Elder D. Todd Christofferson
Elder D. Todd Christofferson’s talk focuses on the importance of being valiant in the testimony of Jesus. He emphasizes the eternal significance of our relationship to this testimony, as revealed in the vision of the three kingdoms of glory. Elder Christofferson encourages us to receive, nurture, and act upon the testimony of Jesus, highlighting the need for personal holiness and commitment to God’s covenant path.
The Testimony of Jesus
Elder Christofferson explains that the testimony of Jesus is a divine witness that He is the Son of God, the Creator, and the Redeemer. This testimony encompasses the teachings of the apostles and prophets, affirming Jesus’ role in the plan of salvation and His resurrection.
“It is the witness of the Holy Spirit that He is the divine Son of God, the Messiah and Redeemer.”
Scriptural references for further study:
- John 5:39: Search the scriptures; for in them ye think ye have eternal life: and they are they which testify of me.
- 3 Nephi 11:10-11: Behold, I am Jesus Christ, whom the prophets testified shall come into the world. And behold, I am the light and the life of the world; and I have drunk out of that bitter cup which the Father hath given me, and have glorified the Father in taking upon me the sins of the world.
Receiving the Testimony
Those who inherit the celestial kingdom fully receive the testimony of Jesus by being baptized, receiving the Holy Ghost, and living according to gospel principles. Their lives reflect their commitment to Christ, and they prioritize spiritual growth and charity.
“The testimony of Jesus is manifest in what they are and what they are becoming.”
Scriptural references for further study:
- Mosiah 18:8-10: And it came to pass that he said unto them: Behold, here are the waters of Mormon (for thus were they called) and now, as ye are desirous to come into the fold of God, and to be called his people, and are willing to bear one another’s burdens, that they may be light;
- Doctrine and Covenants 20:37: And again, by way of commandment to the church concerning the manner of baptism—All those who humble themselves before God, and desire to be baptized, and come forth with broken hearts and contrite spirits, and witness before the church that they have truly repented of all their sins, and are willing to take upon them the name of Jesus Christ, having a determination to serve him to the end, and truly manifest by their works that they have received of the Spirit of Christ unto the remission of their sins, shall be received by baptism into his church.
Being Valiant in the Testimony
Being valiant in the testimony of Jesus involves actively nurturing and strengthening our faith through daily practices such as prayer, scripture study, and service. It also means publicly witnessing our faith and heeding the counsel of God’s prophets.
“True disciples do not ignore the seemingly small things that sustain and strengthen their testimony of Jesus.”
Scriptural references for further study:
- Alma 37:6-7: Now ye may suppose that this is foolishness in me; but behold I say unto you, that by small and simple things are great things brought to pass; and small means in many instances doth confound the wise.
- Doctrine and Covenants 58:27: Verily I say, men should be anxiously engaged in a good cause, and do many things of their own free will, and bring to pass much righteousness.
Encouraging Others
Being valiant also means encouraging others, especially within our families, to be valiant in their testimony of Jesus. Our example and words can inspire future generations to remain faithful and committed to the gospel.
“Being valiant in the testimony of Jesus means encouraging others, by word and example, to likewise be valiant, especially those of our own families.”
Scriptural references for further study:
- Proverbs 22:6: Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it.
- Alma 56:47-48: Now they never had fought, yet they did not fear death; and they did think more upon the liberty of their fathers than they did upon their lives; yea, they had been taught by their mothers, that if they did not doubt, God would deliver them.
Personal Holiness
Personal holiness is essential to being valiant in the testimony of Jesus. This includes repentance, seeking the guidance of the Holy Ghost, and striving to become more Christlike through humility and faith.
“It is this mighty change of heart—yielding our hearts to God and being spiritually reborn through the grace of the Savior—that we seek.”
Scriptural references for further study:
- Mosiah 3:19: For the natural man is an enemy to God, and has been from the fall of Adam, and will be, forever and ever, unless he yields to the enticings of the Holy Spirit, and putteth off the natural man and becometh a saint through the atonement of Christ the Lord, and becometh as a child, submissive, meek, humble, patient, full of love, willing to submit to all things which the Lord seeth fit to inflict upon him, even as a child doth submit to his father.
- Doctrine and Covenants 20:77: O God, the Eternal Father, we ask thee in the name of thy Son, Jesus Christ, to bless and sanctify this bread to the souls of all those who partake of it; that they may eat in remembrance of the body of thy Son, and witness unto thee, O God, the Eternal Father, that they are willing to take upon them the name of thy Son, and always remember him and keep his commandments which he has given them; that they may always have his Spirit to be with them. Amen.
Calls to Action:
- Act now to secure your place as one who is valiant in the testimony of Jesus.
- Be zealous in keeping your covenants with God.
- Do not be offended by the strictness of the word.
- Retain the name of Christ written always in your hearts.
- Do the things which Jesus shall teach and command you.