Glorying in Jesus Christ

In his April 2026 General Conference address, “Glorying in Jesus Christ,” Elder Aaron T. Hall reflected on Nephi’s powerful declaration: “I glory in my Jesus.” He taught that true discipleship involves more than believing in Jesus Christ—it means coming to know Him personally through the many ways He acts in our lives. By understanding His divine names and roles as Redeemer, Shepherd, Healer, Advocate, Deliverer, and more, we discover not only who Christ is, but who He can become to us.

Many people, both inside and outside the Church, wonder whether a personal relationship with Jesus Christ is truly possible. Isn’t faith primarily about accepting doctrines, ordinances, and commandments? Elder Hall’s message offers a compelling answer: Christianity is not merely about knowing facts about Christ—it is about coming to know Him through lived experience. As we learn the meaning of His names and recognize His work in our lives, our testimony becomes personal.

When life feels infuriatingly unfair and finding the strength to glory in the Lord seems difficult, reflect on the meaning of His divine names and let Him restore peace to your soul.

Common Criticism: Latter-day Saints Focus More on the Church Than on Jesus Christ

A common criticism of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is that members emphasize prophets, programs, ordinances, and Church structure more than a personal relationship with Jesus Christ.

Some conclude that faith is primarily institutional rather than relational, and that Christ becomes secondary to the organization built in His name.

Fallacy at Work: False Dilemma

A False Dilemma occurs when complex realities are reduced to two competing options when both can actually work together.

In this case, critics often assume that disciples must choose between devotion to Jesus Christ and participation in His Church. But scripture consistently teaches that Christ works through covenants, ordinances, prophets, and His Church to bring people into a closer relationship with Him.

Doctrine: The Names of Jesus Christ Teach Us Who He Is

Throughout scripture, the Savior is known by many names and titles. Each reveals an aspect of His divine character, mission, and relationship with God’s children. Elder Hall notes that Nephi used more than sixty different names for Jesus Christ in his writings, each teaching something about His majesty and saving work. Yet Nephi’s most personal expression was simply “my Jesus.”

As we study the Savior’s names—Redeemer, Shepherd, Healer, Advocate, Deliverer, Friend, and many others—we learn not only what He does but how He blesses us individually. Scripture and covenant discipleship help these titles become personal realities rather than abstract doctrines.

Elder Hall’s Correction: Christ Is the Center of Everything

Elder Hall repeatedly emphasized the personal nature of the Savior’s ministry. He rejoiced in Christ as:

• Our Redeemer
• Our Good Shepherd
• Our Healer
• Our Advocate
• Our Lawgiver
• Our Deliverer

Rather than pulling us away from Christ, the restored gospel helps us discover these dimensions of His character more fully. Elder Hall taught that covenants provide “direct access to His power” and help us receive “an extra measure of [His] love and mercy.“

“Draw near unto me and I will draw near unto you; seek me diligently and ye shall find me. . .” (Doctrine and Covenants 88:63)

Solution

The restored gospel does not place Jesus Christ in the background. It places Him at the center. Every covenant, ordinance, commandment, and prophetic invitation is designed to bring individuals into a closer relationship with Him.

When we understand the purpose behind these practices, the false choice between “following Christ” and “participating in His Church” disappears. The Church exists to help people know, trust, and glory in Jesus Christ.

Living Apologetics: Learning the Savior Through His Names

One reason Elder Hall’s message is so powerful is that it gives us a practical way to draw closer to Jesus Christ. Instead of asking only, “Do I believe in Christ?” we can ask, “Which of His divine names do I need most right now?“

Someone burdened by guilt may need to know Him as Redeemer.

Someone facing uncertainty may need to know Him as Shepherd.

Someone carrying grief may need to know Him as Healer.

Someone feeling overwhelmed by injustice may need to know Him as Deliverer.

As we discover how Christ fulfills these roles in our own lives, our testimony becomes more personal and resilient.

Practical Apologetic Use 

• If someone says: “Latter-day Saints seem focused on the Church more than Jesus.”

• You can respond: “The purpose of everything in the restored gospel is to bring us closer to Jesus Christ. Covenants, ordinances, scriptures, and prophetic teachings aren’t substitutes for Him; they are invitations to know Him more personally and access His power in our lives.”

Ways to Apply Today

1️⃣Choose one name of Jesus Christ this week. Study related scriptures and look for evidence of that role in your life.

2️⃣Pray using that title. If you need healing, pray to understand Christ as your Healer. If you need guidance, seek Him as your Shepherd.

3️⃣Record personal evidence. Write down moments when the Savior fulfilled one of His divine roles for you.

Keep This Talk With You

Elder Hall’s Easter message reminds us that the gospel is ultimately about a Person, not merely a set of principles. The doctrines of the restored gospel matter because they help us come unto Jesus Christ and know Him more deeply.

Like Nephi and Ammon, we all face moments of weakness, disappointment, uncertainty, and struggle. Yet those very experiences can become opportunities to discover new dimensions of the Savior’s love and power. When life feels unfair or faith feels difficult, Elder Hall invites us to reflect on the Savior’s many names and remember what each one teaches us about His character and His promises.

This week, try one small step:

• Choose one title of Jesus Christ and study related scriptures each day.
• Pray specifically to recognize the Savior’s influence in your life.
• Share with a friend or family member one way Christ has blessed you personally through one of His divine roles.

As Elder Hall taught, Jesus Christ is not only the Savior of the world—He is your Savior. The invitation is not merely to believe in Him, but to know Him.

How has Jesus Christ become more personal to you through your experiences with Him?

 

The Consider Conference series by FAIR offers an in-depth look at recent General Conference talks to help members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints navigate common questions, misunderstandings, and criticisms. Each post provides doctrinal insights, historical context, and practical ways to apply gospel principles in everyday conversations. Through this series, we hope to equip readers with faith-promoting resources that encourage thoughtful reflection, respectful dialogue, and a stronger foundation in gospel truths, fostering both personal conviction and meaningful discussions with others.