October 1971 General Conference – Recap

Hope for Eternal Life and Salvation: Insights from the October 1971 General Conference

The October 1971 General Conference of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints offered numerous messages that inspire hope for eternal life and salvation.¹

According to this great and eternal plan, salvation is in Christ. It comes because of the infinite and eternal atonement which he wrought by the shedding of his blood. He is the Son of God, and he came into the world to ransom men from the temporal and spiritual death that came because of what we call the fall.² – President Joseph Fielding Smith President of the Church

Examining these messages reveals a consistent theme: while the path may be challenging, eternal life is attainable through faith, repentance, and obedience to God’s commandments.

The Atonement of Jesus Christ as the Foundation for Eternal Life

The Atonement of Jesus Christ is repeatedly emphasized as the cornerstone of the plan of salvation. Through His infinite sacrifice, all mankind will be resurrected and live eternally. Speakers highlighted that the Savior’s atonement makes it possible for individuals to overcome the consequences of the Fall and return to God’s presence.

No one can state too plainly or emphasize too strongly this eternal truth that only through the atonement of Christ can mankind be saved. Because of his atoning sacrifice all men will be raised in immortality and live forever as resurrected beings, but only those who believe and obey his laws will enjoy exaltation and eternal life.³ – N. Eldon Tanner, Second Counselor in the First Presidency

The Importance of Faith and Obedience

The conference talks stress that faith in Jesus Christ is essential for receiving the blessings of the Atonement and obtaining eternal life. As we have previously discussed, faith and hope are intertwined and are sometimes interchanged. This faith must be manifested through obedience to God’s commandments. Speakers encouraged individuals to “deny themselves of all ungodliness”⁴ and strive to follow the Savior’s example.

And so now, in the spirit of love and brotherhood, we invite all men everywhere to give heed to the words of eternal life …

We believe that worship is far more than prayer and preaching and gospel performance. The supreme act of worship is to keep the commandments, to follow in the footsteps of the Son of God, to do ever those things that please him. It is one thing to give lip service to the Lord; it is quite another to respect and honor his will by following the example he has set for us⁵. – President Joseph Fielding Smith President of the Church

The Role of Repentance

Repentance is presented as an indispensable element in the process of salvation. Elder James A. Cullimore’s talk on “Confession and Forsaking: Elements of Genuine Repentance”⁶ provides a detailed explanation of the importance of confessing and forsaking sins to obtain forgiveness. The sources emphasize that God is merciful and willing to forgive those who sincerely repent.

Now one final bit of assurance that the repentant one may be forgiven: “Verily, thus saith the Lord: It shall come to pass that every soul who forsaketh his sins and cometh unto me, and calleth on my name, and obeyeth my voice, and keepeth my commandments, shall see my face and know that I am.” (D&C 93:1.)

It may not be easy—the road may be long, but I leave you my witness it is the way the Lord has provided in his mercy to us.⁷ – James A. Cullimore, Assistant to the Council of the Twelve.

The Power of the Priesthood in Facilitating Salvation

Several talks highlight the priesthood as the divinely appointed authority to administer the gospel and bless mankind.

heard. Our challenges and our opportunities and our blessings are great and unnumbered; there is no greater power in all the world than the power of God delegated to the priesthood holders of the Church, if we will but magnify the priesthood which we hold.⁸ – N. Eldon Tanner, Second Counselor in the First Presidency.

The priesthood empowers individuals to perform saving ordinances like baptism and enables worthy individuals to receive temple blessings that connect families for eternity.

Overcoming Challenges and Trials

The sources acknowledge that life is filled with trials and temptations. However, they also offer assurance that individuals can overcome these challenges through faith in God and reliance on His help. Speakers encouraged individuals to view trials as opportunities for growth and development, drawing parallels to experiences like Zion’s Camp and Liberty Jail.

It is a temptation to become so involved in the things of the world that we lose sight of more important values, the things of the spirit.

