Belief is in a sense passive, an agreement or acceptance only; faith is active and positive, embracing such reliance and confidence as will lead to works. Faith in Christ comprises belief in Him, combined with trust in Him. One cannot have faith without belief; yet he may believe and still lack faith. Faith is vivified, vitalized, living belief.
Interpretation
Belief is simply accepting something, while faith involves trust and action.
In this quote, James E. Talmage distinguishes between belief and faith, emphasizing that belief is a passive acceptance of ideas, whereas faith is an active, living expression that drives one to take action based on that belief. He asserts that genuine faith requires a deeper, more dynamic relationship with what one believes, particularly in the context of faith in Christ, which integrates belief with trust and proactive commitment.
In practice
In a seminar on personal development, this quote can be used to emphasize the difference between simply believing in one's abilities and having the faith to take action.
Ah! sinner, remember this, there is no way on earth effectually to be rid of the guilt, filth, and power of sin, but by believing in a Saviour. It is not resolving, it is not complaining, it is not mourning, but believing, that will make thee divinely victorious over that body of sin that to this day is too strong for thee, and that will certainly be thy ruin, if it be not ruined by a hand of faith.
Service is the rent we pay for living.
I do not believe that civilizations have to die because civilization is not an organism. It is a product of wills.
Every morning you put on your clothes to cover your nakedness and protect your body from inclement weather. Why don't you also clothe your soul with the garment of faith? Remember each morning the truths of your creed, and look at yourself in the mirror of your faith. Otherwise, your soul will soon be naked with the nakedness of oblivion.
Drink! for you know not when you came, nor why; Drink! for you know not why you go, nor where.
Eradicating a religion of kindness is, I think, a terrible thing for the Chinese to attempt.
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