From the days of Adam through the dispensations of Old Testament prophets came a central message of a grand event: the coming reign of the Messiah.

Through the pages of the New Testament we are given glimpses of the life and teachings of Jesus Christ and moving testimony by apostles and divinely called servants that He, indeed, came to earth to serve as our Mediator, Savior and Redeemer.

From the printed words of the New Testament spring a record of a Man among men, the King of kings and Lord of Lords. In reading of His birth, coupled with the writings of ancient prophets who foretold His coming, we learn that He came from a higher sphere to the lowliest station and that He did so with a dual mission: to draw all closer to God and to save all from eternal death.

The New Testament is a record of much action. Through it, we learn that Jesus preached the gospel of the kingdom, healed the sick, restored sight to the blind, raised the dead, caused the lame to walk. We learn that He lived and, literally, died for us, and then was resurrected. Perhaps the greatest thing He has done is to serve as our advocate.

This year, members in Sunday School classes will study the New Testament. This isn't the first time this great book has been the focus of study; without doubt, it won't be the last. As with all books of scripture, we gain something new each time we study the New Testament, as we do with each book of scripture. The scriptures are of such value that Church leaders direct us to study each set in a four-year rotation.

Readers can find much of interest and appeal in the New Testament. Those who read for the purpose of enjoying great literature won't be disappointed; there is much of fine writing and imagery in this relatively slim volume. Those who read to learn more about human nature will find an excellent text in the New Testament since much is revealed in it of the mortal psyche. Those who wish to learn of other times, places and cultures will discover in the New Testament a collection of studies on each of these topics.

But a higher purpose for reading the New Testament is to come to a better knowledge and understanding of Jesus Christ.

During the October 1964 general conference, President N. Eldon Tanner, who was second counselor in the First Presidency, said that in the New Testament "we have the testimonies of many of those who walked and talked with Him while He was here on earth among men, who testify that He is the Son of God."

"In fact, the New Testament gives its readers a beautiful and enlightening story of Jesus while in mortality and of His message of love and salvation and of His crucifixion and resurrection."

In an address in the April 1990 general conference, Elder Boyd K. Packer of the Quorum of the Twelve, who now serves as Acting President of the Quorum, summarized teachings of the New Testament:

"In the New Testament . . . you learn of the birth and ministry of Jesus the Christ and His divine sonship. You learn about ordinances, about baptism by immersion for the remission of sins.

"You read of the call of the Twelve, and follow their ministry. You learn of the fatherhood of God. You learn of the Holy Ghost, the Comforter, and personal revelation.

"You relive the days of the Betrayal and the Crucifixion, and learn transcendent truths of the Atonement and the Resurrection. You learn of love and law and why a Redeemer.

"From the four Gospels to the book of Revelation, the teachings of the Master and of His Apostles — the Lord Jesus Christ's gospel — is opened to you."

The Savior admonished, "Learn of me." (Matthew 11:29.) One of the best ways to learn of Him is to study His teachings recorded in the scriptures, including the New Testament.