Jesus Christ

As members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, we believe in Jesus Christ. We are Christians, and we believe in the biblical accounts of Jesus’ birth, mortal life and ministry, atoning sacrifice, death, resurrection, and prophesied return. We also believe that, as the Head of His Church, Jesus Christ has revealed himself to prophets in modern as well as ancient times. Jesus Christ was miraculously born to Mary, a virgin, in Bethlehem of Judea. He lived a sinless life and set an example of wisdom, worship, and charity. He taught His gospel, called apostles, organized His Church, and performed miracles. He suffered for the sins of all men and women and was killed by crucifixion. After three days, he rose again from the dead and ascended to heaven. We believe that Jesus Christ is part of the Godhead, which also includes God the Father and the Holy Ghost. The members of the Godhead are separate in being, but united in purpose. Jesus Christ is the literal Son of God. Though we are all God’s spirit children, Jesus Christ is the Firstborn in the spirit and the Only Begotten of the flesh. As such, He was uniquely qualified to be the Savior of all mankind—a role He was called to perform before the Earth was created. We are all children of God, and our purpose on earth is to learn of Him that we may return to live with Him. Because sin makes us unworthy to live in God’s presence, Jesus Christ voluntarily performed a vicarious sacrifice for all sin. As the Son of God and the only sinless individual, He was the only person who could have performed this sacrifice. Called the Atonement, His sacrifice makes it possible for all of us to repent and return to live with God. His resurrection also makes it possible for each of us to be resurrected, meaning that one day we all will have our bodies and spirits reunited in a perfect form, never again subject to death. Jesus Christ not only suffered for our sins, but He also experienced all of the pain, suffering, and trials that we face in our lives. Having experienced our suffering for Himself, He is able to understand, comfort, and strengthen us when we struggle. As members of His Church, we seek to learn more about Him through the scriptures, prophets, and personal revelation. We preach, pray, and perform sacred ordinances in His name. We strive to live the gospel and keep the commandments He taught and to follow the example He set. We look forward to the unknown day that He will return to Earth in glory and reign over all people. We hope to live with Him, as well as with God the Father and our own families, eternally. Though many BYU Speeches bear testimony of Jesus Christ, these addresses specifically center on aspects of His life, Atonement, and role in our lives. We hope that as you read them you too will be able to develop and strengthen your faith in and love for the Savior.

Ruth L. Renlund, wife of Dale G. Renlund

Ruth L. Renlund | December 3, 2019

Perhaps we should reflect on what can and should happen to us as we link ourselves with the name of our Savior. As we do, we too can change.

devotional 2019

Elder Dale G. Renlund of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints.

Dale G. Renlund | August 26, 2019

Elder Dale G. Renlund reminds the faculty of BYU that their responsibility to help students draw closer to Christ is more than a job—it is a blessing.

university conference 2019

Elder David A. Bednar, member of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

David A. Bednar | December 4, 2018

Joy comes from exercising faith in the Lord Jesus Christ, worthily receiving and faithfully honoring sacred ordinances and covenants, and striving to become deeply converted to the Savior and His purposes.

devotional 2018

Weatherford T. Clayton | March 14, 2017

If we have true faith in our Redeemer, we do something about it, because we have real intent.

devotional 2017

Kim B. Clark | August 22, 2016

This is the Lord’s way. He asks us to do things that seem impossible or even unwise. He asks us to build ships that no one has ever built before and to go places that no one has ever gone before.

university conference 2016

Scott C. Esplin | January 19, 2016

Faith leads to repentance of our past mistakes. But all of us need to follow up necessary repentance with belief—a belief in God and a belief that, though we all sin, the Atonement of Jesus Christ can and will save us.

devotional 2016

Larry Y. Wilson | December 1, 2015

If we are prepared for His coming—if we are looking for it—that day will be a great time of reunion and rejoicing. Make your choice, brothers and sisters, to use your time in the cause that matters most—the one that leads to the millennial reign of Jesus Christ.

