Day 114-Atonement Insights

Matthew 21:28-32

28¶But what think ye? A certain man had two sons; and he came to the first, and said, Son, go ^awork to day in my vineyard.

29He answered and said, ^aI will not: but afterward he repented, and went.

30And he came to the second, and said likewise. And he answered and said, I go, sir: and ^awent ^bnot.

31Whether of them twain did the will of his father? They say unto him, The first. Jesus saith unto them, Verily I say unto you, That the publicans and the harlots go into the kingdom of God before you.

32For John came unto you in the way of ^arighteousness, and ye^bbelieved him not: but the ^cpublicans and the harlots believed him: ^dand ye, when ye had seen it, repented not afterward, that ye might believe him.

The repentant is in a better position than the one who says he is going to do the will of the Lord and does it not. We can learn from this parable that the publicans and harlots may go into the kingdom of God before than the self-rightowous religious leader who practice to be seen by men. The priest, harlot, publican, and all need to turn to Chirst and live through obedience.

Day 113-Atonement Insights

Understanding and Faith

"Our understanding of and faith in the Atonement of Jesus Christ will provide strength and capacity needed for a successful life."

Richard G. Scott, "He Lives! All Glory to His Name!" Ensign, May 2010, 77

Topics: Atonement, Faith

With this faith, we can overcome any obstacles and challenges in life that hinders our progression.

Day 112-Atonement Insights

“The beginning of atonement is the sense of its necessity.”

Lord Byron quotes

Day 111-Atonement Insights

D&C 16-19

16 For behold, I, God, have ^asuffered these things for all, that they might not ^bsuffer if they would ^crepent;

17 But if they would not repent they must ^asuffer even as I;

18 Which ^asuffering caused myself, even God, the greatest of all, to tremble because of pain, and to bleed at every pore, and to suffer both body and spirit—and would that I might ^bnot drink the bitter cup, and shrink

19 Nevertheless, glory be to the Father, and I partook and ^afinished my preparations unto the children of men.

Repentance is a key to avoid suffering. Jesus Christ completed His work on the earth by atoning for our sins through the great and everlasting sacrifice. As I read this scripture, I contemplated my mission on earth and evaluated how well I am doing in accomplishing my goals. I think our patriarchal blessings are a good outline of our missions.

Day 110-Atonement Insights

Elder Callister stated, "The Atonement of Jesus Christ not only saves us from the effects of the Fall, but in addition endowsus with those powers necesssary to save us from every weakness, every ignorance, and every obstacle that might otherwise hinder or prevent our progrees in some way. This is the ultimate slavation, referred to the scriptures as exaltation. This is the crowning aim of the atonement."

As I read this paragraph from "The Infinite Atonement", I thought of the importance to overcome my weaknessess and how they hinder my progression. I heard it is much easier on earth to overcome weaknesses and now is the time to make weaknesses into strengthes.

Day 109-Atonement Insights

Elder C. Scott Grow: 'The Miracle of the Atonement'

The 181st LDS General Conference

Day 108-Atonement Insights

Building Priesthood Strength

"Increased spiritual strength is a gift from God which He can give when we push in His service to our limits. Through the power of the Atonement of Jesus Christ, our natures can be changed. Then our power to carry burdens can be increased more than enough to compensate for the increased service we will be asked to give.

"That helps me understand when I see someone else who makes priesthood service look easy. I know that they have either passed hard tests or that the tests lie ahead. So rather than envying them, I stand ready to help when the going gets harder for them, because it surely will."

Henry B. Eyring, "O Ye That Embark," Ensign, Nov. 2008, 57

Topics: Atonement, Serving Others, Spirituality

Day 107-Atonement Insights

Mosiah 3:7 And lo, he shall ^asuffer ^btemptations, and pain of body, ^chunger, thirst, and fatigue, even more than man can ^dsuffer, except it be unto death; for behold, ^eblood cometh from every pore, so great shall be his ^fanguish for the wickedness and the abominations of his people.

As the missionary was reading this scripture, I was reminded once again of the great love and sacrifice of Jesus Christ. He felt every physical and spiritual pain more than we can imagine. He suffered temptation and gave no heed. We can learn from His perfect example of how he dealt with pain, suffering, and temptation. Jesus Christ is the pinnacle and foundation of our religion and our beacon of light. He can penetrate all areas of darkness if we only allow Him to operate more fully in our lives.

Day 106-Atonement Insights

2 Nephi 26:24 states, "He doeth not anything save it be for the benefit of the world; for he loveth the world, even that he layeth down his own life that he may draw call men unto him. Wherefore, he commandeth none that they shall not partake of his salvation."

