"having faith in Christ"

[_ErikJohnson]

Question I pondered more than a few times, back in the day, and still don't know the answer: Regarding the promise of Moroni 10:4, "having faith in Christ" is prerequisite to a manifestation of the truth of the Book of Mormon. Taking the passage at face value, one would already have to be a Christian before attempting to access the promise in Moroni. A pre-Mormon "Christian," in a Limbo-like state.

Obviously the LDS Church doesn't instruct investigators to read and pray about their Bible before taking up the Book of Mormon. So how does it work? How does a non-Christian obtain the required "faith in Christ" prior to praying about the truthfulness of the Book of Mormon?

--Erik

[_moksha]

Hi Erik, seems like one would need to taught the basics of the Old and New Testaments before any of the Book of Mormon would make sense. I seem to recall reading that this is the first task for missionaries when speaking with those unfamiliar with these subjects. Since faith does require a born again quality, this would be like leading them to water with no true means of making them drink. My guess is that a few over zealous missionaries have skipped this point with adult converts. Kids are another matter and I doubt any of them can even conceptualize a rebirth in Christ. Oh well, perhaps this is a case for a minor exception.

[_Nightlion]

Question I pondered more than a few times, back in the day, and still don't know the answer: Regarding the promise of Moroni 10:4, "having faith in Christ" is prerequisite to a manifestation of the truth of the Book of Mormon. Taking the passage at face value, one would already have to be a Christian before attempting to access the promise in Moroni. A pre-Mormon "Christian," in a Limbo-like state.

Obviously the LDS Church doesn't instruct investigators to read and pray about their Bible before taking up the Book of Mormon. So how does it work? How does a non-Christian obtain the required "faith in Christ" prior to praying about the truthfulness of the Book of Mormon?

--Erik

The manifestation by the power of the Holy Ghost will ONLY occur as a witness to testify of Christ. The Holy Ghost has that as its primary mission. Without faith in Christ the Holy Ghost cannot witness to the truth. All truth is in Christ. A particle of faith is sufficient. You do not have to fully convert before you seek a greater witness.

The promise is at the end of the book. You should have been given ample reason to have faith in Christ, having read the book. Faith come by hearing the word of the Lord. The pages of the Book of Mormon are filled with the word of the Lord.

[_ErikJohnson]

Appreciate the thoughts, Moksha and Nightlion.

Following-up on Nightlion's comment--

The promise is at the end of the book. You should have been given ample reason to have faith in Christ, having read the book. Faith come by hearing the word of the Lord. The pages of the Book of Mormon are filled with the word of the Lord.

It doesn't seem like the reader could have "ample reason"--because prior to taking up the promise of Moroni, he/she wouldn't have the manifestation necessary to believe what was being read (about the LDS Jesus or anything else therein).

But if faith in the contents of the Book of Mormon comes prior to taking up the promise of Moroni 10:4 (as you seem to imply)--then why would anyone need to pray about its truthfulness? Your explanation would make the passage superfluous.

--Erik