For the Strength of Youth
3 Ways the Prophets and Apostles Point to Christ
For the Strength of Youth September 2025

Digital Only: Come, Follow Me

Doctrine and Covenants 107

3 Ways the Prophets and Apostles Point to Christ

By Madelyn Maxfield

Church Magazines

As you prepare for general conference, learn how the prophets and apostles act as special witnesses of the Savior.

Apostles at the Rome Italy Temple

The First Presidency and the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles are called to be “special witnesses of the name of Christ in all the world” (Doctrine and Covenants 107:23). They are His mouthpieces and teach His gospel. They witness, confirm, and testify to the world that Jesus Christ lives and that He is our Savior. To sum it up, they want to help us increase our faith in Heavenly Father and in Jesus Christ and His gospel.

How do they do that? As you prepare for general conference, check out some of the ways that the prophet and apostles can guide you toward the Savior.

1. Teaching His Gospel

Jesus Christ taught that He speaks through His prophets “as if from [His] own mouth” (Doctrine and Covenants 21:5). That means they teach His gospel and deliver the messages He needs us to hear.

For example, in the last conference, President Dallin H. Oaks, First Counselor in the First Presidency taught how Jesus Christ can help us return to Heavenly Father:

“By far, God’s strongest mortal help was His provision of a Savior, Jesus Christ, who would suffer to pay the price and provide forgiveness for repented sins. That merciful and glorious Atonement explains why faith in the Lord Jesus Christ is the first principle of the gospel.”

The principles taught by the prophets and apostles help strengthen our faith in Jesus Christ. During general conference, think about these messages. How do they bring you closer to the Savior? Pray to know that His Apostles teach the truth.

2. Testifying That He Lives

As special witnesses of Jesus Christ, the prophets and apostles testify that He lives and that He is the Savior of the world. Consider this powerful testimony from President Henry B. Eyring, Second Counselor in the First Presidency:

“I am a witness of the Resurrection of the Lord as surely as if I had been there with the two disciples in the house on Emmaus road. I know that He lives.

“This is His true Church—the Church of Jesus Christ. …

“I testify as a witness of the risen Savior and our Redeemer.”

During general conference, take note of these testimonies. What do you learn from them? How can you strengthen your own testimony of Jesus Christ? As you pay attention to the Savior’s chosen witnesses, the Holy Ghost will confirm to you that their testimonies of the living Christ are true.

3. Extending Inspired Invitations

Just like a seed won’t grow if it isn’t watered and cared for, our testimonies won’t grow if we don’t nurture them. When the prophets and apostles invite us to act, they offer inspired ways to strengthen our testimonies, deepen our relationship with Jesus Christ, and receive the Savior’s promised blessings.

In the April 2025 general conference, these were just a few of the invitations made:

  • Grow in confidence before the Lord by increasing your charity and virtue.

  • Give “equal time, not spare time” to Jesus Christ and His gospel.

  • Celebrate Jesus Christ’s Resurrection more intentionally during the Easter season.

  • Reflect on the Savior’s Atonement more often and more faithfully.

Look for invitations like these as you listen to general conference. They’re given especially for us in these times! Accepting and acting on them is a great way to draw closer to Jesus Christ and stay spiritually safe in the latter days.

President Russell M. Nelson once taught, “God’s long-established pattern of teaching His children through prophets assures us that He will bless each prophet and that He will bless those who heed prophetic counsel.” As you prepare for and listen to the inspired messages of God’s chosen prophets, you will be better able to feel your Savior’s love and understand how to follow Him.