Who Will Abide a Celestial Glory?
Who will abide a celestial glory
And dwell in the presence of God?
One with an enduring testimony
Living the highest expectations of all
Jesus proposes to make us holy
Bearing the ability to transform
He can prepare us- perfectly- He only
Offering His help in many forms
He will see that we each receive
All the comfort and support that we need
Chastening us when the Spirit, we grieve
Raising us to a higher place in deed
Accept the rebuke
As a gift of love
A divine gift of love
"As Many as I Love, I Rebuke and Chasten"
Elder D. Todd Christofferson
Ensign, May 2011,
The Final Outcome
The final outcome
And purpose of life
Is to become
Like Jesus Christ
Our measure of stature
Must be in fulness
The changing of nature
Is ever a process
Awakened
Rebuked
Chastened
Refined
We struggle in labor
For strength to survive
Then through our deliverer
We are sanctified
The burden once heavy
Becomes light to bear
The experience heavenly
Through faith, made aware
“As Many as I Love, I Rebuke and Chasten”
Elder D. Todd Christofferson
Ensign, May 2011
“Nevertheless the Lord seeth fit to chasten his people; yea, he trieth their patience and their faith.
“Nevertheless—whosoever putteth his trust in him the same shall be lifted up at the last day. Yea, and thus it was with this people” (Mosiah 23:21–22).
And purpose of life
Is to become
Like Jesus Christ
Our measure of stature
Must be in fulness
The changing of nature
Is ever a process
Awakened
Rebuked
Chastened
Refined
We struggle in labor
For strength to survive
Then through our deliverer
We are sanctified
The burden once heavy
Becomes light to bear
The experience heavenly
Through faith, made aware
“As Many as I Love, I Rebuke and Chasten”
Elder D. Todd Christofferson
Ensign, May 2011
“Nevertheless the Lord seeth fit to chasten his people; yea, he trieth their patience and their faith.
“Nevertheless—whosoever putteth his trust in him the same shall be lifted up at the last day. Yea, and thus it was with this people” (Mosiah 23:21–22).
It's Not Too Late
For forgiveness
It's not too late
Through repentance
Christ's gifts await
The gift of forgiveness
President Christofferson offers this promise in this message:
https://youtube.com/shorts/LUJbYVZsFto?si=U_0X50Td148zUQYv
Central to our Father's plan of salvation
Is justification and sanctification
The two serve as the essence of our witness
That we may live in God's presence through divine process
The infinite virtue of Christ atoning
Deepens the roots of laws foundation in all things
Though hard we try to achieve full righteousness
We're in need of His mercy and grace for happiness
The divine law governs all the universe
As we make choices cause and effect must rehearse
When we sin against laws of obedience
Our misery and punishment is the consequence
If we lacked actors to be acted upon
How could the heaven and earth a new day dawn?
Forces in randomness, chaos- we'd soon find
That without law there'd be no God, no earth or mankind
Just as laws apply to the earth and heaven
There are laws to which mankind has been given
Is there a way to escape condemnation?
The laws of justice can be answered by redemption
Who without sin can go before God and be tried?
And take our sins upon Him, till we're justified?
Through Jesus, there is remission of each sin
We are pardoned and placed, with conditions, unto Him
In Christ's name, we repent to become baptized
Through grace and the atonement, we are sanctified
Which means we become holy and without spot.
From grace which comes from God, as a gift which Christ bought
There's another help to keep these covenants close
It can speak unto our hearts, it's the Holy Ghost
So we'll stay justified and sanctified within
One removes the punishment, and one removes the sin
We Look to the Apostles
We look to the Apostles,
For a witness of Christ.
Then we stand as disciples
And we too testify.
At all times, things and places,
We show our commitment.
And faith shines on our faces
With love and contentment.
Today, what is sufficient?
What can we rejoice in?
Though we've disappointment
and trials of death and sin?
We know what source to look to,
For our eternal rest.
As we testify anew,
Warmth grows within our breast.
Now, as we anticipate
The coming of our Lord.
We can prepare for that date.
With words angels record
All testimonies- they hear!
And, too, rejoice o'er us.
What we hold in us is dear.
There's light in our witness.
But, what of those who've died?
And, not made ordinance?
What to them can be applied?
Who've not received a chance?
We have a holy temple
Where their work we can do.
There, we set an example,
Our light is for them too!
The Prophet Joseph Smith
As one called, he restored the gospel
Through the priesthood this was possible
And through modern day revelation
We've the Book of Mormon translation
He built temples, the veil was parted
Then, with his own blood, as a martyr
He died as a personal witness
Of the work we are left to finish
Through the priesthood this was possible
And through modern day revelation
We've the Book of Mormon translation
He built temples, the veil was parted
Then, with his own blood, as a martyr
He died as a personal witness
Of the work we are left to finish
"With a Spirit-derived assurance in place, you can go forward in the Lord's work and continue deepening your relationship with your Heavenly Father while pursuing or awaiting answers. If you determine to sit still, paralyzed until every question is answered and every whisper of doubt resolved, you will never move because in this life there will always be some issue pending, things yet unexplained."Elder Christofferson said that "Joseph Smith's prophetic calling is key to our religion." Yet even with his large contributions, he is not its foundation — Jesus Christ is the foundation, and it is His Crucifixion and Resurrection that every other element of God's plan for the salvation of His children is built upon.
Elder Christofferson shared three ways the Prophet Joseph Smith is the great latter-day revelator of Jesus Christ — his personal witness of the Savor's Resurrection, his translation and publication of the Book of Mormon and through sealing his testimony with his own blood.
"Among mortals, the Lord Jesus Christ has had no surer witness, no more committed disciple, no more loyal advocate than Joseph Smith, His prophet, seer and revelator. By his personal witness of the resurrected Savior, ... [he] has laid before the world the preeminent revelation of Jesus Christ for our time."
The Prophet Joseph
the great 'latter-day revelator'
Learning from the teachings of leader guides people to Christ
The Glimpse of Vastness
I was standing in my office
Having prayed for Christ's sweet peace
When I came to know His purpose:
To overcome, that evil cease
I thought I saw before me
A covered immense pit
One corner lifted slightly
For a dark brief instant
The depth of evil, the vastness
Caused me to fall back, overcome
I collapsed, quite shocked and breathless
And cried silently to the Son
How can we ever come to hope?
Or survive such vast darkness?
While injustices are shown...
Ought they, forever, to harm us?
Then, these words came to my mind
"Be of good cheer, I have overcome"
For God, the world, and mankind!
Jesus has marked the path and won!
Jesus has marked the path and won!
Juxtaposed from evil
I felt peace rise, to judge well
With a love for all people...
There is a way out of hell
I felt deeper appreciation
For the intensity of suffering
Of the Lord, for our salvation...
And, was overwhelmed by this offering!
I felt peace in His power
To repair, reclaim, and cleanse
To save us in that hour
Good WILL triumph in the end!
http://www.lds.org/ensign/2013/03/you-are-free?lang=engI was standing in front of a chair in my office pleading with the Lord to help me understand how such evil could have been perpetrated. I did not see but rather sensed an immense pit with a covering over it. One corner of the covering was lifted slightly for just an instant, and I perceived within the pit the depth and vastness of the evil that exists in this world. It was greater than I could really comprehend. I was overcome. I collapsed into the chair behind me. The experience seemed to take my breath away. I cried silently, “How can we ever hope to overcome such evil? How can we survive something so dark and overwhelming?”In that moment there came to my mind this phrase: “Be of good cheer; I have overcome the world” (John 16:33). Seldom have I felt such peace juxtaposed with the reality of evil. I felt a deeper appreciation for the intensity of the Savior’s suffering and had a better, even frightening, appreciation for the depth of what He had to overcome. I felt peace for the man who was before us for judgment, knowing he had a Redeemer, whose grace was sufficient to cleanse him and also repair the injustices he had suffered. I knew better that good will triumph because of Jesus Christ, whereas without Him we would have no chance. I felt peace, and it was very sweet.
