Russell M. Nelson

LDS Quotes By Prophet & Apostle President Russell M. Nelson
Russell M. Nelson is the 17th and current President of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS Church), having assumed the role in January 2018. Prior to his leadership in the church, he had a distinguished career as a renowned cardiothoracic surgeon and medical researcher.

His Best Selling Books Include

Daily Joy: A Devotional For Each Day of the Year
Now Is Your Time: A Message to the Rising Generation
Accomplishing the Impossible: What God Does, What We Can Do

That Jesus attained eternal perfection following his resurrection is confirmed in the Book of Mormon. It records the visit of the resurrected Lord to the people of ancient America. There he repeated the important injunction previously cited [to be perfect even as your Father in Heaven is perfect], but with one very significant addition. He said, “I would that ye should be perfect even as I, or your Father who is in heaven is perfect.” This time he listed himself along with his Father as a perfected personage. Previously, he had not. Resurrection is requisite for eternal perfection. . . . Eternal perfection is reserved for those who overcome all things and inherit the fulness of the Father in his heavenly mansions. Perfection consists in gaining eternal life – the kind of life that God lives.

Russell M. Nelson | Ensign, November 1994, p. 87

Topics: Book of Mormon, Eternal Life, Perfection, Resurrection

“…virtually every member of the Church can participate in temple and family history work. Gone are the days when this sacred work was done only by specialists. No matter your situation, you can make family history a part of your life right now.”

Russell M. Nelson | Generations Linked In Love

Topics: Family History, Temples

“It is difficult for mortal minds to comprehend the majesty of the Creation. It is much easier for us to think about good things to eat or fun things to do. But I would like to stretch our minds to think of things beyond our easy grasp. The creation of man and woman was wondrous and great. So was the creation of the earth as their mortal dwelling place.”

Russell M. Nelson | “The Creation”

Topics: Creation, Mortality

“Prepare to do work of real worth for your fellowmen. This is one of the fundamental reasons for enrollment at this institution of higher learning. The critical difference between your just hoping for good things for mankind and your being able to do good things for mankind is education.”

Russell M. Nelson | "Reflections and Resolution", Speeches: Brigham Young University, Jan. 7, 2004, p. 65

Topics: Education, Hope, Work

“Though each of us will pass through the doors of death, the timing of that departure is less important than is the preparation for eternal life.”

Russell M. Nelson

Topics: Death, Eternal Life, Mortality, Physical, Plan of Salvation

“With the help of two Hebrew scholars, I learned that one of the Hebraic meanings of the word Israel is “let God prevail.” Thus the very name of Israel refers to a person who is willing to let God prevail in his or her life. That concept stirs my soul! The word willing is crucial to this interpretation of Israel. We all have our agency. We can choose to be of Israel, or not. We can choose to let God prevail in our lives, or not. We can choose to let God be the most powerful influence in our lives, or not.”

Russell M. Nelson | "Let God Prevail"

Topics: Humility, Priorities, Sacrifice

“I testify that the earth and all life upon it are of divine origin. The Creation did not happen by chance. It did not come ex nihilo (out of nothing). And human minds and hands able to build buildings or create computers are not accidental. It is God who made us and not we ourselves. We are His people! The Creation itself testifies of a Creator. We cannot disregard the divine in the Creation. Without our grateful awareness of God’s hand in the Creation, we would be just as oblivious to our provider as are goldfish swimming in a bowl. With deep gratitude, we echo the words of the Psalmist, who said, “O Lord, how manifold are thy works! in wisdom hast thou made them all: the earth is full of thy riches.”

Russell M. Nelson | “The Creation”

Topics: Creation, Plan of Salvation, Secularism (Worldliness)

“The Creation, great as it is, is not an end in itself but a means to an end. We come to the earth for a brief period of time, endure our tests and trials, and prepare to move onward and upward to a glorious homecoming. Our thoughts and deeds while here will surely be more purposeful if we understand God’s plan and are thankful for and obedient to His commandments. As beneficiaries of the divine Creation, what shall we do? We should care for the earth, be wise stewards over it, and preserve it for future generations. And we are to love and care for one another. We are to be creators in our own right—builders of an individual faith in God, faith in the Lord Jesus Christ, and faith in His Church. We are to build families and be sealed in holy temples. We are to build the Church and kingdom of God upon the earth. We are to prepare for our own divine destiny—glory, immortality, and eternal lives. These supernal blessings can all be ours, through our faithfulness.”

Russell M. Nelson | “The Creation”

Topics: Becoming like God, Creation, Exaltation, Mortality, Plan of Salvation

“Your mind is precious! It is sacred. Therefore, the education of one’s mind is also sacred. Indeed, education is a religious responsibility. Of course, our opportunities and abilities will vary a great deal. But, in the pursuit of one’s education, individual desire is more important than is the institution you choose; personal drive is more significant than is the faculty.

“Our Creator expects His children everywhere to gain an education as a personal endeavor. … When you leave this frail existence, your material possessions will remain here, but the Lord has declared that the knowledge you acquire here will rise with you in the resurrection. … In light of this celestial perspective, if you impulsively drop out or otherwise cut short your education, you would not only disregard a divine decree but also abbreviate your own eternal potential.”

Russell M. Nelson

Topics: Education, Knowledge

“During my professional career as a doctor of medicine, I was occasionally asked why I chose to do that difficult work. I responded with my opinion that the highest and noblest work in this life is that of a mother. Since that option was not available to me, I thought that caring for the sick might come close. I tried to care for my patients as compassionately and competently as mother cared for me.”

Russell M. Nelson | Our Sacred Duty to Honor Women

Topics: Mothers & Motherhood, Work