In the book of 2 Nephi in the Book of Mormon, an ancient prophet Nephi talks all about the coming of Jesus Christ and the great plan of salvation and happiness

Why do we need a Savior?

Before we can understand what Jesus Christ expects of us, it’s important to first understand why we need a Savior. God sent us to this earth to learn, grow, gain a body, and learn to become like Him. But God knew that because of our imperfect state, all of us would sin and make mistakes which prevent us from coming back into the presence of God. In the Holy Bible it says, “For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God.” To enable us to return to live with Him, Heavenly Father prepared a Savior to come to this earth to pay the penalty of our sins and redeem us. He suffered for our sins in the garden of Gethsemane and on the cross. Jesus Christ was chosen as our Savior before the earth was created. Without Jesus Christ, there would be no hope for us to return to live with our Heavenly Father and the law of justice would require us to pay the full penalty of our sins and we would lose our salvation. In the Book of Mormon it says this about Christ:

And he cometh into the world that he may save all men if they will hearken unto his voice; for behold, he suffereth the pains of all men, yea, the pains of every living creature, both men, women, and children, who belong to the family of Adam (2 Nephi 9:21).

What does Jesus Christ Expect of Me?

Because of the gift of the Atonement that Jesus Christ gave to us, He wants us to follow Him, and take Him to be our creditor, Redeemer, and Savior. He expects us to do our best to follow Him and keep the commandments. He desires us to accept His grace and redeeming power. He loves us and wants us to accept Him so that we can be healed and find true peace. In the Book of Mormon it says:

And he commandeth all men that they must repent, and be baptized in his name, having perfect faith in the Holy One of Israel, or they cannot be saved in the kingdom of God.

Through obedience to the gospel of Jesus Christ we can receive of His grace and mercy and be cleansed from our sins. These words in the Book of Mormon help us see that we must seek out Jesus Christ in order to find true satisfaction and happiness in our lives. It says:

Wherefore, do not spend money for that which is of no worth, nor your labor for that which cannot satisfy. Hearken diligently unto me, and remember the words which I have spoken; and come unto the Holy One of Israel, and feast upon that which perisheth not, neither can be corrupted, and let your soul delight in fatness.

Behold, my beloved brethren, remember the words of your God; pray unto him continually by day, and give thanks unto his holy name by night. Let your hearts rejoice (2 Nephi 9:51-52).

I testify that Jesus Christ lives and is the Lord and redeemer over the whole earth. I know that it is only through Him that we can be saved and find true joy. I’ve felt His wonderful and powerful love many times in my life. I’ve felt my spirit touched and warmed with sweet feelings of love, peace and truth that have come to me through the Holy Spirit of God, testifying to me that Jesus Christ is truly real. God’s plan, which is centered on Jesus Christ, is truly the plan of happiness for all of us. I’ve felt joy and happiness in my home, and personally, with my family as we have strived to live the teachings of Jesus Christ.

Additional Resources:

Get a free copy of the Book of Mormon.

Learn more about how we can be born again through Jesus Christ and His gospel.

Learn more about what Jesus Christ expects of us at the official website for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (inadvertently called by friends of other faiths, the “Mormon Church”).

Here is a personal witness by Elena Gomez de Santurion, Uruguay

In chapter 2 of Ether we read that the brother of Jared was worried because there would be no light in their boats. When he asked the Lord about this, the Lord answered with a question: “What will ye that I should prepare for you that ye may have light?” (verse 25).

I have thought a lot about how the brother of Jared responded to the Lord’s question. First he climbed a mountain, where he “did molten out of a rock 16 small stones” (Ether 3:1). He carried the stones to the top of the mountain, where he prayed. He began by humbling himself before the Lord. He asked for mercy, and he acknowledged the power the Lord had to answer his prayer. Then he demonstrated his faith by saying, “We know that thou art able to show forth great power” (Ether 3:5). The brother of Jared asked the Lord to touch the stones so they could illuminate the boats.

This passage has changed the way I pray. Before, I often asked “Father, what would Thou have me do?” In reality many situations require that I put in some thought, analyze my resources, come up with a plan, then go to the Father and ask Him if the plan is OK–afterward praying for the miracles that I can’t make happen by myself.

Additional Resources:

Get a free copy of the Book of Mormon

How the Book of Mormon Testifies of Jesus Christ

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (Inadvertantly called by friends of other faiths as the “Mormon Church”)