The Living Christ

Study Guide for Utah Provo Missionaries for March 2024

All missionaries in the Utah Provo Mission will dedicate a significant portion of their study in March to the document
“The Living Christ – The Testimony of the Apostles.” This guide contains study suggestions for each week in March.
Week 1 – March 3-9
From “The Living Christ”
As we commemorate the birth of Jesus Christ two millennia ago, we offer our testimony of the reality of His
matchless life and the infinite virtue of His great atoning sacrifice. None other has had so profound an influence upon all
who have lived and will yet live upon the earth.
He was the Great Jehovah of the Old Testament, the Messiah of the New. Under the direction of His Father, He was
the creator of the earth. “All things were made by him; and without him was not any thing made that was made” (John
1:3). Though sinless, He was baptized to fulfill all righteousness. He “went about doing good” (Acts 10:38), yet was
despised for it. His gospel was a message of peace and goodwill. He entreated all to follow His example. He walked the
roads of Palestine, healing the sick, causing the blind to see, and raising the dead. He taught the truths of eternity, the
reality of our premortal existence, the purpose of our life on earth, and the potential for the sons and daughters of God
in the life to come.

Introduction
The Prophet Joseph Smith taught, “The fundamental principles of our religion are the testimony of the Apostles and
Prophets, concerning Jesus Christ, that He died, was buried, and rose again the third day, and ascended into heaven; and
all other things which pertain to our religion are only appendages to it” (Teachings of Presidents of the Church: Joseph
Smith, 49). … President Russell M. Nelson noted that “it was this very statement of the Prophet that provided the
incentive for 15 prophets, seers, and revelators to issue and sign their testimony to commemorate the 2,000th
anniversary of the Lord’s birth. That historic testimony is titled ‘The Living Christ.’ … I urge you to study ‘The Living
Christ.’”

Fundamental Doctrine
List three basic doctrines from this part of “The Living Christ,” and why these are important to you:
_________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________

Questions to Ponder
• What is the significance of the Apostles’ phrase, “we offer our testimony?” Why is their testimony credible and
significant?
• In an interview with the Church News in April 2000, then-Elder Russell M. Nelson said “The Living Christ” and the
“Special Witnesses of Christ” video highlight “the most sacred thing that we can contribute — mainly our testimony
that the living Christ is the literal Son of God.” What makes a testimony “sacred”? How is your missionary experience
parallel to this, as you offer your sacred testimony to people you meet?

• Think of three or four people who have had a profound influence on your life. What made them stand out? Have you
had, or will you have, a profound influence on someone else’s life?
• Why can the Apostles state that “None other has had so profound an influence” as Jesus Christ? How can we retain
this respect for Christ’s influence throughout our lives?

• As quoted in the second paragraph, after His baptism the Savior “went about doing good.” That description seems to
encompass all His teaching, healing, etc. How can you better follow His example and go about doing good?

• There are many truths we deal with and are constrained by every day, for example, gravity, electricity, nutritional and
health truths, etc. What makes the “truths of eternity” different? How should we approach our learning them? How
do these eternal truths affect our daily life?
For Additional Study
• Review Matthew 16:13–17. What was Peter’s expression that indicated that Christ was different? How did Peter gain
his testimony?
• Review the talk “Drawing the Power of Jesus Christ into Our Lives” by President Russell M. Nelson given in the April
2017 General Conference. churchofjesuschrist.org/study/general-conference/2017/04/drawing-the-power-of-jesus-
christ-into-our-lives?lang=eng
• Review the talk “That Your Joy Might Be Full” given by Jean B. Bingham in the October 2017 General Conference.
churchofjesuschrist.org/study/general-conference/2017/10/that-your-joy-might-be-full?lang=eng

