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Abstract/Description
Members of the LDS church are typically taught the first two principles of the gospel as “First, faith in the Lord Jesus Christ; Second, repentance” (Articles of Faith IV). However, a reversal of the first two principles of the gospel is most commonly observed in the Book of Mormon. Throughout the entire Book of Mormon, numerous prophets preach to “repent and believe in his Son, who is the Holy One of Israel” (2 Nephi 30:2). The order given is significant— repent and then have faith. This order is found in the conversion of Nephite & Lamanite dissenters, Zeezrom, and Alma the Younger, as well as in the teachings of many Book of Mormon prophets, including Christ himself. From all the evidence in the Book of Mormon, it can be concluded that the gospel starts in someone as a desire for change, which leads to the principles of first repentance and second faith.
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as part of a class
Faculty Involvement
Kylie Turley
The First Principles of the Gospel: Repentance and Faith
Members of the LDS church are typically taught the first two principles of the gospel as “First, faith in the Lord Jesus Christ; Second, repentance” (Articles of Faith IV). However, a reversal of the first two principles of the gospel is most commonly observed in the Book of Mormon. Throughout the entire Book of Mormon, numerous prophets preach to “repent and believe in his Son, who is the Holy One of Israel” (2 Nephi 30:2). The order given is significant— repent and then have faith. This order is found in the conversion of Nephite & Lamanite dissenters, Zeezrom, and Alma the Younger, as well as in the teachings of many Book of Mormon prophets, including Christ himself. From all the evidence in the Book of Mormon, it can be concluded that the gospel starts in someone as a desire for change, which leads to the principles of first repentance and second faith.