A Sense of the Sacred
I sense what is sacred
While in God's holy house
With quiet shoes, I tread
Wearing hose, skirt and blouse
Not to seem of stature
But, clothed to revere God-
I'm His, it's my nature
To groom without facade
Holiness to the Lord
It reads on the temple
I'll avoid what's abhorred
His home, I'll not trample
I'll not be immodest,
Sloppy or casual
I want to be impressed
With what is spiritual
And, on His holy day
I'll wear my Sunday best
In a way it does say
I'm thankful, and I'm blessed
I want to look the part
As a Latter-Day Saint
His spirit feels my heart
And, it cannot be restrained
Some things deserve respect
As well as some events
I've reverence for our Prophet
As, our Lord, he represents
I've also reverence for
The scriptures, they're God's word
I use them, they're not ignored
When He speaks, He should be heard
The day I was baptized
Everyone dressed with care
And the day was more apprised
From this reverence they did share
As I became washed clean
As the newest member
As a new Saint I am seen
And I dress to remember
I choose to walk with grace
In our Savior's footsteps
As I long to see His face
I'll abide in His precepts
And as I practice reverence...
Some things are so sacred
Words... in a trust that is immense
...In my heart they're kept instead
With all the alternatives to choose among
We've moral agency for the right or wrong
With freedom of choice and accountability
We've knowledge to increase our sensibility
While God preserves us from day to day
There's laws to obey or disobey
And though many opinions and preferences numb
We can't change the consequences or a fixed outcome
While Satan promotes conduct that narrows our station
Our God does not intend that we yield to temptation
He's given us a Savior, and redemption is possible
If we come to Him, to be like Him, and be responsible
The glory of God is intelligence
With wisdom learned through obedience
When we receive truth it is full of light
Till line upon line we are made bright
Knowing these things is only the start
The test comes as we experience the dark
That we can become independently strong
To yield to the right and flee from the wrong
And that we might know true liberty
While we are here in mortality
We've been given God's resources in full
That we might pass moral agency school
Moral agency
Our gift from God
Use it wisely
Choose the right not the wrong
Be accountable
And repent oft
D. Todd Christofferson
BYU Devotional
31 January 2006
click on the title
to link to the talk
D&C 101: 78
That every man may act in doctrine and principle pertaining to futurity, according to the moral agency which I have given unto him, that every man may be accountable for his own sins in the day of judgment.
Elder D. Todd Christofferson
A Sense of the Sacred
CES November 7, 2004
[Verse 1]
An angel of God spoke to a King.
Declaring great joy and glad tidings.
For on a day not too far distant.
The Lord as a child would make His descent.
Tabernacled in clay, He shall serve.
All manner of diseases, His to cure.
[Pre-Chorus]
And evil spirits, will be cast out—
Though He'll be falsely accused, by those in doubt.
Even more than man can suffer,
He'll know temptations, thirst and hunger.
[Chorus]
That salvation might come unto men
Through the remission of all their sins.
Through faith and repentance on His name.
We can be atoned for and found without blame.
(Found without blame)
Come unto peace
Come unto peace
[Verse 2]
Meanwhile all who were there
Did not see the angel or hear
They thought their king was no more
Because, in fact, he couldn't move
Then, changed within he awoke
And oh the message he spoke
No one doubted, they felt too
That of all he said... was true!
[Pre-Chorus]
Forgiven of sin of murderous thought
For changes to begin they wanted to be taught
To lay down their weapons and fight no more
They sought a new life with their living Lord
[Chorus]
That salvation might come unto men
Through the remission of all their sins.
Through faith and repentance on His name.
We can be atoned for and found without blame.
(Found without blame)
Come unto peace
Come unto peace
[Bridge]
Their covenant was binding, they'd do no harm
They prostrated themselves none raised an arm
When their angry nation came to stir them back
They'd rather die than to, even one, attack
Some were killed, but what beauty of love!
The whole nation was touched to look up
Murderous thoughts had no place in their hearts
Love was more powerful
Look what an angel can start!
[Final Chorus]
That salvation might come unto men
Through the remission of all their sins.
Through faith and repentance on His name.
We can be atoned for and found without blame.
(Found without blame)
Pray for the angels, pray for peace
Pray for love towards one another increase
Come to know the Savior.
Come unto peace
Oct 2024 general conference
Burying Our Weapons of Rebellion
The Prayer Doesn't End at Amen
Pour out your whole heart,
Fully, in prayer to God
Asking His answer to impart
Give Him all you've got
When you say, "Amen."
Prayers are not done
Yes, in the right time
Answers will come
You can't tell God
How and when
Keep praying
Yes, often
Always be ready
It will wash over you
And flood you with love
For strength. You know anew
Feeling His Spirit
Is a bright gift from Him
You pray. He hears it
And sends love from Heaven
I don't know why, but I love to see the shape of poems. This one is beautiful!
https://youtube.com/shorts/5FRk70e-xsY?si=DkHvRqAqTlv8-Kno
Elder D. Todd Christofferson speaks about praying in the Sacred Grove and waiting for an answer. It wasn't until later that his prayer was answered. He says he learned to always be ready for an answer to a prayer. I love that he said it flooded over him. Feeling the Spirit is Heaven's gift to us. It is so filled with love! ❤️
Our Happiness will NOT Fade
Our happiness will not fade
To lights, music, or the crowd
If consecrations are inner laid
Purely, to God, as one endowed
A man's joy will not spoil
If He knows God and life's purpose
Being honest, He must toil
While loving all through kind service
Each life on earth is but a gift
Of time and daily choices
O'er which we've stewardship
As it's with God that one rejoices
Then, to cultivate a listening ear
Towards the whisperings of the Spirit
As to God's laws one adheres
Striving to heed as well as hear it
Let us each be as fruit filled trees
Come up through soil rich with faith's good seed
Continually nourished by a pure stream
Where the love of God, we honor, each day to seek
D. Todd Christofferson
Reflections on a Consecrated Life
Ensign, November 2010
Overwhelmed
Overwhelmed with all life brings
Growing in biblical proportions
I strive to break it down to manageable things
And take smaller bites in daily portions
Day by day I can work on goals
That lead to a brighter future
While seeking to define my roles
And letting the Spirit nurture
Sometimes, it is all I can do
To barely hang on through prayer
Finding His Son strengthens me anew
Through His Spirit so ready to share
This offering, like manna, today
Daily, I find is just as real
As it was in that old day
In the wilderness for Israel
Growing in biblical proportions
I strive to break it down to manageable things
And take smaller bites in daily portions
Day by day I can work on goals
That lead to a brighter future
While seeking to define my roles
And letting the Spirit nurture
Sometimes, it is all I can do
To barely hang on through prayer
Finding His Son strengthens me anew
Through His Spirit so ready to share
This offering, like manna, today
Daily, I find is just as real
As it was in that old day
In the wilderness for Israel
Elder Christofferson speaks on ‘daily bread’ | Universe.byu.edu
Daily Bread: Experience
Our faith in God above
Is the fruit of experience
Daily we need His love
As He blesses obedience
The Greatest Good We Can Do
The greatest good we can do
In helping others become
Is to free them unto
The living Savior, the Son
The greatest good framed in law
Is when it allows each man
To pursue God, here, below
And witness His guiding hand
We should seek for divine guidance
Before passing any kind of bill
So that in each and every instance
Man is free to reach his potential
thoughts from
Law Allows Us to Reach Our Potential, Says Elder Christofferson
click on the above post title to go directly to lds.org
Daily Bread: Change
The bread of eternal life
The substance to sanctify
Is in the person of Jesus Christ
Who changes us over time
Daily Bread: Pattern
Sometimes I am so hungry
But I don't know what I need
Something in me is empty
Perhaps there is more to feed!
