Faith and Knowledge (Jacob's Musings)

Some of my favorite scriptures deal with relationship between faith and knowledge. In Ether 12:19 it reads, “And there were many whose faith was so exceedingly strong, even before Christ came, who could not be kept from within the veil, but truly saw with their eyes the things which they had beheld with an eye of faith, and they were glad.” It is possible and most likely the will of God that we learn to see with faith. The example of the brother of Jared shows how one’s faith and humility can earn them great insight. The brother of Jared wasn’t asking for a vision of the Lord, nor was he seeking to behold the mysteries of heaven. He approached the Lord humbly desiring to do what was right. In Ether 3:2, he shows his humility and reverence towards God by saying, “O Lord, and do not be angry with thy servant because of his weakness before Thee; for we know that thou art holy and dwellest in the heavens, and that we are unworthy before thee.” He further shows his faith in the atonement and in God’s power by saying, “Thou hast been merciful unto us. O Lord, look upon me in pity… And I know, O Lord, that thou hast all power and can do whatsoever thou wilt for the benefit of man.”
I recently came across a verse in D&C 52:17 wherein the Lord says, “He that trembleth under my power shall be made strong, and shall bring forth fruits of praise and wisdom according to the revelations and truths which I have given you.” Faith is a despised concept in scientific inquiry. From the scriptures and from my own experience, I have received as much confidence in the doctrines of Christ as I have from anything I have seen, heard, or touched. I know that when we believe Christ and we believe in Christ, especially to believe in his atonement, we will have confidence, peace and even knowledge. Zeezrom was asked not do you believe you can be healed, but “Believest thou in the power of Christ unto salvation.” (Alma 15:6) Zeezrom said yes, and Alma’s reply can be applied to all of us as we seek to see the hand of God in our lives, “If thou believest in the redemption of Christ, thou canst be healed.” To which I add, “If thou believes in the redemption of Christ” you can gain peace, confidence, wisdom, and knowledge.