*Saturday Morning Session

Elder Jeffrey R. Holland said, during the Saturday morning session of General Conference, the defining feature and the basis of Christ’s church is continuing revelation.

This revelation comes most directly through appointed apostles and prophets, he said.

“In New Testament times, in Book of Mormon times, and in modern times, these officers form the foundation stones of the true church, positioned around and gaining their strength from the chief cornerstone, the rock of our Redeemer who is Jesus Christ, the Son of God,” Elder Holland said.

Elder Holland said Jesus Christ called apostles to give the church a foundation. These officers of the church would serve under the resurrected Christ, providing protection to the people, he said.

“The apostolic and prophetic foundation of the church was to bless at all times, but especially in times of adversity or danger, times when we might feel like children — confused or disoriented, perhaps a little fearful -- times in which the devious hand of man or the malicious of the devil would attempt to unsettle or mislead,” he said.

Referencing Roger Williams, Jonathan Edwards and Ralph Waldo Emerson, Elder Holland addressed the need and confusion concerning revelation during the time leading up to the Restoration.

“The need was never greater for new revelation than now,” said Elder Holland citing Ralph Waldo Emerson. “The doctrine of inspiration is lost.”

Elder Holland said although many people think God does not reveal things to people of our time, the issue is still the same. God reveals His will even today, he said.

“For without revelation, religion is a mockery and a farce,” Elder Holland said, referencing President John Taylor. “The principle of present revelation is the very foundation of our religion.”

He said this revelation was restored to the earth through Joseph Smith, who left a legacy of divine revelation.

“We give thanks for that morning in the spring of 1820 when the Father and the Son appeared a 14-year-old boy,” Elder Holland said. “We give thanks to that morning when Peter, James, and John came to restore the keys of the holy priesthood and all the offices in it, and in our generation, we give thanks for the morning of Sept. 30, 1961, 43 years ago this weekend, when, then, Elder Gordon B. Hinckley was called to the apostleship.”

Elder Holland said revelation will continue on the earth until Jesus Christ comes again.

“In a world of unrest and fear, political turmoil, and moral duress, I testify that Jesus is the Christ, that He is the living bread and the living water—still, yet and always the great shield of safety in our lives,” Elder Holland said.
Copyright Brigham Young University 3 Oct 2004