Why 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. The prophet Nephi encouraged us in this way:

“Wherefore, ye must press forward with a steadfastness in Christ, having a perfect brightness of hope, and a love of God and of all men. Wherefore, if ye shall press forward, feasting upon the word of Christ, and endure to the end, behold, thus saith the Father: Ye shall have eternal life” (2 Nephi 31:20).

The teachings from the scriptures will help us return to our Heavenly Father. Our latter-day prophets have asked us to study them regularly 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).

President Russell M. Nelson also taught this important truth about “feasting” on the scriptures:

“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 personal and family scripture study, we and our families can be guided, protected, and fortified against the many challenges of our day.