Joseph Smith echoed the words of Paul to the Romans in an 1839 discourse: “Faith comes by hearing the word of God.” Similarly, it was New Testament teachings about faith that led him to the Sacred Grove. These Latter-day Saint quotes on faith in Jesus Christ include selections from BYU Devotionals, general conferences, and the standard works.
Table of contents
BYU Devotionals on faith
Walking on the Water
He knows we believe in Him because He hears us. Prayer is proof of our faith.
Patricia Holland, “Walking on the Water”
Lifelong Conversion
Acting in faith enables faith to grow stronger. When we act in faith by studying “the scriptures to understand better Christ’s mission and ministry,” we come to “know the doctrine of Christ” and to “understand its power” in our lives.
We seek to recognize how Jesus Christ, through His Atonement, brings blessings to all aspects of our lives. We act in faith by asking Heavenly Father for help. President Russell M. Nelson said, “Ask, and then ask again,” because God knows what will help faith grow.
Dale G. Renlund, “Lifelong Conversion”
To Live Well
God has given you the capacity to exercise faith so that you may find peace, joy, and purpose in life. However, to employ its power, that faith must be rooted in something secure. There is no more solid foundation than faith in the love Heavenly Father has for you, faith in His plan of happiness, and faith in the willingness and power of Jesus Christ to fulfill all of His promises.
Richard G. Scott, “To Live Well”
An Untroubled Faith
As a young stake president, I had most of the General Authorities as stake conference visitors to our stake. I can tell you that was a great experience! President Hugh B. Brown came to one of our stake conferences just a week before he was called and sustained as a member of the Council of the Twelve. We enjoyed his warm spirit and his good humor.
As I helped him with his coat and he walked out to his car to leave us, I said: “Brother Brown, do you have any personal advice for me?” His answer was: “Yes, stick with the Brethren.”
He did not choose to elaborate or explain but left that indelible message: have the simple faith to follow the Brethren.
James E. Faust, “An Untroubled Faith”
Allowing Your Faith in Jesus Christ to Guide Your Life
There is no need to be fearful about the tests of life. As your faith in Jesus Christ is firm, the tests of mortality will shape your eternal destiny.
Neil L. Andersen, “Allowing Your Faith in Jesus Christ to Guide Your Life”
Let our faith replace our fears.
Gordon B. Hinckley, “The Lord Is at the Helm”
I Will Not Forget Thee
The Lord wants you to succeed even more than you want to yourself. Have faith in a perfect Father’s love, fearing nothing. Remember that love is promised not just to those who have never made a mistake, but that love is promised to every one of us—who have all made mistakes.
Patricia Holland, “I Will Not Forget Thee”
Flashes of Light
Heavenly Father purposefully designed and ordered our world to require us to walk in faith. He pressed into place the pieces of this sophisticated jigsaw puzzle of mortality but held back a few of the pieces, which He keeps in His pocket to ensure that faith is required as we come up against the gaps in this puzzle’s spiritual landscape. He has ensured that we will not be able to game the system by thinking our way to heaven—to discover Him through provable math or science, which would obviate faith and foreclose the purposes of mortality.
Steven J. Lund, “Flashes of Light”
Tenacity
In life it is when the rains descend and the floods come and the winds blow and beat upon us and on our house that we determine whether our faith is strong and whether we put our trust in God continually. There simply is no test until there is adversity.
David F. Evans, “Tenacity”
Faith
We can be like the Salt Lake Temple. This is our time to become stronger, more dedicated, more faithful, even in difficult circumstances.
Kristen Oaks, “Faith”
Faith of Our Fathers
I have come to understand that to try our faith is not simply to test it but to strengthen it, that the witness which comes after the testing strengthens that faith, and that God’s preparation includes in the plan for deliverance the timing that will best strengthen our faith.
Henry B. Eyring, “Faith of Our Fathers”
A More Excellent Hope
Faith stems from the Lord Jesus Christ. Hope centers in his atonement. Charity is manifest in the “pure love of Christ” (see Moroni 7:47). These three attributes are intertwined like strands in a cable and may not always be precisely distinguished. Together, they become our tether to the celestial kingdom.