devotional 2015

Jennifer Brinkerhoff Platt | March 27, 2015

Christ invites us to come quickly unto Him. His love casts darkness away. We are protected from deception when we choose to walk in His light as we see ourselves as we really are and as we really can be.

devotional 2015

Kent F. Richards | March 10, 2015

I suspect that even in Christ’s learning years He developed through a multitude of small choices rather than just through a few monumental decisions.

devotional 2015

D. Gordon Smith | June 26, 2012

I have sometimes  thought of the experience of changing my name in relation to my baptism—an ordinance in which I took upon myself the name of Jesus Christ.

devotional 2012

Douglas R. McKinlay | June 19, 2012

The Savior, both in His own recorded words and through the words of His holy prophets, has invited us to come unto Him, to experiment for ourselves on the truthfulness of His gospel, and to claim the attendant blessings.

devotional 2012

John P. Hoffman | May 8, 2012

It is my desire that all of us may get to know the Savior better, including his roles as the perfect Prophet, Priest, and King.

devotional 2012

Michael L. Dunn | January 31, 2012

I have seen some individuals who have confessed and forsaken their sins with a broken heart and a contrite spirit and yet are unable to accept the forgiveness that comes through the Atonement … They do not understand the miracle of forgiveness or the wonderful gift of grace that the Atonement is.

devotional 2012

Brad Wilcox | July 12, 2011

Grace is not achieved somewhere down the road. It is received right here and right now. It is not a finishing touch; it is the Finisher’s touch.

devotional 2011

L. Tom Perry | March 6, 2011

I challenge you to become “the greatest generation” by assisting our Father in Heaven’s children to return to their Christian faith and to the strong religious foundation that is so necessary to enjoy peace of mind and real happiness in this period of mortal probation.

devotional 2011

Steven L. Taylor | June 22, 2010

As we make and keep these sacred covenants with the Lord, He will keep His promises to us. Our lives will be built on that sure foundation, and there will be no need to fear.

devotional 2010

Barbara A. Heise | March 2, 2010

We don’t have to be perfect—after all we can do, the Savior does the rest. When we repent we choose to be changed, to be spiritually stronger, and to come closer to the Savior.

devotional 2010

Bruce D. Porter | December 9, 2008

Whatever it may be that binds us, whatever sins, circumstances, or past events hold each of us captive, the Lord Jesus Christ, the great Immanuel, has come to set us free.

devotional 2008

David L. Kooyman | May 20, 2008

Things do work out in the end if we trust the Lord. We cannot control some events that cause us great pain, but we can always control how we respond to them. We have no lasting power over another’s agency, but we can control our own for eternity.

devotional 2008

Earl C. Tingey | June 5, 2007

We do not change. If it was wrong in Old Testament days, it is wrong today. If it was wrong in New Testament days, it is wrong today. All this because we have living prophets who “stand in holy places, and [are not] moved.”

devotional 2007

Neil J. Anderson | May 8, 2007

As we desire to respond to the Savior’s invitation to come, we will have to leave behind our weaknesses and our sins.

devotional 2007

Thomas B. Griffith | March 14, 2006

When we come to have some sense of what Christ has done for us—and, in particular, what He has suffered for us—our natural reaction as children of God is to want to show our gratitude and love by giving our lives to Him, by obeying Him.

devotional 2006

Elder D. Todd Christofferson, member of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

D. Todd Christofferson | January 31, 2006

It is because of the Atonement of Christ that we can recover from bad choices and be justified under the law as if we had not sinned.

devotional 2006

Gordon B. Lindsay | July 26, 2005

With the instruction to “always remember Him,” the Lord does not want some form of general, always-sort-of-in-the-back-of-the-mind kind of remembering.

devotional 2005

Ronald E. Terry | June 7, 2005

The Book of Mormon does testify of Christ and His healing influence. I am grateful for the authors and the preservers of the plates who made it possible for us to read these marvelous accounts of the Lord extending the arms of His love to those in need.

