(Elder Jeffrey R. Holland) Today I would like to address the other major doctrine
which characterizes our faith
but which causes concern to some,
namely the bold assertion that God continues to speak
His word and to reveal His truth,
revelations which mandate an open canon of scripture.
Some Christians, in large measure
because of their genuine love for the Bible,
have declared that there can be no more authorized scripture
beyond the Bible.
The Old Testament does not lose its value in our eyes
when we are introduced to the New Testament,
and the New Testament is only enhanced when we read
the Book of Mormon: Another Testament of Jesus Christ.
Continuing revelation does not demean nor discredit
existing revelation.
The Bible is the word of God.
It is always identified first in our canon, our "standard works."
Indeed, it was a divinely ordained encounter with
the fifth verse of the first chapter of the book of James
that led Joseph Smith to his vision
of the Father and the Son,
which in turn gave birth to the Restoration of the gospel
of Jesus Christ in our time.
I testify that the heavens are open.
I testify that the presence of such authorized,
prophetic voices and ongoing canonized revelations
have been at the heart of the Christian message
whenever the authorized ministry of Christ has been on the earth.
In our heartfelt devotion to Jesus of Nazareth
as the very Son of God, the Savior of the world,
we invite all to examine what we have received of Him,
to join with us, drinking deeply at the well of water
springing up into everlasting life,
these constantly flowing reminders that God lives,
that He loves us, and that He speaks.
I express the deepest personal thanks that His works never end
and His "words ... never cease."
I bear witness of such divine loving attention
and of the recording of it,
in the sacred name of Jesus Christ, amen.