Mormon Doctrine and Me

Faith vs Works: My Personal Struggle

2008-08-16T21:50:00.000-07:00

I would like to preface my comments with some relevant background information. I have always felt significant guilt growing up in the church. I can recall my baptism at the age of eight when I was taught that from now on I was accountable for all my sins. I can remember just before my baptism going out into the woods behind our house to sin as much as I could before my baptism knowing that the following day I would be washed clean from them and that ever after I would be accountable for everything I did and would have to repent for every single mistake I made. Perhaps I foolishly thought that I could get all my sin out of me in that moment. Whatever the case I stood under the oak trees and swore my head off for several minutes, until the novelty wore off. I said the worst words I knew at the time, like “damn”, and “bugger”, and maybe even the “s” word. After my baptism the reality of my new found accountability quickly began to weigh upon me. Whether it was a fight with one of my sisters, rude thoughts after seeing a shampoo ad on television, or failing to follow the council of my church leaders there was no shortage of things to feel guilty and inadequate about.

Jumping forward 25 years and there I was sitting in church and wondering at the absence of Jesus from the talks that were being given. There was a talk about the famous conference talk “a matter of a few degrees” where repeated reference to the fact that the smallest variance from gospel principles would spell eternal doom. Another speaker discussed the importance of honouring the priesthood by DOING your callings and DOING whatever you are told by your leaders. My childhood innocence and cleanliness long since washed away in the river of failures and sin that had afflicted my life since that time. Why? Why had this been so? Why had I not overcome all my flaws? did I not have enough faith? Or was I focused too heavily on what I had not done rather than what I had? Where had I learned what to focus on?

We are regularly taught at the church that we can only be saved after we have repented of all of our sins, been baptised, sealed in the temple, endured to the end, read our scriptures every day (and repented for those days that we did not), attended the temple, engaged in missionary work, served others, attended all of our church meetings, and kept all of the commandments (and repented for all of those commandments which we have broken), O, and every now and then we hear that we must believe in Jesus in order to be saved also. But where in this hierarchy of beliefs and behaviours does this belief come, and how important is it?

Of course, I accept that obtaining perfection will not happen in this life and the doctrine allows for continued progression on the afterlife. Indeed church doctrine rightfully accepts the idea that we will not achieve perfection in this life. However, if this is the case then the question then becomes will the afterlife be a mirror of this life? If not, then what becomes of all of our unrepented iniquities which we are unable to commit in the afterlife? I ought to point out here that I am not attempting to say that we ought to be able to live abominable lives and simply say we believe in Jesus with our last dying breath and have our salvation secured.

Rather, where I am heading with this is that in my view the Church places an incredibly unbalanced emphasis on the importance of works. Like I said earlier, I have sat through three sacrament meetings now where the only reference to the Savior has come in the neatly packaged phrase “in the name of Jesus Christ amen”. I would argue that some of these talks could have been in anyone’s name but his.

So, what is my problem with this you might ask (if I still acknowledge the significance of works)? I believe that fostering a rigid and inflexible framework for behaving and living manufactures standards which needlessly alienates those that violate them. Indeed, there is less discussion of the good news of the gospel (the atonement and resurrection of the savior) then there is about the bad news of breaking rules. As I said earlier, the Church does not have false doctrine, it is just skewed and focused too narrowly upon the laws rather than on the Saviour.

Of course the obvious reply to my insubordinate comments would be that I am proud and need to humble myself. Maybe so; but to me that sounds too much like giving up integrity. I believe something has gone awry with the church and to not express my concerns would be false, and untrue to what I believe is right. I believe the doctrines of salvation are there, but we (the church as a whole) have focused upon miniscule, sideline, socially constructed doctrines and values. In short, I feel like the church has essentially become in many ways like the scribes and Pharisees which Jesus so detested. We have constructed an excessively rigid code of conduct and behavior that is espoused as being the pathway to salvation at the expense of the atonement. In essence will we have shifted the burden of salvation from the savior to ourselves. We walk about the world carrying the weight of all our weaknesses and feeling lesser and weaker as a result. Of course I am making great over generalizations and perhaps am amongst a minority of Mormons in my guilt and self abasement. However, I think I could be excused for having come to the conclusion that I am inadequate given the multitudes of things I have been taught I ought to be doing, many of which I am not.

As the earlier conference talk titled “a matter of a few degrees” rightly states that being a few degrees off course over a long period of time can result in a significant divergence from one’s desired destination; however, I wonder what those few degrees might be? Certainly according to Christ’s earthly ministry and teachings loving and believing in Him and others was what mattered most.