Not only the young people of the Church have trials and temptations, but each of us does. Like the Savior, we will all have our Gethsemane. And although the road may be rough at times, if we will hold fast to the rod of iron, spoken of by Lehi, it will lead us through the mist of darkness. If we will not be dissuaded by the mocking voices of the world or lose our way and fall into the river or wander in strange roads, we will pass the challenging test of life that Abraham foresaw.

All the effort and struggle and sorrow will be well worth it, for we will earn the greatest of all gifts, the gift of eternal life. May this be our happy lot..⁹. – Henry D. Taylor, Assistant to the Council of the Twelve

The Importance of Service and Love

Service to others and love for our fellowmen are presented as essential aspects of Christian discipleship and integral to the path of salvation. Speakers urged members to actively engage in serving others, particularly those in need. President Dunn exhorts, “open our arms and our church doors and let them know they are wanted.”¹⁰ This service, driven by genuine love, can bring individuals closer to God and help them experience true joy.

Hope in a Troubled World

The sources acknowledge the challenges and uncertainties of the world. Despite these difficulties, they offer a message of hope, reminding individuals that God is in control and His gospel provides the answers to life’s problems. Speakers emphasized that by turning to God and living His commandments, individuals can find peace and security even amidst worldly turmoil.

The thing that is needed more than anything else today is a return to faith in the Lord Jesus Christ and in the gospel plan that he gave. Today, as perhaps seldom if ever before, civilization is in need of a knowledge of the true and living God. Yes, the cure for the ills that beset the world today is true religion.¹¹ – Joseph Anderson, Assistant to the Council of the Twelve

Eternal Life as a Family Unit

The talks express the importance of family relationships, highlighting that eternal life is intended to be experienced as families. Speakers emphasized the significance of strengthening family bonds, teaching children the gospel, and creating homes where love and righteousness prevail. The eternal nature of family relationships offers a powerful motivation for living righteously and seeking after eternal life.

I just cannot understand how they could read the Bible and yet not believe, and how marriages could be performed in the churches all over the world until death do you part. What a flimsy concept! Why don’t they go back to the time when God had finished the creation of this earth, and looked upon it and found it good, and placed Adam here, at which time he said: “It is not good that the man should be alone. …” (Gen. 2:18.) He made a helpmeet for him, saying, “… and they shall be one flesh.” (Gen. 2:24.) Now what God joins together and makes one flesh, you couldn’t separate without having two halves instead of two wholes.¹² – LeGrand Richards, of the Council of the Twelve

The October 1971 General Conference provided a resounding message of hope for eternal life and salvation. By focusing on the foundational principles of the gospel—faith in Jesus Christ, repentance, obedience, service, and love—individuals can navigate the challenges of mortality and obtain the greatest gift God has to offer: eternal life in His presence.

1. Smith, Joseph Fielding, “I Know That My Redeemer Liveth.” Lecture, Salt Lake City, UT, October 1971 ↩︎
2. Smith, et al. ↩︎
3. Tanner, N. Eldon, “Where Art Thou?“, Lecture, Salt Lake City, UT. October 1971. ↩︎
4. Smith, et al. ↩︎
5. Smith, et. al. ↩︎
6. Cullimore, James A. “Confession and Forsaking: Elements of Genuine Repentance.” Lecture, Salt Lake City, UT. October 1971 ↩︎
7. Cullimore, et. al. ↩︎
8. Tanner, N. Eldon. “Continuity of Service.” Lecture, Salt Lake City, UT. October 1971 ↩︎
9. Taylor, Henry D. “A Time of Testing.” Lecture, Salt Lake City, UT. October 1971 ↩︎
10. Dunn, Paul H. “What is a Teacher?” Lecture, Salt Lake City, UT. October 1971 ↩︎
11. Anderson, Joseph. “The Living Christ.” Lecture, Salt Lake City, UT. October 1971 ↩︎
12. Richards, LeGrand. “Laying a Foundation for the Millennium.” Lecture, Salt Lake City, UT. October 1971 ↩︎