For the Strength of Youth
All Access
For the Strength of Youth October 2025

All Access

By David A. Edwards

Church Magazines

Jesus Christ can give you access to more than you may think.

Take a look at these illustrations. What do they have in common?

park

Public Park

Illustrations by Alyssa Tallent

ticket

Ticket

door

Authorized Personnel Only

computer

User Name/Password

In a word, these pictures are all about access. Access means we are able or allowed to enter someplace, approach someone or something, or use or benefit from something.

Recently, Church leaders have taught a lot about access. They’ve made many statements like this one from President Russell M. Nelson:

So, let’s have a closer look at what access means in the restored gospel of Jesus Christ.

Jesus Christ Grants Access

Only through Jesus Christ can we gain access to God’s greatest blessings in this life and the next. The prophet Jacob used an image that illustrates the Savior’s access-granting role:

Jesus Christ by a gate

Keeper of the Gate

“The way for man is narrow, but it lieth in a straight course before him, and the keeper of the gate is the Holy One of Israel; and he employeth no servant there; and there is none other way save it be by the gate” (2 Nephi 9:41).

What is this gate? The prophet Nephi explained:

“The gate by which ye should enter is repentance and baptism by water; and then cometh a remission of your sins by fire and by the Holy Ghost” (2 Nephi 31:17).

And beyond the gate? What does Christ give us access to? Nephi said:

“Then are ye in this strait and narrow path which leads to eternal life” (2 Nephi 31:18).

We come unto the Savior and enter this path through:

  • Faith in Him.

  • Repentance.

  • Ordinances and covenants.

  • Obedience.

  • Enduring to the end.

Eternal life is what Jesus Christ ultimately gives us access to. But there are also many blessings He opens up for us in this life, while we are on the path.

Different Levels of Access to God’s Power

Heavenly Father wants to give a fulness of blessings to everyone, but He will not force them on us. What blessings we receive depends on what level of access we desire and are willing to qualify for.

people

Some Things Everyone Has Access To

Like a public park, there are some blessings from God that everyone has access to—no special permission required.

For example, everyone has access to:

  • God’s love.

  • The Light of Christ.

  • Prayer.

  • The witness of the Holy Ghost.

  • Scripture study.

  • Church attendance.

baptism

Some Things Accessed Only through Covenants

Like an event where you need a ticket, there are blessings some people have special access to because they wanted it and did what was necessary to get it.

Those who make and keep baptismal covenants can gain access to blessings such as:

  • Cleansing through the Holy Ghost and a remission of sins.

  • The gift of the Holy Ghost and His constant companionship.

  • Gifts of the Spirit.

  • Temple attendance for baptisms and confirmations (for those turning 12 or older).

  • Patriarchal blessings.

  • Callings to serve.

temple

Increased Access through the Temple

As you continue on the covenant path, you can perform ordinances in the temple and make covenants there. President Nelson taught powerful truths about this:

Through temple worship and temple covenants, you will receive:

  • A fulness of the Holy Ghost.

  • Angels to have charge over you.

  • Answers to prayer.

  • Personal revelation.

  • Greater faith, strength, and comfort.

  • Increased knowledge and power.

What Does This Mean for You?

Through covenants, you have the chance to access something truly special. President Nelson taught:

When you make covenants, you enter a special relationship with God and become one of His people. Then wonderful things can happen:

As you strive to keep your covenants, God will:

  • Bless you with an extra measure of love and mercy.

  • Forgive you when you repent.

  • Help you find your way back to Him if you stray.

  • Never tire in His efforts to help you.

  • Never run out of merciful patience with you.

  • Do everything He can, without infringing on your agency, to help you keep your covenant.

President Nelson also taught:

What kind of power is this?

For example, you can have power to:

  • Have peace and a special kind of rest.

  • Overcome the world and resist its constant influence.

  • Learn.

  • Repent and be sanctified.

  • Find hope, comfort, and joy as you face life’s challenges.

  • Be protected against the adversary’s influence.

The Ultimate Access

So, what kind of access do you want? And what are you willing to do to get it?

Heavenly Father wants to have a closer relationship with you and give you more and more access to His power. Continue on the covenant path, and He will give it to you. Love Him with all your heart. Obey. Repent. Take the sacrament. Go to the temple.

One day, as you keep temple covenants, Jesus Christ can give you the ultimate access to the Father—to return to Him, become like Him, and receive “all that [the] Father hath” (Doctrine and Covenants 84:38).

Truly He gives you all access.