Lecture 1
Overview
Lecture 1 of the 1835 Doctrine and Covenants (the first of the 'Lectures on Faith') serves as a foundational theological treatise on the nature of faith. Structured as a didactic discourse followed by a catechism-style Q&A, the text systematically redefines faith from a traditional Christian understanding. It begins by affirming the biblical definition of faith from Hebrews 11:1 as the assurance of things hoped for. However, it rapidly expands this definition, positing that faith is the 'moving cause of all action' in both temporal and spiritual matters. The most radical theological departure occurs when the text elevates faith to an independent, cosmic 'principle of power.' It asserts that God Himself used this principle to frame the worlds, and explicitly claims that if this attribute were taken from the Deity, 'he would cease to exist.' To support these claims, the text synthesizes biblical miracle narratives (such as Joshua stopping the sun and the heroes of Hebrews 11) with Book of Mormon narratives (such as Alma and Amulek breaking prison walls). Ultimately, the lecture establishes a worldview where faith is a metaphysical force that governs the universe, which both man and God must wield to exercise dominion and authority.
Key Figures
- God / Jehovah: Described as the Creator who framed the worlds by faith, and who would cease to exist without the principle of faith.
- Jesus Christ / The Savior: Quoted teaching that faith as a grain of mustard seed can move mountains.
- Author of the epistle to the Hebrews (Paul): Cited extensively for the definition of faith and the historical examples of faith.
- Moroni: Identified as the compiler of the record of his fathers, providing Book of Mormon examples of faith.
- Alma and Amulek: Book of Mormon figures whose faith caused prison walls to be rent.
- Nephi and Lehi: Book of Mormon figures whose faith caused a change in the hearts of the Lamanites and immersion with the Holy Spirit.
- Brother of Jared: Book of Mormon figure who removed the mountain Zerin by faith.
- Gideon, Barak, Samson, Jephthah, David, Samuel, and the prophets: Biblical figures cited from Hebrews 11 who subdued kingdoms and wrought righteousness by faith.
- Joshua: Biblical figure who commanded the sun and moon to stand still by faith.
- Noah: Biblical figure who prepared an ark by faith.
- Abraham: Biblical figure who obeyed the call to go out by faith.
- Isaac and Jacob: Biblical figures who dwelt in tabernacles as heirs of the promise.
- Moses: Biblical figure who forsook Egypt by faith.
Doctrines Analyzed
Key theological claims identified in this text:
Faith as a Cosmic Principle of Power
Assertion
Faith is an independent, governing principle of power that exists in all intelligent beings, and it is the mechanism by which all power, dominion, and creation occur.
Evidence from Text
Faith, then, is the first great governing principle which has power, dominion, and authority over all things: by it they exist, by it they are upheld... Without it, there is no power, and without power there could be no creation, nor existence!
Evangelical Comparison
In Evangelical theology, faith (pistis) is fundamentally relational and object-oriented; it is a creature's trust, reliance, and resting in the character, promises, and finished work of the Creator (Ephesians 2:8-9, Hebrews 11:1). Faith has no intrinsic power of its own; rather, the power resides entirely in the object of that faith—God. Faith is merely the empty hand that receives God's grace. Lecture 1 radically redefines faith from a relational posture to a metaphysical, cosmic force. It asserts that faith is a 'principle of power' that governs the universe. In this paradigm, faith is treated almost like a law of physics or a magical force that can be tapped into by 'all intelligent beings' to manipulate reality, move mountains, and create worlds. This shifts the biblical focus away from submitting to God's sovereign will, and instead turns faith into a mechanism for human (and divine) empowerment and dominion.
God's Dependence on Faith (Denial of Aseity)
Assertion
God relies on the principle of faith to create, exercise power, and even to exist. Without faith, God would cease to be.
Evidence from Text
Take this principle or attribute, (for it is an attribute) from the Deity and he would cease to exist.
Evangelical Comparison
The most severe theological divergence in this text is its Theology Proper, specifically its denial of God's aseity. Orthodox Evangelical Christianity teaches that God is uncreated, self-existent, and entirely self-sufficient (Exodus 3:14, Acts 17:24-25). His power is intrinsic to His divine nature; He is omnipotent. God does not exercise faith, because faith requires trusting in something outside oneself or hoping for something unseen, whereas God is omniscient and sovereign over all things. Lecture 1 explicitly claims that God 'framed the worlds by faith' and that faith is the 'principle of power, which existed in the bosom of God.' Most alarmingly, it states that if this principle were taken from the Deity, 'he would cease to exist.' This subjects God to a higher, pre-existing cosmic law. It reduces Jehovah from the sovereign, uncaused First Cause to a being who is merely the master of the principle of faith. If God depends on faith to exist, then God is not the ultimate reality; the principle of faith is.
Faith as the Universal Cause of Action
Assertion
Faith is the sole psychological and physical motivator for every action taken by any intelligent being, whether mundane or spiritual.
Evidence from Text
it is faith, and faith only, which is the moving cause of all action, in them; that without it, both mind and body would be in a state of inactivity
Evangelical Comparison
The text broadens the definition of faith to encompass all human motivation. It argues that planting, sowing, asking, and even obtaining food and raiment are all acts of 'faith' because they rely on the hope of an unseen outcome. This conflates basic human psychology, instinct, and reason with the theological concept of faith. Evangelical theology maintains a strict distinction between natural human action and saving faith. While it is true that humans act based on expectations of the future, biblical faith is specifically directed toward God and His promises (Romans 10:17). By flattening the definition of faith to mean 'any action based on an expected outcome,' the text dilutes the unique, salvific nature of biblical faith, turning it into a generic psychological phenomenon rather than a spiritual gift of God.
