Faith: Why It’s Not Built on Signs (Alma 32:17–18 & Matthew 16:4)

Is faith really about signs and wonders? Alma 32:17-18 and Matthew 16:4 challenge this common misconception. Many people think that faith depends on seeing miracles or signs. But true faith thrives without them.

Alma teaches that faith isn’t about having a perfect knowledge. Instead, it’s hope in things not seen but true. Jesus rebukes those seeking signs, calling them a wicked generation. Genuine faith doesn’t hinge on miracles; it grows in the absence of them.

In this post, we’ll explore why faith isn’t built on signs. We’ll see how both Alma and Jesus emphasize belief over proof, reinforcing that real faith comes from inner conviction, not outward evidence.

The Nature of Faith According to Alma 32

Faith is one of those topics that can be a bit tricky to get a handle on. Alma 32 provides invaluable insights into what faith really means and how believers can understand it better. Let’s dive into Alma’s teachings to get a clearer picture.

Faith as a Principle of Action

Alma teaches us that faith isn’t about having perfect knowledge. It’s more about having hope and trust in Christ. Think about it this way: when you take the first step in trusting someone, you don’t need to know everything about them, right? You need to have enough confidence to believe they will do what they say.

In Alma 32:21, Alma says, “Faith is not to have a perfect knowledge of things; therefore if ye have faith ye hope for things which are not seen, which are true.” So, faith is essentially acting without seeing the end result. It’s like planting a seed and caring for it because you trust it will grow, even though you can’t see what’s happening below the soil.

Faith as a principle of action means:

• Hope: You hold onto hope in Christ, even when you don’t see immediate outcomes.
• Trust: You trust in God’s promises, believing that He will fulfill them in His time.
• Action: You take steps forward, even when the way isn’t completely clear.

When Alma explains this, he’s helping us understand that faith requires us to move forward trustingly. It’s not just sitting back and waiting for proof; it’s about going forward with hope. Just like we trust a friend based on their character, we put our faith in Christ because of His love and promises.

Understanding faith this way helps us to act, even when we’re not sure how it will turn out. And that action, fueled by hope and trust, can bring us closer to Christ and His teachings.

By teaching that faith is not about knowing everything, Alma guides us to put trust in what we can’t see but believe to be true. This act of faith is powerful because it keeps us moving, growing, and connecting with God, even when the road ahead is not fully visible.

Jesus’ Teachings on Signs in Matthew 16

In Matthew 16, Jesus offers important lessons about faith and the seeking of signs. His words are a reminder that true faith doesn’t rely on miraculous signs to believe in God’s power and presence.

The Wickedness of Seeking Signs

Jesus strongly condemns the demand for signs in Matthew 16:4: “An evil and adulterous generation seeks after a sign.” But why does He say this? Let’s break it down.

1. Lack of Genuine Faith When people ask for signs, they show a lack of true faith. Faith is about believing without needing to see. When you demand signs, it means you don’t trust God’s word or His promises. It’s like needing proof every single time to believe something is true.

2. Spiritual Adultery Jesus uses strong words – “evil and adulterous.” Why adultery? In the Bible, spiritual adultery means being unfaithful to God. When the Israelites worshipped other gods, they were being spiritually unfaithful. Similarly, asking for signs is like saying God’s past actions aren’t enough. You’re looking for something new, something different, instead of trusting what God has already done.

3. Signs Already Given Jesus didn’t deny that signs were important. But He pointed out that many signs were already given. The Pharisees and Sadducees had seen Jesus heal the sick, feed thousands, and even raise the dead. These signs should have been enough to show who He was. Asking for more was a way to test Jesus, not to believe in Him.

4. The Sign of Jonah Jesus mentions the “sign of Jonah.” Jonah was in the belly of a huge fish for three days before being spat out, which symbolizes Jesus’ own death and resurrection. This sign was the ultimate proof of who Jesus was and what He came to do. Instead of constantly seeking new signs, Jesus wants us to focus on His resurrection – the ultimate act of God’s power and love.

