Joseph Fielding Smith’s Testimony

“Like Job, I can say, ‘I know that my Redeemer liveth, and that He shall stand at the latter day upon the earth.’ (Job 19:25.) I know that He came into the world to redeem the world from sin, and through the atonement made by Him all men are redeemed from death. There shall be a resurrection of the dead and all shall come forth, they who have done good to receive an exaltation and they who have done evil to receive condemnation, according to their works. I know that all men who repent and accept the Gospel with pure hearts, are also redeemed through the blood of Christ, from their own sins; for He suffered ‘for all, that they might not suffer if they repent, but if they would not repent, they must suffer,’ (D&C 19:16–17) even as He, for His blood will not cleanse the unrepentant sinner. I know that little children who have not reached years of accountability, and hence are not guilty of sin, are also redeemed through the blood of Christ and it is (see Moro. 8:9) to contend that they need baptism denying the justice and mercy of God. I know that Jesus of Nazareth was the Only Begotten Son of God in the flesh, with life in Himself. Because of this wonderful truth, it was possible for Him to redeem us from death and the grave, and, on condition of our repentance, from our individual sins. I know that men must repent and receive the Gospel, being baptized by immersion for the remission of sins and receive the laying on of hands by one who holds authority, for the bestowal of the Holy Spirit, to enter into the kingdom of God.” (Testimonies, p. 165.)

Joseph Fielding Smith