Faith vs Works: The Glorious Solution

2008-08-16T20:00:00.000-07:00

The more I study upon this matter the more I am convinced that we are saved when we believe we are saved. In other words, if we want salvation, we must believe that Jesus can deliver that to us. Jesus spent his mortal Ministry trying to symbolically demonstrate that whatever our spiritual illness was that he could cure it. I don’t think anyone would be foolish enough to suppose that the savior was on a medical mission to save the world from leprosy. Rather, he was trying to show us that he had the power to heal us no matter what we had done or who we are or how we were living. The only thing he required in all of his healings was belief in him or faith to be healed. Indeed, after most of the saviour’s healings he commented that “thy faith hath made thee whole”. This ministerial metaphor that those who have faith to be saved from their spiritual sickness can and will be was further evidenced by many of his teachings; for example, “whosoever believeth in him shall not perish, but have everlasting life”.

Consider this, do we think that if we do not smoke cigarettes or drink alcohol that we are closer to heaven then those who do? Do we think that if we have not committed adultery or had premarital sexual relations that we are more likely candidates for salvation than someone who has committed these sins? Do we think that the active member of the church who only sporadically attends church, and does not do their home teaching has the same chances for salvation as the righteous stake president or bishop who does do all those things? Do we think that we can build our own tower of works high enough to reach the heavens?

I believe that anyone who answer is yes to any degree to any of these questions fundamentally misunderstands the savior and the nature of God. Let me attempt to illustrate why I believe this to be the case. One truth that spans all of Christianity no matter how different the sect is the view that God, Jesus, and the Holy Ghost are omnipotent, having infinite goodness, power, and glory. Infinite goodness! Do we get that? Can we get that? NO! but what we should get is that infinite goodness by definition creates an infinite chasm between us and God simultaneously making the difference between us and the worst sinner infinitesimally insignificant. In other words, if I was to outstretch a rope that wrapped around the entire earth as a representation of infinite goodness then the amount of goodness that I possess would not even be the width of a single hair from my head. However, what is even more striking and incomprehensible to me is that based upon this analogy the difference between my goodness and the miniscule amount of goodness possessed by the worst, most evil person in the world would be completely insignificant. Even if I possess 100,000 times more goodness than the worst person in the world this would still only add up to a few centimeters on the rope of Gods goodness which stretches around the entire globe.

What this means to me is true perspective. We ought to be leveled to the dust by the realization of our absolute insignificance in relation to God’s great goodness. We should be humbled by the true perspective of seeing “things as they really are”. Having such a perspective would give us no cause to ever feel better or closer to heaven than anyone else. Having this perspective would also engender within us the realisation that our efforts to save ourselves and "work" our way to heaven are misguided and represent a gross misunderstanding of the infinite goodness of God, and the Saviours power to save. Of course, once we believe that Jesus is going to save us, we will desire to live as he lived and love as he loved and serve as he served and we will feel to offer our life to Him in gratitude and remembrance of his great gift to us. But for no other reason do our works have any significance or value. Works in the absence of the belief that Christ is the author and finisher of our salvation are hollow and meaningless and do not advance oneself one millimeter towards eternal glory unless they lead him closer to the hope of salvation through faith that Christ will save them. This must be the foundation for our good works. When we feel this way the shackles of judgement which we place upon others and which bind our own sense of self worth will fall away.

Unfortunately, it can be difficult to tell the difference between one who has faith that Christ will save them and is performing works in gratitude of this gift, and one who is either conforming to social norms, or falsely believes that works are the essential component of their salvation.

Faith Vs Works: Every Bible Scripture on the Subject; You be the Judge

2008-08-16T16:22:00.000-07:00

FAITH

De 32:20 And he said, I will hide my face from them, I will see what their end shall be: for they are a very froward generation, children in whom is no faith.

Hab 2:4 Behold, his soul which is lifted up is not upright in him: but the just shall live by his faith.

Mt 6:30 Wherefore, if God so clothe the grass of the field, which to day is, and to morrow is cast into the oven, shall he not much more clothe you, O ye of little faith?

Mt 8:10 When Jesus heard it, he marvelled, and said to them that followed, Verily I say unto you, I have not found so great faith, no, not in Israel.

Mt 8:26 And he saith unto them, Why are ye fearful, O ye of little faith? Then he arose, and rebuked the winds and the sea; and there was a great calm.

Mt 9:2 And, behold, they brought to him a man sick of the palsy, lying on a bed: and Jesus seeing their faith said unto the sick of the palsy; Son, be of good cheer; thy sins be forgiven thee.

