You Must Be Born Again Elder Bednar

Members of The Church building of Jesus Christ of Latter-twenty-four hour period Saints sometimes have their own vernacular that sounds foreign to those of other faiths, or might exist understood differently. The concepts of testimony and conversion are two of those. What is a testimony? What does information technology mean to be converted—and to what are Mormons converted? Permit's take this one step at a time.

The Challenge to Become

For this word, nosotros'll offset at the finish. What is the goal? Mormons believe that our ultimate goal is to learn how to become like our Father in Heaven. Mormons believe that we are literal spirit children of our Heavenly Father and that we lived with Him before we were born. We came to earth to be tested to run across if we would follow the commandments of God in all things and so that we would be worthy to live with Him once more. But when is this determined? Elderberry Dallin H. Oaks explained,

Many Bible and modern scriptures speak of a final judgment at which all persons will exist rewarded co-ordinate to their deeds or works or the desires of their hearts. Simply other scriptures enlarge upon this by referring to our being judged by the condition  nosotros have achieved .

What is the condition that we are trying to reach? Elder Oaks continued,

The prophet Nephi describes the Final Judgment in terms of what we take get:  "And if their works have been filthiness they must needs exist  filthy; and if they be  filthy it must needs exist that they cannot dwell in the kingdom of God" ( 1 Nephi 15:33 ; accent added). Moroni declares, "He that is  filthy shall exist filthy nonetheless; and he that is righteous shall be righteous even so" ( Mormon 9:14 ; emphasis added; come across also Revelation 22:11–12 ; 2 Nephi ix:16 ; Doctrine & Covenants 88:35 ). The same would exist truthful of "selfish" or "disobedient" or any other personal attribute inconsistent with the requirements of God. Referring to the "land" of the wicked in the Final Judgment, Alma explains that if we are condemned past our words, our works, and our thoughts, "we shall not be plant spotless; … and in this awful land we shall not dare to expect upward to our God" ( Alma 12:14 ).

From such teachings we conclude that the Final Judgment is non simply an evaluation of a sum total of good and evil acts—what we take washed.  It is an acknowledgment of the final effect of our acts and thoughts—what we have become.  It is non enough for anyone just to go through the motions. The commandments, ordinances, and covenants of the gospel are non a list of deposits required to be made in some heavenly business relationship. The gospel of Jesus Christ is a program that shows the states how to become what our Heavenly Father desires us to become.

So now that nosotros understand the goal, how do we get there? This is where testimony and conversion come in.

What a Testimony Is

The word testimony is about often associated with court proceedings, where witnesses give their testimony of events or other things pertinent to the case at hand. Merriam-Webster'due south dictionary defines " testimony " as:

1a (ane) :   the tablets inscribed with the Mosaic law (two) :   the ark containing the tablets b :   a divine prescript attested in the Scriptures

2a :   firsthand authentication of a fact : show b :   an outward sign c :   a solemn proclamation usually made orally by a witness under oath in response to interrogation past a lawyer or authorized public official

3a :   an open acknowledgment b :   a public profession of religious feel

Interestingly, both the first and final definitions are religious. Latter-day Saints often speak of bearing their testimonies during the first Sunday of the month on what is called "Fast Sunday," where they abjure from food and drink for a 24-hour flow. On Fast Lord's day during the worship service, rather than having designated speakers the time is set aside for members of the congregation to share their feelings most the Savior. But for Mormons, a testimony is much deeper than just a public profession of a religious experience.

Elder David A. Bednar taught,

… A testimony is personal knowledge of spiritual truth obtained by revelation. A testimony is a gift from God and is available to all of His children. Whatsoever honest seeker of truth tin can obtain a testimony by exercising the necessary "particle of religion" in Jesus Christ to "experiment upon" ( Alma 32:27 ) and "try the virtue of the give-and-take" ( Alma 31:5 ), to yield "to the enticings of the Holy Spirit" ( Mosiah 3:19 ), and to awaken unto God (run into Alma 5:vii ). Testimony brings increased personal accountability and is a source of purpose, balls, and joy.

Testimony is spiritual noesis obtained through the power of the Holy Ghost. Merely of what do Mormons take a testimony? Elderberry Bednar explained,

Fundamental components of a testimony are knowing that Heavenly Father lives and loves usa, that Jesus Christ is our Savior, and that the fulness of the gospel has been restored to the earth in these latter days.

A testimony is not the end of the religious route but, rather, it is only the beginning.

How We Obtain a Spiritual Knowledge

A testimony is spiritual knowledge that the things of the gospel are true. Only they cannot be understood through the means of the earth. Elder Oaks explained,

What practise we mean when we prove and say that we know the gospel is true ? Dissimilarity that kind of knowledge with "I know it is common cold outside" or "I know I dearest my married woman." These are three dissimilar kinds of noesis, each learned in a different manner. Noesis of exterior temperature can be verified by scientific proof. Knowledge that we beloved our spouse is personal and subjective. While not capable of scientific proof, it is all the same important. The idea that all important knowledge is based on scientific evidence is simply untrue.

