Alma 12:15, "But this cannot be; we must come forth and stand before him in his glory, and in his power, and in his might, majesty, and dominion, and acknowledge to our everlasting ashame that all his bjudgments are just; that he is just in all his works, and that he is merciful unto the children of men, and that he has all power to save every man that believeth on his name and bringeth forth fruit meet for repentance."
As I was reading this scripture, I was overwhelmed with gratitude for the magnitude of the atonement. The atonement encompasses all mankind. It also makes me sad when people don't choose to utilize the power of the atonement. When we choose to utilize the atonement, miracles can happen in our lives.
Friday, September 23, 2011
Day 150- Atonement Insight
According to Brent L. Top whom describes six characteristics of those who have repented. First, you have become born of the spirit, and have received a remission of sins; these features are particularly valuable in recognizing whether the atonement has been effective in one's life. In the context of this discussion about how we can recognize whether we have received a remission of sins or have been born of the spirit, Top states: "This condition does not mean that we never again succumb to temptation, but it does mean that sinfulness becomes repugnant to us and that we desire righteousness and seek to do good".
Sunday, August 14, 2011
Day 148-Atonement Insights
Spiritual help is available through the Atonement of Jesus Christ. Such a promise can be especially poignant for those caught in a trap of obsessive online gaming. Hope in the Atonement, coupled with the guidance of the Holy Ghost and counsel from inspired leaders, will help individuals as they seek to apply principles of balance and move toward a life—an actual one and not merely a virtual one—that is rich and full.
Atonement can be applied to every challenge and weakness in life.
Friday, August 5, 2011
Day 147-Atonement Insights
Jesus Wants to Fully Heal Us
"Jesus suffered deeply because He loves us deeply! He wants us to repent and be converted so that He can fully heal us.
"When sore trials come upon us (see "Did You Think to Pray?" Hymns, no. 140, verse 3), it's time to deepen our faith in God, to work hard, and to serve others. Then He will heal our broken hearts. He will bestow upon us personal peace and comfort. Those great gifts will not be destroyed, even by death."
Day 146-Atonement Insights
The Gospel Will Save the Whole Human Family.
"This Gospel will save the whole human family; the blood of Jesus will atone for our sins, if we accept the terms he has laid down; but we must accept those terms or else it will avail nothing in our behalf."
Topics: Atonement
Day 145-Atonement Insights
Elder Cecil Samuelson Jr also stated, "His Atonement does indeed cover the world and all people from the beginning to the end. Let us not forget, however, that in its comprehensiveness and completeness it is also intensely personal and uniquely crafted to fit perfectly and address perfectly each of our own individual circumstances. The Father and the Son know each of us better than we know ourselves and have prepared an Atonement for us that is fully congruent with our needs, challenges, and possibilities."
It is interesting to think how the Atonement is individually constructed for each of us. We vary in needs allowing the Atonement to encompass all degrees and levels of circumstances and challenges. It is amazing to me how hand crafted the Atonement is in each of our own lives.
Day 144-Atonement Insights
Elder Cecil Samuelson Jr. states, "It is through the grace of Christ that we are resurrected, and it is His grace, love, and Atonement that help us accomplish the good works and make the necessary progress that otherwise would be impossible if we were left solely to our own capacities and resources." We cannot progress through this life solely on our own efforts and saved by Grace after all we can do. We can progress and accomplish more with Christ at the Helm.
Sunday, July 17, 2011
Day 143-Atonement Insights
Perhaps the most important thing we must emphasize in our attempt to “grow up” spiritually and come unto Christ is His infinite Atonement. President Howard W. Hunter explained that spiritual maturity is a direct result of understanding and applying the Atonement: “Spiritual maturity comes when we understand the Atonement. . . . When we come to the point where we understand the atoning sacrifice of the Master, we are approaching a spiritual maturity. I don’t think spiritual maturity ever comes to us until we understand the true significance of the atoning sacrifice of the Master by which he gave his life that we might have life everlasting. When we understand the principle, we realize this is the greatest of love—that the Master laid down his life for us, that the grave will not be the end, but that we will live again.” When we realize the priceless gift of love that the Savior offered through His Atonement, we experience a “mighty change” of heart (see Alma 5:12).
Day 142-Atonement Insights
President Kimball’s famous statement on scripture study emphasizes this important truth: “I find that when I get casual in my relationships with divinity and when it seems that no divine ear is listening and no divine voice is speaking, that I am far, far away. If I immerse myself in the scriptures the distance narrows and the spirituality returns.”