Mt 9:22 But Jesus turned him about, and when he saw her, he said, Daughter, be of good comfort; thy faith hath made thee whole. And the woman was made whole from that hour.

Mt 9:29 Then touched he their eyes, saying, According to your faith be it unto you.

Mt 14:31 And immediately Jesus stretched forth his hand, and caught him, and said unto him, O thou of little faith, wherefore didst thou doubt?

Mt 15:28 Then Jesus answered and said unto her, O woman, great is thy faith: be it unto thee even as thou wilt. And her daughter was made whole from that very hour.

Mt 16:8 Which when Jesus perceived, he said unto them, O ye of little faith, why reason ye among yourselves, because ye have brought no bread?

Mt 17:20 And Jesus said unto them, Because of your unbelief: for verily I say unto you, If ye have faith as a grain of mustard seed, ye shall say unto this mountain, Remove hence to yonder place; and it shall remove; and nothing shall be impossible unto you.

Mt 21:21 Jesus answered and said unto them, Verily I say unto you, If ye have faith, and doubt not, ye shall not only do this which is done to the fig tree, but also if ye shall say unto this mountain, Be thou removed, and be thou cast into the sea; it shall be done.

Mt 23:23 Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye pay tithe of mint and anise and cummin, and have omitted the weightier matters of the law, judgment, mercy, and faith: these ought ye to have done, and not to leave the other undone.

Mr 2:5 When Jesus saw their faith, he said unto the sick of the palsy, Son, thy sins be forgiven thee.

Mr 4:40 And he said unto them, Why are ye so fearful? how is it that ye have no faith?

Mr 5:34 And he said unto her, Daughter, thy faith hath made thee whole; go in peace, and be whole of thy plague.

Mr 10:52 And Jesus said unto him, Go thy way; thy faith hath made thee whole. And immediately he received his sight, and followed Jesus in the way.

Mr 11:22 And Jesus answering saith unto them, Have faith in God.

Lu 5:20 And when he saw their faith, he said unto him, Man, thy sins are forgiven thee.

Lu 7:9 When Jesus heard these things, he marvelled at him, and turned him about, and said unto the people that followed him, I say unto you, I have not found so great faith, no, not in Israel.

Lu 7:50 And he said to the woman, Thy faith hath saved thee; go in peace.

Lu 8:25 And he said unto them, Where is your faith? And they being afraid wondered, saying one to another, What manner of man is this! for he commandeth even the winds and water, and they obey him.

Lu 8:48 And he said unto her, Daughter, be of good comfort: thy faith hath made thee whole; go in peace.

Lu 12:28 If then God so clothe the grass, which is to day in the field, and to morrow is cast into the oven; how much more will he clothe you, O ye of little faith?

Lu 17:5 And the apostles said unto the Lord, Increase our faith.

Lu 17:6 And the Lord said, If ye had faith as a grain of mustard seed, ye might say unto this sycamine tree, Be thou plucked up by the root, and be thou planted in the sea; and it should obey you.

Lu 17:19 And he said unto him, Arise, go thy way: thy faith hath made thee whole.

Lu 18:8 I tell you that he will avenge them speedily. Nevertheless when the Son of man cometh, shall he find faith on the earth?

Lu 18:42 And Jesus said unto him, Receive thy sight: thy faith hath saved thee.

Lu 22:32 But I have prayed for thee, that thy faith fail not: and when thou art converted, strengthen thy brethren.

Ac 3:16 And his name through faith in his name hath made this man strong, whom ye see and know: yea, the faith which is by him hath given him this perfect soundness in the presence of you all.

Ac 6:5 And the saying pleased the whole multitude: and they chose Stephen, a man full of faith and of the Holy Ghost, and Philip, and Prochorus, and Nicanor, and Timon, and Parmenas, and Nicolas a proselyte of Antioch:

Ac 6:7 And the word of God increased; and the number of the disciples multiplied in Jerusalem greatly; and a great company of the priests were obedient to the faith.

Ac 6:8 And Stephen, full of faith and power, did great wonders and miracles among the people.

Ac 11:24 For he was a good man, and full of the Holy Ghost and of faith: and much people was added unto the Lord.

Ac 13:8 But Elymas the sorcerer (for so is his name by interpretation) withstood them, seeking to turn away the deputy from the faith.

Ac 14:9 The same heard Paul speak: who stedfastly beholding him, and perceiving that he had faith to be healed,

Ac 14:22 Confirming the souls of the disciples, and exhorting them to continue in the faith, and that we must through much tribulation enter into the kingdom of God.

