Those Who Know & Those Who Believe Upon Their Words....

Christ Visits the New World - Walter Rane

8 I came unto mine own, and mine own received me not; but unto as many as received me gave I power to do many miracles, and to become the sons of God; and even unto them that believed on my name gave I power to obtain eternal life.

(Doctrine and Covenants | Section 45:8)

13 To some it is given by the Holy Ghost to know that Jesus Christ is the Son of God, and that he was crucified for the sins of the world.

14 To others it is given to believe on their words, that they also might have eternal life if they continue faithful.

(Doctrine and Covenants | Section 46:13 - 14)

Knowing and believing are two different gifts and both come from God through the gift of the Holy Ghost. There are those who know from their own experience that Jesus is the Christ and there are those who have the gift of believing the words that come through the Holy Ghost from those who know.  Both bring forth good fruit and lead to eternal life.  We often think of belief as the lesser of the two gift but perhaps not.  Belief exhibits a pure faith, a willingness to walk by faith without site and sure knowledge. The Savior told Thomas "Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed."

Again in 3 Ne. the Savior speaks of the great gift of belief:
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2 And again, more blessed are they who shall believe in your words because that ye shall testify that ye have seen me, and that ye know that I am.  Yea, blessed are they who shall believe in your words, and come down into the depths of humility and be baptized, for they shall be visited with fire and with the Holy Ghost, and shall receive a remission of their sins.

(Book of Mormon | 3 Nephi 12:2)

Laman and Lemuel both witnessed angels standing before them yet that did not change their trajectory.  Indeed, seeing without believing only leads to our condemnation so though belief may be a preliminary path, it is essential in helping us build the faith and strength we need to sustain a testimony of sight.  We should cherish our valuable time on the path of faith.  It blesses and strengthens our souls.  Eventually we will all stand before God with a sure knowledge.  Until that time seeking and believing through the Gift of the Holy Ghost will lead us on.