As I was pondering this morning, I was overwhelmed with the love Jesus Christ and Heavenly Father have for each of their children. I felt the love they have for me. The atoning sacrifice was the greatest acts of love and kindness. He laid down His life for me, each one of us, and all mankind. He suffered with intense pain and bleed from every pore because of the love he has for each one of us and His love for Heavenly Father. His love penetrates to every living creation and creature throughout the universe. Then, I contemplate the importance for me to pray with more intent for the gift of charity which is the pure love of Christ.

Day 105-Atonement Insights

The atonement allows the gifts of the spirit to be operative in our lives if we ask for them. Moroni 7:48 "Wherefore, my beloved brethren, ^apray unto the Father with all the energy of heart, that ye may be filled with this love, which he hath bestowed upon all who are true ^bfollowers of his Son, Jesus Christ; that ye may become the sons of God; that when he shall appear we shall ^cbe like him, for we shall see him as he is; that we may have this hope; that we may be ^dpurified even as he is pure." We don't just inherit the gifts, but we must ask . We must pray with all energy of our hearts. Elder Tad Callister states, "There must be a burning desire, a reaching out, a seeking, in short, and exhaustive exercise of our combined spiritual, intellectual, and emotional energies, all focused on obtaining these spiritual gifts."

Day 104-Atonement Insights

George Q. Cannon stated, "No man ought to say, 'Oh, I cannot help this; it is my nature.' He is not justified in it, for the reason that God has promised to give strength to correct these things, and give gifts that will eradicate them... If any of us are imperfect, it is our duty to pray for the gift that will make us perfect. Have I imperfections? I am full of them. What is my duty? To pray to God to give me the gifts that will correct these imperfections. If I am an angry man, it is my duty to pray for charity, which suffereth long and is kind. Am I an envious man? It is my duty to seek for charity, which envieth not. So with all the gifts of the Gospel. They are intended for this purpose."

Charity is the greatest gifts of all. I guess there is a reason why Charity is the greatest gift. Most human frailties can be eradicated through the gift of Charity.

Day 103-Atonement Insights

3 Nephi 27:27 states, "And know ye that ^aye shall be ^bjudges of this people, according to the judgment which I shall give unto you, which shall be just. Therefore, what ^cmanner of men ought ye to be? Verily I say unto you, even ^das I am."

The scripture sums up what manner of men and women we ought to be. "Be therefore perfect even as your Father which is in Heaven is perfect."(Matthew 5:48) Progression is a key to happiness as we work on perfection through the Atonement of Jesus Christ. We may have set backs in life, but we can get back up and move steadily through those challenges. We can continually strive to meet the standard of perfection which is Christ himself.

Day 102-Atonement Insights

Elder Ballard stated, "If there is a feeling in our hearts that we are sorry for what we have done... that we would like to be forgiven, then... repair to the sacrament table where, if we sincerely repented and put ourselves in proper condition, we shall be forgiven, and spiritual healing will come to our souls...I am a witness that there is a spirit attending the administration of the sacrament that warms the soul from head to foot; you feel the wounds of the spirit being healed, and the load being lifted."

Partaking the sacrament weekly is where spiritual wounds may be healed. If we come to the sacrament table with a broken heart and contrite spirit, we can repent and be spiritually healed. I am so grateful for the opportunity to partake of the sacrament and be able to turn my mind to higher and nobler purposes. It is a time to evaluate self and recommit myself to a divine standard. I contemplate aligning my will with the Lord's will. The sacrament is a beautiful time to mediate on the eternities.

Day 101-Atonement Insights

Moses 1:39 the Lord says, “For behold, this is my work and my glory—to bring to pass the immortality and eternal life of man” (italics added), whereas to Hyrum the Lord says, “This is your work, to keep my commandments, yea, with all your might, mind and strength” (D&C 11:20).

I like how the scriptures explain our role and the Lord's role in this great plan. As we complete our work of living the commandments, the Lord is in essence completing his work.

Day 100-Atonement Insights

Justice and Mercy

“Those who repent will be particularly blessed by the Atonement. Without the Atonement, the eternal principle of justice would require punishment (see Alma 42:14). Because of the Atonement, mercy can prevail for those who have repented and allow them to return to the presence of God (see Alma 42:15).”

Quentin L. Cook, “Strengthen Faith as You Seek Knowledge,” New Era, Sept. 2008, 6

Topics: Atonement

Day 99-Atonement Insights

Primary Lesson or FHE lesson on the Atonement. Click on link for lesson materials.

http://lds.about.com/od/1/a/les_atonement.htm

Day 98-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.”

Jorge F. Zeballos, “Attempting the Impossible,” Ensign, Nov. 2009, 34

Topics: Plan of Salvation, Atonement

I like how he mentioned that supreme blessings will only occur through our works, after all we can do. We must work out our own salvation, but it can only happen through our Savior. Faith without works is dead.(Hebrew 8:8) It was my mission motto. As my mission companion and I prayed with faith and walked the streets of Brazil proclaiming his everlasting gospel day after day, we were blessed with the fruits of our labor. The physical atonement is a free operative gift in our lives, but the spiritual aspect of the atonement is operative daily depending on our works. We can choose works of eternal salvation or eternal damnation. We are either moving forward or backward by the daily choices we make. I know that I have times when I am moving backward instead of forward, and I am so grateful for the Lord Jesus Christ and his infinite atonement that I can be forgiven and can move forward once again. I strongly believe with prayer and faith all things are made possible if it is in accordance to the will of God.

