In his talk “Holy Scriptures: The Power of God Unto Our Salvation” Elder Robert D Hales speaks about the importance of studying the scriptures. He begins by looking at the Book of Mormon. He points out that the title page says that the Book of Mormon was written because God commanded it.
Elder Hales then goes on to share that after Lehi had fled Jerusalem that Nephi and his brothers were sent back to retrieve the Brass Plates, so that they would have the scriptures. He speaks of the importance of the scriptures in keeping you on the path to be able to return to the Lord. He compares the Nephites who had the scriptures to the Mulekites who did not have the scriptures. They had lost the truthfulness of the gospel.
Elder Hales also shares the story of the Jaredites, who began to ignore the teachings of the scriptures, and were ultimately destroyed for their wickedness. Elder Hales tells us that the scriptures help us to know
“ * Who we are.
* What we can become.
* Prophecies for us and for our posterity.
* The commandments, laws, ordinances, and covenants we must live by to obtain eternal life.
* And how we must live in order to endure to the end and return to our Heavenly Father with honor.”
Elder Hales goes on to urge us to study the words of the scriptures. He says:
“As with voices from the dust, the prophets of the Lord cry out to us on earth today: take hold of the scriptures! Cling to them, walk by them, live by them, rejoice in them, feast on them. Don’t nibble. They are “the power of God unto salvation”3 that lead us back to our Savior Jesus Christ.”
Elder Hales goes on to say that when we feel that we have not received personal revelation from the Lord lately that we need to begin to the study the scriptures again. He points out that while Christ was on the Earth that he taught from the scriptures as well. He explained the scriptures and shared the prophecies, which had been fulfilled.
Elder Hales goes on to say that the answers that we now need can be found in the scriptures. He goes on to say that in order to return to Heavenly Father that we need to study the scriptures and follow the teachings that we find there. The scriptures and the words of the prophet will help us to stay focused on the truly important things.
This is a wonderful talk. It demonstrates the importance of the scriptures. It is also points out the many blessings that come with reading the scriptures. I know that reading the scriptures has given me strength and comfort as I face the trials in my life. I hope you will take the time to read the talk.
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