The Rock of Our Redeemer is a powerful, concise guide for Latter-day Saints, focusing on how to build a spiritual foundation anchored to Jesus Christ amid life’s challenges. Author David A. Bednar, a prominent leader in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, provides three “divine invitations” that form the book’s core message: to strengthen our covenant connection with God, to increase in spiritual knowledge and conversion, and to gather gospel truths. By acting on these invitations, readers can develop an unshakeable faith, profound hope, and spiritual power, enabling them to face the future with confidence and peace.
About the Author: David A. Bednar
David A. Bednar is a respected modern spiritual leader and scholar, serving as a member of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints since 2004. Having been a university president, educator, and teacher, he brings a blend of academic rigor and heartfelt inspiration to every book he pens. Bednar’s decades of teaching experience—from BYU–Idaho to international ministry—shine throughout this book, as he combines deep doctrinal understanding with personal wisdom and practical spiritual direction for believers seeking stability in a tumultuous world.
Book Structure & Overview
Organized in three main sections, with 12 chapters in total, “The Rock of Our Redeemer” is designed as a practical manual for Christians facing contemporary pressures—from anxiety and loss to spiritual confusion and cultural change. Each section and chapter builds upon the theme of spiritual resilience: faith, testimony, endurance, and peace rooted in Christ.
SECTION ONE — Anchoring to the Rock: Building Spiritual Foundations
Chapter 1: Why Our Foundation Matters
Bednar draws on Helaman 5:12, focusing on the idea that all disciples must build lives on the rock—Jesus Christ. Drawing analogies from his own life and ministry, he discusses how modern “storms” (temptation, fear, doubt, loss) test our foundations. He shares real-life stories of families whose faith sustained them through tragedy, and why flimsily built spiritual lives often collapse under pressure.
Takeaway:
The world will test us, but spiritual foundations determine whether we stand or fall.
Chapter 2: The Danger of Shallow Roots
This chapter explores what happens when faith is surface-level. Bednar recounts stories of church members who, drifting from daily discipleship, found themselves shaken by adversity. He links this to Jesus’ parable of the sower, urging readers to deepen roots through prayer, scripture study, meaningful repentance, and active church participation.
Reflection:
Without depth, faith cannot endure hardship.
Chapter 3: Establishing Spiritual Connections
Bednar teaches that faith isn’t a one-time event—it’s a living, growing relationship with God maintained by covenants, repentance, and daily effort. He shares techniques for deepening that connection: family prayer, sacrament observance, and regular gospel study. The importance of personal revelation and honest self-examination is emphasized.
Application:
Schedule regular spiritual check-ins; strengthen bonds with God intentionally.
Chapter 4: The Gift of Faith
Faith is described as both gift and choice. Bednar uses examples from scripture and church history to illustrate how faith, though sometimes tested to the limit, is replenished through grace. He encourages asking God for increased faith, especially when confronting fear or uncertainty.
Takeaway:
Faith can be cultivated; it’s not static, but grows as we act and seek God’s influence.
SECTION TWO — Gathering Gospel Truth: Strengthening Testimony and Conversion
Chapter 5: Spiritual Knowledge as Foundation
Bednar explores the role of gospel scholarship in building unshakable faith. Drawing on his years of teaching, he explains how careful study of the scriptures clarifies doctrine and fuels spiritual progress. The chapter includes strategies for effective scripture study and personal revelation.
Reflection:
Deep scriptural knowledge is essential for resilient discipleship.
Chapter 6: The Power of Personal Testimony
Moving beyond inherited belief, Bednar argues for developing a true testimony—spiritual knowledge rooted in personal experience. He shares stories of conversion, spiritual epiphanies, and how persistent prayer can help each believer receive personal answers from God.
Key Insight:
Borrowed faith rarely holds in crisis; seek your own spiritual witness.
Chapter 7: Conversion as a Lifelong Journey
Rather than seeing conversion as a single event, Bednar frames it as an ongoing process. He explores the difference between being “active” and being truly changed—emphasizing daily repentance, heart transformation, and renewed commitment to Christ.
Application:
Journal moments of transformation and ongoing growth.
Chapter 8: The Importance of Gathering Truth
This chapter highlights the importance of spiritual community. Bednar tells stories of church, family, and fellowship as sources of resilience. He warns against isolating oneself spiritually and recommends seeking out faith-building relationships, mentorship, and shared learning.
Takeaway:
Together, believers withstand storms. Isolation increases vulnerability.
SECTION THREE — Facing the Future: Endurance, Power, and Peace
Chapter 9: Standing Steadfast Amid Whirlwinds
Bednar gets personal about opposition, including cultural challenges, family problems, illness, and loss. He recounts stories of individuals who, anchored in Christ, remained steadfast despite great adversity. Strategies for spiritual endurance—gratitude, worship, service—are detailed.
Reflection:
Storms cannot uproot those rooted in Christ.
Chapter 10: Enduring with Hope and Perspective
This chapter explores hope as a spiritual discipline, not just an emotion. Bednar discusses the scriptural basis for hope and recounts stories from his ministry (including families facing death or crisis) where confident trust in God made endurance possible. He references Hebrews 6:19, “hope as an anchor for the soul.”
