Welcome back, Cougars! We look forward to a new semester full of learning! Image: BYU Photo

"Jesus is not only central to the plan of salvation; he is vital. We cannot save ourselves. We cannot earn our exaltation. We cannot exercise the sufficient grit and willpower to do the works of righteousness and battle against Satan on our own. Christ is our Lord, our Savior, our Redeemer, and our King.” Photo: Kelly Sikkema, Unsplash

In his article "The Premortal Godhood of Christ: A Restoration Perspective​,” Andrew C. Skinner said, "The premortal Savior was the chief proponent of the Father’s plan of salvation for His children. A hallmark of the Savior’s personality in premortality as well as mortality was humility: He humbly offered to be our Redeemer, to put into effect the Father’s plan, to sacrifice His own comfort and lofty position to do His Father’s will and yet to give the honor and glory to the Father.” Photo: Inbal Malca, Unsplash

Utilize our special Christmas resources this holiday weekend by visiting https://rsc.byu.edu/my-gospel-study/come-follow-me#this-weeks-lesson. Image: "Christ with St. Joseph in the Carpenter's Shop," by Georges de La Tour (1593-1652). The Louvre, Paris.

This week, the Religious Studies Center highlights the article “The Doctrines of Eternal Marriage and Eternal Families.” This article explains the importance of eternal families in God’s plan for His children. Read here: https://rsc.byu.edu/foundations-restoration/doctrines-eternal-marriage-eternal-families.

“Raising the Standard of Truth: Exploring the History and Teachings of the Early Restoration,” edited by Scott C. Esplin is a great way to wrap up this year’s “Come, Follow Me” study. Learn more here: https://rsc.byu.edu/book/raising-standard-truth/.

Learn more about Salt Lake City and how it reflects Joseph Smith’s vision for the future of Zion in Craig James Ostler’s article titled “Salt Lake City: City Stake of Zion.” He says, “Temples philosophically connect the creation of the earth with building the city of Zion—a city dedicated and consecrated to God.” Access the full article here: https://rsc.byu.edu/salt-lake-city-place-which-god-prepared/salt-lake-city-1.

In his article “Christ and Salvation,” Robert L. Millet discusses the life of Christ and the power He has to save us. Read more here: https://rsc.byu.edu/no-weapon-shall-prosper/jesus-christ-salvation. Image: Feed My Sheep, by Kamille Corry

In the latest episode of the “Y Religion” podcast, professor Ryan Sharp helps us remember Samuel the Lamanite from a historical, prophetic, and doctrinal perspective. Listen here: https://rsc.byu.edu/media/y-religion.

In “His Majesty and Mission,” Kevin J Worthen, current president of BYU, expounds on apostolic testimonies of the living Christ and the active role Christ has in our lives today. Read the article here: https://rsc.byu.edu/his-majesty-mission/living-christ.

Learn more about the Articles of Faith in @byu.rsc‘s “Come, Follow Me” resources. Ryan S. Gardner provides insights on how these principles were established and how they impact our life today. Read the full article here: https://rsc.byu.edu/foundations-restoration/articles-faith.

Looking for ways to deepen your scripture study this holiday season? The Religious Studies Center has hundreds of online resources to improve your gospel scholarship. Learn more at rsc.byu.edu.