Faithful exhorted to follow Savior

Building a personal relationship with the Savior, living Christ-like lives and recognizing the infinite value of his atoning sacrifice were recurring themes in talks presented in Sunday's sessions of the 176th Annual General Conference of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

Tens of thousands again gathered in the Conference Center and the church's downtown campus to hear the words of leaders. Millions more around the world heard the messages via cable, satellite and Internet.

Unlike Saturday, when pelting rain sent umbrella-toting hundreds into the conference venues damp but undeterred, Sunday offered a pleasant spring day for many who remained outside, unable to find seats in the buildings.

President James E. Faust, second counselor in the First Presidency, also focused on the universality of the plan of salvation for all of God's children. "Our message," he said, repeating a 1978 statement of the First Presidency, "is one of special love and concern for the eternal welfare of all men and woman, regardless of religious belief, race or nationality, knowing that we are truly brothers and sisters . . . "

He said the restored gospel contributes to the religious beliefs of other denominations, both Christian and non-Christian. The restoration of the church established by Jesus is fulfillment of ancient prophecy that there would be first a falling away from the original church and then a re-establishment before the coming of the Savior, he said.

"We believe the fulness of the gospel of Christ has been restored, but this is no reason for anyone to feel superior in any way towards others of God's children." Respect for the religious beliefs of others, in fact, is inherent in the understanding that the plan of salvation is for all, he said.

From the first of his earthly ministry to the last, the Savior's plea always was "Come unto me," Elder Jeffrey R. Holland of the Quorum of the Twelve said during the morning session.

He offered that plea as a solution to those "who are facing personal trials and family struggles, those who endure conflicts fought in the lonely foxholes of the heart, those trying to hold back flood waters of despair that sometimes wash over us like a tsunami of the soul . . . those who feel your lives are broken, seemingly beyond repair."

Coming to Christ begins simply with the desire to believe, Elder Holland said. Changing negative elements of life is a necessary second step. At times, the hardships of life come from outside the individual, but repentance of personal failings is essential to removing obstacles to a personal relationship with Jesus, "and we must forgive the rest."