The concepts below explore a theological perspective of faith as taught in the Book of Mormon. There are various stages of faith taught in Alma 32 with metaphorical explanations on their significance in spiritual growth.
Faith is a fundamental principle of the gospel, not merely a passive belief but an active principle of action. The process of developing faith and seeking personal revelation is a deeply spiritual and transformative journey.
The lifecycle of faith development includes three stages: desire, hope, and knowledge. It is a process that must be repeated continually as part of our eternal progression.
Stage 1 – Desire: Planting and Nurturing a Seed of Faith
Faith starts as desire. Desire is the initial spark that ignites the journey towards spiritual growth and understanding. But desire is not idle curiosity; it encompasses active experimentation on new doctrinal ideas and concepts, or as Alma puts it, “[exercising] a particle of faith.”
In this phase, we express a longing for knowledge, truth, and a deeper connection with God, often through prayer, seeking answers to profound questions (Alma 32:27), and making attempts to live a more moral standard of living according to higher laws they receive by the Spirit.
Stage 2 – Hope: The Swelling and Sprouting of the Seed
As the experiment to seek truth progresses, we experience what Alma describes as the seed swelling within them. This swelling is initial evidence that the seed is a good seed; it is a sign that if the experiment initiated in the Desire stage continues the seed will spout and grow. This initial evidence received from the experiment is Hope—an evidence-based belief that the desired outcome is attainable if the correct conditions and efforts are maintained.
Hope is nurtured through continued effort and experimentation in faith (Alma 32:28). This stage is the beginning of a firm spiritual foundation. We start to feel the “swelling motions” within their hearts, indicating progress and the potential for growth. This phase is a critical to endure the test of faith, as we may be tempted to give up when great or miraculous results are not quickly apparent during the experiment (Alma 32:29).
With sustained desire and hope, the seed of faith begins to sprout roots, providing proof of the truthfulness of doctrine being considered.
Stage 3 – Perfect Knowledge: Faith Becomes Dormant
Once the seed has grown into a young plant, we gain knowledge and understanding. It is not a perfect knowledge of all things, but it is a perfect knowledge of that doctrine that was experimented on by desire in that particular exercise of faith (Alma 32:33-34).
This stage is characterized by a deepening commitment to living according to the newfound knowledge. Faith that is built on this perfect knowledge becomes more than an exercise; it becomes an intrinsic part of one’s character and identity.
As faith deepens, we naturally incline toward repentance. Repentance is no longer seen as a burdensome task but as a delightful process of change and renewal. It is the outgrowth of faith and knowledge, leading to a transformation of our nature and a departure from the natural tendencies of the world.