The restored gospel is universal, with an all-encompassing applicability of its ordinances, covenants and blessings, said Elder Merrill J. Bateman of the Presidency of the Seventy.

Elder Merrill J. Bateman

"The worldwide significance of the Prophet Joseph Smith's first vision and the Book of Mormon are not measured by location, but by their message regarding man's relationship to God, the Father's love for His children, and the divine potential within each human being," Elder Bateman said during Sunday morning's conference session.

Indeed, the call to "come unto Christ" is universal and applies to all of God's children whether African, Asian, European or any other nationality.

Elder Bateman spoke of the Father's plan of life, with its central focus on Christ's atonement, being prepared before the foundation of the world. It was given to Adam and to prophets of successive dispensations. A pattern of apostasy developed until the fulness of the gospel was restored by the Savior Himself.

"Following the Savior's death and those of His apostles, doctrines and ordinances were changed and apostasy set in again," Elder Bateman said. "This time spiritual darkness lasted for hundreds of years before rays of light would once more penetrate the earth."

The Lord directed the Restoration of the gospel through Joseph Smith. "The restitution of all things began in the Sacred Grove with the Father and the Son appearing to Joseph Smith. In vision, Joseph learned of God's personal nature, that the Father and the Son are separate, exalted beings with bodies of flesh and bone."

Elder Bateman explained that at the beginning of most dispensations, a book is given to the newly called prophet. That pattern continued, as Joseph Smith brought forth the Book of Mormon.

"The Book of Mormon has the power to draw all men and women to Christ," he said. "Its references to the Savior's Atonement are the clearest on record with regard to its purpose and powers."

Christ's divine inheritance gave Him the power to perform the Atonement to suffer for the sins of all, Elder Bateman added.

"The Atonement was an intimate, personal experience in which Jesus came to know how to help each of us."

The Creator of the universe is intimately acquainted with all His Father's children, Elder Bateman said. "He learned about your weaknesses and mine. He experienced your pains and sufferings. He experienced mine. I testify that He knows us. He understands the way in which we deal with temptations. He knows our weaknesses. More than just knowing us, He knows how to help us if we come to Him in faith."

The restored gospel is a pattern for all, concluded Elder Bateman. "It is not the location of events that matters, it is the good news — the timeless doctrine and atoning powers of Christ which bring happiness to the soul."