Day 97-Atonement Insights

The atonement covers all pain.

Day 96-Atonement Insights

Hugh Nibley states, "Atonement is both individual and collective. That is what Zion is—"of one heart and one mind" (Moses 7:18), not only one with each other but with the Lord. So in 3 Nephi 11, after the Lord had contact with every member of the multitude personally, "one by one" (3 Nephi 11:14-15), "when they had all gone forth and had witnessed for themselves, they did cry out with one accord, saying: Hosannah! Blessed be the name of the Most High God! And they did fall down at the feet of Jesus, and did worship him" (3 Nephi 11:16-17). That was a true at-one-ment. Now, the law of consecration is expressly designed "for the establishment of Zion," where "they were of one heart and one mind, and dwelt in righteousness; and there was no poor among them" (Moses 7:18). For that we must consecrate everything we have to the whole, losing nothing, for we are all one. To consecrate means to set apart, sanctify, and relinquish our own personal interest in the manner designated in the Doctrine and Covenants. It is the final decisive law and covenant by which we formally accept the Atonement and merit a share in it."

Hugh Nibley has some valid opinions about the atonement and consecration. The final covenant we make is the law of consecration. It is not only sharing our talents and time but our treasures and riches. I thought about how I live the law of consecration to an extent on my mission and within my family unit. However, I think it is hard enough to loan family members money let alone members of my ward. In order to live the law of consecration to the fullest, we will not have poor amongst us.

Day 95-Atonement Insights

Believing in the Atonement

"The most important thing we can do in preparing individuals to receive the full blessings of the Atonement is to understand it and to believe in it ourselves. By understanding and believing in the Atonement personally, you and I can teach and testify of the Atonement with greater gratitude, greater love, and greater power."

Neal A. Maxwell, "Testifying of the Great and Glorious Atonement," Ensign, Oct. 2001, 10

Day 94-Atonement Insights

Elder Cecil Samuelson states, "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."

http://lds.org/liahona/2009/04/what-does-the-atonement-mean-to-you?lang=eng&query=atonement

I really appreciated how he mentioned the Atonement is individually crafted for each one of us. He knows our needs and challenges and the Atonement was prepared for us in the preexistence. The plan allows us to return and life with God and his Son for time and all eternity if we finish our work here on the earth.

Day 93-Atonement Insights

Boyd K. Packer, President of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, stated "nowhere are the generosity and the kindness and mercy of God more manifest than in repentance. Do you understand the consummate cleansing power of the Atonement made by the Son of God, our Savior, our Redeemer? He said, “I, God, have suffered these things for all, that they might not suffer if they would repent.” In that supernal act of love, the Savior paid the penalties for our sins so that we might not have to pay.For those who truly desire it, there is a way back. Repentance is like unto a detergent. Even ground-in stains of sin will come out."

Day 92-Atonement Insights

Elder Christofferson

Elder D. Todd Christofferson addressed our need to accept and even seek correction, saying, “Correction is vital if we would conform our lives ‘unto a perfect man, [that is], unto the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ.’ Paul said of divine correction or chastening, ‘For whom the Lord loveth he chasteneth.’ Though it is often difficult to endure, truly, we ought to rejoice that God considers us worth the time and trouble to correct.”

At times, we are chastened to repentance. The Lord loves each one of children and allows us to suffer pain for a season. This refining and molding process provides a way to inherit the kingdom if we are humble enough to permit the atonement to work in our lives.

Day 91-Atonement Insights

"Desires dictate our priorities; priorities shape our choices; and choices determine our actions. The desires we act on determine our changing, our achieving, and our becoming." - Dallin H. Oaks

The quote from conference reminded me of the importance of having our desires aligned with God's and through the atonement of Jesus Christ we can expereince the fruits of changing, achieving, and becoming.

Day 90-Atonement Insights

The Parable of The Creditor and the Two Debtors

Luke 7:41-43

The parable teaches the relationship between love, forgiveness, and service. Pharisee Simon was having Jesus over for dinner, and the sinner woman barged in need of forgiveness. She immediately washed Jesus's feet, which was a sign of hospatality. She was forgiven through her actions. Repentance isn't only through word, but also through our actions. Simon was scandalized that Jesus, a rabbi, would allow a sinful woman to touch Him. According to Pharisaical law, her touch made him unclean. Simon was a bit self-righteous, judged on outward appearances, and never offered to wash the feet of Jesus. Jesus was able to teach Simon and the woman about to those who love less, less is forgiven.