Search the Scriptures

Some months ago, Church magazines were encouraged to feature in December the standard works of the Church. The month is fitting, for these are the days in which the world again turns its attention to the memory of Jesus.

But the timing is additionally appropriate, for a new year will soon be upon us. What a timely opportunity for readers to make firm resolves that 1973 will be the year for the scriptures for them and their loved ones!

Questions, personal problems, important concerns that will come during the coming year can be answered, in whole or in part, by following the inspired counsel of the scriptures.

All of the standard works of the Church instruct us to read and ponder their sayings:

Old Testament—“Seek ye out of the book of the Lord, and read.” (Isa. 34:16.)

New Testament—“Search the scriptures; for in them ye think ye have eternal life: and they are they which testify of me.” (John 5:39.)

Book of Mormon—“For my soul delighteth in the scriptures, and my heart pondereth them, and writeth them for the learning and the profit of my children.” (2 Ne. 4:15.)

Pearl of Great Price—“And whoso treasureth up my word, shall not be deceived.” (JS—M 1:37.)

Doctrine and Covenants—“… first seek to obtain my word. … study my word which hath gone forth among the children of men.” (D&C 11:21–22.)

Readers of this section will soon see that included among the articles are two additional items of interest: (1) succinct reports on what the scriptures say about certain topics and (2) testimonies and personal experiences concerning the scriptures from Saints around the world.

To assist us, the Ensign formed a committee, with Roy W. Doxey, dean of Brigham Young University’s College of Religious Instruction, as co-chairman, and Drs. Ellis T. Rasmussen, Robert C. Patch, James R. Harris, Robert J. Matthews, and Monte S. Nyman, associates in the same department, as committee members. Readers of the following features will sense the appreciation due these good brethren.

The Ensign hopes that readers of this issue will indeed resolve to make 1973 their personal year for the scriptures.

—Jay M. Todd, managing editor