
In the Book of Mormon, Alma compares the word of God to a seed, noting that it must be planted and nourished before it can grow into a tree that bears fruit. This analogy underscores the importance of faith and belief in God's word, which, like a seed, may start small but can grow and flourish with proper care. Alma's message is particularly relevant to the Zoramites, who were in a state of apostasy but sought to understand how to plant the seed of faith in their hearts. By drawing parallels between faith and a seed, Alma provides a powerful framework for understanding the development of faith and the role of hope and knowledge in one's spiritual journey.
Characteristics | Values |
---|---|
Faith is like | A seed |
Faith is not like | Perfect knowledge |
Faith is | Hope for things which are not seen, which are true |
Faith is not | Seeking signs |
Faith is | Submission to the word |
Faith is not | Performance of external acts |
Faith is | A gift |
Faith is | A moving force |
Faith is not | Passive belief |
Faith is | Agency |
Faith is | Truth |
Faith is | Works |
What You'll Learn
Faith is not perfect knowledge
Alma's teachings on faith are recorded in the Book of Mormon. In these, he compares faith to a seed, and God's word to a seed that must be planted and nourished.
Alma explains that faith is not the same as perfect knowledge. If one has perfect knowledge of something, there is no need to believe, as one knows it. Faith, on the other hand, is a hope for things that are not seen but are true. It is an assurance of the existence of things that are not seen.
Alma's teachings on faith are directed at the Zoramites, who were in a state of apostasy. He notes that faith comes from submission to the word of God, and that it is an abiding characteristic of the faithful. He also highlights that faith is not built upon signs, and that seeking signs can be counterproductive to finding faith.
Alma's analogy of the seed is a powerful one, as it provides a poetic and meaningful definition of faith, and focuses on the process and outcome of faith development. It also affirms the universal applicability of the principles described.
Alma clarifies that faith is not the same as knowledge, and that doubt can be a motivating force in coming to faith. He notes that faith is an active principle of power, requiring energy and diligence for the realisation of its fruits. It is not enough to simply know or believe; one must also act accordingly.
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Faith is a gift
In Alma 32, Alma compares faith to a seed. He says that if we allow the word of God to be planted in our hearts, it will begin to grow, just like a seed. This seed represents our faith, and as we nourish it, it will grow into a tree that bears fruit. This fruit is described as "most precious, sweet above all that is sweet, white above all that is white, and pure above all that is pure".
Alma teaches that we must nurture our faith through obedience and diligence. Just as a seed needs to be cared for and watered, so too must we tend to our faith. If we neglect it, it will wither and die, just like a plant without water. However, if we are diligent in our faith and patiently nourish it, it will grow and bring forth fruit.
Alma's teachings on faith are a powerful reminder that our spiritual growth is a process. It begins with a small seed of faith that, when nurtured, can grow into a strong and enduring tree. This growth takes time and effort, but the fruits of our labour will be sweet and pure.
Alma's analogy of the seed is a beautiful illustration of the potential for growth and transformation that lies within each of us. It is a reminder that faith is a gift to be cherished and nurtured, leading us towards everlasting life.
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Humility precedes faith
In the Book of Mormon, Alma taught that faith is like a seed that must be planted and nourished. This seed, or the word of God, will begin to swell and grow when planted in the fertile soil of the heart. Through experimenting with the word and nurturing it through obedience, the word of God will bear fruit.
The Zoramites, who were in a state of apostasy, were prepared to receive the word due to their trials. Alma recognised that their humility, brought about by their rejection by the wealthy Zoramites, allowed them to be taught the gospel. He noted that being humble is a prerequisite to building faith.
Alma differentiated between two types of humility: those who are "compelled to be humble" and those who humble themselves voluntarily "because of the word". The former refers to those who are compelled to be humble due to their circumstances, such as poverty or afflictions. On the other hand, the latter group chooses to humble themselves and repent despite their circumstances. Alma affirmed that those who humble themselves voluntarily are more blessed.
In conclusion, Alma's teachings emphasise that humility precedes faith. Through the metaphor of planting and nourishing a seed, he illustrates that a humble heart is essential for spiritual growth and a strong connection with God.
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Faith is not built upon signs
Alma's message to the Zoramites in Alma 32-33 is not that faith is like a seed, but rather that "the word" is like a seed. Alma observed that when the word of God is planted in the fertile soil of the heart, it will begin to swell and grow. Through experimenting upon the word, or nurturing it through obedience, the word of God will bring forth fruit that is most precious, sweet above all that is sweet, white above all that is white, and pure above all that is pure. Neglecting the word of God will result in no such fruit.
Alma differentiated faith from perfect knowledge. Faith is not built upon signs, and seeking signs can lead to condemnation and misguidance. Faith is built upon hope for things which are not seen but are true. It is built upon a desire to believe, which must be nurtured and allowed to grow, just like a seed.
Alma taught that faith comes from submission to the word, an abiding characteristic of the faithful, rather than from the performance of external acts. Faith is an active principle of power that requires energy and diligence for the realisation of its fruits. It is a gift of God, which can be obtained only from God.
Alma's message is that faith is built upon the word of God, which must be planted and nourished. This is not done by seeking signs, but by nurturing the seed of faith with diligence, patience, and long-suffering.
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Faith requires action
In the Book of Mormon, Alma compares the word of God to a seed. He notes that faith is not to have a perfect knowledge of things. Instead, it is a hope for things that are not seen but are true.
Alma suggests that if we give place to the word of God in our hearts, it will begin to grow, just like a seed. This process requires action and cannot be passive. We must nourish the word with diligence and patience, looking forward to the fruit it will bear. If we neglect the word, we will not reap the rewards.
Alma's teachings on faith and the word of God are a call to action. He encourages his followers to actively nurture their faith by obeying God's commandments and performing good works. This process is likened to planting and cultivating a seed, requiring effort and attention.
Alma's message is clear: faith without works is dead. We must not only hear the word of God but also act upon it. This involves humility, submission to God's will, and a change in our inner nature. It is not enough to rely solely on outward acts of worship or ritual; we must allow the word of God to transform us from within.
By nourishing the word of God through our actions, we can strengthen our faith and allow it to take root in our hearts. This process requires diligence, patience, and long-suffering. It is a gradual journey, and we must stay on the path of discipleship to reap the rewards of everlasting life.
In conclusion, Alma's comparison of faith to a seed emphasizes the need for action. We must not only hear but also do, not only believe but also live according to the word of God. This active faith has the power to transform us and lead us to eternal life.
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Frequently asked questions
Alma compares the word of God to a seed.
Alma says that faith is not to have a perfect knowledge of things. He says that if you have faith, you hope for things that are not seen, which are true.
Alma says that if you give the word of God a place in your heart, it will begin to swell and grow, just like a seed.
Alma says that faith grows through experimentation and nurturing. He says that if you nourish the word of God with faith, diligence, and patience, it will take root and grow into a tree of everlasting life.
Alma's comparison highlights the process of faith development. Just as a seed needs to be planted, nourished, and allowed to grow, faith requires time, care, and nurturing to flourish. This analogy provides a tangible understanding of the abstract concept of faith and encourages individuals to actively cultivate their spiritual growth.