I Pushed Everything Aside
I pushed everything aside
To be swept of pride
Then I invited in the Lord
That His Spirit be my guide
Then... slowly, one by one
I called back just some
Of the old things I had done
That held Light unto the Son
And feeling richly blessed
Through abandonings sins- confessed
I felt such peace and rest
Words cannot be expressed
To Always Remember Him
Elder D. Todd Christofferson
Ensign, April 2011, 49
"You and I can put Christ at the center of our lives and become one with Him as He is one with the Father. We can begin by stripping everything out of our lives and then puttting it back together in priority order with the Savior at the center."
Recognizing God's Hand In our Daily Blessings
We Have Been Invited
Jesus has invited us
To receive daily bread
For help and sustenance
Like Manna.... to be fed
Quite literally, the Lord's bread
Can sustain us each new day
Through faith on the word's said
He is The Truth, The Light, The Way
Unto our Heavenly Father's hand
And the hope of things to come
That we might better understand
What we are to become
Facing financial ruin
Facing financial ruin
In tears, I prayed a lot
I felt comfort within
While huge bills I fought
I knew things would work out
That the Lord would prepare a way
That a change would come about
Thus, I continued to pray
Perhaps a thought would come to mind
Or some resource would appear
Until then, continually I did find
Feelings of assurance, near
Though I suffered then
I am grateful now
I was not stricken
But, with faith endowed
I learned to pray
With true intent
To listen with faith
As one fully present
The Appeal
We can appeal to God
For the help we need today
Believe and you will receive
In faith and deed always
Resolve
Resolving to do better
For a wise and holy purpose
I committed to the letter
To apply this growth to service
Opening Our Homes to God's Care
Remember to do the small things
Like scripture reading and daily prayer
Having Family Home Evening
That in the home, there's more love to share
Becoming More Christ-like
Becoming more Christ-like
Is a daily pursuit
Always lean to the Light
And live in gratitude
Growth and Change
As a person, growth is slow
It requires that we prep
Through pondering we grow
Inside and add more depth
pondering:
Recognizing God's Hand
In OUR DAILY BLESSINGS
Elder D. Todd Christofferson
Ensign, Jan 2012, 17
A Plan of Freedom
The gospel is a plan of freedom
Where appetites are in check
Our behavior becomes wholesome
As we let Christ's light direct
As we let Christ's light direct
The gospel, said President Gordon B. Hinckley (1910–2008), “is a plan of freedom that gives discipline to appetite and direction to behavior.”1 This plan puts us on a path of increasing knowledge and capacity, increasing grace and light. It is the freedom to become what you can and ought to be. But for your freedom to be complete, you must be willing to give away all your sins (see Alma 22:18), your willfulness, your cherished but unsound habits, perhaps even some good things that interfere with what God sees is essential for you.
The Lord Measures Society
The Lord measures society
By the way charity is meted
When with holiness and sobriety
The poor and the needy are well treated
The earth is filled with abundance
Ever there is enough and to spare
Each with their varied circumstance
Has a stewardship over what is theirs
As we pursue the cause of Zion
We must beware of idolatry
For that is the path of Babylon
When it's righteous devotion we seek
We might ask ourselves what we worship
And take care to not be covetous
Of materialism let us be stripped
That lust and pride is not found within us
Let us dispense of our means and resources
With generosity, to alleviate suffering
That when nature and calamity courses
Our humanitarian efforts are there offering
D. Todd Christofferson
Come to Zion
Ensign, Nov 2008, 37
In our families and in our stakes and districts, let us seek to build up Zion through unity, godliness, and charity.
By the way charity is meted
When with holiness and sobriety
The poor and the needy are well treated
The earth is filled with abundance
Ever there is enough and to spare
Each with their varied circumstance
Has a stewardship over what is theirs
As we pursue the cause of Zion
We must beware of idolatry
For that is the path of Babylon
When it's righteous devotion we seek
We might ask ourselves what we worship
And take care to not be covetous
Of materialism let us be stripped
That lust and pride is not found within us
Let us dispense of our means and resources
With generosity, to alleviate suffering
That when nature and calamity courses
Our humanitarian efforts are there offering
D. Todd Christofferson
Come to Zion
Ensign, Nov 2008, 37
In our families and in our stakes and districts, let us seek to build up Zion through unity, godliness, and charity.
We All Possess the Gift
We all possess the gift
Of agency...to choose
To draw nigh to or darkly drift
From our Lord and His good news
For our each and every action
There's light to be responsible
And we ever have an obligation
To accept and be held accountable
Through consistent practice
Our standards can be set high
Unto greatness, with Christ-like service
Rejecting the self-absorbent life
Thus developing the character
Of one morally disciplined
Thereby following the exemplar
As His ideals are envisioned
Some turn from the laws of the Savior
Creating their own God unto disorder
There is naught to restrain their behavior
But, external controls put in order
Yet, can police and laws replace
Customs, traditions, and values
Can one civilize the human race
When it has fallen unto abuse
As the right hand steals from the left
And puts forth more regulations
There is but circumvention and debt
As each judges the other's education...
Such societies will struggle in vain
Until sin is denounced as sin
That moral discipline might rein
As a pantheon of civic virtues are brought in
-----
Moral discipline is taught in the home
Where our teachings come of our faith
That the commandments of God might be known
As a desire for truth becomes framed...
All of us experience temptations
As did the Savior, who gave them no heed
As we stay principled with dedication
From sin's exploration... we are freed!
Always and ever we must exercise discipline
Repenting oft, believing in Christ's atoning grace
It is our to inspire others if they will listen
To find help to deal with all that they face
Elder D. Todd Christofferson
Moral Discipline
Ensign, November 2009, 105
Of agency...to choose
To draw nigh to or darkly drift
From our Lord and His good news
For our each and every action
There's light to be responsible
And we ever have an obligation
To accept and be held accountable
Through consistent practice
Our standards can be set high
Unto greatness, with Christ-like service
Rejecting the self-absorbent life
Thus developing the character
Of one morally disciplined
Thereby following the exemplar
As His ideals are envisioned
Some turn from the laws of the Savior
Creating their own God unto disorder
There is naught to restrain their behavior
But, external controls put in order
Yet, can police and laws replace
Customs, traditions, and values
Can one civilize the human race
When it has fallen unto abuse
As the right hand steals from the left
And puts forth more regulations
There is but circumvention and debt
As each judges the other's education...
Such societies will struggle in vain
Until sin is denounced as sin
That moral discipline might rein
As a pantheon of civic virtues are brought in
-----
Moral discipline is taught in the home
Where our teachings come of our faith
That the commandments of God might be known
As a desire for truth becomes framed...
All of us experience temptations
As did the Savior, who gave them no heed
As we stay principled with dedication
From sin's exploration... we are freed!
Always and ever we must exercise discipline
Repenting oft, believing in Christ's atoning grace
It is our to inspire others if they will listen
To find help to deal with all that they face
Elder D. Todd Christofferson
Moral Discipline
Ensign, November 2009, 105
A Moral Force of Women
A moral force of women
Works as an influence for good.
To help the work of Heaven,
And exemplify womanhood.
What is it women can possess
That sets them apart from men?
The intuitive way they impress
The need for goodness within.
A virtuous woman's strength
Is greatly needed today;
To instill courage and faith
That our covenants we obey.
As trends and forces more combine
And the conscience of many dims;
Satan works hard to undermine
Society's definitions for sins.
So more than ever we need
Women who will help the rising youth;
By example to then lead
Them to high places to never move.