Ac 14:27 And when they were come, and had gathered the church together, they rehearsed all that God had done with them, and how he had opened the door of faith unto the Gentiles.

Ac 15:9 And put no difference between us and them, purifying their hearts by faith.

Ac 16:5 And so were the churches established in the faith, and increased in number daily.

Ac 20:21 Testifying both to the Jews, and also to the Greeks, repentance toward God, and faith toward our Lord Jesus Christ.

Ac 24:24 And after certain days, when Felix came with his wife Drusilla, which was a Jewess, he sent for Paul, and heard him concerning the faith in Christ.

Ac 26:18 To open their eyes, and to turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan unto God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins, and inheritance among them which are sanctified by faith that is in me.

Ro 1:5 By whom we have received grace and apostleship, for obedience to the faith among all nations, for his name:

Ro 1:8 First, I thank my God through Jesus Christ for you all, that your faith is spoken of throughout the whole world.

Ro 1:12 That is, that I may be comforted together with you by the mutual faith both of you and me.

Ro 1:17 For therein is the righteousness of God revealed from faith to faith: as it is written, The just shall live by faith.

Ro 3:3 For what if some did not believe? shall their unbelief make the faith of God without effect?

Ro 3:22 Even the righteousness of God which is by faith of Jesus Christ unto all and upon all them that believe: for there is no difference:

Ro 3:25 Whom God hath set forth to be a propitiation through faith in his blood, to declare his righteousness for the remission of sins that are past, through the forbearance of God;

Ro 3:27 Where is boasting then? It is excluded. By what law? of works? Nay: but by the law of faith.

Ro 3:28 Therefore we conclude that a man is justified by faith without the deeds of the law.

Ro 3:30 Seeing it is one God, which shall justify the circumcision by faith, and uncircumcision through faith.

Ro 3:31 Do we then make void the law through faith? God forbid: yea, we establish the law.

Ro 4:5 But to him that worketh not, but believeth on him that justifieth the ungodly, his faith is counted for righteousness.

Ro 4:9 Cometh this blessedness then upon the circumcision only, or upon the uncircumcision also? for we say that faith was reckoned to Abraham for righteousness.

Ro 4:11 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:

Ro 4:12 And the father of circumcision to them who are not of the circumcision only, but who also walk in the steps of that faith of our father Abraham, which he had being yet uncircumcised.

Ro 4:13 For the promise, that he should be the heir of the world, was not to Abraham, or to his seed, through the law, but through the righteousness of faith.

Ro 4:14 For if they which are of the law be heirs, faith is made void, and the promise made of none effect:

Ro 4:16 Therefore it is of faith, that it might be by grace; to the end the promise might be sure to all the seed; not to that only which is of the law, but to that also which is of the faith of Abraham; who is the father of us all,

Ro 4:19 And being not weak in faith, he considered not his own body now dead, when he was about an hundred years old, neither yet the deadness of Sara’s womb:

Ro 4:20 He staggered not at the promise of God through unbelief; but was strong in faith, giving glory to God;

Ro 5:1 Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ:

Ro 5:2 By whom also we have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God.

Ro 9:30 What shall we say then? That the Gentiles, which followed not after righteousness, have attained to righteousness, even the righteousness which is of faith.

Ro 9:32 Wherefore? Because they sought it not by faith, but as it were by the works of the law. For they stumbled at that stumblingstone;

Ro 10:6 But the righteousness which is of faith speaketh on this wise, Say not in thine heart, Who shall ascend into heaven? (that is, to bring Christ down from above:)

Ro 10:8 But what saith it? The word is nigh thee, even in thy mouth, and in thy heart: that is, the word of faith, which we preach;

Ro 10:17 So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.

Ro 11:20 Well; because of unbelief they were broken off, and thou standest by faith. Be not highminded, but fear:

Ro 12:3 For I say, through the grace given unto me, to every man that is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think; but to think soberly, according as God hath dealt to every man the measure of faith.

Ro 12:6 Having then gifts differing according to the grace that is given to us, whether prophecy, let us prophesy according to the proportion of faith;

Ro 14:1 Him that is weak in the faith receive ye, but not to doubtful disputations.

Ro 14:22 Hast thou faith? have it to thyself before God. Happy is he that condemneth not himself in that thing which he alloweth.

Ro 14:23 And he that doubteth is damned if he eat, because he eateth not of faith: for whatsoever is not of faith is sin.

