Synopsis
Although authorship of the lectures is uncertain, studies suggest that the actual wording was largely by Sidney Rigdon, with substantial involvement and approval by Joseph Smith and possibly others. Smith was involved, both in their authorship in November 1834 and in their later preparation for publication in January 1835. (See History of the Church 2:169–70, 180.) The original title of each lecture was "Of Faith". It was not until 1876, in an edition of the Doctrine and Covenants edited by Church Historian Orson Pratt of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, that the title was given as "Lectures on Faith". Possibly the most famous quotation is from Lecture 6:7: "A religion that does not require the sacrifice of all things, never has power sufficient to produce the faith necessary unto life and salvation". The following is a short summary of each lecture within the work: Lecture 1 Faith gives rise to all human endeavors in both worldly and spiritual matters, and is a source of power, both in man and God. Lecture 2 The human family’s knowledge of God began with God’s interaction with Adam before The Fall, which knowledge was retained after The Fall, and which knowledge has been transmitted via human testimony among Adam's descendants. Although people since Adam have had to rely on human testimony to learn about God, God can choose to reveal himself directly (as he did to Adam) to those who live a life of devout prayer and service to God. Lecture 3 In addition to a belief in God, a correct knowledge of God’s character and attributes as revealed in scripture is necessary for the exercise of faith leading to life and salvation. Lecture 4 From scripture, one can learn that God possesses the following attributes: knowledge, faith (which is His power), justice, judgment, mercy, and truth. An explanation for why each attribute is necessary in order for mankind to be able to exercise productive faith is provided. Lecture 5 The Godhead, or the collective persons of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, is expounded upon. Lecture 6 The knowledge that one’s life is in accordance with God's will is necessary for obtaining eternal life. Any religion that does not require the sacrifice of all worldly things, does not have the power to produce the faith necessary for life and salvation. Those who have not sacrificed all things will not be able to know that their lives are pleasing to God and will therefore not be able to have the faith to overcome the tribulations that stand in the way of becoming joint heirs with Christ in God’s Kingdom. Lecture 7 By growing in faith, one draws nearer to God, and in the perfection of faith, one becomes like God. By faith, one obtains knowledge of God, through which knowledge one can receive all things pertaining to life and godliness.
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