Russell M. Nelson, “A More Excellent Hope”
Cast Not Away Therefore Your Confidence
Of course our faith will be tested as we fight through these self-doubts and second thoughts. Some days we will be miraculously led out of Egypt—seemingly free, seemingly on our way—only to come to yet another confrontation, like all that water lying before us. At those times we must resist the temptation to panic and to give up. At those times fear will be the strongest of the adversary’s weapons against us.
Jeffrey R. Holland, “Cast Not Away Therefore Your Confidence”
Living Right
As you walk to the boundary of your understanding into the twilight of uncertainty, exercising faith, you will be led to find solutions to the challenges of life you would not obtain otherwise. With even the strongest faith, God will not always reward you immediately according to your desires. Rather He will respond with what in His eternal plan is best for you. Your exercise of faith will forge strength of character available to you in times of critical need. Such character is not developed in moments of great challenge or temptation. That is when it is used.
Richard G. Scott, “Living Right”
Religious Education
The best way for a Latter-day Saint student to reconcile the competing values of faith and intellect is to be mentored by teachers and leaders whose daily lives, attitudes, and teaching authentically demonstrate how deep religious faith and demanding intellectual rigor are mutually reinforcing.
Bruce C. Hafen, “Religious Education in BYU’s Prophetic Historical Context”
Faith and Science
If learning scientific theories puts your faith in jeopardy, choose your faith! Choose your faith until you can better understand the science—or until science can provide better explanations. I firmly believe that both truths—religious and scientific—exist in harmony.
Jamie L. Jensen, “Faith and Science: Symbiotic Pathways to Truth”
There Must Needs Be a Christ
We need help. We need a helper. We need Jesus, who is our Helper. This need for help, and especially the acknowledgment of a need for help, is the beginning of an understanding of the doctrine of Christ and the beginning of faith in the Lord Jesus Christ.
Kyle S. McKay, “There Must Needs Be a Christ”
Building upon the Rock
True words, true doctrines, and true principles planted by faith, like seeds, will sprout and grow. They lead to testimony.
Jay E. Jensen, “Building upon the Rock”
Remember Lot’s Wife
Faith is for the future. Faith builds on the past but never longs to stay there. Faith trusts that God has great things in store for each of us and that Christ truly is the “high priest of good things to come” (Hebrews 9:11).
Jeffrey R. Holland, “Remember Lot’s Wife”
Faith
If we think we have faith, we should ask, “Faith in whom or faith in what?” For some, faith is nothing more than faith in themselves. That is only self-confidence or self-centeredness. Others have faith in faith, which is something like relying on the power of positive thinking or betting on the proposition that we can get what we want by manipulating the powers within us.
The kind of faith that includes trust in the Lord stands in contrast to many imitations. Some people trust no one but themselves. Some put their highest trust in a friend or another family member or even a teacher or scientist or political leader. But that is not the Lord’s way. He told us to put our faith and our trust in the Lord Jesus Christ. “Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding.”
Dallin H. Oaks, “Faith”
Asking, Seeking, and Knocking
It is through our faith in Jesus Christ that we will resist temptation. Our faith will help us avoid evil. However, it is not enough to only have faith, we must also repent and obey, and live according to the standards that will enable us to receive the constant companionship and guidance of the Holy Ghost.
Ulisses Soares, “Asking, Seeking, and Knocking: A Compassionate Pattern”
Prophets Can See Around Corners
Sustaining prophets in today’s world takes faith—but not faith in them, faith in Jesus Christ, who called them.
Sheri Dew, “Prophets Can See Around Corners”
Believest Thou?
Having faith in Christ is a decision that we make when we choose to believe and act. As we reaffirm our faith in His holy name, the promises become a reality in our life.
Walter F. Gonzalez, “Believest Thou?”
