Promises

By Elder Jay E. Jensen

of the Seventy

(Adapted from an October 1992 conference address. See Ensign, November 1992, pages 80–81.)

Search the scriptures (John 5:39).

The Lord has promised us great blessings for reading, studying, and obeying the scriptures. For example, Nephi said, “Wherefore, if ye shall press forward, feasting upon the word of Christ, and endure to the end, behold, … Ye shall have eternal life” (2 Ne. 31:20). That is a wonderful promise.

We are promised great blessings in this life also, if we will study and live the word of the Lord. Here are just a few of the blessings we may receive:

1. Power to live righteously—The Psalmist said: “Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path” (Ps. 119:105).

2. Power to overcome evil—Nephi taught: “Whoso would hearken unto the word of God, and would hold fast unto it, … the fiery darts of the adversary [can not] overpower them unto blindness” (1 Ne. 15:24).

3. Power to change the heart and attitude—Samuel the Lamanite prophet taught the Nephites that the Lamanites were “led to believe the holy scriptures, … which are written, which leadeth them to faith on the Lord, and unto repentance, which faith and repentance bringeth a change of heart unto them” (Hel. 15:7).

4. Increase in hope and joy—The Apostle Paul taught that “we through patience and comfort of the scriptures might have hope” (Rom. 15:4).

5. Increase in knowledge and understanding—Nephi taught that “the words of Christ will tell you all things what ye should do” (2 Ne. 32:3).

6. Increase in testimony—From the Doctrine and Covenants: “You can testify that you have heard my voice, and know my words” (D&C 18:36).

President Howard W. Hunter said, “When we … read and study the scriptures, benefits and blessings of many kinds come to us. This is the most profitable of all study in which we could engage.” (Ensign, November 1979, page 64.)