Day 141-Atonement Insights
As Elder Oaks mentioned, the ultimate motivation leading to righteousness is a pure love of Christ. Though we clearly must continue to emphasize righteous behavior, the best way to achieve our true potential is by developing a pure love for and faith in God. By focusing on God’s word and the Atonement of Jesus Christ, each of us will develop this pure love for and faith in God.
Day 140-Atonement Insights
Elder David A. Bednar has taught: “The issue is not going to church; rather, the issue is worshipping and renewing covenants as we attend church. The issue is not going to or through the temple; rather, the issue is having in our hearts the spirit, the covenants, and the ordinances of the Lord’s house. The issue is not going on a mission; rather, the issue is becoming a missionary and serving throughout our entire life with all of our heart, might, mind, and strength.”
Obedience to the laws of the gospel for the right reason will help us effectively apply the atonement in our lives and increase our spiritual capacity.
Day 139-Atonement Insights
Elder Richard G. Scott taught: “We are here on earth to gain experience we can obtain in no other way. We are given the opportunity to grow, to develop, and to gain spiritual maturity. To do that, we must learn to apply truth.”
As we apply the atonement on a daily basis, we can gain spiritual maturity as we apply this doctrine in our lives.
Day 138-Atonement Insights
Doctrine Changes Behavior Boyd K. Packer | |
  True doctrine, understood, changes attitudes and behavior. The study of the doctrines of the Gospel will improve behavior quicker than a study of behavior will improve behavior. Preoccupation with unworthy behavior can lead to unworthy behavior. That is why we stress so forcefully the study of the doctrines of the Gospel. (Boyd K. Packer, CR, Oct. 1986, p. 20) | |
Day 137-Atonement Insights
Michael Goodman discussed how Laman and Lemuel had a difficult time with their relationship to God and understanding the atonement. He stated "according to the scriptural record, Laman and Lemuel never denied the reality of God. Unlike most mortals, they actually had angelic evidence of His existence. However, “they knew not the dealings of that God who had created them” (1 Nephi 2:12). They failed to understand the nature of their relationship with God and the nature of this probationary state. So even though God was a reality to Laman and Lemuel, he was largely irrelevant to them. They never drew upon His power to help them overcome their fallen state. They never progressed from a basic knowledge that God exists to having living faith in Him."
Day 136-Atonement Insights
Hugh Nibley wrote: “We cannot enjoy optional obedience to the law of God, or place our own limits on the law of sacrifice, or mitigate the charges of righteous conduct connected with the law of the gospel. We cannot be willing to sacrifice only that which is convenient to part with, and then expect a reward. The Atonement is everything; it is not to be had ‘on the cheap."
We must sacrifice to obtain the rewards of the atonement. We cannot maintain a relationship with God without sacrifice even if at times it is not convenient or comfortable. We must work ardently to achieve the blessings that God has for us.
Day 135-Atonement Insights
Deliverance: Only in God
“Are you struggling with some sin or weakness? It can be something as simple as not having the willpower to rise in the morning early enough to have time for scripture study and prayer. It can be something so powerful, such as Internet pornography or lack of moral self-control, that you feel you have been pulled down into an abyss and there is no hope for you. Do you find yourself hating what you are doing but not able to find the willpower to turn away from it? Then reach out and humble yourself. The Lord’s enabling power is sufficient to change your heart, to turn your life, to purge your soul. But you must make the first move, which is to humble yourself and realize that only in God can you find deliverance.”
Elder M. Russell Ballard of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, “Be Strong in the Lord,” Ensign, July 2004, 12.
Monday, June 27, 2011
Day 134-Atonement Insights
Elder Holland stated, "Indeed the Atonement of the Only Begotten Son of God in the flesh is the crucial foundation upon which all Christian doctrine rests and the greatest expression of divine love this world has ever been given. Its importance in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints cannot be overstated. Every other principle, commandment, and virtue of the restored gospel draws its significance from this pivotal event."
Sunday, June 26, 2011
Day 133-Atonement Insights
Love is a feeling of deep devotion, concern, and affection. The greatest example of God's love for His children is found in the infinite Atonement of Jesus Christ. Love for God and fellow men is a characteristic of disciples of Jesus Christ.
