Brothers and sisters, I am so happy for the blessings that flow into each of our lives through the infinite Atonement of our Redeemer. I wish to bear my testimony. As I ponder the Scriptures, I am reminded of the deep truths that have shaped my life and drawn me nearer to Heavenly Father. In the Gospel of Matthew, our Lord declared, “Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.” (Matthew 11:28) How reassuring it is to know that in our moments of weariness and burdens, we can turn to Him for solace and find rest for our souls.
The Book of Mormon is a powerful witness to His divinity. I have contemplated the words of the Book of Mormon concerning the proclamation of that divinity: “And as I spake concerning the convincing of the Jews, that Jesus is the very Christ, it must needs be that the Gentiles be convinced also that Jesus is the Christ, the Eternal God.” (2 Nephi 26:12) To me, this is a very powerful verse that speaks of the universal nature of the Saviour’s mission. In this verse, the prophet Nephi wrote that just as there is a need to convince the Jews that Jesus is the Messiah, it is equally essential to persuade the Gentiles that Jesus is the Christ, the Eternal God. This teaching parallels with the message found in the Bible affirming the inclusive nature of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. The Saviour’s atoning sacrifice extends to all, regardless of lineage or heritage. The Gentiles, as well as the house of Israel, are invited to partake in the blessings of the Gospel and receive the testimony that Jesus is indeed the Eternal God.
As members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, we are called to share this message with the world. Each one of us is a messenger of the Gospel, tasked with helping individuals from all walks of life recognise and accept the divinity of Jesus Christ. Through our words, actions, and the power of the Holy Ghost, we can bear witness that Jesus is the Christ, the Saviour and Redeemer of the world. In doing so, we fulfil our role as disciples of Christ and participate in the work of salvation and exaltation for all of God’s children.
The teachings of Jesus guide my daily walk and shape my interactions with others. In the Gospel of John, our Saviour proclaimed, “A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another.” (John 13:34) This divine mandate urges me to cultivate Christ-like love in my heart and extend it to all those around me to the best of my ability. There is certainly room for improvement.
The restored gospel, with its principles of faith, repentance, baptism, the gift of the Holy Ghost, and enduring to the end, provides a sure foundation for our journey back to our Heavenly Father’s presence. I testify that the Church of Jesus Christ has been restored in these latter days. The fullness of the Gospel has been restored. In the quiet moments of prayer and reflection, I have felt the sweet whisperings of the Holy Ghost, bearing witness to the truthfulness of these teachings. The fruits of living the Gospel are evident in the joy, peace, and purpose it brings to my life.
As we strive to follow the teachings of our Saviour, I bear my solemn witness that His Church has been restored in these latter days. I express my love and gratitude for our living prophets and apostles who have guided us with inspired counsel. May each of us continue to press forward with steadfast faith in Christ, enduring in righteousness, and relying on the grace and mercy of our Saviour. In the name of Jesus Christ, amen.