Although there are many reasons Christ established his church on the earth, perhaps the greatest reason is to satisfy God’s desire to see us progress.
Photo by Jose Alba
In today’s world, a growing number of people seem to be moving away from organized religion in favor of finding their own path to spirituality. Though it is true that we all can have individual experiences with God, Elder D. Todd Christofferson
reminds us in his talk “Why the Church” that Jesus Christ established a church in his name for a very special reason: “to bring to pass the immortality and eternal life of man.”
Immortality refers to endless life, a gift granted to us through the Resurrection of Jesus Christ. Eternal life refers to living the quality of life that God lives, and living that way forever. God wants us to have both, and in order for us to achieve eternal life, God requires us to perform certain ordinances, or acts, under his authority, which can be found only in his church.
Another reason Christ established a church is so we can help each other achieve the goals God has for us. Elder Christofferson reminds us that “God’s ultimate purpose is our progress.” It is easier to make progress when we have support along the way, and the Church is organized in such a way that there is always someone nearby to help. As we learn the doctrine of Christ, we also learn to live it through giving loving service.
At times, giving service may be difficult because we are all imperfect or because we may feel we aren’t needed, but Elder Christofferson declares, “This religion is not concerned only with self; rather, we are all called to serve. We are the eyes, hands, head, feet, and other members of the body of Christ.” We are all important to him, and our progress matters.
Read or watch Elder D. Todd Christofferson’s talk “Why the Church.”
Source: LDS General Conference
—Tiana Ahuna, Mormon Insights
feature image courtesy of the church of jesus christ of latter-day saints
Find more insights
To learn more about Christ’s establishment, read or watch Elder Tad R. Callister’s talk “What Is the Blueprint of Christ’s Church?”
Watch the video “Origin” to learn how one young woman came to find truth in Christ’s church for herself.
Read or watch President Dieter F. Uchtdorf’s talk “Come, Join with Us” and be reminded that there is a place for everyone in this church.
Watch this Bible video of Jesus calling his original twelve apostles and establishing his church.
The organization of the Church has been a huge blessing to me. When I was growing up, my family was mostly inactive in the Church. As I grew older, the visits from the missionaries, home teachers, and visiting teachers made me curious about the Church. I had leaders who were willing to teach me and take me to church. Without these organizations, I don’t where I would be.