Topic

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.

Inspiring Shorts

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Academic Discipleship

K. Newell Dayley March 6, 2001

AliceAnn Crandall | June 4, 2024

To take hold of Christ, we must overcome fear, form relationships, listen to others, use our gifts for good, protect children, and trust God.

devotional 2024

Pamela Jo Brubaker | July 18, 2023

We all have people who influence us through their actions. Let's strive to emulate Jesus Christ, who is the greatest influencer in our lives.

devotional 2023

Tracy Y. Browning | February 14, 2023

Heavenly Father gives us many evidences of how He preserves His relationship with us while asking us what we can do to put Him first.

devotional 2023

Kevin W. Pearson, General Authority Seventy

Kevin W. Pearson | October 18, 2022

By making covenants and centering our lives in Jesus Christ, we accept the vision He has for us and choose to live an abundant life.

devotional 2022

Kendra Hall-Kenyon, Professor in the David O. McKay School of Education

Kendra M. Hall-Kenyon | September 27, 2022

Finding strength in the Lord requires trusting in Him and His plan even when our trials are not resolved like we want them to be.

devotional 2022

Tiffany Turley Bowcut, BYU Title IX Coordinator

Tiffany Turley Bowcut | June 21, 2022

Developing faith in ourselves requires us to trust in the Lord as well as have faith in His great plan and our part in it.

devotional 2022

Tracy Flinders | May 10, 2022

Access to a higher education of spiritual knowledge allows us to transcend our struggles and flaws and become more like our Savior.

devotional 2022

Neill F. Marriott, former Second Counselor in the Young Women General Presidency

Neill F. Marriott | May 3, 2022

By “Pointing Our Souls to Christ,” we gain divine help and develop a closeness to Him that strengthens us on our journey to our Heavenly home.

devotional 2022

S. Mark Palmer, General Authority Seventy

S. Mark Palmer | April 21, 2022

True joy comes when we focus on what is within our control and then center and recenter our faith and life on Jesus Christ.

commencement 2022

Kevin J Worthen | April 21, 2022

By exercising the propinquity effect, we can draw closer to those around us and the Savior and make the world a better place.

commencement 2022

Elder Clark G. Gilbert of the Quorum of the Seventy

Clark G. Gilbert | February 8, 2022

Elder Clark G. Gilbert explains how we can draw strength from our Savior and find Christ’s peace in perilous times.

devotional 2022

Neil L. Andersen | December 7, 2021

By following the prophet's invitation to make time for the Savior daily, we can experience the special spirit of Christmastime year-round.

devotional 2021

Niwako Yamawaki, Professor of Psychology.

Niwako Yamawaki | May 4, 2021

Niwako Yamawaki shares her journey toward God, her experience as an immigrant, and her testimony of Christ's power to relieve suffering.

devotional 2021

Kyle S. McKay, General Authority Seventy

Kyle S. McKay | March 23, 2021

Kyle S. McKay shares why we need to embrace the plan of God and the doctrine of Christ; Christ can undo wrongs and provide healing.

devotional 2021

Bishop L. Todd Budge, of the Presiding Bishopric.

L. Todd Budge | February 2, 2021

L. Todd Budge explains the four steps to a "broke" heart and contrite spirit. We must desire, inquire, require, and retire.

devotional 2021

Scott D. Whiting | December 8, 2020

Scott D. Whiting teaches how to deepen discipleship through obedience, endurance, and service to God and our fellowmen and women.

devotional 2020

Ruth L. Renlund, wife of Dale G. Renlund

Ruth L. Renlund | December 3, 2019

As we link ourselves to the Savior’s name, we gain the power to change for the better. And as we gain this power to change, we can become more like Him.

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

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

Elder David A. Bednar reminds us that if we turn to the teachings of Jesus Christ, we can find peace. They were given "that we might have joy."

devotional 2018

Weatherford T. Clayton | March 14, 2017

Jesus Christ is our rock, our sure foundation. If we build on Him, no matter the shafts in the whirlwind, we cannot fail.

devotional 2017

Douglas D. Holmes - Young Men Presidency

Douglas D. Holmes | January 17, 2017

The doctrine of Christ is simple, yet beautiful. Faith, repentance, ordinances, and the Holy Ghost should be part of our daily lives.

devotional 2017

Kim B. Clark | August 22, 2016

The Church's global education initiative will help us prepare for greater future challenges. We must be better to learn and teach in the Lord's pattern.

university conference 2016

Scott C. Esplin | January 19, 2016

God is real. His Son is real. Our faith in them will be strengthened as we learn more completely about them and have sacred experiences with them.

devotional 2016

Larry Y. Wilson | December 1, 2015

Elder Larry Y. Wilson reminds us that we must be prepared for the return of our King, Jesus Christ. He gives suggestions on how to prepare.