While there are some "evidences" for gospel truths (for example, see Psalm 19:1 ; Helaman 8:24 ), scientific methods will not yield spiritual noesis. This is what Jesus taught in response to Simon Peter's testimony that He was the Christ: "Blest fine art thou, Simon Bar-jona: for flesh and blood hath not revealed it unto thee, but my Father which is in sky" ( Matthew 16:17 ). The Apostle Paul explained this. In a letter to the Corinthian Saints, he said, "The things of God knoweth no man, merely [by] the Spirit of God" ( 1 Corinthians ii:11 ; see likewise John 14:17 ).

So, how do we obtain this spiritual knowledge? Elder Bednar said,

Seeking for and obtaining a testimony of spiritual truth requires request, seeking, and knocking (see Matthew seven:7 ; three Nephi 14:7 ) with a sincere heart, real intent, and religion in the Savior (run into Moroni x:4 ).

President Dieter F. Uchtdorf taught,

Get-go ,  yous must search the word of God . That ways reading the scriptures and studying the words of the ancient besides equally modern prophets regarding the restored gospel of Jesus Christ—not with an intent to doubt or criticize merely with a sincere desire to discover truth. …

2nd ,  y'all must consider, ponder, fearlessly strive to believe, and be grateful for how merciful the Lord has been to His children from the time of Adam to our day by providing prophets, seers, and revelators to lead His Church and help united states notice the fashion back to Him.

Third ,  you lot must ask your Heavenly Male parent, in the name of His Son, Jesus Christ, to manifest the truth of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints unto you. Ask with a sincere heart and with real intent, having religion in Christ.

There is also a 4th step, given to us by the Savior: "If whatever human being will do [God's] will, he shall know of the doctrine, whether it exist of God, or whether I speak of myself." In other words, when you are trying to verify the truth of gospel principles, you lot must first live them. Put gospel doctrine and Church teachings to the test in your own life. Do it with existent intent and enduring organized religion in God.

If y'all will do these things, you take a promise from God—who is leap by His discussion—that He volition manifest the truth to you past the ability of the Holy Ghost. …

Gaining a testimony of the gospel of Jesus Christ requires effort on our part. We must study, ponder, pray and be obedient to the Lord's commands. A testimony can only be obtained by the power of the Holy Ghost.

What Conversion Is

One time nosotros have a testimony of the gospel of Jesus Christ, nosotros must go converted. Elder Bednar said,

A testimony is spiritual knowledge of truth obtained by the power of the Holy Ghost. Continuing conversion is constant devotion to the revealed truth we have received—with a heart that is willing and for righteous reasons. Knowing that the gospel is true is the essence of a testimony. Consistently being true to the gospel is the essence of conversion. Nosotros should know the gospel is true and be true to the gospel.

Testimony is knowledge, and conversion is interim upon that knowledge. Elder Bednar said,

The essence of the gospel of Jesus Christ entails a central and permanent change in our very nature made possible through the Savior's Atonement. True conversion brings a alter in i'due south beliefs, eye, and life to have and conform to the volition of God (see Acts three:19 ; 3 Nephi 9:20 ) and includes a witting commitment to become a disciple of Christ.

Conversion is an enlarging, a deepening, and a broadening of the undergirding base of testimony. It is the result of revelation from God, accompanied past individual repentance, obedience, and diligence. Any honest seeker of truth can become converted by experiencing the mighty change of heart and existence spiritually built-in of God (see Alma 5:12–fourteen ). Equally we honour the ordinances and covenants of conservancy and exaltation (see Doctrine & Covenants 20:25 ), "press forward with a steadfastness in Christ" ( 2 Nephi 31:20 ), and suffer in faith to the end (see Doctrine & Covenants xiv:7 ), we go new creatures in Christ (see 2 Corinthians v:17 ). Conversion is an offering of self, of dearest, and of loyalty nosotros give to God in gratitude for the gift of testimony.

The Ordinances Necessary for Conversion

Becoming converted means that we join ourselves to the trunk of Christ, becoming "born again." Elder Oaks explained,

The needed conversion by  the gospel begins with the introductory experience the scriptures phone call being "built-in again" (east.g., Mosiah 27:25 ; Alma 5:49 ; John 3:seven ; 1 Peter 1:23 ). In the waters of baptism and by receiving the gift of the Holy Ghost, we go the spiritual "sons and daughters" of Jesus Christ, "new creatures" who can "inherit the kingdom of God" ( Mosiah 27:25–26 ).

In teaching the Nephites, the Savior referred to what they must become. He challenged them to apologize and be baptized and exist sanctified by the reception of the Holy Ghost, "that ye may stand spotless earlier me at the final day" ( three Nephi 27:20 ). He concluded: "Therefore, what manner of men ought ye to be? Verily I say unto you, even equally I am" ( three Nephi 27:27 ).