devotional 2005

Elder Jeffrey R. Holland, member of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

Jeffrey R. Holland | September 12, 2004

God not only lives, He loves us. He loves you. Everything He does is for our good and our protection. There is evil and sorrow in the world, but there is no evil or harm in Him.

devotional 2004

Russell M. Nelson—President of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

Russell M. Nelson | December 10, 2002

Jesus descended below all things in order to rise above all things. He expects us to follow His example. Yoked with Him, we can rise above all challenges, no matter how difficult they may be.

devotional 2002

Merrill J. Bateman - BYU President - and Marilyn S. Bateman

Merrill J. and Marilyn S. Bateman | January 8, 2002

Can you sense the blessings that await if you drink deeply of Christ’s living water? Will you set aside a few minutes each day to read from the scriptures and then ponder the meaning of the verses read?

devotional 2002

David A. Bednar | October 23, 2001

As you and I come to understand and employ the enabling power of the Atonement in our personal lives, we will pray and seek for strength to change our circumstances rather than praying for our circumstances to be changed.

devotional 2001

Jeffrey D. Keith | October 9, 2001

My dear brothers and sisters, I am delighted to be here today to share a few thoughts with you. I appreciate the music that was so inspiring and the prayer to invoke the Lord’s Spirit here today. Three weeks ago today, President Bateman centered his devotional talk around a scripture counseling us to “search diligently in the light of Christ” and to “lay hold upon every good thing” (Moroni 7:19).…

devotional 2001

Mary Williams | July 17, 2001

Coming to know the Savior, learning to hear His voice, and allowing Him to be our Shepherd also requires commitment. This kind of commitment requires all that we have and are.

devotional 2001

K. Newell Dayley | March 6, 2001

Art that is centered in Christ invites the Holy Ghost to be present during its creation and, again, as it is experienced by others in performance, exhibition, or publication.

devotional 2001

Merrill J. and Marilyn S. Bateman | January 16, 2001

Christ is the basis for all that we do. Without the Savior and His Atonement, there would be no good news to spread.

devotional 2001

H. David Burton | January 9, 2000

I am convinced that we can find, know, and experience the tender, unconditional love of Jesus of Nazareth as we serve Him by serving our fellowmen.

devotional 2000

Marilyn S. Bateman | January 5, 1999

It is my prayer, my young, valiant brothers and sisters, that we will seek to be one with our Savior, Jesus Christ, by applying the principles of the gospel in our lives and living obediently to his commandments...

devotional 1999

L. Robert Webb | November 16, 1998

The Atonement is intensely individual, reaching to every single soul, and it is universal, reaching to all creation. In both of these aspects, planetary and personal, the Atonement overcomes separation of every kind.

devotional 1998

Russell M. Nelson | August 18, 1998

Russell M. Nelson shares his testimony of the mission and ministry of Jesus Christ, who exemplified the virtues of love, knowledge, and worship.

devotional 1998

Merrill J. Bateman | September 9, 1997

The Savior performed the Atonement for each of us, one by one. We can develop n individual relationship with Him through prayer, study, and loving others.

devotional 1997

President M. Russell Ballard, acting president of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

M. Russell Ballard | March 12, 1996

Toward the end of the Savior’s ministry, His disciples came to Him with several questions all centered around one key prophetic event: “Tell us, when shall these things be?"

devotional 1996

Monte J. Brough | February 13, 1996

Today I wish to talk about significant events that occurred in the proximity of two gardens: the Garden of Eden and the Garden of Gethsemane. Those events, and the spiritual and doctrinal issues that connect the two gardens, are among the most important we could discuss. I, therefore, title this presentation “Between Two Gardens.” After Adam and Eve were driven from the Garden of Eden, they began to till the…

devotional 1996

Gary L. Bunker | March 1, 1994

When Nephi saw in vision the condescension of both the Father and the Son in offering the Son as the Lamb of God, he could only describe the love in superlative phrases as “beauty . . . exceeding of all beauty; . . . the whiteness of the driven snow. . . . Precious above all. . . . The most desirable above all things. . . . And the most joyous to the soul” (1 Nephi 11:8–9, 22–23). That…

devotional 1994

Dallin H. Oaks—first counselor in the First Presidency of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