Elder D. Todd Christofferson
The Moral Force of Women
Ensign, November 2013
Life's Story
God's life story meant for you
Is bigger than you can ever tell
Give to Him your will and do
What He places in your heart to swell
Is bigger than you can ever tell
Give to Him your will and do
What He places in your heart to swell
Thoughts from a professor quoted in This Is Your Life by Elder D. Todd Christofferson
It is easier to find yourself
When you put selfishness behind
And look to be a source of help
As there is more of you to find
Measure success with your hand and heart
Achieve well for a higher end
Life's problems lighten. Lessons impart
As blessings from on high descend
A fresh perspective will grow and bloom
In the light of love you'll feel
The miracle of service opens room
To know that love from God is real
I am reading Finding Your Life by Elder D. Todd Christofferson in the March Ensign 2016
He talks about being in tune with and savoring the things of God taking up one's cross and losing one's life as the way to finding an abundant and eternal life.
"He that findeth
his life shall lose it: and he that loseth it for my sake shall find it." Matthew 10:39
I Am Not A Puppet
I am not a puppet
Unable to make a choice
I follow the prophet
To feel God's love and rejoice
pondering Free Forever, To Act for Themselves
Elder D. Todd Christofferson
But God intends that His children should act according to the moral agency He has given them, “that every man may be accountable for his own sins in the day of judgment.”2 It is His plan and His will that we have the principal decision-making role in our own life’s drama. God will not live our lives for us nor control us as if we were His puppets, as Lucifer once proposed to do. Nor will His prophets accept the role of “puppet master” in God’s place. Brigham Young stated: “I do not wish any Latter Day Saint in this world, nor in heaven, to be satisfied with anything I do, unless the Spirit of the Lord Jesus Christ,—the spirit of revelation, makes them satisfied. I wish them to know for themselves and understand for themselves.”3
>
Remembering the Savior
What shall we always remember?
When, each Sabbath, we come to covenant anew?
What does it mean to be a member?
When we take the sacrament, what do we do?
If we ever seek to know the Lord's will
As He too sought the will of the Father
We'll have strength for His works to fulfill
Knowing whom we love, we obey, and we honor
We answer to Christ, as we daily strive
And experience thoughts, words, and actions
We'll ever have to answer to Him for our lives
As He's ransomed each debt and obligation
All that justice could demand of us for our sins
Jesus Christ has paid by His suffering and death
He offers the gift of forgiveness, with conditions...
When we are repentant, only then, does He pay the debt
We can look to the Savior for help. We need not fear
And as we look to Him, He Lights every thought, every deed
As His Atonement covers all the things we do here
He has the power to protect us and minister to each need
D. Todd Christofferson
Remembering the Savior
BYU Idaho Address
January 27, 2009
When, each Sabbath, we come to covenant anew?
What does it mean to be a member?
When we take the sacrament, what do we do?
If we ever seek to know the Lord's will
As He too sought the will of the Father
We'll have strength for His works to fulfill
Knowing whom we love, we obey, and we honor
We answer to Christ, as we daily strive
And experience thoughts, words, and actions
We'll ever have to answer to Him for our lives
As He's ransomed each debt and obligation
All that justice could demand of us for our sins
Jesus Christ has paid by His suffering and death
He offers the gift of forgiveness, with conditions...
When we are repentant, only then, does He pay the debt
We can look to the Savior for help. We need not fear
And as we look to Him, He Lights every thought, every deed
As His Atonement covers all the things we do here
He has the power to protect us and minister to each need
D. Todd Christofferson
Remembering the Savior
BYU Idaho Address
January 27, 2009
A Massive Earthquake
A massive earthquake
All but destroyed the town
But, faith did not shake
Though each house tumbled down
For that which was left
Was love and family
And they could rebuild
Together happily
Their smiles looked out of place
Amidst all the rubble
And hope gleamed on each face
For they were but humble
In that profound hour
They had said a prayer
And to them did shower
Assurance of God's care
We need such Christians
For crucial days ahead
They're our illustrations
Of how faith is bred
As long as we've a temple
We've a place of peace
Though hardships assemble
Our faith (there) can increase
The Power of Covenants
Elder D. Todd Christofferson
Ensign, May 2009, 19
We Are Ever Free to Choose
We have the right to choose
To morally act
This we will never lose
If we keep to laws exact
As such we can predict
Each eventual outcome
For there's habits which constrict
That when we quit, we blossom
There was a war in heaven
To defend and preserve agency
Now, I still must fight Satan
Or he'll be the master of me
The father of all lies
Seeks to deceive and blind men
But no matter how hard he tries
In bondage, we get sick of him
For there's but one destination
When he makes all the rules
And that's called domination
As of those dependent on him, he fools
And thus we each can see
Choices have opposites
In the war of agency
Each must decide where one sits
Today, at every turn, much does confuse
And it seems traps are set everywhere
But, if of God's laws we don't abuse
Then we can find safety in His care
As members, we are so blessed
With soul saving gospel light
And of this we do oft attest
With confirmations of what is right
Oh, how great the goodness of our God
He has prepared a way for our escape
That though sin and death is our lot
It's in and through redemption that we're saved
For as it is easy to detour
We need a path that's chosen well
Even in deed an exemplar
Who's good works do perfectly tell
Good choices rise as does a ladder
With added rungs each time we learn
That we're happier and not sadder
When to our potential we turn
Just think of the potential
Of seeing higher and farther
And, too, being introspective
While listening to our Father
Such that we bask in lofty freedom
Amidst the mighty sky and wind
Which does not fade in the darkened season
For we're confident of a new rung in the end
Elder D. Todd Christofferson
Moral Agency
Ensign, June 2009, 46
THE SECOND BOOK OF NEPHI
CHAPTER 2
Redemption cometh through the Holy Messiah—Freedom of choice (agency) is essential to existence and progression—Adam fell that men might be—Men are free to choose liberty and eternal life. Between 588 and 570 B.C.
1 And now, Jacob, I speak unto you: Thou art my first-born in the days of my tribulation in the wilderness. And behold, in thy childhood thou hast suffered afflictions and much sorrow, because of the rudeness of thy brethren.
2 Nevertheless, Jacob, my first-born in the wilderness, thou knowest the greatness of God; and he shall consecrate thine afflictions for thy gain.
3 Wherefore, thy soul shall be blessed, and thou shalt dwell safely with thy brother, Nephi; and thy days shall be spent in the service of thy God. Wherefore, I know that thou art redeemed, because of the righteousness of thy Redeemer; for thou hast beheld that in the fulness of time he cometh to bring salvation unto men.
4 And thou hast beheld in thy youth his glory; wherefore, thou art blessed even as they unto whom he shall minister in the flesh; for the Spirit is the same, yesterday, today, and forever. And the way is prepared from the fall of man, and salvation is free.
5 And men are instructed sufficiently that they know good from evil. And the law is given unto men. And by the law no flesh is justified; or, by the law men are cut off. Yea, by the temporal law they were cut off; and also, by the spiritual law they perish from that which is good, and become miserable forever.
6 Wherefore, redemption cometh in and through the Holy Messiah; for he is full of grace and truth.
7 Behold, he offereth himself a sacrifice for sin, to answer the ends of the law, unto all those who have a broken heart and a contrite spirit; and unto none else can the ends of the law be answered.
8 Wherefore, how great the importance to make these things known unto the inhabitants of the earth, that they may know that there is no flesh that can dwell in the presence of God, save it be through the merits, and mercy, and grace of the Holy Messiah, who layeth down his life according to the flesh, and taketh it again by the power of the Spirit, that he may bring to pass the resurrection of the dead, being the first that should rise.
9 Wherefore, he is the firstfruits unto God, inasmuch as he shall make intercession for all the children of men; and they that believe in him shall be saved.
10 And because of the intercession for all, all men come unto God; wherefore, they stand in the presence of him, to be judged of him according to the truth and holiness which is in him. Wherefore, the ends of the law which the Holy One hath given, unto the inflicting of the punishment which is affixed, which punishment that is affixed is in opposition to that of the happiness which is affixed, to answer the ends of the atonement—
11 For it must needs be, that there is an opposition in all things. If not so, my first-born in the wilderness, righteousness could not be brought to pass, neither wickedness, neither holiness nor misery, neither good nor bad. Wherefore, all things must needs be a compound in one; wherefore, if it should be one body it must needs remain as dead, having no life neither death, nor corruption nor incorruption, happiness nor misery, neither sense nor insensibility.