The gospel of Jesus Christ is the plan by which we tin become what children of God are supposed to become. This spotless and perfected country will result from a steady succession of covenants, ordinances, and deportment, an aggregating of right choices, and from continuing repentance. "This life is the time for men to prepare to meet God" ( Alma 34:32 ).

Partaking of the ordinances of the gospel of Jesus Christ is part of our continued conversion. Elder Bednar explained,

For many of united states, conversion is an ongoing process and not a old issue that results from a powerful or dramatic feel. Line upon line and precept upon axiom, gradually and most imperceptibly, our motives, our thoughts, our words, and our deeds get aligned with the will of God. Conversion unto the Lord requires both persistence and patience.

The Role of Suffering in Conversion

The path to truthful conversion requires cede on our part—and sometimes includes suffering. Only affliction can pb to stronger conversion on our part. Elder Oaks said,

Our needed conversions are oftentimes achieved more than readily past suffering and adversity than by condolement and placidity…. Male parent Lehi promised his son Jacob that God would "consecrate [his] afflictions for [his] gain" ( 2 Nephi 2:2 ). The Prophet Joseph was promised that "thine adversity and thine afflictions shall be but a small moment; so, if k endure it well, God shall exalt thee on high" ( Doctrine & Covenants 121:vii–8 ).

Nigh of u.s. experience some measure out of what the scriptures call "the furnace of affliction" ( Isaiah 48:10 ; ane Nephi 20:x ). Some are submerged in service to a disadvantaged family member. Others suffer the death of a loved one or the loss or postponement of a righteous goal like marriage or childbearing. Withal others struggle with personal impairments or with feelings of rejection, inadequacy, or low. Through the justice and mercy of a loving Father in Heaven, the refinement and sanctification possible through such experiences can help usa reach what God desires united states to become.

That doesn't mean that suffering is piece of cake. Sometimes dealing with the pain, sorrow, heartache and suffering of life on world seems virtually more than nosotros can bear. Just when we allow these experiences to help united states of america abound closer to and become more similar our Savior, and so they are truly consecrated for our proficient.

When We Our Converted…

Gaining a testimony of the gospel of Jesus Christ and becoming converted unto the Lord build a foundation for our service to others. The Savior told Simon-Peter,

… I have prayed for thee, that thy faith neglect not: and when thou art converted, strengthen thy brethren ( Luke 22:32 ).

Mormons believe that we have the same mandate. When we are converted, we seek to reach out to and assist others. Subsequently the Savior'southward resurrection, He returned again to His disciples. Elderberry L. Tom Perry taught,

… [One of the nifty lessons] of the Savior'south mission is taught to Peter as they dine together: "Jesus saith to Simon Peter, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me more these? He saith unto him, Yea, Lord; thou knowest that I honey thee. He saith unto him, Feed my lambs" ( John 21:15 ).

Then the question a second and third time. And finally, Peter, being grieved, replied to the Lord, "M knowest all things; 1000 knowest that I love thee. Jesus saith unto him, Feed my sheep" ( John 21:17 ).

Finally Peter understood: " when thou fine art converted "—a condition carries with it a responsibility to practice something with that conversion, to feed the sheep of the Savior. The real value of our commitment through our conversion is when it is interpreted into action, when something results from that which has occurred from knowing the Lord.

Elder Oaks said,

We are challenged to move through a process of conversion toward that status and condition called eternal life. This is accomplished not but by doing what is right, but by doing it for the right reason—for the pure honey of Christ. The Apostle Paul illustrated this in his famous teaching about the importance of charity (see 1 Corinthians 13 ). The reason charity never fails and the reason charity is greater than even the virtually meaning acts of goodness he cited is that charity, "the pure dear of Christ" ( Moroni 7:47 ), is non an human action  simply a condition  or state of being. Charity is attained through a succession of acts that result in a conversion. Charity is something one becomes. Thus, as Moroni declared, "except men shall have  charity they cannot inherit" the identify prepared for them in the mansions of the Begetter ( Ether 12:34 ; accent added).

This charity is the resulting action of truthful conversion. It is the style that we get truthful followers and disciples of Jesus Christ. President Uchtdorf taught,

When we truly love our Heavenly Father and His children, nosotros demonstrate that beloved through our actions. Nosotros forgive 1 another and seek to practice good, for "our one-time [cocky] is crucified with [Christ]." We "visit the fatherless and widows in their disease," and we proceed ourselves "unspotted from the vices of the world." …

As Elder Perry said,

All of the abundance, fullness, and plenty of this earth was given to us by God to be enjoyed in righteousness. We in turn are expected to love him; to be converted to him and his means and to feed his sheep; to multiply, replenish, and strengthen our brethren.

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Source: https://mormonbeliefs.org/2017/02/22/conversion-testimony-becoming/

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