devotional 2015

Jennifer Brinkerhoff Platt | March 27, 2015

We walk in the light of Christ's love by following His example, keeping covenants with real intent, and following the Spirit with humility.

devotional 2015

Kent F. Richards | March 10, 2015

We can find direction by following the Savior’s example of learning, growing, waiting on the Lord, and making covenants.

devotional 2015

D. Gordon Smith | June 26, 2012

Names have significance and by taking Christ’s name upon us, we seek to become like Him. Name-calling and labeling should be avoided.

devotional 2012

Douglas R. McKinlay | June 19, 2012

Why do we not openly accept the Savior’s invitation to “come unto me?” Douglas R. McKinlay testifies that Jesus Christ is a loving, approachable master.

devotional 2012

John P. Hoffman | May 8, 2012

We can better know Jesus Christ when we understand His roles, including His roles as Prophet, Priest, and King.

devotional 2012

Michael L. Dunn | January 31, 2012

Michael L. Dunn speaks on the miracle of forgiveness that is reached through the atonement of Jesus Christ.

devotional 2012

Brad Wilcox | July 12, 2011

Christ’s grace gives us the power and potential to become like Him. We need to believe Christ's words when he said "My grace is sufficient".

devotional 2011

L. Tom Perry | March 6, 2011

My generation was dubbed "the greatest generation." Though your "great depressions" and "world wars" will be different, I think that honor can be yours.

devotional 2011

Steven L. Taylor | June 22, 2010

Much more important than the foundations of the physical buildings we inhabit are the spiritual and covenantal foundations of our lives.

devotional 2010

Barbara A. Heise | March 2, 2010

When we face trials, we have a choice to either turn to Christ and receive His peace and His help or to turn away.

devotional 2010

Bruce D. Porter | December 9, 2008

This Christmas, contemplate what it means that "a child is born" who is your Savior. How can you live to bear witness of His role in your life?

devotional 2008

Michael D. Barnes | July 1, 2008

How do we overcome our weaknesses? Michael Barnes gives advice on how to receive help from the Lord when overcoming weaknesses.

devotional 2008

David L. Kooyman | May 20, 2008

David Kooyman teaches that hope in Christ is based on experience and knowledge. If we remain steadfast in following the Lord, He'll bless us.

devotional 2008

Earl C. Tingey | June 5, 2007

The Watchman on the Tower is the story of a loving nobleman who instructs his servant to watch over his olive trees. This story has great application today.

devotional 2007

Neil J. Anderson | May 8, 2007

When we respond to the Savior's invitation to "come," we can feel the cleansing power of Christ's Atonement in our lives.

devotional 2007

Julie Franklin | December 5, 2006

Christ has known political turmoil, injustice, hardheartedness, and loss—and yet He is the Prince of Peace. He can give us peace on earth.

devotional 2006

Thomas B. Griffith | March 14, 2006

The Atonement of Christ is the core of Christian doctrine. It is only by coming to know Him as our Redeemer that we are motivated to change.

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

By using our God-given moral agency in the way that Jesus Christ exemplified, we don't become God's puppets—we become like Him.

devotional 2006

Gordon B. Lindsay | July 26, 2005

Gordon Lindsay reiterates that when we take the sacrament, we covenant to always remember Him. But how often do we really remember Christ?

devotional 2005

Ronald E. Terry | June 7, 2005

Ronald E. Terry uses examples from the Book of Mormon and from our day to teach about Christ's healing influence.

devotional 2005

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

Jeffrey R. Holland | September 12, 2004

When we are tempted to be overcome by the terror of the last days, may we remember the faith of past prophets—and of God—in us.

devotional 2004

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

Russell M. Nelson | December 10, 2002

This Christmas, we remember not only on the implications that a Savior was born, but also the implications that He died—for us.

devotional 2002

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

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

The scriptures were central in Jesus' early learning and growth. They are also essential in our lives, helping us to understand Christ and His mission.

devotional 2002

David A. Bednar | October 23, 2001

Christ's Atonement does more than cleanse us from sin. His grace is also an enabling power to become better and serve more faithfully.

devotional 2001

Jeffrey D. Keith | October 9, 2001

We must constantly strive to understand the depth of Christ's atoning love for us. Search after Christ, and your search will not be in vain.

devotional 2001

Mary Williams | July 17, 2001

The key to eternal life is to know God, and to know Him in a way that changes us. How can we get to know God? Professor Mary Williams shares some insights.

devotional 2001

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

Obedience is the price, faith is the power, love is the motive, the Spirit is the key...and Christ is the reason—for everything we do.