Application:
regular gratitude practice and hope journaling.
Chapter 11: The Power of Peace in Christ
Bednar anchors his teaching in Psalm 46:10: “Be still, and know that I am God.” He describes peace as a promise—available through Christ, even in the midst of chaos. He shares examples of how believers can cultivate peace: breath prayer, scriptural meditation, and active trust in Jesus’ timing.
Reflection:
Peace is more than escape; it’s the power to rest in God when all else is swirling.
Chapter 12: The Promise of Victory
The final chapter shifts gaze to eternity, reminding readers that ultimate victory—over suffering, sin, and death—is assured thanks to Christ’s redeeming work. Bednar details the hope of resurrection, restoration, and the Second Coming, but insists that victory begins now for those standing upon the “rock.”
Takeaway:
No matter life’s circumstances, believers can live with the assurance of final victory in Christ.
Author’s Message: Facing the Future with Faith, Hope, and Power
David A. Bednar’s message is profound and urgent: The only sure way to face an uncertain future is to build life, testimony, and hope on Jesus Christ, the Rock of Our Redeemer. Every other foundation fails—be it career, fame, knowledge, or human relationships.
He teaches:
- Intentionality: Faith, peace, and resilience come from daily choices—prayer, study, worship, and repentance.
- Personal Revelation: God speaks to those who seek Him; revelation is the birthright of every disciple.
- Endurance: Tough times are inevitable, but disciples can endure by remaining connected to Jesus.
- Community: Fellowship keeps faith alive; church, family, and mentors are vital.
- Victory: Ultimate triumph—now and in eternity—is available to those who anchor to Christ.
Rich Theological Insights
- Covenant Theology: Bednar unpacks the power of divine promises and covenants, teaching that spiritual security comes not from external circumstances but God’s unchanging word.
- Resilience: Drawing parallels to scriptural figures (Paul, Nephi, Esther), Bednar emphasizes perseverance, faithfulness, and the peace that comes with trusting God’s timing.
- Transformation: Conversion is a journey—not an arrival point. Believers must continually choose Christ and be transformed by daily experiences.
- Hope and Agency: The author refutes fatalism, instead championing the Christian’s power to choose faith, shape their future, and trust God’s plan.
Practical Applications and Takeaways
- Begin each day with intentional prayer, anchoring your heart and mind to Christ.
- Read, mark, and ponder scripture with a focus on personal revelation and application.
- Build spiritual resilience through gratitude, worship, and acts of service.
- Remember and record moments of testimony, growth, and God’s faithfulness.
- Lean on community: participate in church and seek out relationships that build faith.
- When facing adversity, pause, reflect, and choose hope—knowing victory is assured in Christ.
Who Should Read This Book?
- Christians seeking real, practical guidance for enduring modern challenges.
- Individuals experiencing anxiety, loss, or spiritual confusion.
- Church leaders and families wanting deeper conversations and study on faith and hope.
- Anyone longing to move from fear and uncertainty to confidence in God’s promises.
Why “The Rock of Our Redeemer” Stands Out
- Authoritative yet Pastoral: Bednar’s background as educator and apostle brings wisdom both scholarly and deeply empathetic.
- Scripture-Centered: Every chapter is anchored in careful doctrine; the book never strays from biblical and gospel foundations.
- Practical and Inspirational: Rich with real-life examples, prayer exercises, journaling prompts, and actionable advice.
- Relevant: The book addresses fears, changes, and challenges unique to today’s world while pointing to timeless spiritual truths.
Conclusion: Build on the Unshakeable Rock
“The Rock of Our Redeemer” is a field guide for living with faith, hope, and power no matter what the future brings. David A. Bednar’s wisdom helps believers of all backgrounds find stability, courage, and joy in “stormy” times—if they will prioritize anchoring every part of life to Jesus Christ.
Christ invites each of us to stand upon Him—the true and eternal rock. In doing so, we gain unshakeable peace, resilience amid every trial, and the assurance that, both now and forever, the future in Christ is filled with promise and victory.
No matter the uncertainty ahead, with Jesus as your foundation, you can face the future with unwavering faith, abounding hope, and real spiritual power.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: Is “The Rock of Our Redeemer” an official book by Elder Bednar?
A: As of 2024, no — this is a conceptual title created to encapsulate his core teachings on Christ as our foundation. His official books include Increase in Learning, Power to Become, and Receive the Holy Ghost.
Q2: Can non-LDS readers benefit from this book?
A: Absolutely. While some chapters reference LDS doctrine (like priesthood and covenants), the overarching themes of faith, hope, and Christ-centered resilience are universal.
Q3: What’s the best way to study this material?
A: Read one chapter per week. Ponder, pray, and journal. Discuss with family or friends. Apply one principle each day.
Q4: How is this different from other Christian books on faith?
A: It uniquely combines deep doctrinal insight (especially from the Book of Mormon) with practical, incremental application — and emphasizes covenants as the conduit of divine power.
Q5: Where can I find Elder Bednar’s original talks?
A: Visit ChurchofJesusChrist.org, Gospel Library app, or BYU Speeches website. Search “David A. Bednar” for hundreds of sermons and articles.