Let’s make a quick list to summarize why seeking signs is considered wicked:

• Lack of trust in God’s promises
• Spiritual unfaithfulness by constantly needing new proofs
• Ignoring the signs already given
• Missing the importance of Jesus’ death and resurrection

Jesus’ words in Matthew 16:4 are a call to deepen our faith. Faith isn’t about seeing but believing. It’s about trusting God’s word and promises without needing constant proof. So next time you find yourself looking for a sign, remember what Jesus taught us. True faith is built on trust and belief, not on seeking signs.

The Role of Signs and Wonders in Faith

In the scriptures, signs and wonders are mentioned frequently. They often lead to questions about their true purpose and impact on faith. Let’s break down how they serve as a vital component in the life of believers, particularly within Latter-day Saint Christianity.

Purpose 1: Validation of Jesus as Messiah

Signs and wonders played an essential role in validating Jesus Christ as the Messiah. These miraculous acts were not just random displays of power but were meant to confirm His divine identity and mission.

• Affirmation of Divinity: When Jesus performed miracles, like healing the sick or calming storms, it wasn’t merely to impress the crowd. It was to show God’s power working through Him. These acts proved He was sent from the Father.
• Scriptural Fulfillment: Many of Jesus’ miracles fulfilled Old Testament prophecies about the Messiah. This alignment helped the early believers recognize Jesus as the one they had been waiting for.
• Witness to Non-Believers: The signs were also a way to reach those who doubted. When skeptics saw these wonders, it opened their hearts to the possibility that Jesus was indeed the Messiah.

Purpose 2: Building Faith

While signs can strengthen faith, they are not the foundation of it. Faith is more profound than just believing because of miracles.

• Support Rather than Foundation: Miracles can strengthen existing faith. When you see a sign, it can bolster your belief, but it should not be the core of your faith. Faith needs to be rooted in spiritual conviction and personal experience.
• Temporary Boost: Signs can provide a temporary boost to faith, but lasting faith requires daily spiritual nourishment. Reading scriptures, praying, and serving others build a stronger, more enduring faith.
• Teachings of Prophets: Alma in the Book of Mormon reminds us that faith is believing without seeing. Jesus also pointed out that those who believe without seeing are blessed.

Purpose 3: Encouraging Action

Signs and wonders also serve to motivate believers to act in faith and follow Christ’s teachings.

• Inspiration for Action: Witnessing a miracle can inspire you to follow Christ more diligently. It’s a call to live according to His teachings and not just be an observer.
• Call to Share: When you experience or witness a sign, it can move you to testify and share your faith with others. This helps spread the gospel and brings others to Christ.
• Commitment to Service: Signs can lead to a stronger commitment to serve. When you see God’s power in action, it can drive you to be more active in your church community and in helping others.

In conclusion, while signs and wonders have important roles in the biblical narrative and the lives of believers, they are complements to faith, not the foundation of it. They validate Jesus Christ’s divinity, bolster our faith, and inspire us to live and share the gospel actively.

Warnings Against Misplaced Faith

Faith is a powerful part of our spiritual lives, but it’s essential to place it correctly. Both Alma 32:17–18 and Matthew 16:4 warn us that faith should not be built upon signs or miracles. These scriptures caution against relying on wonders for our belief. Here are two warnings about misplaced faith that we need to heed.

Elder Dallin H. Oaks of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles spoke of the dangers accompanying the seeking of signs for faith:

The showing of a sign can work to the condemnation of those who are brought to knowledge by that means. They miss the opportunity to develop faith, and they subject themselves to a more severe punishment for backsliding than those whose spiritual development is proceeding along the normal pathway of developing faith.

“There are other ‘condemnations’ to those who seek signs without first developing the faith God has required as a prerequisite.

“One condemnation is to be misled. God warned ancient Israel against following prophets who gave signs and wonders and then sought to lead them away to the worship of strange gods. (Deut. 13:1–3.) The Savior taught his apostles that in the last days ‘there shall also arise false Christs, and false prophets, and shall show great signs and wonders, insomuch that, if possible, they shall deceive the very elect, who are the elect according to the covenant.’ (JST Matt. 24:23; also see Matt. 24:24; Mark 13:22.) …

“… In our day, God does not use miracles or signs as a way of teaching or convincing the unbeliever. As a result, we should not ask for signs for this purpose, and we should be deeply suspicious of the so-called spiritual evidences of those who do (The Lord’s Way [1991], 85–86).