Dallin H. Oaks | June 6, 1993

The subject I believe we have neglected is the Book of Mormon’s witness of the divinity and mission of Jesus Christ and our covenant relationship to him.

devotional 1993

L. Tom Perry | February 11, 1992

In his youth, Jesus increased in wisdom, stature, and favor with God and man. He provides an example of mental, physical, spiritual, and social growth.

devotional 1992

Russell M. Nelson | February 2, 1992

Sinless and flawless as Jesus was in mortality, we should remember that he viewed his own state of physical perfection as being yet in the future (see Luke 13:32). Even he had to endure to the end. Can you and I be expected to do any less?

devotional 1992

Elder Neal A. Maxwell, member of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ.

Neal A. Maxwell | March 31, 1991

Oh, how we adore Jesus for his atonement! For his free gift of immortality to all!

devotional 1991

Stephen E. Robinson | May 29, 1990

Many of us are trying to save ourselves, holding the Atonement of Jesus Christ at arm’s distance and saying, “When I’ve done it, when I’ve perfected myself, when I’ve made myself worthy, then I’ll be worthy of the Atonement.

devotional 1990

Neal A. Maxwell | February 4, 1990

This address will attempt to “survey the wondrous cross” by focusing on the Christology in the book of Mosiah, using not only the words of King Benjamin, Mosiah, Abinadi, and Alma the Younger, but scriptures that lie in the suburbs of Mosiah and other related scriptures. The final focus will be on the requirements for our becoming what King Benjamin called “the children of Christ,” which is my text (Mosiah…

devotional 1990

James M. Paramore | August 22, 1989

If we look to and study the life of Jesus Christ, we can come to know how we can become a leader in our families, church callings, and secular settings.

devotional 1989

Marvin J. Ashton | June 5, 1988

Lessons from the experience with the woman taken in adultery shows how Christ was the master teacher, full of love, compassion, and testimony.

devotional 1988

Bruce R. McConkie | January 6, 1985

If our vision is blurred where this doctrine and these concepts are concerned, or, if knowingly or unknowingly we have fallen prey to any of the false sectarian notions that abound with reference to them, our progress toward eternal life will be slow indeed.

devotional 1985

Robert J. Matthews | December 4, 1984

In living the gospel, we must understand why a Savior is necessary for our physical and spiritual salvation. He is the greatest gift ever given.

devotional 1984

John H. Groberg | June 3, 1984

Reverberating through all eternity, all creation exults: “In Christ there is always hope.” I know whereof I speak.

devotional 1984

J. Richard Clarke | March 27, 1984

We all sin, but we don't have to live with those burdens forever. Through repentance, we can be made clean through the Atonement of Jesus Christ.

devotional 1984

Ezra Taft Benson - Mormon Prophet and Apostle

Ezra Taft Benson | October 11, 1983

Our characters are defined by our thoughts, which become actions, then habits. "What would Jesus do?" is a thought that can safely guide us home.

devotional 1983

David B. Haight | January 29, 1983

Our Church, faith, and gospel have Jesus Christ for their foundation. The scriptures and the lives and witnesses of latter-day prophets testify of Him.

devotional 1983

Theodore M. Burton | October 26, 1982

Theodore M. Burton speaks about the doctrine of baptism and discusses what our doctrine teaches on what it means to be born again.

devotional 1982

Truman G. Madsen | May 9, 1982

Drawing parallels between the olive press and the events in Gethsemane, Truman G. Madsen invites us all to reflect on the atoning sacrifice of Jesus Christ.

devotional 1982

Bruce R. McConkie | March 2, 1982

True and saving worship is found only among those who know the truth about God and the Godhead and who understand the true relationship men should have with each member of that Eternal Presidency.

