"The holy scriptures are the word of God given to us for our salvation. The scriptures are essential in receiving a testimony of Jesus Christ and His gospel."
The scriptures were so important to the prophet Lehi that he sent his sons back to Jerusalem to recover the scriptures. By studying the scriptures, church members learn who they are, what they can become, prophecies for self and posterity, commandments, and how to return to Father in Heaven.
Both Lehi and his son Nephi were given visions likening the "word of God" to a rod of iron. "Both father and son learned that holding to this strong, unbending, utterly reliable guide is the only way to stay on the straight and narrow path that leads to our Savior."
The Book of Mormon testifies of people that disregarded the scriptures, and "walked in the darkness of ignorance, contention, and destruction." But those who "cling to them, walk by them, live by them, rejoice in them, feast on them" can be led back to the Savior.
"If you have not heard His voice speaking to you lately, return with new eyes and new ears to the scriptures. They are our spiritual lifeline. ... We boldly declare that the answer to the terror, destruction, and even genocide of these last days is found in the scriptures."