Ro 16:26 But now is made manifest, and by the scriptures of the prophets, according to the commandment of the everlasting God, made known to all nations for the obedience of faith:

1Co 2:5 That your faith should not stand in the wisdom of men, but in the power of God.

1Co 12:9 To another faith by the same Spirit; to another the gifts of healing by the same Spirit;

1Co 13:2 And though I have the gift of prophecy, and understand all mysteries, and all knowledge; and though I have all faith, so that I could remove mountains, and have not charity, I am nothing.

1Co 13:13 And now abideth faith, hope, charity, these three; but the greatest of these is charity.

1Co 15:14 And if Christ be not risen, then is our preaching vain, and your faith is also vain.

1Co 15:17 And if Christ be not raised, your faith is vain; ye are yet in your sins.

1Co 16:13 Watch ye, stand fast in the faith, quit you like men, be strong.

2Co 1:24 Not for that we have dominion over your faith, but are helpers of your joy: for by faith ye stand.

2Co 4:13 We having the same spirit of faith, according as it is written, I believed, and therefore have I spoken; we also believe, and therefore speak;

2Co 5:7 (For we walk by faith, not by sight:)

2Co 8:7 Therefore, as ye abound in every thing, in faith, and utterance, and knowledge, and in all diligence, and in your love to us, see that ye abound in this grace also.

2Co 10:15 Not boasting of things without our measure, that is, of other men’s labours; but having hope, when your faith is increased, that we shall be enlarged by you according to our rule abundantly,

2Co 13:5 Examine yourselves, whether ye be in the faith; prove your own selves. Know ye not your own selves, how that Jesus Christ is in you, except ye be reprobates?

Ga 1:23 But they had heard only, That he which persecuted us in times past now preacheth the faith which once he destroyed.

Ga 2:16 Knowing that a man is not justified by the works of the law, but by the faith of Jesus Christ, even we have believed in Jesus Christ, that we might be justified by the faith of Christ, and not by the works of the law: for by the works of the law shall no flesh be justified.

Ga 2:20 I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me.

Ga 3:2 This only would I learn of you, Received ye the Spirit by the works of the law, or by the hearing of faith?

Ga 3:5 He therefore that ministereth to you the Spirit, and worketh miracles among you, doeth he it by the works of the law, or by the hearing of faith?

Ga 3:7 Know ye therefore that they which are of faith, the same are the children of Abraham.

Ga 3:8 And the scripture, foreseeing that God would justify the heathen through faith, preached before the gospel unto Abraham, saying, In thee shall all nations be blessed.

Ga 3:9 So then they which be of faith are blessed with faithful Abraham.

Ga 3:11 But that no man is justified by the law in the sight of God, it is evident: for, The just shall live by faith.

Ga 3:12 And the law is not of faith: but, The man that doeth them shall live in them.

Ga 3:14 That the blessing of Abraham might come on the Gentiles through Jesus Christ; that we might receive the promise of the Spirit through faith.

Ga 3:22 But the scripture hath concluded all under sin, that the promise by faith of Jesus Christ might be given to them that believe.

Ga 3:23 But before faith came, we were kept under the law, shut up unto the faith which should afterwards be revealed.

Ga 3:24 Wherefore the law was our schoolmaster to bring us unto Christ, that we might be justified by faith.

Ga 3:25 But after that faith is come, we are no longer under a schoolmaster.

Ga 3:26 For ye are all the children of God by faith in Christ Jesus.

Ga 5:5 For we through the Spirit wait for the hope of righteousness by faith.

Ga 5:6 For in Jesus Christ neither circumcision availeth any thing, nor uncircumcision; but faith which worketh by love.

Ga 5:22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith,

Ga 6:10 As we have therefore opportunity, let us do good unto all men, especially unto them who are of the household of faith.

Eph 1:15 Wherefore I also, after I heard of your faith in the Lord Jesus, and love unto all the saints,

WORKS

Ex5:4 And the king of Egypt said unto them, Wherefore do ye, Moses and Aaron, let the people from their works? get you unto your burdens.

Ex 5:13 And the taskmasters hasted them, saying, Fulfil your works, your daily tasks, as when there was straw.

Ex 23:24 Thou shalt not bow down to their gods, nor serve them, nor do after their works: but thou shalt utterly overthrow them, and quite break down their images.

Ex 31:4 To devise cunning works, to work in gold, and in silver, and in brass,

Ex 35:32 And to devise curious works, to work in gold, and in silver, and in brass,

Nu 16:28 And Moses said, Hereby ye shall know that the LORD hath sent me to do all these works; for I have not done them of mine own mind.

