelings, concluding that recovery would be unlikely and death would ensue in the not-too-distant future.
Then President Kimball called on me as a cardiac surgeon and asked, “What can surgery offer?”
I indicated that an operation, if it were to be done, would consist of two components. First, an aortic valve replacement would be required. Second, an important coronary artery with a blockage should be treated with a bypass graft.
President Harold B. Lee of the First Presidency then asked the crucial question, “What would be the risks with such a procedure?”
“I don’t know,” I replied. “In a man aged seventy-seven, the risk of either of these operations is significant. But to do both on one whose heart is failing would entail risk so high that the operation cannot be recommended as a safe one.”
As a weary President Kimball responded, “I am an old man and ready to die,” President Lee interrupted. He rose to his feet, pounded his fist to the desk, and said, with his prophetic power,“Spencer, you have been called! You are not to die! You are to do everything you need to do to care for yourself and continue to live.” [Of course, we now know that President Kimball succeeded President Lee as President of the Church.]
President Kimball replied, “Then I will have the operation.”
He underwent that complex operation not because it was deemed to be reasonably safe in the opinion of his medical advisers, but because he was obedient to the counsel of the Lord, expressed through the leaders of the Church—regardless of personal risk.
The outcome is well known. He was blessed to survive the operation which reversed the tide of his deterioration.
I shall never forget the feeling I had as his heart resumed beating, leaping with power and vigor. At that very moment, the Spirit made known to me that this special patient would live to become the prophet of God on earth (Ensign, Dec 1985, 39).

For Priesthood and Relief Society, perhaps no more important idea could be taught than that which was pled for by President J. Reuben Clark, Jr., of the First Presidency, in an old Priesthood Manual:

…if a family is to become a celestial family, the [faith of the] husband and wife should “cover the home as a kindly light” (Immortality and Eternal Life, 2: 14).