12 Wherefore, it must needs have been created for a thing of naught; wherefore there would have been no purpose in the end of its creation. Wherefore, this thing must needs destroy the wisdom of God and his eternal purposes, and also the power, and the mercy, and the justice of God.
13 And if ye shall say there is no law, ye shall also say there is no sin. If ye shall say there is no sin, ye shall also say there is no righteousness. And if there be no righteousness there be no happiness. And if there be no righteousness nor happiness there be no punishment nor misery. And if these things are not there is no God. And if there is no God we are not, neither the earth; for there could have been no creation of things, neither to act nor to be acted upon; wherefore, all things must have vanished away.
14 And now, my sons, I speak unto you these things for your profit and learning; for there is a God, and he hath created all things, both the heavens and the earth, and all things that in them are, both things to act and things to be acted upon.
15 And to bring about his eternal purposes in the end of man, after he had created our first parents, and the beasts of the field and the fowls of the air, and in fine, all things which are created, it must needs be that there was an opposition; even the forbidden fruit in opposition to the tree of life; the one being sweet and the other bitter.
16 Wherefore, the Lord God gave unto man that he should act for himself. Wherefore, man could not bat for himself save it should be that he was enticed by the one or the other.
17 And I, Lehi, according to the things which I have read, must needs suppose that an angel of God, according to that which is written, had fallen from heaven; wherefore, he became a devil, having sought that which was evil before God.
18 And because he had fallen from heaven, and had become miserable forever, he sought also the misery of all mankind. Wherefore, he said unto Eve, yea, even that old serpent, who is the devil, who is the father of all lies, wherefore he said: Partake of the forbidden fruit, and ye shall not die, but ye shall be as God, knowing good and evil.
19 And after Adam and Eve had partaken of the forbidden fruit they were driven out of the garden of Eden, to till the earth.
20 And they have brought forth children; yea, even the family of all the earth.
21 And the days of the children of men were prolonged, according to the will of God, that they might repent while in the flesh; wherefore, their state became a state of probation, and their time was lengthened, according to the commandments which the Lord God gave unto the children of men. For he gave commandment that all men must repent; for he showed unto all men that they were lost, because of the transgression of their parents.
22 And now, behold, if Adam had not transgressed he would not have fallen, but he would have remained in the garden of Eden. And all things which were created must have remained in the same state in which they were after they were created; and they must have remained forever, and had no end.
23 And they would have had no children; wherefore they would have remained in a state of innocence, having no joy, for they knew no misery; doing no good, for they knew no sin.
24 But behold, all things have been done in the wisdom of him who knoweth all things.
25 Adam fell that men might be; and men care, that they might have joy.
26 And the Messiah cometh in the fulness of time, that he may redeem the children of men from the fall. And because that they are redeemed from the fall they have become free forever, knowing good from evil; to act for themselves and not to be acted upon, save it be by the punishment of the Law at the great and last day, according to the commandments which God hath given.
27 Wherefore, men are free according to the flesh; and call things are given them which are expedient unto man. And they are free to choose liberty and eternal life, through the great Mediator of all men, or to choose captivity and death, according to the captivity and power of the devil; for he seeketh that all men might be miserable like unto himself.
28 And now, my sons, I would that ye should look to the great Mediator, and hearken unto his great commandments; and be faithful unto his words, and choose eternal life, according to the will of his Holy Spirit;
29 And not choose eternal death, according to the will of the flesh and the evil which is therein, which giveth the spirit of the devil power to captivate, to bring you down to hell, that he may reign over you in his own kingdom.
30 I have spoken these few words unto you all, my sons, in the last days of my probation; and I have chosen the good part, according to the words of the prophet. And I have none other object save it be the everlasting welfare of your souls. Amen.
To morally act
This we will never lose
If we keep to laws exact
As such we can predict
Each eventual outcome
For there's habits which constrict
That when we quit, we blossom
There was a war in heaven
To defend and preserve agency
Now, I still must fight Satan
Or he'll be the master of me
The father of all lies
Seeks to deceive and blind men
But no matter how hard he tries
In bondage, we get sick of him
For there's but one destination
When he makes all the rules
And that's called domination
As of those dependent on him, he fools
And thus we each can see
Choices have opposites
In the war of agency
Each must decide where one sits
Today, at every turn, much does confuse
And it seems traps are set everywhere
But, if of God's laws we don't abuse
Then we can find safety in His care
As members, we are so blessed
With soul saving gospel light
And of this we do oft attest
With confirmations of what is right
Oh, how great the goodness of our God
He has prepared a way for our escape
That though sin and death is our lot
It's in and through redemption that we're saved
For as it is easy to detour
We need a path that's chosen well
Even in deed an exemplar
Who's good works do perfectly tell
Good choices rise as does a ladder
With added rungs each time we learn
That we're happier and not sadder
When to our potential we turn
Just think of the potential
Of seeing higher and farther
And, too, being introspective
While listening to our Father
Such that we bask in lofty freedom
Amidst the mighty sky and wind
Which does not fade in the darkened season
For we're confident of a new rung in the end
Elder D. Todd Christofferson
Moral Agency
Ensign, June 2009, 46
THE SECOND BOOK OF NEPHI
CHAPTER 2
Redemption cometh through the Holy Messiah—Freedom of choice (agency) is essential to existence and progression—Adam fell that men might be—Men are free to choose liberty and eternal life. Between 588 and 570 B.C.
1 And now, Jacob, I speak unto you: Thou art my first-born in the days of my tribulation in the wilderness. And behold, in thy childhood thou hast suffered afflictions and much sorrow, because of the rudeness of thy brethren.
2 Nevertheless, Jacob, my first-born in the wilderness, thou knowest the greatness of God; and he shall consecrate thine afflictions for thy gain.
3 Wherefore, thy soul shall be blessed, and thou shalt dwell safely with thy brother, Nephi; and thy days shall be spent in the service of thy God. Wherefore, I know that thou art redeemed, because of the righteousness of thy Redeemer; for thou hast beheld that in the fulness of time he cometh to bring salvation unto men.
4 And thou hast beheld in thy youth his glory; wherefore, thou art blessed even as they unto whom he shall minister in the flesh; for the Spirit is the same, yesterday, today, and forever. And the way is prepared from the fall of man, and salvation is free.
5 And men are instructed sufficiently that they know good from evil. And the law is given unto men. And by the law no flesh is justified; or, by the law men are cut off. Yea, by the temporal law they were cut off; and also, by the spiritual law they perish from that which is good, and become miserable forever.
6 Wherefore, redemption cometh in and through the Holy Messiah; for he is full of grace and truth.
7 Behold, he offereth himself a sacrifice for sin, to answer the ends of the law, unto all those who have a broken heart and a contrite spirit; and unto none else can the ends of the law be answered.
8 Wherefore, how great the importance to make these things known unto the inhabitants of the earth, that they may know that there is no flesh that can dwell in the presence of God, save it be through the merits, and mercy, and grace of the Holy Messiah, who layeth down his life according to the flesh, and taketh it again by the power of the Spirit, that he may bring to pass the resurrection of the dead, being the first that should rise.
9 Wherefore, he is the firstfruits unto God, inasmuch as he shall make intercession for all the children of men; and they that believe in him shall be saved.
