Sign Seeking

From The Encyclopedia of Mormonism

See this page in the original 1992 publication.

Author: Shute, R. Wayne

Signs are greeted by the faithful with reverence and appreciation (see Signs As Divine Witness). On the other hand, a sign can become a condemnation to an unbeliever (D&C 63:7-11). Skeptics may rationalize the signs as aberrations of nature, harden their heart, and not recognize or acknowledge God's "hand in all things" (D&C 59:21). When an unbeliever seeks for a sign he is tempting God and subjects himself to possible condemnation and the wrath of God. Two vivid Book of Mormon cases illustrating the consequences of unholy sign seeking are Sherem (Jacob 7:13-14) and Korihor (Alma 30:43-56). Furthermore, Jesus said to the Jewish rulers, "a wicked and adulterous generation seeketh after a sign" (Matt. 16:4). And in the latter days, Jesus explained that "he that seeketh signs shall see signs, but not unto salvation" (D&C 63:7). There is a great difference between signs to confirm or reward faith and the seeking of signs as an excuse for not exercising faith or as a substitute for faith.