Prophets, apostles chart course to the Savior
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The collective wisdom and exhortation of prophets and apostles, if heeded and followed, will "help us steer our course ever closer to our Savior," Elder Stephen B. Oveson of the Seventy declared.
Speaking Sunday afternoon, Elder Oveson said he had been reflecting on the "great sermons, blessings, testimonies and admonitions that prophets and apostles throughout the ages have left, especially as they felt themselves 'waxing old' or preparing to 'go down to the dust.' Some of these parting passages are among our most noteworthy and quoted scriptures."
Continuing, Elder Oveson quoted the words of several ancient prophets, including Enoch, Joseph, Moses and Joshua. He added examples from the Book of Mormon, including the words of Abinadi and Mormon, and quoted passages from the New Testament, including those of Peter and Paul.
"And certainly the greatest personage of all time to learn from is the risen Lord Himself, as He charged His apostles and followers to 'Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and the Son, and of the Holy Ghost. . . ' (Matthew 28:19-20).
"What a wealth of conviction and knowledge these collective scriptures give us. Can we find common inspirational threads running through each of them? I believe they are easily recognizable:
- "That Christ, the Son of God, lives and is our Redeemer and Savior.
- "That we should follow Him and show our love for Him by remembering Him
and humbly keeping His commandments.
- "That through His Atonement, we are able to repent and be cleansed.
- "That we are His covenant people and should always keep the covenants
that we have entered into.
- "That we need to spread His gospel throughout the world.
- "That we should have faith, repent, be baptized and receive the Holy Ghost, and endure to the end."
Toward his closing remarks, Elder Oveson added the counsel of modern prophets, including President Gordon B. Hinckley, who "continues to lead us with his powerful convictions." Elder Oveson closed with his "own humble affirmation of the truthfulness of the aforementioned testimonies."