10 And because of the intercession for all, all men come unto God; wherefore, they stand in the presence of him, to be judged of him according to the truth and holiness which is in him. Wherefore, the ends of the law which the Holy One hath given, unto the inflicting of the punishment which is affixed, which punishment that is affixed is in opposition to that of the happiness which is affixed, to answer the ends of the atonement—
11 For it must needs be, that there is an opposition in all things. If not so, my first-born in the wilderness, righteousness could not be brought to pass, neither wickedness, neither holiness nor misery, neither good nor bad. Wherefore, all things must needs be a compound in one; wherefore, if it should be one body it must needs remain as dead, having no life neither death, nor corruption nor incorruption, happiness nor misery, neither sense nor insensibility.
12 Wherefore, it must needs have been created for a thing of naught; wherefore there would have been no purpose in the end of its creation. Wherefore, this thing must needs destroy the wisdom of God and his eternal purposes, and also the power, and the mercy, and the justice of God.
13 And if ye shall say there is no law, ye shall also say there is no sin. If ye shall say there is no sin, ye shall also say there is no righteousness. And if there be no righteousness there be no happiness. And if there be no righteousness nor happiness there be no punishment nor misery. And if these things are not there is no God. And if there is no God we are not, neither the earth; for there could have been no creation of things, neither to act nor to be acted upon; wherefore, all things must have vanished away.
14 And now, my sons, I speak unto you these things for your profit and learning; for there is a God, and he hath created all things, both the heavens and the earth, and all things that in them are, both things to act and things to be acted upon.
15 And to bring about his eternal purposes in the end of man, after he had created our first parents, and the beasts of the field and the fowls of the air, and in fine, all things which are created, it must needs be that there was an opposition; even the forbidden fruit in opposition to the tree of life; the one being sweet and the other bitter.
16 Wherefore, the Lord God gave unto man that he should act for himself. Wherefore, man could not bat for himself save it should be that he was enticed by the one or the other.
17 And I, Lehi, according to the things which I have read, must needs suppose that an angel of God, according to that which is written, had fallen from heaven; wherefore, he became a devil, having sought that which was evil before God.
18 And because he had fallen from heaven, and had become miserable forever, he sought also the misery of all mankind. Wherefore, he said unto Eve, yea, even that old serpent, who is the devil, who is the father of all lies, wherefore he said: Partake of the forbidden fruit, and ye shall not die, but ye shall be as God, knowing good and evil.
19 And after Adam and Eve had partaken of the forbidden fruit they were driven out of the garden of Eden, to till the earth.
20 And they have brought forth children; yea, even the family of all the earth.
21 And the days of the children of men were prolonged, according to the will of God, that they might repent while in the flesh; wherefore, their state became a state of probation, and their time was lengthened, according to the commandments which the Lord God gave unto the children of men. For he gave commandment that all men must repent; for he showed unto all men that they were lost, because of the transgression of their parents.
22 And now, behold, if Adam had not transgressed he would not have fallen, but he would have remained in the garden of Eden. And all things which were created must have remained in the same state in which they were after they were created; and they must have remained forever, and had no end.
23 And they would have had no children; wherefore they would have remained in a state of innocence, having no joy, for they knew no misery; doing no good, for they knew no sin.
24 But behold, all things have been done in the wisdom of him who knoweth all things.
25 Adam fell that men might be; and men care, that they might have joy.
26 And the Messiah cometh in the fulness of time, that he may redeem the children of men from the fall. And because that they are redeemed from the fall they have become free forever, knowing good from evil; to act for themselves and not to be acted upon, save it be by the punishment of the Law at the great and last day, according to the commandments which God hath given.
27 Wherefore, men are free according to the flesh; and call things are given them which are expedient unto man. And they are free to choose liberty and eternal life, through the great Mediator of all men, or to choose captivity and death, according to the captivity and power of the devil; for he seeketh that all men might be miserable like unto himself.
28 And now, my sons, I would that ye should look to the great Mediator, and hearken unto his great commandments; and be faithful unto his words, and choose eternal life, according to the will of his Holy Spirit;
29 And not choose eternal death, according to the will of the flesh and the evil which is therein, which giveth the spirit of the devil power to captivate, to bring you down to hell, that he may reign over you in his own kingdom.
30 I have spoken these few words unto you all, my sons, in the last days of my probation; and I have chosen the good part, according to the words of the prophet. And I have none other object save it be the everlasting welfare of your souls. Amen.
Born Again
All that I have and am on earth
I commit to God and His Son
I have been taught unto rebirth
As a new creature, I have sprung
I must press on, proving steadfast in Christ
Who, through His merits, is mighty to save
I've entered the path to eternal life
Which, through His atoning grace, He did pave
In His name, I can weekly partake
That the Spirit might in me take root
He can cleanse me of the sins I make
So I might taste of the sweetest of fruits
Old temptations lose their appeal
As I renew covenants to obey
I humbly pray to know of God's will
For, he gives me strength and makes a way
With all of my might, mind, and heart
May I be devoted without reserve
And of those who've helped me from the start
May I honor them as I serve
Elder D. Todd Christofferson
Born Again
Ensign, May 2008, 76
I commit to God and His Son
I have been taught unto rebirth
As a new creature, I have sprung
I must press on, proving steadfast in Christ
Who, through His merits, is mighty to save
I've entered the path to eternal life
Which, through His atoning grace, He did pave
In His name, I can weekly partake
That the Spirit might in me take root
He can cleanse me of the sins I make
So I might taste of the sweetest of fruits
Old temptations lose their appeal
As I renew covenants to obey
I humbly pray to know of God's will
For, he gives me strength and makes a way
With all of my might, mind, and heart
May I be devoted without reserve
And of those who've helped me from the start
May I honor them as I serve
Elder D. Todd Christofferson
Born Again
Ensign, May 2008, 76
With Increasing Need
With increasing need
That is crucial indeed
We seek out our Father
And His profound power
It is our commission
To be strong Christians
*Who, through tragedy, have hope
And can help others to cope
*Who overcome temptations
As with covenants they station
*Who are defenders of truth
And, who's faith will not uproot
What is the source of this power?
That sustains us when trials tower
It's our law abiding commitment
To keep all our Father's commandments
We then find through the covenants we enter
That Jesus Christ is at the center
Offering us hope that's everlasting
As to Him we keep our eyes casting
Such that continual blessings flow
And grant us with resources to act
As a steady supply of gifts show
As well as hidden treasure of fact
And along the path we find
That charity never fails
As we're nourished more in kind
With Christ-like attributes that swell
As our faith is made perfect in weakness
We face life with hope and equanimity
Strengthened through the power of Godliness
And the ordinances in which we're participating
The Power of Covenants
Elder D. Todd Christofferson
Ensign, May 2009, 19
What is the Destiny of the Billions
What is the destiny of the billions
Who have lived and died without Christ?
They in the temple can be redeemed
As we proxy for the dead and are baptized
Our God is merciful and just
And has laid out a perfect plan
If we're obedient and trust
We can aid in the salvation of man
Jesus prophesied He would teach
Those in the spirit world when He died
There to organize the righteous to preach
Those in darkness and in need of His light
Like unto the living, the dead can increase in faith
Repent, be cleansed, and burn with the Holy Ghost within
It is their's to await vicarious work of the Saints
For the highest blessings of heaven to begin
With each husband and wife restored together
They are then sealed forever to their children
Till more and more family names do gather
Into an eternally welded link for heaven
Supplying labor for every time to embrace
Who will serve as an officiator?
And vicariously act in the Savior's place
Thus, to provide a way back to our creator
As an expression of our witness
Of the truthfulness of the gospel
We desire all to be humble in meekness
And accept the Atonement and be God's people
We are baptized for the dead
Because we know they will arise
Restored even to each hair on the head
As in Christ shall all be made alive
Our work is theirs to decide
As we've all free agency
In death or in life
Truth is for our accepting
Completing His mission of divine commitment
We benefit from the infinite reach of our Savior
Due to His perfect life and absolute Atonement
He is the sole source of our salvation and favor
And except a man be born
Of water and of the Spirit
His soul can not be reborn
And of judgment he will fear it
For straight is the way
And narrow is the gate
And those who'll know His grace
Will have been baptized in His name
Repent everyone
In the name of Jesus Christ
And follow Him, the very Son
With the Gift of the Holiness for light
Let the dead be freed from prison
To be judged according to the flesh
That the gospel may be preached for one reason
For the great Day when of God's hand we'll all confess
Elder D. Todd Christofferson
Why Do We Baptize for the Dead?