devotional 1982

J. Richard Clarke | December 6, 1981

Tonight, I have come to testify in behalf of Jesus Christ. How you accept him and how valiant you are in your testimony of him will have an enormous compounding impact upon the Church.

devotional 1981

Ivan J. Barrett | August 2, 1981

As we seek to walk in the footsteps of Jesus, we need to understand Him better. Ivan J. Barrett offers insights into the life and character of Jesus Christ.

devotional 1981

Ardeth G. Kapp | May 5, 1981

As we strive to take His name upon us and honor our sacrament covenants every day of the week, we will draw closer to Christ and serve and love as He does.

devotional 1981

Vaughn J. Featherstone | August 26, 1979

Walking in the steps of the Savior is not easy, but it will bring you experiences and growth that you will be forever grateful for.

devotional 1979

James E. Faust | March 13, 1979

Each has to receive his own witness concerning Jesus as the Christ. I wish this morning to set my seal upon this knowledge.

devotional 1979

Ezra Taft Benson | March 4, 1979

We follow a perfect leader—not just one who tells us to do what he thinks we should do, but the only one who can say that we should be as He is in everything. In the Book of Mormon, the Lord asked the question, “What manner of men ought ye to be?” And then He answered by saying, “Verily I say unto you, even as I am.”

devotional 1979

Bruce R. McConkie | September 3, 1978

[Joseph Smith] is one of the great dispensation heads, and a dispensation head is a revealer for his age and his period of the knowledge of Christ and of salvation.

devotional 1978

G. Homer Durham, former presidency of the First Quorum of the Seventy.

G. Homer Durham | March 7, 1978

The Christ of the Book of Mormon offers Christianity a clearer picture of the Savior, His plan for us, and His doctrine.

devotional 1978

Marion G. Romney | February 5, 1978

Jesus Christ was and is uniquely qualified to be our Redeemer because of His pre-mortal foreordination, His mortal perfection, and His eternal atonement.

devotional 1978

Mark E. Petersen | December 13, 1977

Christ is not only the miraculous baby of Bethlehem, or even the atoning Savior of Gethsemane. He is also our creator, the source of our existence.

devotional 1977

Rex D. Pinegar | May 10, 1977

We all have a divine potential to become like Christ, but to become like Him, we must develop a relationship with Him by praying, repenting, and obeying.

devotional 1977

Vaughn J. Featherstone | October 12, 1976

I would like, for a few moments with you this morning, to suggest what I think the man of Christ is—his integrity, his selflessness, his courage.

devotional 1976

Bruce R. McConkie | September 5, 1976

Repentance means that we have faith in the Lord Jesus Christ, that we forsake our sins, that we come into the church and kingdom of God on earth and receive the Holy Ghost.

devotional 1976

Bruce R. McConkie | December 2, 1975

Elder McConkie offers his testimony of Christ's divine parentage. We, too, can testify of his identity as the Son of God; we can "declare his generation."

devotional 1975

George W. Pace | July 15, 1975

Brother and sisters, this is a delightful experience for me today. I don’t know when I’ve been more terrified and frightened. I feel a little like the cowboy who rode into town and shot up the place and jumped on his horse and rode off in all directions. But I hope with all my heart that I might have that presence of mind and that presence of Spirit which will…

devotional 1975

Vaughn J. Featherstone | March 30, 1975

Like the prophets and people of the scriptures, you can have a personal experience with the Savior. He will tarry with you, as He did with them.

devotional 1975

Ezra Taft Benson | December 10, 1974

Ezra Taft Benson teachs that Jesus Christ gave us the gifts of the Church, prophets, scriptures, our nation, and even His life. What can we give to Him?

devotional 1974

Hugh B. Brown | December 15, 1970

Get to know your Shepherd, who can forgive you of your sins and teach you the truth. Evaluate your commitment to the Savior, Jesus Christ.

