Faith in the Lord Jesus Christ is the foundation upon which sincere and meaningful repentance must be built. If we truly seek to put away sin, we must first look to Him who is the Author of our salvation.

The quote by Ezra Taft Benson, “Faith in the Lord Jesus Christ is the foundation upon which sincere and meaningful repentance must be built. If we truly seek to put away sin, we must first look to Him who is the Author of our salvation,” emphasizes the central role of faith in the Christian process of spiritual renewal. Benson, a former president of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS Church), taught that before true repentance can take place, a believer must first place their trust in Jesus Christ. Without that foundation, repentance would lack depth and eternal significance.

The meaning of the quote is that repentance is not simply about avoiding wrongdoing or changing behavior—it is a spiritual transformation that requires divine help. By exercising faith in Christ, individuals acknowledge His power to cleanse, forgive, and renew. This positions Jesus Christ not only as a moral guide but as the essential source of redemption. Benson highlights that repentance is inseparable from faith because only Christ’s atonement can fully remove the burden of sin.

The origin of this teaching comes from the LDS doctrine of the “first principles of the gospel,” which include faith in Jesus Christ and repentance as foundational steps in spiritual growth. Benson’s words echo scriptural passages from the Book of Mormon and the Bible, which repeatedly stress that turning to Christ must precede and accompany the process of repentance. As a religious leader in the mid-to-late 20th century, Benson often emphasized a return to Christ-centered living as the key to both personal and societal strength.

Ultimately, the quote teaches that faith is not optional but essential to overcoming sin and experiencing true spiritual freedom. By placing Jesus Christ at the center, repentance becomes more than an act of regret—it becomes a covenantal step toward eternal salvation. Benson’s words remind believers that the path of renewal and forgiveness is always rooted in Christ, the Author of salvation.