In the talk referenced above, “Drawing the Power of Jesus Christ into Our Lives,” President Russell M. Nelson, then
President of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, described his challenge to young adults. He had earlier asked them “to
consecrate a portion of their time each week to study everything Jesus said and did as recorded in the standard works. I
invited them to let the scriptural citations about Jesus Christ in the Topical Guide become their personal core
curriculum.” Here are a few selections from the Topical Guide:
• Jesus Christ, Jehovah: by my name Jehovah was I not known, Ex. 6:3; thou, whose name alone is Jehovah, Ps. 83:18;
Lord Jehovah is my strength, Isa. 12:2 (26:4; 2 Ne. 22:2); Jehovah, the Eternal Judge, Moro. 10:34; my name is
Jehovah, Abr. 1:16 (2:8).
• Jesus Christ, Creator: when I laid the foundations of the earth, Job 38:4; Lord, the Creator of the ends of the earth,
Isa. 40:28; All things were made by him, John 1:3 (Col. 1:16; Rev. 4:11); earth was created by the power of his word,
Jacob 4:9; man have I created after the body of my spirit, Ether 3:16; by him … the worlds are and were created, D&C
76:24.
• Jesus Christ, Exemplar: take up his cross, and follow me, Mark 8:34 (10:21; Luke 9:23; D&C 56:2); I am the way, John
14:6; be perfect even as I, 3 Ne. 12:48; set an example for you, 3 Ne. 18:16; what manner of men ought ye to be? …
even as I am, 3 Ne. 27:27.
Week 2 – March 10-16
From “The Living Christ”
He instituted the sacrament as a reminder of His great atoning sacrifice. He was arrested and condemned on
spurious charges, convicted to satisfy a mob, and sentenced to die on Calvary’s cross. He gave His life to atone for the
sins of all mankind. His was a great vicarious gift in behalf of all who would ever live upon the earth.
We solemnly testify that His life, which is central to all human history, neither began in Bethlehem nor concluded on
Calvary. He was the Firstborn of the Father, the Only Begotten Son in the flesh, the Redeemer of the world.
He rose from the grave to “become the firstfruits of them that slept” (1 Corinthians 15:20). As Risen Lord, He visited
among those He had loved in life. He also ministered among His “other sheep” (John 10:16) in ancient America. In the
modern world, He and His Father appeared to the boy Joseph Smith, ushering in the long-promised “dispensation of the
fulness of times” (Ephesians 1:10).

Fundamental Doctrine
List three basic doctrines from this part of “The Living Christ,” and why these are important to you:
_________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________

Questions to Ponder
• Since it was important enough for the Savior to spend some of his precious few remaining hours instituting the
sacrament with His Apostles, we should treat it with sacred reverence. How do you make this weekly experience
more spiritual or sacred?

• We teach about the Savior performing the Atonement for all of God’s children, but we often fail to include ourselves
in that group. As you have studied this document, how has the Savior’s Atonement become more personal to you?

• How does your faith in the Savior and the promise of resurrection influence the way you live?

• This section of the document describes three appearances of the resurrected Christ. What was the purpose of each
of these appearances? What do you learn about the Savior from his words and actions during these appearances?

• If you were able to have a personal visit with the Savior, what would you most want to ask Him or talk about? Have
you made these thoughts part of your personal prayers?

For Additional Study

• Why did Jesus have to die? Study the experience shared by Elder Ahmad S. Corbitt in his General Conference talk “Do
You Know Why I as a Christian Believe in Christ?” given in April 2023. churchofjesuschrist.org/study/general-
conference/2023/04/56corbitt?lang=eng
• Study about the Savior’s three post-crucifixion appearances in John 20–21; 3 Nephi 11–26; and Joseph Smith—
History 1:14–20.