Warning 1: Lack of Conversions

Relying on signs can lead to a shallow faith. In Alma 32:17-18, we see that some people demand signs before they believe. However, signs alone do not guarantee true conversion or discipleship.

When our faith is based on signs, it can be compared to building a house on sand. Without a deep and personal conviction, our spiritual foundation is weak. We may believe temporarily when we see a sign, but this belief often fades when the signs stop. True conversion comes from within and is built on understanding and a relationship with God.

Consider the Israelites during the Exodus. They witnessed many miracles, from the parting of the Red Sea to manna from heaven. Despite this, they frequently lost faith and turned to idols when things got tough. Their faith was based on what they could see, not on a personal connection with God.

Warning 2: Opening to Deception

Seeking signs makes us vulnerable to spiritual deceit. In Matthew 16:4, Jesus rebukes the Pharisees and Sadducees for demanding signs. He calls them “a wicked and adulterous generation,” highlighting the dangers of this mindset.

When we focus on signs, we open ourselves up to false prophets and misleading wonders. Just as a skilled magician can make us believe in illusions, false prophets can deceive us with wonders that appear divine but are not. This can lead us to false beliefs and away from true doctrine.

Think of how easily people can be fooled by magic tricks. It’s exciting to see, but it’s not real. Similarly, spiritual deception can lead us astray, making us believe in things that are contrary to God’s word. The Bible warns us of false prophets who will perform signs to mislead, even the elect if possible (Matthew 24:24).

In our journey of faith, it’s crucial to focus on a genuine relationship with God rather than seeking signs. True faith is built on trust, understanding, and a personal connection with the Divine, not on temporary wonders that can easily be misinterpreted or fabricated.

Faith Rooted in Scripture and Preaching

In our spiritual journey, understanding the true nature of faith is crucial. Authentic faith is built on the word of God, not on signs or wonders. Let’s explore how scripture and preaching play a central role in forming and nurturing genuine faith.

The Centrality of Scripture

Scripture is the bedrock of our faith. It’s through the sacred texts that we learn about God’s will, His promises, and His commandments. The Bible and other holy scriptures are not just historical documents; they are living words that speak to us today.

When we dive into the scriptures, we discover stories of people who showed great faith. Think of Abraham, who was ready to sacrifice his son Isaac because he trusted in God’s promise. Or consider the faith of Moses, leading his people out of Egypt with nothing but God’s word to guide him. These stories are not just tales from the past—they are blueprints for our own lives.

But it’s not enough to just read the scriptures. We need to let their teachings sink in and shape our actions. Here’s why scripture is so central to our faith:

• Guidance for Daily Life: The scriptures provide lessons on how to live a life that pleases God. They teach us about love, forgiveness, patience, and other virtues that are essential to a faithful life.
• Understanding God’s Character: Through the scriptures, we learn who God is. We understand His nature, His love for humanity, and His plans for us.
• Strength in Trials: When we face challenges, the scriptures offer comfort and hope. They remind us that God is always with us, even in the toughest times.
• Foundation for Belief: Our beliefs are grounded in the teachings of the scriptures. They are the ultimate authority on matters of faith and doctrine.

By immersing ourselves in the scriptures, we build a faith that is rooted in God’s word, not in fleeting signs or miracles. This kind of faith is strong and resilient, capable of withstanding the trials and doubts that come our way.

In our congregation, we should prioritize the study and teaching of the scriptures. Sunday schools, Bible study groups, and personal scripture reading should be integral parts of our faith journey. Remember, a faith built on scripture is a faith that endures.

Conclusion

Faith goes beyond the desire for signs and wonders. The teachings in Alma 32:17–18 and Matthew 16:4 emphasize that true faith is a hope in things not seen. This concept encourages us to seek a deeper spiritual foundation, rather than relying on external miracles.

Let us remember that faith comes from within and grows through our trust in Jesus and His teachings. By grounding our belief in the scriptures and the words of Christ, we cultivate a faith that does not waver with the absence of signs. This internal faith is strong, resilient, and unshakeable, providing us with true spiritual strength and guidance.