Name Above All Names
Just as tempests steered the Jaredites to the Promised Land, challenges, setbacks, and disappointments propel us forward on our journey. We may see only commotion and the “fierceness of the wind,” but the Lord sees progress in our personal development and changes in our hearts. We may go down into the deep as did the Jaredites, but the Lord will bring us up, and even while we are there, He will continue to provide us His light. From the storms of life we become faithful and effective servants of Jesus Christ able to, someday, command mountains as did the Brother of Jared. “For the brother of Jared said unto the mountain Zerin, Remove—and it was removed. And if he had not had faith it would not have moved.”
Ronald A. Rasband, “Name Above All Names”
Temples of Faith
Be faithful. Stand steady. Be courageous. Don’t yield when difficult days come. Don’t falter when there’s a challenge to your faith. Believe in what God intends for you personally and as a graduate of this university. You are all a little anxious about your future, we all are, we all have been, but I implore you not to be overly anxious. God has a plan for you personally and the best thing you can do is trust Him and do your duty, and keep moving!
Jeffrey R. Holland, “Zion: Temples of Learning and Temples of Faith”
Anxiety in Stressful Times
There is great power in the doctrine of the restored gospel of Jesus Christ. Our unshakeable faith in that doctrine guides our steps. It enlightens our minds and empowers our actions. This guidance and enlightenment and power are among the greatest gifts we have received from our Heavenly Father. By understanding and conforming our lives to that doctrine and through the principle of repentance we keep ourselves on the path toward our eternal destiny—reunion and exaltation with our loving Heavenly Parents.
Dallin H. Oaks, “Anxiety in Stressful Times”
It is essential that we place faith in our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ at the center of our lives.
Quentin L. Cook, “Resolve to Make Righteous Choices”
That Our Strengths May Be Faithened
You can help a friend stay centered in the gospel and maintain or deepen their faith in the Savior and His restored gospel. You can be the friend who helps someone work through their personal questions about the Church or the gospel, all the while staying active, keeping their covenants, reading daily from the Book of Mormon and continuing to pray.
David F. Evans, “That Our Strengths May Be Faithened”
A Gospel Perspective
We are all faced with challenges and opportunities in our various life roles, and they are best served when we balance them with our faith in Jesus Christ and His atonement, which comprises our spirituality.
Gary E. Stevenson, “A Gospel Perspective”
Faith Is Not Blind
As we make our way through our complexities, if we don’t press forward by giving the Lord and His Church the benefit of our doubts and uncertainties, it won’t be long until we are unwilling to go down the road of faith and sacrifice at all—the only road that leads to the deep simplicity of wisdom and light. Complexity is valuable, even essential. But those who get stuck there will never know the simple yet profound joy of the Saints.
Bruce C. Hafen, “Faith Is Not Blind”
See Clearly—Act Properly
If you have as your #1 goal in life to remain faithful to the Lord and do all you can to help build His Kingdom, which includes properly teaching your children, and keep trying to do so, even when you make mistakes, or when things are hard, He will guide and direct you.
John H. Groberg, “See Clearly—Act Properly”
What Can We Learn from the First Vision
We need never be borne down by our shortcomings and sins. It is built into the nature of the universe that we if approach God with a broken heart and pray in the name of Christ, we will be forgiven and renewed. It is a doctrine that gives us courage, hope, and the ability to move on. Joseph’s lamentations did not debilitate him. He was not crippled by his regrets. He put his faith in Christ, pled for forgiveness, and went on to magnificent achievements. To me that is what the 1832 account of the First Vision promises us—a God who will forgive us and lift the burden of sin from our backs. Even those men in prison for their sins and crimes can take hope
Richard L. Bushman, “What Can We Learn from the First Vision”
Trust in the Lord
People often ask me what I learned in this singular experience of writing [a biography of President Monson]. Put simply, I learned to trust the Lord. Our trust in our Father in Heaven, in Jesus Christ and in the Holy Ghost is an expression of our faith and our willingness—no questions asked—to follow God’s plan for us—individually.
Heidi Swinton, “Trust in the Lord”
General Conference quotes on faith
Christ Is Risen
What would you do if you had more faith? Think about it. Write about it. Then receive more faith by doing something that requires more faith.
