The Fifth Principle

Q. What are the ordinary and usual means for obtaining faith? A. Faith cometh only by the preaching of the word, and increaseth daily by it, as also by the administration of the sacraments and prayer.Proof: 1. Faith cometh only by the preaching the word, and increaseth daily by it “How then shall they call on him in whom they have not believed? and how shall they believe in him of whom they have not heard? and how shall they hear without a preacher?” – Rom. 10:14; “Where there is no vision, the people perish: but he that keepeth the law, happy is he.” – Prov. 29:18; “My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge: because thou hast rejected knowledge, I will also reject thee, that thou shalt be no priest to me: seeing thou hast forgotten the law of thy God, I will also forget thy children.” – Hos. 4:6. 2. As also by the administration of the sacraments “And he received the sign of circumcision, a seal of the righteousness of the faith which he had yet being uncircumcised: that he might be the father of all them that believe, though they be not circumcised; that righteousness might be imputed unto them also” – Rom. 4:11; “Moreover, brethren, I would not that ye should be ignorant, how that all our fathers were under the cloud, and all passed through the sea; and were all baptized unto Moses in the cloud and in the sea; and did all eat the same spiritual meat; and did all drink the same spiritual drink: for they drank of that spiritual Rock that followed them: and that Rock was Christ.” – 1 Cor. 10:1-4. 3. And prayer “And it shall come to pass, that whosoever shall call on the name of the Lord shall be saved.” – Acts 2:21.