New Era, Mar 2009, 2–5
Who have lived and died without Christ?
They in the temple can be redeemed
As we proxy for the dead and are baptized
Our God is merciful and just
And has laid out a perfect plan
If we're obedient and trust
We can aid in the salvation of man
Jesus prophesied He would teach
Those in the spirit world when He died
There to organize the righteous to preach
Those in darkness and in need of His light
Like unto the living, the dead can increase in faith
Repent, be cleansed, and burn with the Holy Ghost within
It is their's to await vicarious work of the Saints
For the highest blessings of heaven to begin
With each husband and wife restored together
They are then sealed forever to their children
Till more and more family names do gather
Into an eternally welded link for heaven
Supplying labor for every time to embrace
Who will serve as an officiator?
And vicariously act in the Savior's place
Thus, to provide a way back to our creator
As an expression of our witness
Of the truthfulness of the gospel
We desire all to be humble in meekness
And accept the Atonement and be God's people
We are baptized for the dead
Because we know they will arise
Restored even to each hair on the head
As in Christ shall all be made alive
Our work is theirs to decide
As we've all free agency
In death or in life
Truth is for our accepting
Completing His mission of divine commitment
We benefit from the infinite reach of our Savior
Due to His perfect life and absolute Atonement
He is the sole source of our salvation and favor
And except a man be born
Of water and of the Spirit
His soul can not be reborn
And of judgment he will fear it
For straight is the way
And narrow is the gate
And those who'll know His grace
Will have been baptized in His name
Repent everyone
In the name of Jesus Christ
And follow Him, the very Son
With the Gift of the Holiness for light
Let the dead be freed from prison
To be judged according to the flesh
That the gospel may be preached for one reason
For the great Day when of God's hand we'll all confess
Elder D. Todd Christofferson
Why Do We Baptize for the Dead?
New Era, Mar 2009, 2–5
Placed in a Position of Power
Placed in a position of power
What shall ye do from hour to hour
But, stand upon a rock of honesty
For to step down...what's found is slippery
One lie will lead to another
As pride effects like no other
To admit blame will not get you a pass
For there's the matter of resolving the morass
So...find safety on that rock
A place to firmly walk
And make a lasting impression
Known for your honest manner of expression
'Stand on the rock of honesty,'
Elder D. Todd Christofferson tells students at Duke University School of Law
Published: Tuesday, March 23, 2010
LDS Church News
click on title to go directly to article
'Asked by Dean Levi to offer advice to Duke Law graduates on leading "a moral life" in the law, Elder Christofferson returned to his lasting impressions of the Watergate era.
"As I listened to those hours and hours of the White House tapes and the conversations as they went around and around about how to resolve the morass created by one bad decision after another, I concluded that … the only thing that really is your safety is to stand on the rock of honesty. … If you ever once make an exception, you're unprotected. That's why I'm for being firm on that rock."'
morass
noun: a soft wet area of low-lying land that sinks underfoot
What shall ye do from hour to hour
But, stand upon a rock of honesty
For to step down...what's found is slippery
One lie will lead to another
As pride effects like no other
To admit blame will not get you a pass
For there's the matter of resolving the morass
So...find safety on that rock
A place to firmly walk
And make a lasting impression
Known for your honest manner of expression
'Stand on the rock of honesty,'
Elder D. Todd Christofferson tells students at Duke University School of Law
Published: Tuesday, March 23, 2010
LDS Church News
click on title to go directly to article
'Asked by Dean Levi to offer advice to Duke Law graduates on leading "a moral life" in the law, Elder Christofferson returned to his lasting impressions of the Watergate era.
"As I listened to those hours and hours of the White House tapes and the conversations as they went around and around about how to resolve the morass created by one bad decision after another, I concluded that … the only thing that really is your safety is to stand on the rock of honesty. … If you ever once make an exception, you're unprotected. That's why I'm for being firm on that rock."'
morass
noun: a soft wet area of low-lying land that sinks underfoot
On October 16th- In the Year 1536
On October 16th
In the year 1536
A pitiful figure was led
To his lone sentence of death
Having been in a damp dark dungeon
For a year and a half with no sun
He was brought forth out of the castle
And hoisted to a post along the wall
Then, given a moment...he uttered aloud
A prayer that the bible, in English, be allowed
He having been blessed to know many languages
Had translated it from Greek and Roman pages
As a religious man, he was a devoted student
Who against clergy, dared to declare an argument
Ignorance... he'd stated was completely pervasive
So, he vowed to make the scriptures purely persuasive
That... each might turn to and read God's word often
As even a farmer could search and possess them
He, inspired with courage and determined faith,
Felt his calling to put man in control of his fate
This was perceived as a threat to the church of his time
As they were adamant he'd be casting pearls before swine
With hope that God above would open up the kings eyes
He was strangled and burned...doubly sure...and as a martyr he died
William Tyndale we thank you
And fully express our gratitude
May we, known as the common man
Take the scriptures unto our hands
And like the farmer of the plough field who searched much and prayed
May our questions and prayers to God, all the more, daily be raised
May we each feel the scriptures are our greatest treasure
A blessing to hold we cannot even begin to measure
The Blessing of Scripture
Elder D. Todd Christofferson
Ensign, May 2010, 32
The Bibles were smuggled into England, where they were in great demand and much prized by those who could get them. They were shared widely but in secret. The authorities burned all the copies they could find. Nevertheless, within three years of Tyndale’s death, God did indeed open King Henry VIII’s eyes, and with publication of what was called the “Great Bible,” the scriptures in English began to be publicly available. Tyndale’s work became the foundation for almost all future English translations of the Bible, most notably the King James Version.1
William Tyndale was not the first, nor the last, of those who in many countries and languages have sacrificed, even to the point of death, to bring the word of God out of obscurity. We owe them all a great debt of gratitude. We owe perhaps an even greater debt to those who faithfully recorded and preserved the word through the ages, often with painstaking labor and sacrifice—Moses, Isaiah, Abraham, John, Paul, Nephi, Mormon, Joseph Smith, and many others. What did they know about the importance of scriptures that we also need to know? What did people in 16th-century England, who paid enormous sums and ran grave personal risks for access to a Bible, understand that we should also understand?
In the year 1536
A pitiful figure was led
To his lone sentence of death
Having been in a damp dark dungeon
For a year and a half with no sun
He was brought forth out of the castle
And hoisted to a post along the wall
Then, given a moment...he uttered aloud
A prayer that the bible, in English, be allowed
He having been blessed to know many languages
Had translated it from Greek and Roman pages
As a religious man, he was a devoted student
Who against clergy, dared to declare an argument
Ignorance... he'd stated was completely pervasive
So, he vowed to make the scriptures purely persuasive
That... each might turn to and read God's word often
As even a farmer could search and possess them
He, inspired with courage and determined faith,
Felt his calling to put man in control of his fate
This was perceived as a threat to the church of his time
As they were adamant he'd be casting pearls before swine
With hope that God above would open up the kings eyes
He was strangled and burned...doubly sure...and as a martyr he died
William Tyndale we thank you
And fully express our gratitude
May we, known as the common man
Take the scriptures unto our hands
And like the farmer of the plough field who searched much and prayed
May our questions and prayers to God, all the more, daily be raised
May we each feel the scriptures are our greatest treasure
A blessing to hold we cannot even begin to measure
The Blessing of Scripture
Elder D. Todd Christofferson
Ensign, May 2010, 32
The Bibles were smuggled into England, where they were in great demand and much prized by those who could get them. They were shared widely but in secret. The authorities burned all the copies they could find. Nevertheless, within three years of Tyndale’s death, God did indeed open King Henry VIII’s eyes, and with publication of what was called the “Great Bible,” the scriptures in English began to be publicly available. Tyndale’s work became the foundation for almost all future English translations of the Bible, most notably the King James Version.1
William Tyndale was not the first, nor the last, of those who in many countries and languages have sacrificed, even to the point of death, to bring the word of God out of obscurity. We owe them all a great debt of gratitude. We owe perhaps an even greater debt to those who faithfully recorded and preserved the word through the ages, often with painstaking labor and sacrifice—Moses, Isaiah, Abraham, John, Paul, Nephi, Mormon, Joseph Smith, and many others. What did they know about the importance of scriptures that we also need to know? What did people in 16th-century England, who paid enormous sums and ran grave personal risks for access to a Bible, understand that we should also understand?
