The Nauvoo Illinois Temple will be dedicated June 27-30. An open house will be conducted May 6-June 22 to celebrate the completion of the temple.
As has been done when open house events have been scheduled at the completion of other temples, the Church has prepared an attractive, 16-page publication for media distribution in the temple district. The publication highlights photos and information about the new temple and, most important, bears witness of Jesus Christ.
A headline on one of the articles proclaims: "The Divinity of Jesus Christ is the Core Doctrine of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints." In that article is this declaration: "Members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God, the Savior of the world, the promised Messiah, and the mediator between God and His children. . . .
"The words of a Book of Mormon prophet clearly state the importance of Jesus Christ in the lives of Church members: 'We talk of Christ, we rejoice in Christ, we preach of Christ, we prophesy of Christ, and we write according to our prophecies, that our children may know to what source they may look for a remission of their sins (2 Nephi 25:26).' "
Also included in this publication is the powerful witness of the First Presidency and the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles. (A copy of this testimony, titled "The Living Christ," is available at distribution centers.) "The Testimony of the Apostles" proclaims:
"As we commemorate the birth of Jesus Christ two millennia ago, we offer our testimony of the reality of His matchless life and the infinite virtue of His great atoning sacrifice. None other has had so profound an influence upon all who have lived and will yet live upon the earth.
"He was the Great Jehovah of the Old Testament, the Messiah of the New. Under the direction of His Father, He was the creator of the earth. 'All things were made by him; and without him was not any thing made that was made' (John 1:3). Though sinless, He was baptized to fulfill all righteousness. He 'went about doing good' (Acts 10:38), yet was despised for it. His gospel was a message of peace and goodwill. He entreated all to follow His example. He walked the roads of Palestine, healing the sick, causing the blind to see, and raising the dead. He taught the truths of eternity, the reality of our premortal existence, the purpose of our life on earth, and the potential for the sons and daughters of God in the life to come.
"He instituted the sacrament as a reminder of His great atoning sacrifice. He was arrested and condemned on spurious charges, convicted to satisfy a mob, and sentenced to die on Calvary's cross. He gave His life to atone for the sins of all mankind. His was a great vicarious gift in behalf of all who would ever live upon the earth.
"We solemnly testify that His life, which is central to all human history, neither began in Bethlehem nor concluded on Calvary. He was the Firstborn of the Father, the Only Begotten Son in the flesh, the Redeemer of the world.
"He rose from the grave to 'become the firstfruits of them that slept' (1 Corinthians 15:20). As Risen Lord, He visited among those He had loved in life. He also ministered among His 'other sheep' (John 10:16) in ancient America. In the modern world, He and His Father appeared to the boy Joseph Smith ushering in the long-promised 'dispensation of the fulness of times' (Ephesians 1:10). . . .
"We testify that He will someday return to earth. 'And the glory of the Lord shall be revealed, and all flesh shall see it together' (Isaiah 40:5). He will rule as King of Kings and reign as Lord of Lords, and every knee shall bend and every tongue shall speak in worship before Him. Each of us will stand to be judged of Him according to our works and the desires of our hearts.
"We bear testimony, as His duly ordained Apostles — that Jesus Christ is the Living Christ, the immortal Son of God. He is the great King Immanuel, who stands today on the right hand of His Father. He is the light, the life, and the hope of the world. His way is the path that leads to happiness in this life and eternal life in the world to come. God be thanked for the matchless gift of His divine Son."
At this Easter time and always, we celebrate and worship a living and loving Christ. We express our love by keeping His commandments and sharing His message with others. And in our prayers, we express gratitude for His sacrifice and for blessing our lives.