The following is excerpted from the Church Newsroom. To read the full article, CLICK HERE.
In his general conference message delivered Sunday, October 1, Church President Russell M. Nelson, who celebrated his 99th birthday September 17, invited listeners to “think celestial,” and “put Jesus Christ first.”
Sharing “one of the most crucial lessons” learned from his near-century-long life, he said, “I have learned that Heavenly Father’s plan for us is fabulous, that what we do in this life really matters, and that the Savior’s Atonement is what makes our Father’s plan possible.”
Speaking from a seated position in the pre-recorded message shown at the end of the Sunday afternoon session, the President of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, regarded by Church members as a modern, living prophet, shared how intense pain from a recent back injury has increased his awareness of Jesus Christ’s suffering in Gethsemane and caused him to reflect on the greatness of the Savior.
“I have felt even deeper appreciation for Jesus Christ and the incomprehensible gift of His Atonement,” he said. “Think of it! The Savior suffered “pains and afflictions and temptations of every kind” so that He can comfort us, heal us, rescue us — in times of need.”
Christ’s infinite Atonement makes God’s plan for his children perfect. “It allows each of us to choose how we will live here on earth and where we will live forever,” he said.
When making a choice or being confronted with a dilemma, temptation, trial or opposition, President Nelson invited listeners to take an eternal view, “think celestial,” and “put Jesus Christ first,” “because your eternal life is dependent upon your faith in Him and in His Atonement. It is also dependent upon your obedience to His laws.”
To read the full article, CLICK HERE.