The topic of Love was discussed in Sunday School today with reference to the atonement. The definition was taken from the gospel library on lds.org. The greatest example of God's love for us is through the atonement; then, applying the atonement is the greatest way to show our love to God. As we are more obedient to His principles, we become more like Him developing more Godlike attributes of faith, hope, and charity. Faith, hope, and charity are the fountains of all righteousness.
Thursday, June 9, 2011
Day 132-Atonement Insights
Atonement
"Jesus Christ entered a garden called Gethsemane, where He overcame sin for us. He took upon Himself our sins. He suffered the penalty of our wrongs. He paid the price of our education. I don't know how He did what He did. I only know that He did and that because He did, you and I may be forgiven of our sins that we may be endowed with His power. Everything depends on that. What then shall we do? We will 'take upon [us] the name of [the] Son, and always remember him and keep his commandments which he has given [us]; that [we] may always have his Spirit to be with [us]' (D&C 20:77). Everything depends on that."
Monday, May 23, 2011
Day 131-Atonement Insights
After All We Can Do
“Salvation and eternal life would not be possible if it were not for the Atonement, brought about by our Savior, to whom we owe everything. But in order for these supreme blessings to be effective in our lives, we should first do our part, ‘for we know that it is by grace that we are saved, after all we can do.’ Let us with faith, enthusiasm, dedication, responsibility, and love do all that is within our reach, and we will be doing all that is possible to achieve the impossible—that is, to achieve what for the human mind is impossible but with the divine intervention of our loving Father and the infinite sacrifice brought about by our Savior becomes the greatest gift, the most glorious of realities, to live forever with God and with our families.”
Day 130-Atonement Insights
Charity, an Effect of the Atonement
"The great legacy those who went before you in the Relief Society [has been] passed on to you.
The part of the foundation they laid for you which seems to me most important and persistent is that charity is at the heart of the society and is to come into the heart, to be part of the very nature, of every member. Charity meant to them far more than a feeling of benevolence. Charity is born of faith in the Lord Jesus Christ and is an effect of His Atonement working in the hearts of the members."
Day 129-Atonement Insights
Everything Will Be All Right
“When we strive to keep the commandments of God, repenting of our sins and promising our best efforts to follow the Savior, we begin to grow in confidence that through the Atonement everything will be all right.”
Wednesday, May 18, 2011
Day 128- Atonement Insights
The Purifying Power of the Gethsemame by Elder Bruce Mckonkie is one of the most powerful talks on the atonement.
Day 127- Atonement Insights
Elder Scott stated, "Your character will grow; your faith will increase. There is a relationship between those two: the greater your faith, the stronger your character; and increased character enhances your ability to exercise even greater faith."
Sunday, May 15, 2011
Day 126-Atonement Insights
Stephen Robinson stated, "Of course we fail at the celestial level. That's why we need a savior, and we are commanded to approach God and to call upon him so we may receive according to our desires. In the New Testament the Savior says, "Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness: for they shall be filled" (Matthew 5:6). We misinterpret that frequently. We think that means blessed are the righteous. It does not. When are you hungry? When are you thirsty? When you don't have the object of your desire. Blessed are those who hunger and thirst after the righteousness that God has, after the righteousness of the celestial kingdom, because as that is the desire of their heart, they can achieve it--they will be filled. We may receive "according to our desires."
Monday, May 9, 2011
Sunday, May 8, 2011
Day 124-Atonement Insights
Truman Madsen stated, "Likewise, we are promised that in the temple the Lord's name will be put upon us. It means at root that we become his. The answer to "Who am I?" can never be complete unless it answers "Whose am I?" You are the son or daughter of a king. The Father himself. Through the ordinances you are begotten spiritually through his Son. You become heir to his throne. That is a worldly way of saying it. But it is true. An old Jewish proverb says that the worst thing the evil inclination can ever do to you is to make you forget that you are the son or daughter of a king."
In the temple and at church, we participate in ordinances of the new and everlasting covenant. These ordinances also serves as a reminder that we can become joint heirs with Christ.
~The Temple and the Atonement
Day 123-Atonement Insights
Moroni 7:41And what is it that ye shall ahope for? Behold I say unto you that ye shall have bhope through the atonement of Christ and the power of his resurrection, to be raised unto life ceternal, and this because of your faith in him according to the promise.
Faith, hope, and charity are intertwined throughout the scriptures. As we hope for eternal life, the hope can bring about works through our faith and charity. As we pray and develop charity, the pure love of Christ, we will have a greater desire and be more fit to be heirs of the kingdom.
