Episode Overview

In this BYU Speeches devotional, “The Condescension of God,” given by D. Todd Christofferson (Second Counselor in the First Presidency, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints) on December 2, 2025, Elder Christofferson explores the profound doctrine of the condescension of Jesus Christ—His voluntary descent from divinity to mortality—and its significance for each of us. He interweaves scriptural insight, personal reflection, and encouragement, speaking especially to BYU students but extending the message to all who seek to understand Christ, endure in discipleship, and find hope in the Savior’s grace.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. The Spiritual Momentum at BYU

• [00:36–03:07] Christofferson opens by acknowledging BYU’s achievements in athletics and music, emphasizing that these are just part of a larger “spiritual momentum” at the university. He praises university leadership, faculty commitment, and students’ dedication.
• Memorable Quote:

  “You, our students, are part of this momentum, this spiritual momentum. You’re attending devotionals in record numbers and report a greater commitment to our Savior and His prophet as you leave BYU to serve across the church.” (01:57)

2. The Doctrine of the Condescension of God

• [03:07–08:41] Elder Christofferson introduces the scriptural term “condescension of God,” referencing the angel’s question to Nephi in the Book of Mormon and Nephi’s vision of Christ’s birth. He defines condescension as voluntary descent from a higher to a lower position.
• Christ’s condescension involved leaving His divine throne to enter mortality, being born in humble circumstances, living as a mortal, and experiencing suffering, temptation, and eventually, crucifixion.
• Memorable Quote:

  “It is all but impossible to grasp the magnitude of our Savior’s condescension. Imagine a divine being with intelligence and power sufficient to create this earth... Now he lays aside his glory and powers and descends to his creation, his footstool.” (05:39)

• Scriptural references highlight Christ’s incremental growth “from grace to grace,” His mortal experiences, and His perfect empathy for human suffering.

3. The Why of Condescension

• [08:41–12:18] Christofferson asks whether Christ could have performed the Atonement without experiencing the full scope of mortal life, ultimately concluding that living as a mortal was divinely designed to show, not just tell, the way to God.
• Christ’s life offers a model for discipleship: baptism, keeping covenants, enduring suffering, and obedience to God’s will.
• Memorable Quote:

  “Surely it is by divine design that the Son of God lived a life and performed a ministry that not merely tell us, but show us the way of discipleship, the way to God.” (09:54)

4. Parallels With Our Own Mortal Experience

• [12:18–15:54] He draws a parallel between Christ’s condescension and the descent each soul undertakes, leaving the pre-mortal presence of God for mortality (the “second estate”).
• Like Christ, we “descend” to mortal experience—learning, suffering, acting in faith and agency, and serving others—so that we can grow and become more like God.
• Memorable Quote:

  “In a sense, you too are experiencing a personal condescension of your own. Prior to your birth, you lived in a higher state. You lived in the presence of God, your Heavenly Father.” (12:34)

5. Enduring to the End: The Purpose and Challenge

• [15:54–21:30] The condescension of Christ required Him to endure unimaginable suffering to the very end—Gethsemane, the cross, and death. Likewise, our mortal sojourn requires us to “endure to the end.”
• Scriptural emphasis: Enduring is crucial for salvation—not to merely believe, but to “become what Christ is,” developing Christlike character.
• Memorable Quotes:
  • “There is nothing we experience that he does not comprehend, that he does not have power to address and redress. He knows, he understands, his love is perfect.” (11:39)
  • “For his condescension to achieve its full purpose, Jesus Christ had to endure to the end. It was supremely difficult for him, even the great Jehovah, to complete the unimaginably intense suffering and death required to atone for our sins.” (16:03)
  • “Its significance lies in the need not simply to believe in Christ, but to develop the character of Christ if we are to live with him and the Father eternally. It is about what we are becoming.” (17:59)
• Quotes President Dallin H. Oaks and Elder Bruce R. McConkie, emphasizing that final judgment focuses on what we have become, not just what we have done.

