An intriguing and insightful parallel to chapter 11 is found in Ether 12:6–22, where Moroni also promotes faithfulness by showcasing the acts of those who had come before. Paralleling the description given by the author of Hebrews, Moroni states that faith is “things which are hoped for and not seen” (Ether 12:6, 8–9). His development of this theme does not have quite the strong structural organization as does Hebrews, but there are definitely literary and structural elements present. For example, Moroni’s discussions of the individuals who possessed faith are introduced with the formula “Behold it was by faith that X did Y.” Thus, in Ether 12:11, it is Moses receiving the law (see Ex. 20–23); in Ether 12:13, it is Alma and Amulek’s escaping from prison (see Alma 14:28); in Ether 12:14, it is Nephi and Lehi’s preaching to the Lamanites (see Hel. 5:23); in Ether 12:15, it is Ammon converting the Lamanites (see Alma 17–27); in Ether 12:17, it is the three disciples postponing death till the Lord comes (see 3 Ne. 28:4–10); and in Ether 12:20–21, it is the brother of Jared seeing the finger of the Lord and then “all the inhabitants of the earth which had been, and also all that would be; and [the Lord withholding nothing] from his sight, even unto the ends of the earth” (Ether 3:25).

Moroni is not the only Book of Mormon prophet to address the principle of faith. Alma also broached the subject. In his discourse he taught the people that faith is “not [to have] a perfect knowledge—even so it is with my words. Ye cannot know of their surety at first, unto perfection, any more than faith is a perfect knowledge.” By “perfect knowledge” he means to know perfectly that his words are true, that is, to have proof the gospel is authentic. On that basis he asks his hearers to exercise a modicum of faith and experiment upon his words. He asks them to plant, as it were, a seed and to nourish it through obedience. He promises them that “if ye do not cast it out by your unbelief, that ye will resist the Spirit of the Lord,” they will find that “it beginneth to enlighten my understanding, yea, it beginneth to be delicious to me.”

They will then have to admit “that this is a good seed, or that the word is good.” He then asks, “Would not this increase your faith? I say unto you, Yea; nevertheless it hath not grown up to a perfect knowledge.” In other words, even though they have found delight in God’s word, they still do not have a “perfect knowledge,” or a full assurance, that can come. To get that they must continue to act in obedience.

Alma warns against those who say, “If thou wilt show unto us a sign from heaven, then we shall know of a surety; then we shall believe” (Alma 32:17), who demand they skip the faith-obedience stage and go straight to the “faith-power” stage. Alma explains that such simply would not bring a “perfect knowledge” (Alma 32:21). An outward sign is no internal proof that the word is true. Rather, people must, based on the results of their planting the seed, “nourish it with great care, that it may get root, that it may grow up, and bring forth fruit” (Alma 32:37). He promises them, “If ye will nourish the word, yea, nourish the tree as it beginneth to grow, by your faith with great diligence, and with patience, looking forward to the fruit thereof, it shall take root; and behold it shall be a tree springing up unto everlasting life” (Alma 32:41) and “by and by ye shall pluck the fruit thereof, which is most precious” and “feast upon [it] even until ye are filled” (Alma 32:42). Only when that happens will they have a “perfect knowledge.” The point is that once they have the power of the God in their life, then their knowledge is perfect. Their faith-obedience, as promised, has brought them to faith-power and a “perfect knowledge,” or sure proof that the gospel is true.

In sum, for Alma, faith is expressed by doing what is necessary to reach a goal, in this case, the assurance the gospel is true. Once that assurance has come, then the exercise of faith in that area will cease because the promise has been realized. Alma’s expression is “faith is dormant.” That does not mean faith-obedience can be set aside, for there are yet other promises that can be realized. But the investigator-level of faith has served its purpose; its goal has been realized, and therefore faith on that level need no longer be exercised.