Russell M. Nelson, “Christ Is Risen; Faith in Him Will Move Mountains”
Legacy of Encouragement
Jesus Christ paid the price of our sins. We may claim that blessing of eternal life if we will have faith in Him enough to repent and become like a child, pure and ready to receive the greatest of all the gifts of God.
President Henry B. Eyring, “Legacy of Encouragement”
Lasting Discipleship
I know that through trusting in the Lord Jesus Christ and His covenant path, we can find spiritual confidence and peace as we nurture holy habits and righteous routines that can sustain and fuel the fires of our faith.
Steven J. Lund, “Lasting Discipleship”
The Faith to Ask and Then to Act
Opposition and trials have long been a seedbed for the growth of faith. That has always been true, especially since the beginning of the Restoration and the founding of the Lord’s Church.
President Henry B. Eyring, “The Faith to Ask and Then to Act”
Follow Jesus Christ with Footsteps of Faith
Let us follow Jesus Christ with faith in every footstep.
President M. Russell Ballard, “Follow Jesus Christ with Footsteps of Faith”
Prayers of Faith
When we take repentance as a joyful opportunity because of our growing faith that Jesus is the Christ, when we understand and believe that Heavenly Father hears our every prayer, when we strive to obey and live the commandments, we grow in our power to receive continuing revelation. The Holy Ghost can be our constant companion. A feeling of light will stay with us even as the world around us becomes darker.
President Henry B. Eyring, “Prayers of Faith”
Firm and Steadfast in the Faith of Christ
To persevere firm and steadfast in the faith of Christ requires that the gospel of Jesus Christ penetrate one’s heart and soul.
Elder D. Todd Christofferson, “Firm and Steadfast in the Faith of Christ”
Foundations of Faith
Faith is a principle of power.
Elder Quentin L. Cook, “Foundations of Faith”
Faith Is Not by Chance, but by Choice
Faith in Jesus Christ is a gift from heaven that comes as we choose to believe and as we seek it and hold on to it. Your faith is either growing stronger or becoming weaker.
Elder Neil L. Andersen, “Faith Is Not by Chance, but by Choice”
Be Not Afraid, Only Believe
Skepticism is easy—anyone can do it. It is the faithful life that requires moral strength, dedication, and courage. Those who hold fast to faith are far more impressive than those who give in to doubt when mysterious questions or concerns arise.
President Dieter F. Uchtdorf, “Be Not Afraid, Only Believe”
“Lord, I Believe”
What was once a tiny seed of belief for me has grown into the tree of life, so if your faith is a little tested in this or any season, I invite you to lean on mine. I know this work is God’s very truth, and I know that only at our peril would we allow doubt or devils to sway us from its path. Hope on. Journey on. Honestly acknowledge your questions and your concerns, but first and forever fan the flame of your faith, because all things are possible to them that believe.
Elder Jeffrey R. Holland, “‘Lord, I Believe'”
Is Faith in the Atonement of Jesus Christ Written in Our Hearts?
How can we expect to strengthen families or help others unless we first have written in our own hearts a deep and abiding faith in Jesus Christ and His infinite Atonement?
Linda K. Burton, “Is Faith in the Atonement of Jesus Christ Written in Our Hearts?”
Where Is the Pavilion?
If we serve with faith, humility, and a desire to do God’s will, I testify that the judgment bar of the great Jehovah will be pleasing. We will see our loving Father and His Son as They see us now—with perfect clarity and with perfect love.
President Henry B. Eyring, “Where Is the Pavilion?”
Trial of Your Faith
How do you remain “steadfast and immovable” during a trial of faith? You immerse yourself in the very things that helped build your core of faith: you exercise faith in Christ, you pray, you ponder the scriptures, you repent, you keep the commandments, and you serve others.
Elder Neil L. Andersen, “Trial of Your Faith”
Face the Future with Faith
Truth, covenants, and ordinances enable us to overcome fear and face the future with faith!
Elder Russell M. Nelson, “Face the Future with Faith”
The Transforming Power of Faith and Character
Faith and character are intimately related. Faith in the power of obedience to the commandments of God will forge strength of character available to you in times of urgent need. Such character is not developed in moments of great challenge or temptation. That is when it is intended to be used.