6. Grace, Repentance, and the Savior’s Infinite Mercy

• [21:30–23:20] Elder Christofferson stresses that while perfection isn’t required, entering, staying on, and returning to the “covenant path” are. He assures listeners that through repentance and Christ’s grace, we can overcome weaknesses and continue forward.
• No quota on repentance—Christ’s forgiveness is as frequent as our sincere efforts.
• Memorable Quote:

  “As long as we are serious about it, there is no quota. There is no limit on the number of times we can repent, seek forgiveness, and move forward on his path.” (22:38)

7. The Result: Hope, Resurrection, and Joy

• [23:20–24:15] Drawing upon the messages of Christmas and Easter, and citing Elder Vaughn G. Keach, Christofferson testifies that Christ’s condescension eliminates the possibility of anything being "eternally tragic".
• There are always new beginnings, and joy surpasses pain because the Savior descended, rose, and lives eternally.
• Memorable Closing:

  “Because of the birth in Bethlehem and what it led to, there is nothing in life that need be eternally tragic. There is a happy ending, there is a rising after the falling. There is life, and there is love always... It is the joy of the stable, but much more important, it is the joy of the empty tomb forever.” (23:41)

• He invites all to reflect on the Savior’s condescension and respond by following Him faithfully, ultimately invoking a blessing of peace and testifying of Christ’s divinity.

Notable Quotes & Timestamps

• “What a tremendous time it is to be a student at BYU... There is a real momentum happening, and I hope you can feel it.” (00:36)
• “Do you know that between them, President Reese and Academic Vice President Justin Collings interview every prospective faculty member... This is a tremendous investment by the leadership of this university.” (01:23)
• “The birth [of Christ] manifested the supreme love of God for all his children, a love that the Book of Mormon calls the most joyous to the soul.” (02:40)
• “Condescension means to descend voluntarily from a higher rank or dignity to a lower level or status.” (04:43)
• “He thus became the Lamb slain from the foundation of the world, who by his atoning blood would reconcile us to God and lead us back into his presence.” (04:15)
• “He descended below all things, in that he comprehended all things, that he might be in and through all things the light of truth.” (10:51)
• “You too are experiencing a personal condescension of your own. Prior to your birth, you lived in a higher state... So it is for you.” (12:34–14:05)
• “Remember that for his condescension to achieve its full purpose, Jesus Christ had to endure to the end.” (15:58)
• “Our final judgment will measure what we have become and even more importantly, what we have shown we can yet become.” (17:59)
• “We are fully justified in joyously celebrating the birth of Jesus. It is this tender beginning that eventually led to his atonement, which in turn leads to the new beginnings in our lives and faithfulness to the end of our lives.” (21:53)
• “There is a happy ending, there is a rising after the falling. There is life, and there is love always...It is the joy of the stable, but much more important, it is the joy of the empty tomb forever.” (23:41)

Important Segments & Timestamps

• 00:36: Opening remarks about BYU’s momentum
• 03:07: Introduction of the doctrine of the condescension of God
• 04:43: Definition of “condescension” and its spiritual implications
• 05:39: The magnitude of Christ’s condescension
• 08:41: The necessity of Christ experiencing mortality
• 12:18: Parallels between Christ’s descent and our mortal experience
• 15:58: The need to endure to the end
• 17:59: Focus on becoming, not just acting
• 21:30: Role of grace, repentance, and Christ’s ongoing mercy
• 23:20: Assurance of hope, new beginnings, and Christ’s ultimate victory
• 24:00: Final testimony and blessing

Closing Summary

Christofferson’s address is a deep reflection on the meaning and implications of Christ’s condescension—a love so profound that it brings hope to every soul. He connects this doctrine directly to the daily and lifelong journey of each listener: faithfulness, growth, perseverance, and reliance on the Savior’s mercy. He ends with a heartfelt testimony of Christ’s divinity and an invocation of His peace.

This summary provides an accessible overview for those who haven’t listened to the full episode, capturing its key doctrine, memorable moments, and the inviting tone of Elder Christofferson’s message.