Personal conversion to the gospel of Jesus Christ requires complete church participation, said Elder Dallin H. Oaks of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

During the Saturday afternoon session of general conference, Elder Oaks said those who do not attend church meetings or who fail to yield their hearts to God risk losing great blessings in this life and the hereafter.

"Persons who are not fully participating in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and also seeking a personal spiritual conversion are missing out on experiences that are essential under the divinely established great plan of happiness," Elder Oaks said.

He said church participation and membership have been great blessings in his own life.

Elder Oaks said the gospel has been a comforting influence as he has experienced the deaths of loved ones.

Before Elder Oaks reached eight years of age, his father died. Elder Oak's mother taught him and his siblings that their parents' temple sealing would allow them to be reunited with their father one day.

"We had a father, but he was away for a season," Elder Oaks said. "There are few things more important in this life than knowing your place in mortality and your potential in eternity."

Mankind owes it to the Savior to participate in church service and obey the commandments, Elder Oaks said.

"What has our savior done for us? He has given us his atonement, his gospel, and his church. A sacred combination that give us the assurance of immortality and the opportunity of eternal life," Elder Oaks said.

Copyright Brigham Young University 6 Apr 2002