devotional 2001

Robert H. Daines | June 20, 2000

Robert H. Daines exhorts us to establish priorities, repent daily, renew our covenants, serve selflessly, and study the doctrine of Christ.

devotional 2000

H. David Burton | January 9, 2000

In this address, H. David Burton testifies that what the world needs most is the living water of Christ's doctrine, love, and example.

devotional 2000

Marilyn S. Bateman | January 5, 1999

If we are one with Christ, as well as friends, family, and church members, we will have the strength to withstand the winds of adversity.

devotional 1999

L. Robert Webb | November 16, 1998

The Atonement of Jesus Christ is vast enough to apply to the entirety of the universe and intimate enough to support us in our trials.

devotional 1998

Russell M. Nelson | August 18, 1998

Russell M. Nelson shares his testimony of the mission and ministry of 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 an 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

Although no one knows the time of the Second Coming, we do know what to expect in these last days - and we have the tools to thrive.

devotional 1996

Monte J. Brough | February 13, 1996

We live the law of sacrifice by sacrificing our time, items, or reputations. Sacrifice connects the events of the two gardens: Eden and Gethsemane.

devotional 1996

Gary L. Bunker | March 1, 1994

The mortal ministry of the Savior was the ultimate paradox: He was wounded so we could be whole, and He died so we could live.

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 Book of Mormon must not be neglected, foremost because of its testimony of the Savior Jesus Christ, which ought to be the center or our faith.

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 different areas of growth.

devotional 1992

Russell M. Nelson | February 2, 1992

Russell M. Nelson shares his apostolic testimony of Jesus Christ as Master, Creator, Advocate, Savior, Judge, Exemplar, and more.

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

Jesus Christ's Atonement exemplifies all of the divine attributes we are seeking. Truly, "in Him all things hold together."

devotional 1991

Stephen E. Robinson | May 29, 1990

Believing in Christ and believing Christ are two different things. Taking a practical approach to the Atonement can help us grow our faith.

devotional 1990

Neal A. Maxwell | February 4, 1990

Neal A. Maxwell expounds on the nature of Christ and those who become His children through obeying His gospel and becoming like Him.

devotional 1990

Henry B. Eyring—second counselor in the First Presidency of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints

Henry B. Eyring | October 29, 1989

If we come unto Christ, His Atonement will make us clean and spotless. We can go home to live with God again, our deepest desire.

devotional 1989

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

To us mortals, the infinite wisdom and power of God may always be, in part, a mystery. However, there are many things about His nature that we can know.

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.

devotional 1984

John H. Groberg | June 3, 1984

No matter how complicated your trials, how dark your sins, or how overwhelming the challenges you face, in Christ there is always hope.

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 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 of latter-day prophets testify of Him.

devotional 1983

Theodore M. Burton | October 26, 1982

What does it mean to be born again? Baptism becomes effective through the Atonement of Jesus Christ and bring us into His family.

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

When we speak of our relationship with deity, it is important to remember the closeness and love that God feels for us, yet the reverence we owe Him.

devotional 1982

J. Richard Clarke | December 6, 1981

We are responsible to learn of and become witnesses of Jesus Christ. As we do, we positively and profoundly influence our posterity and those around us.

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 character of 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

As a newly called apostle and special witness of Jesus Christ, James E. Faust shares his testimony of the divinity and works of the Savior.

devotional 1979

Ezra Taft Benson | March 4, 1979

Ezra Taft Benson teaches that Christ grew in wisdom, stature, and favor with God and man. We can follow in His steps by prioritizing.

devotional 1979

Bruce R. McConkie | September 3, 1978

Joseph Smith's most important contribution as a revealer and the Prophet of the Restoration is his testimony of the Lord Jesus Christ.

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 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

A man of Christ is one who hold the Christlike attributes of integrity, selflessness, and courage and exercises them to help others.

devotional 1976

Bruce R. McConkie | September 5, 1976

The gospel that we believe and preach is that of the original apostles—the gospel of Jesus Christ and Him crucified. That truth can change lives.

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

Through personal examples, George W. Pace explains ways we can develop a relationship with the Savior, such as prayer and ordinances.

devotional 1975

Vaughn J. Featherstone | March 30, 1975

You can gain a personal experience with the Lord just as the disciples and He will tarry with you, as He did with them.

devotional 1975

Ezra Taft Benson | December 10, 1974

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

devotional 1974

Howard W. Hunter - Mormon Apostle and Prophet

Howard W. Hunter | December 5, 1972

If you desire to find the true spirit of Christmas and partake of the sweetness of it, find time to turn your heart to God.

devotional 1972

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

God is the gardener of our lives. When we put our life in harmony with His will, we will be able to become what we are meant to be.

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 Jr. | 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 Jr. | 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