'My Redeemer Lives' — Easter conference
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It is through living the commandments of God and relying on the Savior's atonement that individuals are able to receive blessings and a fullness of joy, Elder John H. Groberg, emeritus member of the Seventy said during the Easter Conference held at Brigham Young University on April 9. The theme of this year's conference was "My Redeemer Lives," and presentations included musical numbers and talks focusing on the Savior's life, ministry, Atonement and Resurrection.
"Eastertime is a wonderful time to bear testimony of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ," Elder Groberg said. "To give gratitude for Him, to show our love for Him, and to increase our faith in Him."
It is through keeping the commandments that individuals are able to show their love and express gratitude for the Savior, Elder Groberg said. It is through living in accordance with the laws of truth that bring eternal life and joy.
"Jesus is perfect. He loves his Father fully, keeps His commandments fully, and therefore experiences a perfect fullness of joy," he said. "We, on the other hand, are imperfect. We love Jesus, but presently fall short of keeping those commandments for them. He understands this and wants to help us."
As obedience increases, love increases, he said. As love increases obedience increases and this pattern continues on and on unto eventual perfection, which is the goal, he said.
"We feel we simply cannot do it on our own, but we can do it with His help," Elder Groberg said. "We are weak, but He is strong. ... No matter what it takes, Jesus will be there to help."
Through this process individuals will eventually have a fullness of love, obedience and joy.
"We have a long way to go — He understands that," he said. "Trust Him, He is perfect. He can cleanse us even from deep scarlet. He can give us confidence, hope, faith, and take doubt, fear and uncertainty from our hearts. He is our ever present friend."
As individuals draw near unto the Savior, He promises to draw near unto them, he said. As individuals do so, they will have a greater understanding of all He has done and a greater desire to move toward eventual perfection through the assistance of the Savior's Atonement.
"I know He lives," he said. "I know He loves us. I know He is the Son of God. I know He is our friend. I know that through Him, His creations, His Atonement, His Resurrection and His final judgement, it is possible for all of us to return to our Father in Heaven and receive the incomparable gifts of the assurance of immortality, and the opportunity of eternal life and the endless joy that comes."
Other speakers of the annual conference included Relief Society General Board member and international vice president for BYU, Sister Sandra Rogers, whose presentation was titled 'To proclaim liberty to the captives,' and BYU professor of religion Charles Swift, who spoke about three stories from the Savior's life and ministry.