Selections from the Topical Guide:

• Jesus Christ, Atonement through: Son of man came … to give his life a ransom, Matt. 20:28 (1 Tim. 2:6); my blood …
shed for many for the remission of sins, Matt. 26:28; I lay down my life for the sheep, John 10:15; no man cometh
unto the Father, but by me, John 14:6; he offereth himself a sacrifice for sin, 2 Ne. 2:7; blood of Christ atoneth for
their sins, Mosiah 3:16; he shall atone for the sins of the world, Alma 34:8; I Am, whose arm of mercy hath atoned
for your sins, D&C 29:1; Jesus … wrought out this perfect atonement, D&C 76:69.
• Jesus Christ, Redeemer: thy redeemer, the Holy One of Israel, Isa. 41:14 (43:14; 44:24; 48:17; 54:5; 59:20); through
the redemption that is in Christ Jesus, Rom. 3:24 (Mosiah 16:15; 18:2; Morm. 9:12); redemption cometh in and
through the Holy Messiah, 2 Ne. 2:6; I, Jesus Christ … your God, and your Redeemer, D&C 18:47.
• Jesus Christ, Resurrection: I am the resurrection, and the life, John 11:25; in Christ shall all be made alive, 1 Cor.
15:22; Jesus Christ … the first begotten of the dead, Rev. 1:5; Christ shall loose the bands of this temporal death,
Alma 11:42.
Week 3 – March 17-23
From “The Living Christ”
Of the Living Christ, the Prophet Joseph wrote: “His eyes were as a flame of fire; the hair of his head was white like
the pure snow; his countenance shone above the brightness of the sun; and his voice was as the sound of the rushing of
great waters, even the voice of Jehovah, saying:
“I am the first and the last; I am he who liveth, I am he who was slain; I am your advocate with the Father” (D&C
110:3–4).
Of Him the Prophet also declared: “And now, after the many testimonies which have been given of him, this is the
testimony, last of all, which we give of him: That he lives!
“For we saw him, even on the right hand of God; and we heard the voice bearing record that he is the Only Begotten
of the Father—
“That by him, and through him, and of him, the worlds are and were created, and the inhabitants thereof are
begotten sons and daughters unto God” (D&C 76:22–24).

Fundamental Doctrine
List three basic doctrines from this part of “The Living Christ,” and why these are important to you:
_________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________

Questions to Ponder
• Picture yourself having a vision of the Savior. What words would you use to describe Him? Would you find our
language capable of giving an adequate description? How do the descriptions by others help you better understand
Him?

• What about the Savior qualified Him to be our “advocate with the Father?” Why do we need an advocate?

• Consider the influence of the Spirit on Joseph Smith. He was unlearned, struggled to construct sentences, and yet
could pen such powerful, profound words of testimony as recorded above. Consider the times the Spirit has blessed
you to do something beyond your natural ability. If you haven’t already recorded these experiences in your journal,
take the time to do so now.

For Additional Study

Selections from the Topical Guide:
• Jesus Christ, Advocate: he ever liveth to make intercession, Heb. 7:25; to appear in the presence of God for us, Heb.
9:24; advocate with the Father, Jesus, 1 Jn. 2:1; I am … your advocate with the Father, D&C 29:5 (32:3; 45:3; 62:1;
110:4).
• Jesus Christ, Only Begotten Son: only begotten of the Father … full of grace and truth, John 1:14; God … gave his only
begotten Son, John 3:16 (D&C 20:21); God sent his only begotten Son into the world, 1 Jn. 4:9 (D&C 49:5); then will I
have mercy upon you, through mine Only Begotten Son, Alma 12:33 (D&C 29:46); by mine Only Begotten I created
these things, Moses 2:1.
• Sons and Daughters of God: all the sons of God shouted for joy, Job 38:7; as we are the offspring of God, Acts 17:29;
now are we the sons of God, 1 Jn. 3:2.
Week 4 – March 24-30
From “The Living Christ”
We declare in words of solemnity that His priesthood and His Church have been restored upon the earth—“built
upon the foundation of . . . apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner stone” (Ephesians 2:20).
We testify that He will someday return to earth. “And the glory of the Lord shall be revealed, and all flesh shall see it
together” (Isaiah 40:5). He will rule as King of Kings and reign as Lord of Lords, and every knee shall bend and every
tongue shall speak in worship before Him. Each of us will stand to be judged of Him according to our works and the
desires of our hearts.
We bear testimony, as His duly ordained Apostles—that Jesus is the Living Christ, the immortal Son of God. He is the
great King Immanuel, who stands today on the right hand of His Father. He is the light, the life, and the hope of the
world. His way is the path that leads to happiness in this life and eternal life in the world to come. God be thanked for
the matchless gift of His divine Son.

Fundamental Doctrine
List three basic doctrines from this part of “The Living Christ,” and why these are important to you:
_________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________

Questions to Ponder
• Since the Savior’s “priesthood and His Church have been restored,” and you have the privilege of participating in the
Church, what gospel truths are particularly meaningful to you? How will the restoration affect your future life?
• How do the restored truths help in your personal worship of the Lord Jesus Christ?

• We’re taught that Christ “will someday return to earth.” Consider the times beginning with the First Vision that Christ
has already returned to earth. What will be different about this final return that the Apostles describe? What are you
doing to help the world prepare? What are you doing to personally prepare?

• Note the attributes or titles of the Savior included in the last two paragraphs of the document. If you were writing
this description, what additional titles or attributes would you use to describe the Savior?

• The Apostles conclude, “God be thanked for the matchless gift of His divine Son.” What are some of the most
important gifts you’ve been given because of Jesus Christ? What makes those gifts important to you?

• How has studying “The Living Christ” document affected your testimony of, and love for, the Savior?

For Additional Study

• Study Doctrine and Covenants 107:23 to appreciate the calling of Apostles.
• Review these scriptures that teach about the restoration: Doctrine and Covenants 1:17–23; 13; 20:1–12; 65; 110;
112:30–32; 124:39–42; 128:19–21.
• For an introspective assessment of your progress in developing Christ-like attributes, see the Attribute Activity later
in this document.
• Review the talk “We Talk of Christ” by Elder Neil L. Andersen given in the October 2020 General Conference.
churchofjesuschrist.org/study/general-conference/2020/10/45andersen?lang=eng&para=23#p23
• Review the talk “Return and Receive,” particularly the last part, by Elder M. Russell Ballard given in the April 2017
General Conference. churchofjesuschrist.org/study/general-conference/2017/04/return-and-receive?lang=eng
• Review the article “The Living Christ, Apostolic Testimonies and Infinite Love” by Elder Kevin J. Worthen. He describes
how General Conference talks over time have focused more on the Savior, and he discusses many of the concepts in
“The Living Christ.” https://rsc.byu.edu/his-majesty-mission/living-christ

Selections from the Topical Guide:

• Jesus Christ, Cornerstone: stone which the builders refused is become the head stone of the corner, Ps. 118:22
(Matt. 21:42–44; Mark 12:10; Luke 20:17; Acts 4:10–12); Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner stone, Eph. 2:20;
Jews … will reject the stone, Jacob 4:15; I am … the stone of Israel, D&C 50:44.
• Jesus Christ, Second Coming: every knee shall bow, every tongue shall swear, Isa. 45:23 (D&C 88:104); shall look
upon me whom they have pierced, Zech. 12:10; say unto him, What are these wounds in thine hands, Zech. 13:6
(D&C 45:51); of that day and hour knoweth no man, Matt. 24:36 (D&C 49:7); Lord will come as a thief in the night, 2
Pet. 3:10; great day of the Lord to come, D&C 45:39.
What’s Next?
1. For fun, test your memory and fill in the blanks:
THE LIVING CHRIST
The Testimony of the Apostles
As we _____ the birth of Jesus Christ _____
_____ ago, we offer our _____ of the reality of
His _____ _____ and the infinite virtue of _____
_____ _____ sacrifice. None other has had so
profound an _____ upon all who have lived and
will yet _____ _____ the earth.
He was the Great _____ of the _____
Testament, the _____ of the New. Under the
direction of His Father, He was the _____ of the
earth. “All things were made _____ _____; and
without him was not any thing _____ that was
made” (John 1:3). Though sinless, He was _____
to _____ all righteousness. He “went about _____
_____” (Acts 10:38), yet was despised for it. His
gospel was a message of _____ and _____. He
entreated all to _____ His example. He walked
the roads of _____, healing the sick, causing the
_____ to see, and _____ the dead. He taught the
truths of _____, the reality of our _____
existence, the purpose of _____ _____ on earth,
and the potential for the sons and daughters of
God in the _____ to come.
He instituted the _____ as a reminder of His
great atoning _____. He was arrested and
condemned on _____ charges, convicted to
satisfy a mob, and sentenced to _____ on
Calvary’s cross. He gave His life to _____ for the
sins of _____ _____. His was a great _____ gift
in behalf of _____ who would ever live upon the
earth.
We solemnly _____ that His life, which is
_____ to all human history, neither began in
_____ nor concluded on _____. He was the
_____ of the Father, the Only Begotten Son in the
_____, the _____ of the world.
He rose from the _____ to “become the _____
of them that slept” (1 Corinthians 15:20). As
_____ Lord, He visited among those He had
loved in life. He also _____ among His “_____
sheep” (John 10:16) in ancient _____. In the
modern world, He and _____ _____ appeared to
the boy Joseph Smith, ushering in the long-
promised “_____ of the fulness of times”
Of the _____ _____, the Prophet _____
wrote: “His eyes were as a _____ of fire; the hair
of his head was _____ like the pure snow; his
_____ shone above the brightness of the sun; and
his _____ was as the sound of the _____ of great
waters, even the voice of _____, saying:
“I am the first and the last; I am he who
_____, I am he who was _____; I am your _____
with the _____” (D&C 110:3–4).
Of Him the _____ also declared: “And now,
after the many _____ which have been given of
him, this is the _____, last of all, which we give
of him: _____ _____ _____!
“For we saw _____, even on the right hand of
God; and we heard the _____ bearing record that
he is the _____ _____ of the Father—
“That by him, and _____ him, and of him, the
_____ are and were created, and the _____
thereof are _____ sons and daughters unto God”
(D&C 76:22–24).
We declare in words of _____ that His _____
and His _____ have been restored upon the earth
—“built upon the _____ of . . . apostles and
prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the _____
_____ _____” (Ephesians 2:20).
We _____ that He will someday _____ to
earth. “And the glory of the _____ shall be
_____, and all _____ shall see it together” (Isaiah
40:5). He will rule as _____ of _____ and reign
as _____ of _____, and every knee shall bend and
every _____ shall speak in worship before Him.
Each of us will stand to be _____ of Him
according to our _____ and the _____ of our
hearts.
We bear _____, as His duly ordained _____
—that Jesus is the _____ _____, the immortal
Son of God. He is the great _____ _____, who
stands _____ on the right hand of His Father. He
is the _____, the _____, and the _____ of the
world. His way is the _____ that leads to
happiness in this life and _____ _____ in the
world to come. God be thanked for the _____ gift
 (Ephesians 1:10). of His _____ Son.

2. Seek to develop more Christ-like attributes in your own life:

1. Review Preach My Gospel Chapter 6: Seek Christlike Attributes.
2. Complete the following Attribute Activity as a personal assessment.
3. Choose three attributes to particularly focus on and take conscious steps to make personal progress.

Attribute Activity
The purpose of this activity is to help you identify opportunities for spiritual growth. Read each item below. Decide how
true that statement is about you, and fill in the blank with the appropriate response (1 to 5). No one can respond
“always” to every statement. Spiritual growth is a lifelong process. That is one reason it is exciting and rewarding—
because there are countless opportunities to grow and to experience the blessings of growth. Be comfortable with
beginning where you are. Commit yourself to doing the spiritual work needed to grow. Seek God’s help.
(From the Preach My Gospel manual, pp. 136-138)

Response Key: 1 = never, 2 = sometimes, 3 = often, 4 = almost always, 5 = always

(These columns extend onto the next page.)

______________

Sources include resources available on the ChurchofJesusChrist.org website (Come, Follow Me study manuals, Church
News, Media Library, General Conference talks, Preach My Gospel), and the BYU Religious Studies Center.