Comparative Analysis
Theological Gap (Summary)
The text redefines faith from 'relational trust in God' to a 'cosmic force' that even God must use to exist and create, fundamentally denying God's self-existence (aseity) and omnipotence.
Theological Gap (Explained)
The most critical theological gap between Lecture 1 and Evangelical Christianity lies in Theology Proper—specifically the doctrine of God's aseity. Evangelicalism teaches that God is entirely self-sufficient, uncreated, and His power is intrinsic to His divine nature. He does not rely on external principles, forces, or attributes to exist; His attributes are identical to His essence (divine simplicity). Lecture 1 posits that faith is an independent 'principle of power' that God utilizes to frame the worlds. Furthermore, it claims that without this principle, God 'would cease to exist.' This subjects God to a higher cosmic law, reducing Him from the sovereign Creator of all things to an exalted being who merely masters pre-existing principles. Additionally, redefining faith as a generic 'moving cause of all action' and a 'principle of power' dilutes the biblical definition of faith. In the Bible, faith is specific, relational trust in the promises of God and the finished work of Jesus Christ. By turning faith into a force to be wielded, the text shifts the focus from the Creator to the creature's ability to manipulate reality, bordering on a metaphysical or 'Word of Faith' theology.
For All Ages
Imagine faith is like a magic wand. Christians believe we use the wand to trust God, but God doesn't need a wand because He is already all-powerful. He is the one who made everything just by speaking! This text says God *does* need the wand, and if you took the wand away from Him, He would disappear. This makes the 'wand' (faith) bigger and more important than God Himself, which goes against the Bible's teaching that God is the highest, most powerful being who depends on nothing.
Friction Points
Theology Proper (Aseity and Omnipotence of God)
Claims God depends on the principle of faith to exist and create, denying His self-existence and intrinsic omnipotence.
Sola Scriptura
Elevates the Book of Mormon to equal scriptural authority with the Bible to establish doctrine.
Sola Fide (Nature of Faith)
Redefines faith from relational trust in Christ to a metaphysical force/work used to manifest power.
Semantic Warnings
Terms that have different meanings between traditions:
"Faith"
In This Text
A cosmic principle of power and the moving cause of all action in all intelligent beings, including God.
In Evangelicalism
Trust, reliance, and resting in God, His character, and His promises, specifically regarding salvation in Christ.
"Theology"
In This Text
A revealed science that treats of the being and attributes of God.
In Evangelicalism
The study of God and His revelation to humanity.
Soteriology (Salvation)
Salvation Defined: Obtaining spiritual blessings and ultimate salvation.
How Attained: By exercising faith as a principle of action, coupled with baptism (citing Mark 16:16).
Basis of Assurance: The ability to manifest power, action, and receive blessings through active faith.
Comparison to Sola Fide: The text subtly undermines Sola Fide by quoting Mark 16:16 to link faith and baptism as co-requirements for salvation. Furthermore, by defining faith as the 'moving cause of all action,' faith itself is transformed into a continuous 'work' or effort, rather than a resting in Christ's finished work (Ephesians 2:8-9).
Mandates & Requirements
Explicit Commands
- Consider yourselves, and turn your thoughts and reflections to the operations of your own minds
- Reflect upon the history of your lives
- Reflect, and ask yourselves, if these things are not so
- Turn your thoughts on your own minds, and see if faith is not the moving cause of all action
Implicit Obligations
- Exercise faith to obtain both temporal and spiritual blessings
- Accept the Book of Mormon as equal scriptural authority to the Bible
- Study theology as a revealed science
Ritual Requirements
- Baptism (implied through the citation of Mark 16:16 as a requirement for salvation)
Evangelism Toolkit
Practical tools for engagement and dialogue:
Discovery Questions
Open-ended questions to promote reflection:
- If God needs faith to exist, does that mean the principle of faith is greater than God Himself?
- In Hebrews 11, the heroes of faith are trusting in God. If God exercises faith, who or what is God trusting in?
- How does viewing faith as a 'power' we wield change how we approach God in prayer? Does it make us feel like we have to force an outcome?
- Why do you think the Lectures on Faith were removed from the Doctrine and Covenants in 1921 if they were originally the 'Doctrine' part of the book?
Redemptive Analogies
Bridges from this text to the Gospel:
Faith as assurance
We can agree that faith is the assurance of things hoped for. We can bridge this to the ultimate assurance: resting in the finished work of Christ rather than our own ability to generate 'power' or 'action.' True assurance comes from knowing Christ's work is sufficient.
Spiritual Weight
Burdens this text places on adherents:
If faith is a 'principle of power' that causes all action, then a lack of miracles, blessings, or success is directly attributed to a personal lack of faith. This places an immense burden on the believer to constantly 'generate' enough faith to force outcomes, leading to deep shame and exhaustion when prayers aren't answered as desired.
By reducing God to a being who depends on cosmic principles to exist, the believer loses the comfort of an absolutely sovereign, unshakeable Creator. If God is subject to laws, the universe is ultimately governed by impersonal forces, not a loving Father.