devotional 1970

Bruce R. McConkie | December 16, 1969

Christ’s mortal birth, life, and atoning sacrifice are evidence of the condescension of God and His incredible love for us.

devotional 1969

Hugh B. Brown | May 31, 1968

Whatever undertakings may demand of you and of your attention, I tell you, young men and young women, you cannot make a better resolution today than this: “I am going to keep close to the Lord. I am going to understand Him better, and, understanding Him, I will understand myself and will try to put my life into harmony with His.”

commencement 1968

Marion G. Romney | May 9, 1967

Jesus Christ was subject to pain, testing, and temptation. His very ability to sin is what makes his sinlessness so inspiring. He is our greatest exemplar.

devotional 1967

Joseph Fielding Smith - Mormon Prophet and Apostle

Joseph Fielding Smith | March 21, 1967

The calamities signaling the second coming and the judgments of the Lord are here for us to study in the scriptures. We need not fear if we are prepared.

devotional 1967

Elray L. Christiansen | August 9, 1966

Jesus Christ is the best friend we have—but do we treat Him like the friend He is? Are we loyal to Him? Do we live the principles He taught?

devotional 1966

William J. Critchlow | June 14, 1966

The trial of Jesus did not end 2,000 years ago when He stood before those who would condemn Him—it continues today in each of our hearts.

devotional 1966

Truman G. Madsen | November 16, 1965

The text for this speech is unavailable. Please see our FAQ page for more information.

devotional 1965

President Gordon B. Hinckley, prophet of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

Gordon B. Hinckley | October 26, 1965

By whose standards do we make the small decisions on which big consequences hinge? By the standards of the state (Caesar), the masses (circus), or Christ?

devotional 1965

Mark E. Petersen | September 28, 1965

It is your calling to be a witness, an example, and, in short, an exponent of Christ in a world that is moving further and further away from Him.

devotional 1965

Spencer W. Kimball | January 16, 1963

Let us not forget to be humble, to remember where our blessings, gifts, and accomplishments really come from. Humility will bring us closer to Christ.

devotional 1963

Boyd K. Packer | December 12, 1962

Gifts, traditions, lights—these are wonderful aspects of Christmas, but don't let them overshadow the true focus, our Savior Jesus Christ.

devotional 1962

Gordon B. Hinckley | January 3, 1962

The Lord has commanded us to "be not faithless, but believing." Faith in Jesus Christ can help us overcome any challenge or obstacle in life.

devotional 1962

Gordon B. Hinckley | December 14, 1960

This Christmas season, ask yourselves, "How does my testimony of Jesus Christ influence my beliefs, my actions, and the way I treat others?"

devotional 1960

Hugh B. Brown | December 9, 1959

"The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want." Take the time to get to know the Savior, your Redeemer and Friend, and to emulate his love and example.

devotional 1959

Harold B. Lee - Mormon Prophet and Apostle

Harold B. Lee | December 10, 1958

We don't all have the opportunity to travel and walk where Jesus walked. We can, however, do our best to walk as He walked.

devotional 1958

Joseph Fielding Smith | May 14, 1957

The scriptures say that we are "bought with a price." We forever owe our love and devotion to Jesus Christ for His ransoming sacrifice.

devotional 1957

J. Reuben Clark | May 22, 1956

J Reuben Clark shares his deep and abiding testimony that Jesus Christ is our Creator and Redeemer—a testimony we all need to seek.

devotional 1956

Joseph Fielding Smith | January 25, 1955

The atonement of Jesus Christ saves us from the effects of the Fall and from our own transgressions. Understanding it gives us hope to repent and improve.

devotional 1955

J. Reuben Clark | December 11, 1951

President Clark shares his testimony of the magnificence, love, and mission of each member of the Godhead: our Father, our Savior, and the Holy Spirit.

devotional 1951

Alma Sonne | April 11, 1950

History readily accounts for prominent historical figures, but often skips over the Savior. Accounting for the Lord means learning from his teachings.

devotional 1950