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Ways to Study the Scriptures

“Ways to Study the Scriptures,” About the Scriptures (2019)

“Ways to Study the Scriptures,” About the Scriptures

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Christ institutes the sacrament among the Nephites, by Andrew Bosley

Ways to Study the Scriptures

When we diligently study the scriptures, we come closer to Jesus Christ and come to better understand His gospel and atoning sacrifice. In True to the Faith we read:

“The principal purpose of scriptures is to testify of Christ, helping us come unto Him and receive eternal life (see John 5:39; 20:31; 1 Nephi 6:4; Mosiah 13:33–35). The prophet Mormon testified:

‘Whosoever will may lay hold upon the word of God, which is quick and powerful, which shall divide asunder all the cunning and the snares and the wiles of the devil, and lead the man of Christ in a strait and narrow course across that everlasting gulf of misery which is prepared to engulf the wicked—

‘And land their souls, yea, their immortal souls, at the right hand of God in the kingdom of heaven, to sit down with Abraham, and Isaac, and with Jacob, and with all our holy fathers, to go no more out’ (Helaman 3:29–30)” ([2004], 155).

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family reading scriptures

The teachings from the scriptures will help us return to our Heavenly Father. Our latter-day prophets have asked us to study them daily as individuals and, where applicable, as families. They have invited us to learn from the experiences of those in the scriptures and to apply the scripture accounts and teachings to our lives today, as Nephi counsels in 1 Nephi 19:23. Both ancient and modern prophets have invited us to study the scriptures and to “feast upon the words of Christ” (2 Nephi 32:3).

True to the Faith further teaches:

“You will benefit greatly by following this counsel. Daily, meaningful scripture study helps you be receptive to the whisperings of the Holy Ghost. It builds your faith, fortifies you against temptation, and helps you draw near to your Heavenly Father and His Beloved Son.

“Develop a plan for your personal study of the scriptures. Consider setting aside a certain amount of time each day to study the scriptures. During that time, read carefully, being attentive to the promptings of the Spirit. Ask your Heavenly Father to help you know what He would have you learn and do” ([2004], 156).

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family praying

We will be richly blessed as we dedicate this daily sacred time to the Lord.

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man reading scriptures

President Russell M. Nelson also taught this important truth about studying the scriptures:

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President Russell M. Nelson

“If we ‘press forward, feasting upon the word of Christ, and endure to the end, … [we] shall have eternal life’ [2 Nephi 31:20].

“To feast means more than to taste. To feast means to savor. We savor the scriptures by studying them in a spirit of delightful discovery and faithful obedience. When we feast upon the words of Christ, they are embedded ‘in fleshy tables of the heart’ [2 Corinthians 3:3]. They become an integral part of our nature” (“Living by Scriptural Guidance,” Ensign, Nov. 2000, 17).

When we consistently take part in daily personal and family scripture study, we and our families can be guided, protected, and fortified against the many challenges of our day.

Discover various ways to enhance your scripture study by reviewing the resources listed below: