Elder David A. Bednar on receiving divine power through faithfulness

Elder David A. Bednar (1952- ) was sustained as a member of the Quorum of Twelve Apostles in 2004.

"I invite you to consider the blessings promised to covenant-keeping disciples of Jesus Christ. For example, Nephi 'beheld the church of the Lamb of God [in the latter days], and its numbers were few, … the saints of God, were also upon all the face of the earth; and their dominions … were small.' (1 Nephi 14:12.)

"He also 'beheld the power of the Lamb of God, that it descended upon the saints of the church of the Lamb, and upon the covenant people of the Lord, … and they were armed with righteousness and with the power of God in great glory.' (1 Nephi 14:14, emphasis added.)

"The phrase 'armed with righteousness and with the power of God in great glory' is not simply a nice idea or an example of beautiful scriptural language. Rather, these blessings are readily evident in the lives of countless latter-day disciples of the Lord....

"I testify that the covenant people of the Lord today indeed are armed with righteousness and with the power of God in great glory. I have witnessed faith, courage, perspective, persistence, and joy that extend far beyond mortal capacity—and that only God could provide....

"Covenant promises and blessings are possible only because of our Savior, Jesus Christ. He invites us to look to Him (D&C 6:36), come unto Him (3 Ne 12:20, Moro 10:32-33), learn of Him (Matt 11:29, D&C 19:23), and bind ourselves to Him (D&C 43:9, 82:10) through the covenants and ordinances of His restored gospel. I testify and promise that honoring covenants arms us with righteousness and with the power of God in great glory."

- David A. Bednar, "With the Power of God in Great Glory," General Conference October 2021, Saturday afternoon

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Faithful and obedient disciples of Jesus Christ are promised blessings to help them in life's journey. Elder Bednar explores that concept, focusing on the insight shared by Nephi of old who anticipated the situation in our day. To be "armed with righteousness and with the power of God in great glory" is an profound promise. Being armed with righteousness is more of a blessing than we may realize; that is a weapon that can help us combat all of the greatest challenges of our day. And having God's power in great glory is even more overwhelming.

Being part of the "covenant people of the Lord" brings joy, safety, and power. That should be our daily quest, to continue worthy of that role and title.

(Compilation and commentary by David Kenison, Orem, Utah, 2021)