Study Guide for "Conversion to the Will of God"

In this talk, Elder Quentin L. Cook shares his personal experiences and insights on the topics of conversion, missionary work, the divinity of Jesus Christ, the authenticity of the Book of Mormon, and the prophetic role of Joseph Smith. He emphasizes the importance of true conversion as a conscious acceptance of the will of God and how it influences our decisions and actions. He also discusses the responsibilities that come with conversion, particularly the obligation to share the gospel.

Before Reading

Before reading or listening to the talk, consider the following questions:

What are the three questions that influenced Elder Cook's decision to serve a mission?
How does Elder Cook describe true conversion?
What role does Joseph Smith play in our understanding of the gospel?
What are the obligations that flow from conversion?
Why is sharing the gospel important for our personal conversion?

Topics

Understanding the Importance of True Conversion

Elder Cook describes true conversion as the conscious acceptance of the will of God. He shares his personal experience of receiving a spiritual confirmation of the divinity of Jesus Christ, the authenticity of the Book of Mormon, and the prophetic role of Joseph Smith. This experience influenced his decision to serve a mission and has guided his actions throughout his life.

True conversion is the result of the conscious acceptance of the will of God and that we can be guided in our actions by the Holy Ghost.

Conversion to the Savior changes a natural man into a sanctified, born again, purified person—a new creature in Christ Jesus.

What does Elder Cook mean by "true conversion"?
How did Elder Cook's experience with receiving a spiritual confirmation influence his life decisions?
How has your understanding of the gospel influenced your life decisions?
In what ways can you consciously accept the will of God in your life?

Recognizing Joseph Smith as a Prophet of the Restoration

Elder Cook testifies of Joseph Smith's role as a prophet and the instrument through which God restored the gospel. He emphasizes the importance of the Book of Mormon and the Doctrine and Covenants in establishing the Church and providing profound doctrine.

Joseph’s translation of the Book of Mormon by the gift and power of God was foundational to the Restoration.

I testify that Joseph Smith was righteous, full of faith, and an instrument in the Lord’s hands in bringing forth the Book of Mormon.

Why is Joseph Smith's role as a prophet important in the Restoration of the gospel?
How did Joseph Smith contribute to the establishment of the Church?
How has your understanding of Joseph Smith's role as a prophet influenced your testimony of the gospel?
In what ways can you strengthen your testimony of Joseph Smith?

Embracing the Obligations that Flow from Conversion

Elder Cook discusses the responsibilities that come with conversion, particularly the obligation to share the gospel. He emphasizes the importance of becoming converted to the will of God and letting God prevail in our lives.

Our personal conversion includes the responsibility to share the gospel of Jesus Christ with the world.

The blessings of sharing the gospel include increasing our conversion to the will of God and letting God prevail in our lives.

What are the obligations that come with conversion?
Why is sharing the gospel important for our personal conversion?
How can you fulfill your obligation to share the gospel?
What steps can you take to let God prevail in your life?

Appreciating the Role of Missionary Work in the Gathering of Israel

Elder Cook highlights the pivotal role of missionary work in the gathering of Israel. He shares the Lord's commandments to preach the gospel to every creature and to be His voice and hands.

For the Savior’s mandate to share the gospel to become part of who we are, we need to become converted to the will of God; we need to love our neighbors, share the restored gospel of Jesus Christ, and invite all to come and see.

There is truly eternal joy in helping to bring souls unto Christ.

What role does missionary work play in the gathering of Israel?
Why is it important to become converted to the will of God in order to share the gospel?
How can you fulfill the Savior’s mandate to share the gospel?
What can you do to help bring souls unto Christ?

Recognizing the Eternal Significance of the Savior's Atonement

Elder Cook emphasizes the overwhelming significance of the Savior's Atonement and His saving ordinances and covenants. He explains how these "works of righteousness" emanate from and are the fruits of conversion.

We understand the overwhelming significance of the Savior’s Atonement and of His saving ordinances and covenants, including those performed in the temple.

The "works of righteousness" emanate from and are the fruits of conversion.

What is the significance of the Savior's Atonement and His saving ordinances and covenants?
How are the "works of righteousness" related to conversion?
How has the Savior’s Atonement influenced your conversion?
How can you incorporate the "works of righteousness" in your life?