Read: “The
Living Christ”
See also this post: Drawing the Power of Jesus Christ into our Lives - President Russell M. Nelson’s Challenge
See also this post: Drawing the Power of Jesus Christ into our Lives - President Russell M. Nelson’s Challenge
In recent decades the Church has
largely been spared the terrible misunderstandings and persecutions experienced
by the early Saints. It will not always be so. The world is moving away from the Lord faster and farther than ever
before. The adversary has been loosed upon the earth. We watch, hear, read,
study, and share the words of prophets to be forewarned and protected. For
example, “The Family: A Proclamation to the World” was given long before we
experienced the challenges now facing the family. “The Living Christ: The Testimony of the Apostles” was prepared in
advance of when we will need it most.
The importance of the Savior’s mission was
emphasized by the Prophet Joseph Smith, who declared emphatically that “the
fundamental principles of our religion are the testimony of the Apostles and
Prophets, concerning Jesus Christ, that He died, was buried, and rose again the
third day, and ascended into heaven; and all other things which pertain to our
religion are only appendages to it.”13
It was this very statement of the Prophet that
provided the incentive for 15 prophets, seers, and revelators to issue and sign
their testimony to commemorate the 2,000th anniversary of the Lord’s birth.
That historic testimony is titled “The Living Christ.”14 Many
members have memorized its truths. Others barely know of its existence. As you seek to learn more about Jesus
Christ, I urge you to study “The Living Christ.”
We must keep the doctrine and gospel of Jesus Christ
at the center of our goals and plans. Without Him, no eternal goal is possible,
and our plans to achieve our eternal goals will surely fail.
One additional help is “The Living Christ: The
Testimony of the Apostles,”12 which was presented to the Church on January 1,
2000. Place a copy where you can see it,
and take time to review each of the statements found in this inspired testimony
of Christ by His special witnesses who signed it.
I would urge you to study it along with “The
Family: A Proclamation to the World.” We speak often about the family
proclamation, but please remember to read it in light of the saving power of
the living Christ. Without the living Christ, our fondest expectations will be
unfulfilled. As the family proclamation states: “The divine plan of happiness
enables family relationships to be perpetuated beyond the grave. Sacred
ordinances and covenants available in holy temples make it possible for
individuals to return to the presence of God and for families to be united eternally.”13
This can happen only because the
living Christ is the atoning Savior and Redeemer of the world.
In this regard, you may also consider searching
the scriptures to expand your understanding of the specific truths found in
“The Living Christ.”
Prayerfully reading “The Living Christ” is like
reading the testimonies of Matthew, Mark, Luke, John, and the prophets of the
Book of Mormon. It will increase your faith in the Savior and help you stay
focused on Him as you follow your plans to reach your eternal goals.
