Spiritual rebirth originates with faith in Jesus Christ, "by whose grace we are changed," said Elder D. Todd Christofferson Sunday morning.
"More specifically, it is faith in Christ as the Atoning One, the Redeemer, who can cleanse from sin and make holy," he said.
Offering his first general conference address since being sustained as a member of the Quorum of the Twelve Saturday morning, Elder Christofferson recalled a previous general conference when he received an understanding of the "surpassing sacredness of the call and service of an Apostle of the Lord Jesus Christ."
"I do not have the words to express that understanding because it was communicated Spirit to spirit without words," he said. "To think of it now reduces me to a depth of humility I have never before experienced, and I plead with my Heavenly Father to sustain me as He ever has that I might measure up to something that is far beyond my native capacity and be able to focus outwardly, losing myself in your service.
"I trust in Him, and I know that His grace is sufficient, and so I here unreservedly commit all that I have and am to God and His Beloved Son. I also commit myself, my loyalty, my service, and my love to the First Presidency and to my brethren of the Twelve."
During his remarks, Elder Christofferson said he wished to bear witness of Jesus Christ, the Son of God, and the power of His infinite, atoning sacrifice.
In doing so, he recalled an experience from his years in Tennessee, when he met with a retired minister of another faith and discussed the scriptures and doctrines from both his Church and the minister's.
"We conversed for more than an hour, and he was open to hear me explain something of faith as well as to read with me some teachings from the Book of Mormon with which he was not familiar. We found there was much we believed in common and some things we did not. We felt a bond of friendship and prayed together before he left. What remains with me is our discussion about being born again. It is spiritual rebirth through Jesus Christ that is the context of my witness of Him.
"It was Jesus who stated that entry into the kingdom of God requires that one be born again — born of water and of the Spirit (see John 3:3—5). His teaching about a physical and a spiritual baptism helps us understand that both our own action and the intervention of divine power are needed for this transformative rebirth — for the change from natural man to saint (see Mosiah 3:19).
Elder Christofferson said when true faith takes root in a person, it inevitably leads to repentance. "To be complete, however, repentance requires a covenant of obedience.... Then as promised, the Lord baptizes us with fire and 'with the Holy Ghost"' (3 Nephi 9:20).
Elder Christofferson closed his remarks, saying that he rejoices "that for the balance of my life I shall be able continually to offer Christ, to offer the good news of Christ in all the world."