De 2:7 For the LORD thy God hath blessed thee in all the works of thy hand: he knoweth thy walking through this great wilderness: these forty years the LORD thy God hath been with thee; thou hast lacked nothing.

De 3:24 O Lord GOD, thou hast begun to shew thy servant thy greatness, and thy mighty hand: for what God is there in heaven or in earth, that can do according to thy works, and according to thy might?

De 15:10 Thou shalt surely give him, and thine heart shall not be grieved when thou givest unto him: because that for this thing the LORD thy God shall bless thee in all thy works, and in all that thou puttest thine hand unto.

De 16:15 Seven days shalt thou keep a solemn feast unto the LORD thy God in the place which the LORD shall choose: because the LORD thy God shall bless thee in all thine increase, and in all the works of thine hands, therefore thou shalt surely rejoice.

Jos 24:31 And Israel served the LORD all the days of Joshua, and all the days of the elders that overlived Joshua, and which had known all the works of the LORD, that he had done for Israel.

Jud 2:7 And the people served the LORD all the days of Joshua, and all the days of the elders that outlived Joshua, who had seen all the great works of the LORD, that he did for Israel.

Jud 2:10 And also all that generation were gathered unto their fathers: and there arose another generation after them, which knew not the LORD, nor yet the works which he had done for Israel.

1Sa 8:8 According to all the works which they have done since the day that I brought them up out of Egypt even unto this day, wherewith they have forsaken me, and served other gods, so do they also unto thee.

1Sa 19:4 And Jonathan spake good of David unto Saul his father, and said unto him, Let not the king sin against his servant, against David; because he hath not sinned against thee, and because his works have been to thee–ward very good:

1Ki 7:14 He was a widow’s son of the tribe of Naphtali, and his father was a man of Tyre, a worker in brass: and he was filled with wisdom, and understanding, and cunning to work all works in brass. And he came to king Solomon, and wrought all his work.

1Ki 13:11 Now there dwelt an old prophet in Bethel; and his sons came and told him all the works that the man of God had done that day in Bethel: the words which he had spoken unto the king, them they told also to their father.

2Ki 22:17 Because they have forsaken me, and have burned incense unto other gods, that they might provoke me to anger with all the works of their hands; therefore my wrath shall be kindled against this place, and shall not be quenched.

1Ch 16:9 Sing unto him, sing psalms unto him, talk ye of all his wondrous works.

1Ch 16:12 Remember his marvellous works that he hath done, his wonders, and the judgments of his mouth;

1Ch 16:24 Declare his glory among the heathen; his marvellous works among all nations.

1Ch 28:19 All this, said David, the LORD made me understand in writing by his hand upon me, even all the works of this pattern.

2Ch 20:37 Then Eliezer the son of Dodavah of Mareshah prophesied against Jehoshaphat, saying, Because thou hast joined thyself with Ahaziah, the LORD hath broken thy works. And the ships were broken, that they were not able to go to Tarshish.

2Ch 32:30 This same Hezekiah also stopped the upper watercourse of Gihon, and brought it straight down to the west side of the city of David. And Hezekiah prospered in all his works.

2Ch 34:25 Because they have forsaken me, and have burned incense unto other gods, that they might provoke me to anger with all the works of their hands; therefore my wrath shall be poured out upon this place, and shall not be quenched.

Ne 6:14 My God, think thou upon Tobiah and Sanballat according to these their works, and on the prophetess Noadiah, and the rest of the prophets, that would have put me in fear.

Ne 9:35 For they have not served thee in their kingdom, and in thy great goodness that thou gavest them, and in the large and fat land which thou gavest before them, neither turned they from their wicked works.

Job 34:25 Therefore he knoweth their works, and he overturneth them in the night, so that they are destroyed.

Job 37:14 Hearken unto this, O Job: stand still, and consider the wondrous works of God.

Job 37:16 Dost thou know the balancings of the clouds, the wondrous works of him which is perfect in knowledge?

Ps 8:6 Thou madest him to have dominion over the works of thy hands; thou hast put all things under his feet:

Ps 9:1 To the chief Musician upon Muthlabben, A Psalm of David. I will praise thee, O LORD, with my whole heart; I will shew forth all thy marvellous works.

Ps 14:1 To the chief Musician, A Psalm of David. The fool hath said in his heart, There is no God. They are corrupt, they have done abominable works, there is none that doeth good.

Ps 17:4 Concerning the works of men, by the word of thy lips I have kept me from the paths of the destroyer.

