Elder D. Todd Christofferson: Why the church

Elder D. Todd Christofferson of the Quorum of the Twelve opened the Sunday afternoon session of the October 2015 General Conference by explaining why the LDS Church is an important part of God's work on the earth.

Elder D. Todd Christofferson was the first speaker at the Sunday afternoon session of the 185th Semiannual General Conference of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. (lds.org)

He directed his remarks to those who are spiritual, but do not think that being a part of any church is necessary.

Elder Christofferson explained that The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints was created by Jesus Christ in order to fulfill his purposes.

'The church is the creation of him in whom our spirituality is centered — Jesus Christ.'

He then gave examples throughout history for the need of the church and its organization. Using Adam and Moses from the Bible and Alma from the Book of Mormon, Elder Christofferson explained the need for the organization and structure of the church, including the priesthood order.

Referencing Jesus Christ's ministry in Jerusalem as well as in the Americas, Elder Christofferson explained that Christ founded his church on apostles and prophets with Christ being the chief cornerstone.

After the apostasy of the church, the Lord restored his church through the Prophet Joseph Smith with the same purpose as Christ's church, Elder Christofferson explained.

The apostle then went on to explain how the church is built to accomplish the Lord's purposes.

He explained that faith in Jesus Christ, repentance, baptism and getting the gift of the Holy Ghost are necessary for salvation and that church provides these opportunities for its members.

Elder Christofferson then used Ephesians 4: 11-13 to explain how the church helps members support one another on their mortal journey.

'A major reason the Lord has a church is to create a community of Saints that will sustain one another in the strait and narrow path that leads to eternal life.'

Learning doctrine and applying the teachings of the gospel was also a reason given to why a church is necessary.

'As the body of Christ, the members of the church minister to one another in the reality of day-to-day life,' Elder Christofferson said.

He then went on to explain that members of the church are the eyes, hands, head, feet and other parts of the body of Christ and it is the duty of the members to serve in the callings to which they are appointed.

Elder Christofferson then explained that it is the purpose of the church to build up Zion by providing temporal and spiritual salvation.

He used the welfare system of the church, the vast missionary services and the numerous temples worldwide as examples of why it is important to have a church.

'In the body of Christ, we have to go beyond concepts and exalted words and have a real 'hands-on' experience as we learn to live together in love.'

Other General Conference news:

LDS Church announces three new apostles

Three new apostles to represent Christ throughout the world

English only at LDS General Conference

LDS Quorums of the Seventy now called General Authority Seventies

Slideshow: General Conference Saturday, Oct. 3, 2015

Women’s general session:

President Dieter F. Uchtdorf: Now is a part of eternity

Sister Carol F. McConkie: The Lord’s agents

Sister Linda S. Reeves: Rewards will come

Sister Rosemary M. Wixom: Divine nature within you