Elder Russell M. Nelson spoke of the firm foundation of the Church, and of the strong foundations each of us must build in our lives during his talk in the Sunday afternoon session of general conference.

Elder Nelson said the strong foundation of the church helps its members build foundations of faith.

Elder Nelson also spoke of the eternal nature of the gospel.

"The underpinnings of the gospel were in place before the world was," he said.

Elder Nelson said the plan of salvation was in place before the foundation of the world and that the atonement of Jesus Christ is central to that plan.

"The Lord's sacrifice broke the bands of physical and spiritual death," he said.

Elder Nelson also spoke of the eternal nature of humanity and motherhood.

"Motherhood glorifies God," he said.

Another pillar of the foundation of the Church is revelation that has been reserved for our days.

Elder Nelson mentioned such latter-day revelations as the Book of Mormon and temple ordinances.

"Baptism for the dead is a link between the dispensations," he said.

Elder Nelson also said the place of the church is secure because of its firm foundation.

"The church will not be moved from its place, even through the millennium," he said.

Elder Nelson went on to give church members advice on how to build strong foundations in their own lives.

It is "upon the rock of our Redeemer that you must build your foundation," he said.

Elder Nelson said even firm foundations cannot prevent all of life's problems, but through faith we will be able to overcome all challenges.

"Although we don't know all things, we know God lives and that he loves us," he said.

Copyright Brigham Young University 7 Apr 2002