Elder Richard G. Scott, “The Transforming Power of Faith and Character”
Faith in the Lord Jesus Christ
In a household of faith, there is no need to fear or doubt. Choose to live by faith and not fear.
Elder Kevin W. Pearson, “Faith in the Lord Jesus Christ”
The Faith to Move Mountains
Faith was also the moving power behind Brigham Young. I often reflect on the tremendous faith he exercised in bringing a very large number of people to settle this Salt Lake Valley. He knew very little of the area. He had never seen it, except in vision. I suppose he had studied what meager information there was, but he knew almost nothing of the soil or the water or the climate. And yet when he looked upon it, he said without hesitation, “This is the right place, drive on” (B. H. Roberts, A Comprehensive History of the Church, 3:224).
And so it has been with each of the Presidents of the Church. In the face of terrible opposition, they have moved forward with faith.
President Gordon B. Hinckley, “The Faith to Move Mountains”
Faith Is the Answer
Remember that faith and obedience are still the answers—even when things go wrong, perhaps especially when things go wrong.
Elder David E. Sorensen, “Faith Is the Answer”
Finding Faith in the Lord Jesus Christ
If we had lived in the days of these prophets of old, would we have believed on their words? Would we have had faith in the coming of our Savior?
Elder Robert D. Hales, “Finding Faith in the Lord Jesus Christ”
Shall He Find Faith on the Earth?
Only when our faith is aligned with the will of our Heavenly Father will we be empowered to receive the blessings we seek.
Elder Joseph B. Wirthlin, “Shall He Find Faith on the Earth?”
A Woman of Faith
A woman of faith trusts God and faces adversity with hope. She knows of His interest in her life. She knows that He knows her. She loves His words and drinks deeply of that living water. She is grateful for the prophet He has sent for these latter days, and she trusts his counsel and follows it, for she knows that by so doing she will find safety and peace. In prayer she seeks the kind, unfaltering guidance and help of a listening Heavenly Father. As she prays, she listens—allowing the communication to be two-way. She trusts that in His still and quiet way, He will lead her by the hand and give her answer to her prayers.
Margaret D. Nadauld, “A Woman of Faith”
We Walk by Faith
We reach toward the unknown, but faith lights the way. If we will cultivate that faith, we shall never walk in darkness.
President Gordon B. Hinckley, “We Walk by Faith”
The Shield of Faith
Never before in the history of the world has the need for faith in God been greater.
President James E. Faust, “The Shield of Faith”
Making Faith a Reality
Learning to discern the teachings of the Spirit is an important part of helping faith become a reality.
Janette Hales Beckham, “Making Faith a Reality”
Finding Faith in Every Footstep
We are all required to make journeys of faith. That is the gospel plan. Our path may not be crossing an ocean or walking alone from an empty train station. But whatever it is, it will demand faith in every footstep. Years from now your grandchildren will tell with amazement stories of your choices which changed their lives. You will be called their pioneers.
Bonnie D. Parkin, “Finding Faith in Every Footstep”
“Brightness of Hope”
Just as doubt, despair, and desensitization go together, so do faith, hope, and charity.
Elder Neal A. Maxwell, “‘Brightness of Hope'”
Increase in Faith
Choosing to increase our faith in the Savior isn’t easy. It takes work, but the feelings inside of peace and joy and love are worth all our efforts.
Patricia P. Pinegar, “Increase in Faith”
Faith Is the Answer
We all know that more faith won’t make our problems disappear. But I believe as our faith increases, we become more able to not only survive the hard times but become better because of them.
Virginia H. Pearce, “Faith Is the Answer”
The Spark of Faith
If I had the chance to teach one thing, it would be what it means and how it feels to exercise faith in Jesus Christ unto repentance.
Bishop Henry B. Eyring, “The Spark of Faith”
A Prophet’s Faith
The scriptures teach that certain powers of heaven are governed by the faith of mortal men. The Lord’s ability to help us succeed is limited only by our faith in him.
