Scriptures have answers to the world's troubles
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The answer to the terror, destruction, and even genocide of these last days is found in the scriptures, said Elder Robert D. Hales of the Quorum of the Twelve, speaking in the Saturday afternoon conference session.
"Through the holy scriptures, (the Lord's) new and everlasting gospel proclaims: 'Love thy neighbour as thyself"' (Matthew 22:39), quoted Elder Hales. The scriptures, the word of God given to us for our salvation, are essential in receiving a testimony of Jesus Christ and His gospel, said Elder Hales. "These sacred records bear testimony of the Savior and lead us to Him."
He outlined the pages of the Book of Mormon, beginning at the title page and introduction, which state that the book is written by the spirit of prophecy, and that it has come forth by the gift and power of God.
Scriptures fill a vital role and will tell people who we are, what we may become, provide prophecies for us and our posterity, supply the commandments, laws and ordinances and covenants that lead to eternal life, and tell that all must endure to the end to return to Heavenly Father.
The Book of Mormon tells what became of civilizations that regarded or disregarded the scriptures. "As with the voices from the dust, the prophets of God cry out to us on the earth today — take hold of the scriptures! Feast on them — don't nibble. Cling to them, walk by them, live by them and rejoice in them," said Elder Hales. "They are the 'power of God unto salvation' that lead us back to our Savior, Jesus Christ."
Elder Hales said that if the Savior were here today, He would again teach from the scriptures as He did when He walked the earth. Noting various times the Savior mentioned the scriptures during His ministry, Elder Hales said, "To His disciples then and now, His words ring out, 'Search the scriptures; for... they are they which testify of me' a testimony borne by the Holy Ghost for 'by the power of the Holy Ghost ye may know the truth of all things"' (John 5:39).
Elder Hales testified that the scriptures have been "kept and preserved (for us) by the hand of the Lord, for a very wise purpose in Him" (Alma 37:4).
"What a glorious blessing," Elder Hales said. "For, when we want to speak to God, we pray. And when we want Him to speak to us, we search the scriptures; for His words are spoken through His prophets. He will then teach us as we listen to the promptings of His Holy Spirit."
For those who have not recently heard the Holy Spirit speaking, "return with new eyes and new ears to the scriptures. They are our spiritual lifeline... Throughout all the wars of the past century and the conflicts that rage today, Latter-day Saints survive because they hear His voice through the scriptures....
"We are living in the last days, brothers and sisters, in the fulness of times. We must remember that we have control of who we are no matter how difficult the world becomes.... Despite all the turmoil in the world, when the Savior comes to His temple... those who are true and faithful will be there. May we be among them, I pray."
