It was by faith that
Christ showed himself unto our fathers,
after he had risen from the dead;
and he showed not himself unto them
until after they had faith in him;
wherefore, it must needs be
that some had faith in him,
for he showed himself not unto the world.
But because of the faith of men
he has shown himself unto the world,
and glorified the name of the Father,
and prepared a way that thereby
others might be partakers of the heavenly gift,
that they might hope for those things
which they have not seen.
Wherefore, ye may also have hope,
and be partakers of the gift,
if ye will but have faith.
(Ether 12:7-9)