Ps 26:7 That I may publish with the voice of thanksgiving, and tell of all thy wondrous works.

Ps 28:5 Because they regard not the works of the LORD, nor the operation of his hands, he shall destroy them, and not build them up.

Ps 33:4 For the word of the LORD is right; and all his works are done in truth.

Ps 33:15 He fashioneth their hearts alike; he considereth all their works.

Ps 40:5 Many, O LORD my God, are thy wonderful works which thou hast done, and thy thoughts which are to us–ward: they cannot be reckoned up in order unto thee: if I would declare and speak of them, they are more than can be numbered.

Ps 46:8 Come, behold the works of the LORD, what desolations he hath made in the earth.

Ps 66:3 Say unto God, How terrible art thou in thy works! through the greatness of thy power shall thine enemies submit themselves unto thee.

Ps 66:5 Come and see the works of God: he is terrible in his doing toward the children of men.

Ps 71:17 O God, thou hast taught me from my youth: and hitherto have I declared thy wondrous works.

Ps 73:28 But it is good for me to draw near to God: I have put my trust in the Lord GOD, that I may declare all thy works.

Ps 75:1 To the chief Musician, Altaschith, A Psalm or Song of Asaph. Unto thee, O God, do we give thanks, unto thee do we give thanks: for that thy name is near thy wondrous works declare.

Ps 77:11 I will remember the works of the LORD: surely I will remember thy wonders of old.

Ps 78:4 We will not hide them from their children, shewing to the generation to come the praises of the LORD, and his strength, and his wonderful works that he hath done.

Ps 78:7 That they might set their hope in God, and not forget the works of God, but keep his commandments:

Ps 78:11 And forgat his works, and his wonders that he had shewed them.

Ps 78:32 For all this they sinned still, and believed not for his wondrous works.

Ps 86:8 Among the gods there is none like unto thee, O Lord; neither are there any works like unto thy works.

Ps 92:4 For thou, LORD, hast made me glad through thy work: I will triumph in the works of thy hands.

Ps 92:5 O LORD, how great are thy works! and thy thoughts are very deep.

Ps 103:22 Bless the LORD, all his works in all places of his dominion: bless the LORD, O my soul.

Ps 104:13 He watereth the hills from his chambers: the earth is satisfied with the fruit of thy works.

Ps 104:24 O LORD, how manifold are thy works! in wisdom hast thou made them all: the earth is full of thy riches.

Ps 104:31 The glory of the LORD shall endure for ever: the LORD shall rejoice in his works.

Ps 105:2 Sing unto him, sing psalms unto him: talk ye of all his wondrous works.

Ps 105:5 Remember his marvellous works that he hath done; his wonders, and the judgments of his mouth;

Ps 106:13 They soon forgat his works; they waited not for his counsel:

Ps 106:22 Wondrous works in the land of Ham, and terrible things by the Red sea.

Ps 106:35 But were mingled among the heathen, and learned their works.

Ps 106:39 Thus were they defiled with their own works, and went a whoring with their own inventions.

Ps 107:8 Oh that men would praise the LORD for his goodness, and for his wonderful works to the children of men!

Ps 107:15 Oh that men would praise the LORD for his goodness, and for his wonderful works to the children of men!

Ps 107:21 Oh that men would praise the LORD for his goodness, and for his wonderful works to the children of men!

Ps 107:22 And let them sacrifice the sacrifices of thanksgiving, and declare his works with rejoicing.

Ps 107:24 These see the works of the LORD, and his wonders in the deep.

Ps 107:31 Oh that men would praise the LORD for his goodness, and for his wonderful works to the children of men!

Ps 111:2 The works of the LORD are great, sought out of all them that have pleasure therein.

Ps 111:4 He hath made his wonderful works to be remembered: the LORD is gracious and full of compassion.

Ps 111:6 He hath shewed his people the power of his works, that he may give them the heritage of the heathen.

Ps 111:7 The works of his hands are verity and judgment; all his commandments are sure.

Ps 118:17 I shall not die, but live, and declare the works of the LORD.

Ps 119:27 Make me to understand the way of thy precepts: so shall I talk of thy wondrous works.

Ps 138:8 The LORD will perfect that which concerneth me: thy mercy, O LORD, endureth for ever: forsake not the works of thine own hands.

Ps 139:14 I will praise thee; for I am fearfully and wonderfully made: marvellous are thy works; and that my soul knoweth right well.

Ps 141:4 Incline not my heart to any evil thing, to practise wicked works with men that work iniquity: and let me not eat of their dainties.