Day 122-Atonement Insights
D&C 76: 69These are they who are just men made perfect through Jesus the mediator of the new covenant, who wrought out this perfect atonement through the shedding of his own blood.
We can perfect ourselves in the atonement of Jesus Christ through the ordinances of the gospel such as baptism and temple marriage. Ordinances can mean laws and statues and acts with spiritual meaning.
Day 121-Atonement Insights
Alam 34:8And now, behold, I will atestify unto you of myself that these things are true. Behold, I say unto you, that I do know that Christ shall come among the children of men, to take upon him thebtransgressions of his people, and that he shall catone for the sins of the world; for the Lord God hath spoken it.
The other day, I read that Jesus Christ not only atoned for all mankind, but for mother earth and all living things. The atonement is very comprehensive
Wednesday, May 4, 2011
Day 120-Atonement Insights
Elder Kent Richards stated, "Spiritual pain lies deep within our souls and can feel unquenchable, even as being racked with an“inexpressible horror,” as Alma described. It comes from our sinful actions and lack of repentance. For this pain too there is a cure that is universal and absolute. It is from the Father, through the Son, and it is for each of us who is willing to do all that is necessary to repent. Christ said, “Will ye not now return unto me … and be converted, that I may heal you?”
Sunday, May 1, 2011
Day 119-Atonement Insights
The Atonement of Jesus Christ has the power to make us whole when we repent. Elder Joseph B. Wirthlin taught us this principle with clarity when he said:“Oh, it is wonderful to know that our Heavenly Father loves us—even with all our flaws! His love is such that even should we give up on ourselves, He never will.We [might] see ourselves in terms of yesterday and today. Our Heavenly Father sees us in terms of forever. The gospel of Jesus Christ is a gospel of transformation. It takes us as men and women of the earth and refines us into men and women for the eternities.”
Day 118-Atonement Insights
The law of justice requires punishment for every sin. In making an Atonement for the sins of all, Jesus satisfied the full demands of justice and made forgiveness of sins possible. President Joseph Fielding Smith explained:
“Then Jesus Christ came upon the scene as the Mediator between man and God, and the Advocate for man with the Father. He pleads our cause. As our Mediator, through his ministry, he labors to reconcile us, to bring us into agreement with God his Father.
“An advocate is one who defends or pleads for or in behalf of another. A mediator is one who reconciles or brings about agreement between parties.
“That is part of his great mission. He stands between the Father and man. When he was upon earth, he prayed frequently for his disciples, pleading with his Father in their behalf, and he has been pleading ever since, and he stands between us and God our Father.” ( Doctrines of Salvation, 1:26–27.)
Day 117-Atonement Insights
Elder Melvin J. Ballard explained why it pleased God not to interfere: “In that hour I think I can see our dear Father behind the veil looking upon these dying struggles until even he could not endure it any longer; and, like the mother who bids farewell to her dying child, has to be taken out of the room, so as not to look upon the last struggles, so he bowed his head, and hid in some part of his universe, his great heart almost breaking for the love that he had for his Son. Oh, in that moment when he might have saved his Son, I thank him and praise him that he did not fail us, for he had not only the love of his Son in mind, but he also had love for us. I rejoice that he did not interfere, and that his love for us made it possible for him to endure to look upon the sufferings of his Son and give him finally to us, our Savior and our Redeemer. Without him, without his sacrifice, we would have remained, and we would never have come glorified into his presence. And so this is what it cost, in part, for our Father in Heaven to give the gift of his Son unto men.” (Bryant S. Hinckley, Sermons and Missionary Services of Melvin Joseph Ballard, pp. 154–55.)
Day 116-Atonement Insights
Isaiah 53:4-7 4¶Surely he hath aborne our bgriefs, and carried our sorrows: yet we did esteem him stricken, smitten of God, and afflicted.
5But he was awounded for our btransgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his cstripes we are dhealed.
6All we like asheep have gone bastray; we have turned every one to his cown way; and the Lord hath laid on him the diniquity of us all.
7He was aoppressed, and he was bafflicted, yet he copened not his mouth: he is brought as a dlamb to the eslaughter, and as a sheep before her shearers is dumb, so he openeth not his mouth.
The sufferings were necessary to take the sins of the world. Jesus Christ suffered for us so we may not suffer if we repent and come unto Him.
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