Podcast Summary

Podcast: BYU Speeches
Episode: Coming Closer to Jesus Christ | Dallin H. Oaks
Date: February 10, 2026
Speaker: President Dallin H. Oaks, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints

Episode Overview

In this devotional address, President Dallin H. Oaks shares counsel with the BYU community and the broader audience on how to navigate challenges to faith and stay spiritually resilient by coming closer to Jesus Christ. Drawing from personal experiences, scripture, and the teachings of past prophets, he outlines four key principles to strengthen individual discipleship and overcome doubts in today’s complex world.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

Reflections on BYU’s Legacy and Leadership (00:35–03:50)

• President Oaks notes the 150th anniversary of BYU and reflects on his previous service as university president.
• He recalls the influential "Second Century" address by President Spencer W. Kimball, emphasizing BYU’s spiritual destiny.
• Quote:

  “I firmly believe that it is the destiny of Brigham Young University to become what past and present prophets knew it could become... BYU will become the great University of the Lord, not in the world's way, but in the Lord's way.” (02:10, Dallin H. Oaks)

The Mantle of Prophetic Leadership (03:51–08:00)

• President Oaks describes the significance of the prophetic "mantle," referencing biblical and church history.
• He recounts personal spiritual experiences when witnessing prophetic succession in church leadership.
• Quote:

  "When the mantle of the Prophet settled upon President Nelson, I felt that his prophetic gifts were magnified." (06:15, Dallin H. Oaks)

• Emphasizes the reality and weight of prophetic responsibility:
• Quote:

  "I felt the heaviness of responsibility settle upon me along with important impressions of what I was required to do." (07:22, Dallin H. Oaks)

Surviving Spiritually: The Need for the Holy Ghost (08:01–09:30)

• Echoes President Nelson’s caution:
• Quote:

  “In coming days it will not be possible to survive spiritually without the guiding, comforting and constant influences of the Holy Ghost.” (08:42, Dallin H. Oaks)

• Warns against deception and distractions, reinforces that the adversary disguises truth.

Overcoming Doubt: Drawing Closer to Jesus Christ (09:31–10:03)

• Affirms that the solution to doubt is closeness to the Savior.
• Quote:

  “Whatever those doubts, the way to overcome them is to get closer to our Savior, Jesus Christ. Again and again, he has taught us that he is the way.” (09:42, Dallin H. Oaks)

Four Ways to Come Closer to Jesus Christ (10:04–19:00)

1. Strengthen Faith in Christ (10:05–11:20)

• Daily efforts, prayer, scripture study are crucial.
• Cites First Article of Faith as a foundation:
• Quote:

  “Strong faith requires more than strong desire. It means daily trying one step at a time.” (10:18, Dallin H. Oaks)
  “We believe in God, the Eternal Father, and in His Son Jesus Christ, and in the Holy Ghost.” (10:41)

2. Increase Humility (11:21–16:50)

• Shares a personal story from his early teaching career about receiving honest feedback:
• Quote:

  “Mr. Oaks, I was in that class you taught for Professor so and so, and I must tell you I was really impressed. You will make a good teacher someday.” (12:19, Student to Oaks)

• Quotes President Ezra Taft Benson and President Spencer W. Kimball on humility:
• Quote:

  “The antidote for pride... is humility, meekness, submissiveness. Humility responds to God's will, to the fear of His judgments, and to the needs of those around us.” (13:45, Ezra Taft Benson, quoted by Oaks) “Humility is teachableness, an ability to realize that all virtues and abilities are not concentrated in oneself.” (14:42, Spencer W. Kimball, quoted)

• Connects humility to overcoming spiritual distraction and being ready for the Lord's return.

3. Seek Help from Others (16:51–19:00)

• Encourages association with committed believers.
• Warns of misinformation from online sources and the importance of trustworthy companions:
• Quote:

  “An abundance of speculation and false information in podcasts and on social media surround us. ...Discuss your concerns with faithful, well-informed friends and always take those concerns to the Lord.” (17:56, Dallin H. Oaks)

• Shares a story of a young man who lost faith by isolating from believers, then was emotionally moved when exposed to sincere faith again.

4. Be Patient (19:01–21:01)

• Emphasizes patience with self and others on the covenant path.
• Encourages trust in God’s timing, especially when reconciling faith and science:
• Quote:

  “Be patient, keep humble and balanced in all things. Humility, faith and trust in the Lord are the remedies for wavering.” (18:03, Dallin H. Oaks) “Hold on to the first article of faith, even if something else is uncertain, and while you wait, wait upon the Lord, which includes trusting in his timing as well as his promises.” (20:20, Dallin H. Oaks)

The Value of Both Spiritual and Secular Learning (18:00–19:30)

• Affirms no ultimate conflict between spiritual and scientific truths.
• Quote:

  “Science, after all... is simply man's discovering a few things that God already knows and controls in his ordering of the universe. God has not told us all that he knows.” (18:42, Dallin H. Oaks, quoting Richard L. Evans)

Call to Action and Testimony (21:02–22:33)

• Reiterates the importance of simple gospel practices (sacrament, temple, covenant living).
• Encourages listeners to serve while waiting for answers and to trust in Christ.
• Quote:

  “We are all a work in progress. ...Overcoming doubt... can be a lengthy process, like building faith or acquiring humility.” (20:40, Dallin H. Oaks)

• Ends with personal testimony of Jesus Christ and the restored gospel.

Notable Quotes

• On Prophetic Leadership:
  “To observers, [the mantle] symbolizes a transfer of priesthood authority to the person who receives that authority. It is very different and very real.” (07:18, Oaks)

• On Doubt:
  “Whatever those doubts, the way to overcome them is to get closer to our Savior, Jesus Christ. Again and again, he has taught us that he is the way.” (09:45, Oaks)

• On Spiritual Survival:
  “In coming days it will not be possible to survive spiritually without the guiding, comforting and constant influences of the Holy Ghost.” (08:42, Oaks)

• On Humility:
  “Humility is never accusing nor contentious. Humility is repentant and seeks not to justify its follies. It is forgiving others...” (14:50, Kimball, quoted by Oaks)

• On Patience and Faith:
  “Be patient, keep humble and balanced in all things. Humility, faith and trust in the Lord are the remedies for wavering.” (18:03, Oaks)

• Testimony:
  “I testify of Jesus Christ. As apostles are taught to testify of His Name, meaning His sacred work in all the world.... I share with you and testify to the truth of these things I have said today in the name of Jesus Christ. Amen.” (21:48, Oaks)

Recommended Listening Timestamps

• BYU's Destiny and Prophetic Leadership: 00:35–08:00
• Surviving with the Holy Ghost: 08:01–09:30
• Four Principles to Overcome Doubt: 10:04–21:01
• Personal Story on Humility: 12:00–13:20
• Patience with Faith and Science: 18:00–21:01
• Concluding Testimony: 21:02–22:33