We each have a horse to tame.
Perhaps no two are the same.
Let us bring it to the Master.
He can save us from disaster!
The Lord is there for support.
Let's seek His love and comfort.
He knows the shoes we walk in
and how hard it is to tame sin.
There is always hope to find.
With each other, let's be kind.
Let's be patient and faithful,
as this is the Lord's gospel.
Pondering Elder Christofferson's
introduction to
http://mormonsandgays.org/
It doesn't cover the endless topics surrounding same gender attraction. It is meant to be a place for love and understanding where you can listen to members tell their story of hope surrounding the issue and what they have felt and learned.
The greatest good we can do
In helping others become
Is to free them unto
The living Savior, the Son
The greatest good framed in law
Is when it allows each man
To pursue God, here, below
And witness His guiding hand
We should seek for divine guidance
Before passing any kind of bill
So that in each and every instance
Man is free to reach his potential
thoughts from
Law Allows Us to Reach Our Potential, Says Elder Christofferson
click on the above post title to go directly to lds.org
Law Allows Us to Reach Our Potential, Says Elder Christofferson
click on the above post title to go directly to lds.org
Pray for daily bread.
https://www.instagram.com/reel/DTqaGMnkhM9/?igsh=eWR0b251NnQyeTk0
https://youtube.com/shorts/LJ1bXYGUSxo?si=GXySIHBVX7n5192i
The Lord asked, "Peter, Lovest thou me?"
Three times in the end
One for each time he'd denied Him
We all forget our friend.
Love the Lord. Don't deny Him
If you do... NOW! Repent!
You know naught what did try Him
For you, to what extent
For guiding steps to take.
In faith, to be fed.
In Spirit to awake
Elder Christofferson has conversations with youth at the Goshen Jerusalem set! He spoke of a time in financial crisis where he learned a miracle wasn't going to ease his burden and to seek "daily bread".
Imagine living ten times longer
How you would become set in your ways!
...to live for or against God, stronger
The arguments would go on for days
And God's people would seek a new place!
The natural man is an enemy to God....
Oft times to reach a day of reckoning
To realize all the wasted days, gone
And to the family comes an awakening
But with a slower clock, waste is so less frightening....
The opposition would be tough!
Attacking laws they deem unjust!
This was true in the days of Enoch
So he built a city for the righteous
Daily, here, How there was peace and LOVE
And they were translated to God, above!
Thoughts from.President Christofferson's words while speaking from the filming set in Goshen.
Imagine sitting at the feet
Of a living Apostle
In a Jerusalem setting
Today! This is possible!
The invitation forever stands
To walk with Jesus along the covenant path
To accept His call and trust His plans
He will work with you to grow from where you're at
He will shepherd you and carry you to safety
And nourish you with His words and His love
He will heal your soul ever gently
And prepare you for His mansions above
Thoughts from President Christofferson 's thoughts about Enoch accepting his invitation even though he felt inadequate.
The misstep was obvious
The shoes were covered in mud
When we sin this is like us
We repent and clean our lives up
The Savior would to remind
To remember this sin no more
You can leave the filth behind
That's what the atonement is for
President Christofferson explains Elder Richard G Scott's Mud Repentance Analogy. . Carrying the dirt around that you already cleaned off- makes no sense!
https://youtube.com/shorts/CUgbNvo4e6o?si=ORPoWlgibAY4EcTs
No matter who we have been before
We can become whole and even holy!
Through the sanctifying power of our Lord
His atonement reconciles, compensates and transforms
We are all within His grace, His love His reach
No matter the sin, mistake or transgression
No matter the pit of Hell, vile, with stench
He awaits to cleanse, to heal, and to teach
President Christofferson inspiring assurance on the Savior's atonement :
https://youtube.com/shorts/A8vV-0n5Qco?si=xhRGMrGlXJL-2BU2
Jesus Can
Jesus can fix and heal YOU
Of ALL the wrongs you have done
AND heal those you have harmed, too
That WE may be as one!
We had stake conference today. President Vance, a retired physician, spoke words that inspired this poem. Then, I came home and this youtube notification/ message by President Christofferson was on my phone:
https://youtu.be/IO9bUTFA-P0?si=RavfrKd6Ot4ZZGTD
Just what I need!
"President Carl D. Vance and Sister Emily Vance, who have been presiding over the Nevada Las Vegas Mission since July 2023, are being reassigned to the new Nevada Henderson Mission, where they will serve until July 2026."
A Wall of Faith
Backed up to the wall of faith
We each must take a stand
With fire in our hearts to face
What trials come at hand
Keep your eyes turned to the temple
With your ears tuned to the Word
That your heart stay warmed with faith
To be a light unto the world
Thoughts from President Christofferson's words.
https://youtube.com/shorts/VYxXokcjQ4k?si=jlpVgcNP12i3vwvT
Condescension From a Pre-Mortal Estate
Being enclosed with the physical
Having left our pre-mortal estate above
Our condesecension was uncomfortable
As we'd have to learn to rely on God's love
Knowing we'd forget God and everything
In exchange for the family we would gain
Still we knew that until we became mortal
We'd not fully understand joy and pain
Walk with HIm
Walk with Him, each, near and far
One step at a time, for all your days
He will meet you where you are
He is our path to Heaven, always
https://youtube.com/shorts/yxrKAiNSIbM?si=JnpOSDbIt6L07sku
Watch this inspiring video based on words from President Christofferson.
Transcendent
Beyond the limits
That we see or feel!
Prophets have visions!
They are the real deal!
In my mind, I keep hearing that the experience
of forming the first Presidency and the president of
Quorum of the 12 was transcendent. It must have
been incredible!
https://www.thechurchnews.com › leaders › 2025/10/25Video: ‘Transcendent experience’ of a new prophet – Church News
Oct 25, 2025 · In this Church News video, titled “Transcendent Experience,” President D. Todd Christofferson of the First Presidency and President Jeffrey R. Holland, president of the...
"Dignitas Infinita,” - Infinite Dignity
A very fitting message to give in Rome, where "all road lead to..."
Elder Christofferson was one of the invited speakers, focusing his remarks on the Catholic Church’s 2024 publication, “Dignitas Infinita,” or Infinite Dignity.
“This concept of infinite dignity instills in each human person a responsibility to treat every other person with love and respect, said Elder Christofferson. “This duty is not abstract; it is rooted in the teachings and example of Jesus Christ." https://youtube.com/shorts/5dVPz9dqPjs?si=TErloJRyd0YR941p
Love and respect all
Friends and strangers alike
We're brothers and sisters.
And we should be Christlike!
Tackle a topic
With selfless motives.
Then, with gained perspectives
Respect what this gives!
❤
The Lord asked, "Peter, Lovest thou me?"
Three times in the end
One for each time he'd denied Him
We all forget our friend.
Love the Lord. Don't deny Him
If you do... NOW! Repent!
You know naught what did try Him
For you, to what extent
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