Ps 143:5 I remember the days of old; I meditate on all thy works; I muse on the work of thy hands.

Ps 145:4 One generation shall praise thy works to another, and shall declare thy mighty acts.

Ps 145:5 I will speak of the glorious honour of thy majesty, and of thy wondrous works.

Ps 145:9 The LORD is good to all: and his tender mercies are over all his works.

Ps 145:10 All thy works shall praise thee, O LORD; and thy saints shall bless thee.

Ps 145:17 The LORD is righteous in all his ways, and holy in all his works.

Pr 7:16 I have decked my bed with coverings of tapestry, with carved works, with fine linen of Egypt.

Pr 8:22 The LORD possessed me in the beginning of his way, before his works of old.

Pr 16:3 Commit thy works unto the LORD, and thy thoughts shall be established.

Pr 24:12 If thou sayest, Behold, we knew it not; doth not he that pondereth the heart consider it? and he that keepeth thy soul, doth not he know it? and shall not he render to every man according to his works?

Pr 31:31 Give her of the fruit of her hands; and let her own works praise her in the gates.

Ec 1:14 I have seen all the works that are done under the sun; and, behold, all is vanity and vexation of spirit.

Ec 2:4 I made me great works; I builded me houses; I planted me vineyards:

Ec 2:11 Then I looked on all the works that my hands had wrought, and on the labour that I had laboured to do: and, behold, all was vanity and vexation of spirit, and there was no profit under the sun.

Ec 3:22 Wherefore I perceive that there is nothing better, than that a man should rejoice in his own works; for that is his portion: for who shall bring him to see what shall be after him?

Ec 9:1 For all this I considered in my heart even to declare all this, that the righteous, and the wise, and their works, are in the hand of God: no man knoweth either love or hatred by all that is before them.

Ec 9:7 Go thy way, eat thy bread with joy, and drink thy wine with a merry heart; for God now accepteth thy works.

Ec 11:5 As thou knowest not what is the way of the spirit, nor how the bones do grow in the womb of her that is with child: even so thou knowest not the works of God who maketh all.

Isa 26:12 LORD, thou wilt ordain peace for us: for thou also hast wrought all our works in us.

Isa 29:15 Woe unto them that seek deep to hide their counsel from the LORD, and their works are in the dark, and they say, Who seeth us? and who knoweth us?

Isa 41:29 Behold, they are all vanity; their works are nothing: their molten images are wind and confusion.

Isa 57:12 I will declare thy righteousness, and thy works; for they shall not profit thee.

Isa 59:6 Their webs shall not become garments, neither shall they cover themselves with their works: their works are works of iniquity, and the act of violence is in their hands.

Isa 66:18 For I know their works and their thoughts: it shall come, that I will gather all nations and tongues; and they shall come, and see my glory.

Jer 1:16 And I will utter my judgments against them touching all their wickedness, who have forsaken me, and have burned incense unto other gods, and worshipped the works of their own hands.

Jer 7:13 And now, because ye have done all these works, saith the LORD, and I spake unto you, rising up early and speaking, but ye heard not; and I called you, but ye answered not;

Jer 21:2 Enquire, I pray thee, of the LORD for us; for Nebuchadrezzar king of Babylon maketh war against us; if so be that the LORD will deal with us according to all his wondrous works, that he may go up from us.

Jer 25:6 And go not after other gods to serve them, and to worship them, and provoke me not to anger with the works of your hands; and I will do you no hurt.

Jer 25:7 Yet ye have not hearkened unto me, saith the LORD; that ye might provoke me to anger with the works of your hands to your own hurt.

Jer 25:14 For many nations and great kings shall serve themselves of them also: and I will recompense them according to their deeds, and according to the works of their own hands.

Jer 44:8 In that ye provoke me unto wrath with the works of your hands, burning incense unto other gods in the land of Egypt, whither ye be gone to dwell, that ye might cut yourselves off, and that ye might be a curse and a reproach among all the nations of the earth?

Jer 48:7 For because thou hast trusted in thy works and in thy treasures, thou shalt also be taken: and Chemosh shall go forth into captivity with his priests and his princes together.

Eze 6:6 In all your dwellingplaces the cities shall be laid waste, and the high places shall be desolate; that your altars may be laid waste and made desolate, and your idols may be broken and cease, and your images may be cut down, and your works may be abolished.

Da 4:37 Now I Nebuchadnezzar praise and extol and honour the King of heaven, all whose works are truth, and his ways judgment: and those that walk in pride he is able to abase.