I Believe in Christ

Having a testimony of the Savior influences your entire life, according to these LDS teens.

Several years ago the First Presidency and Quorum of the Twelve Apostles issued a declaration titled “The Living Christ.” In this statement of faith and conviction, the leadership of the Church made clear their beliefs regarding the Lord Jesus Christ. Introducing this declaration, they wrote, “We offer our testimony of the reality of His matchless life and the infinite virtue of His great atoning sacrifice. None other has had so profound an influence upon all who have lived and will yet live upon the earth. … He was the Firstborn of the Father, the Only Begotten Son in the flesh, the Redeemer of the world” (Ensign, Apr. 2000, 2).

As a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, you too have taken upon you the Savior’s name. You too stand as a witness of His glory and of His gospel. It is sometimes difficult to express something as personal as a testimony of the Savior, but in the following testimonies, LDS youth tell about the influence Jesus Christ has upon their lives.

“I believe in Jesus Christ. Knowing that He is my Savior, I think I live my life differently from those who may not have a testimony. When I make important decisions I think about who Jesus is and what He did. I try to base my goals on righteous principles. I am imperfect, but through the Atonement I can return to my Heavenly Father. Through the Atonement, the Savior sacrificed for my sins. I will always be in debt to Him for that great sacrifice. I love Him and I am eternally grateful for His love for me.”

Mary C., South Carolina

“When learning about Christ’s visit to the Nephites, I found myself wishing I had been there when He was. I wanted to be numbered among His people in that day, to see and feel His love and compassion. I wish I could have stood there to see Him perform great miracles, to see Him bless each of the children. But I believe that I will get the chance one day to look upon that same loving face and know I have done well.”

Jacob T., Willaston, Australia

“I have had many experiences that have strengthened my testimony of Jesus Christ. But one of the biggest testimony builders I have found is practicing the pure love of Christ, charity. I believe that when we put others before ourselves, serve them, and love them wholeheartedly, we are able to draw closer to Christ, which enables us to grow spiritually and have a stronger testimony of our Redeemer. I know that Christ suffered and died for each and every one of us. I know that He loves us and wants us to be happy.”

Kandace H., Kansas

“Because I believe in Jesus Christ I try to live by his commandments. I know what He has done for all men and I do my best to follow Him. The Atonement is a treasured gift. And because of it, I know I can repent of my sins. I know I am not perfect, but I try as hard as I can to live better. I know that Jesus suffered the sins and pains of the world. I know He loves me, and I love Him too.”

Josh C., South Carolina

“Christ influences my life in positive and uplifting ways. He plays an essential role in my eternal salvation, which I cannot achieve on my own. He is the perfect role model. Over the past few weeks, a certain scripture has come to mind as I have been saying my prayers. Helaman 5:12 tells us that it is upon the rock of our Redeemer that we must build our foundation. I believe in Christ. Although we aren’t perfect and we make mistakes, He had so much mercy that He atoned for all of our sins. Although my testimony may not be perfect, I can continue to strengthen it through prayer, repentance, and the spirit of revelation.”

Steven S., British Columbia, Canada

“For a while, church was just something I went to, something that was just normal. It wasn’t until I entered into Young Women that I really started looking at our Savior’s life and everything He did for us—everything He did for me. It’s so amazing to me that He loves us so much that He would give His life and suffer for my sins and for me. It’s an awesome feeling to know He knows me and that as I repent, my sins are washed clean.”

Adria L., California

“Because I have a testimony of the Savior, I try to live my life in a more worthy way every day so that I can receive all of the blessings of the Atonement. My testimony of Christ is something that constantly causes me to smile and try to correct my faults. His great example and goodness bring me happiness for there exists no being in the world that has a heart more giving and merciful than does Jesus Christ.”

Maria Francisca R., Rio Branco, Brazil

“I have a very strong testimony of the Savior Jesus Christ. I am very grateful for His atoning sacrifice that allows us to repent and become better people. I have gained my testimony through experiences that have shown me His works and blessings. As I read the scriptures, it becomes even clearer to me why we are here on this earth today learning and growing in spirit. I love Jesus Christ, and I am grateful for His atoning sacrifice for me.”

Eric T., Utah

“I know that even though Christ died for us, He lives today. His Church is on the earth today. And I know that someday He will come again. When I think of Christ, I am filled with such joy that it can’t be described. I try to live worthy to bear His name, because I know that He has done so much for me. I know with a surety that He lives, and I love Him with all of my heart.”

Nicole B., Virginia

If you would like to share your testimony, send it to us at [e-mail] or at New Era—Testimonies, 50 E. North Temple Street, Salt Lake City, Utah 84150-3220. You might also want to see the March 2008 issues of the Liahona and Ensign. Both magazines are special issues that celebrate the life and mission of Jesus Christ.

Christ in Gethsemane, by Heinrich Hofmann

Behold Your Little Ones, by Robert T. Barrett

Be Not Afraid, by Greg K. Olsen