It’s truth, a man cannot be saved in ignorance nor does he obtain salvation any faster than he gains knowledge and applies it into his daily life, but you won’t gain and God can’t give Eternal Life without this one thing: SACRIFICE.
Joseph Smith taught in the School of the Prophets in the winter of 1834–1835,
“a religion that does not require the sacrifice of all things never has power sufficient to produce the faith necessary unto life and salvation.”
This is true because “through the medium of the sacrifice of all earthly things” we come to know that we “are doing the things that are well pleasing in the sight of God”:
“When a man has offered in sacrifice all that he has for the truth’s sake, not even withholding his life, and believing before God that he has been called to make this sacrifice because he seeks to do his will, he does know, most assuredly, that God does and will accept his sacrifice and offering and that he [does] not seek his face in vain. Under these circumstances, then, he can obtain the faith necessary for him to lay hold on eternal life.”
In contrast, “those who have not made this sacrifice to God do not know” that the course of their life is pleasing to God. Rather, “it is a matter of doubt and uncertainty in their mind.” And those “whose minds are under doubts and fears cannot have unshaken confidence” in God, which leaves them with weak faith. When that happens, they
“will not be able to contend against all the opposition, tribulations, and afflictions which they will have to encounter in order to be . . . joint heirs with Christ Jesus; and they will grow weary in their minds, and the adversary will have power over them.”
Neal A. Maxwell said our will is the only truly unique gift that we have to give to God, everything else come from him. How can we give our will if we don’t first give back what we’ve already been given. We must give up our worldly goods to produce the faith neccesary to give up our worldly ways. In fact, it can be a slow and simultaneous process.
Keep in mind the sacrifice that the Israelites were required to give was never about placing an animal on the alter, but in similitude of Christ and “placing the animal in us on the alter before God.”
Because “salvation isn’t a cheap experience“, what are you willing to give and give up for it?
Source: Lectures on Faith (Salt Lake City: Deseret Book, 1985), 69-71