Elder A. Theodore Tuttle, “A Prophet’s Faith”
The Caravan Moves On
I know that salvation is in Christ and that only by faith in his name can we hope for the riches of eternity.
Elder Bruce R. McConkie, “The Caravan Moves On”
Scriptures about faith
Hab. 2:4
The just shall live by faith.
Hab. 2:4
Matt. 6:30
Thy faith hath made thee whole.
Matt. 6:30
Matt. 14:31
And immediately Jesus stretched forth his hand, and caught him, and said unto him, O thou of little faith, wherefore didst thou doubt?
Matt. 14:31
Luke 17:5
And the apostles said unto the Lord, Increase our faith.
Luke 17:5
Luke 17:6
And the Lord said, If ye had faith as a grain of mustard seed, ye might say unto this sycamine tree, Be thou plucked up by the root, and be thou planted in the sea; and it should obey you.
Luke 17:6
Rom. 10:17
So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.
Rom. 10:17
2 Cor. 5:7
For we walk by faith, not by sight.
2 Cor. 5:7
Eph. 6:16
Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked.
Eph. 6:16
Heb. 11:1
Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.
Heb. 11:1
Heb. 11:6
But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.
Heb. 11:6
James 1:3
Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience.
James 1:3
2 Peter 1:5
And beside this, giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue; and to virtue knowledge.
2 Peter 1:5
2 Ne. 31:19
And now, my beloved brethren, after ye have gotten into this strait and narrow path, I would ask if all is done? Behold, I say unto you, Nay; for ye have not come thus far save it were by the word of Christ with unshaken faith in him, relying wholly upon the merits of him who is mighty to save.
2 Ne. 31:19
Jacob 4:16
Wherefore, we search the prophets, and we have many revelations and the spirit of prophecy; and having all these witnesses we obtain a hope, and our faith becometh unshaken, insomuch that we truly can command in the name of Jesus and the very trees obey us, or the mountains, or the waves of the sea.
Jacob 4:16
3 Ne. 17:8
For I perceive that ye desire that I should show unto you what I have done unto your brethren at Jerusalem, for I see that your faith is sufficient that I should heal you.
3 Ne. 17:8
3 Ne. 19:35
And it came to pass that when Jesus had made an end of praying he came again to the disciples, and said unto them: So great faith have I never seen among all the Jews; wherefore I could not show unto them so great miracles, because of their unbelief.
3 Ne. 19:35
3 Ne. 27:19
And no unclean thing can enter into his kingdom; therefore nothing entereth into his rest save it be those who have washed their garments in my blood, because of their faith, and the repentance of all their sins, and their faithfulness unto the end.
3 Ne. 27:19
Ether 12:12
For if there be no faith among the children of men God can do no miracle among them; wherefore, he showed not himself until after their faith.
Ether 12:12
Moro. 7:33
And Christ hath said: If ye will have faith in me ye shall have power to do whatsoever thing is expedient in me.
Moro. 7:33
D&C 4:5
And faith, hope, charity and love, with an eye single to the glory of God, qualify him for the work.
Doctrine & Covenants 4:5
Moses 7:13
And so great was the faith of Enoch that he led the people of God, and their enemies came to battle against them; and he spake the word of the Lord, and the earth trembled, and the mountains fled, even according to his command; and the drivers of water were turned out of their course; and the roar of the lions was heard out of the wilderness; and all nations feared greatly, so powerful was the word of Enoch, and so great was the power of the language which God had given him.
Moses 7:13
Did you enjoy these quotes?
Further reading
- Inspiring Russell M. Nelson Quotes
- Dallin H. Oaks Quotes From General Conference
- Who Was Truman G. Madsen?
- Winter Quarters: A Pioneer Legacy of Faith
- The Many Legacies of Bruce R. McConkie
Latter-day Saint quotes on faith resources
- Joseph Smith Discourse, Between Circa 26 June and Circa 2 July 1839, as Reported by Willard Richards (Joseph Smith Papers)
- General Conference Talks About Faith (Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints)
- Latter-day Saint Devotionals on Faith (BYU Speeches)
- “Lectures on Faith” Background (Church History Topics)
