All posts tagged The Atonement

The Atonement and Your Personal Relationship with Christ

Last year, our newly called General Relief Society President gave a talk at the Relief Society Broadcast titled, Is Faith in the Atonement of Jesus Christ Written in our Hearts? During Sister Burton’s talk, she gave three principles of the Atonement that would help us increase faith in Jesus Christ. The three principles included:

One: All that is unfair about life can be made right through the Atonement of Jesus Christ.
Two: There is power in the Atonement to enable us to overcome the natural man or woman and become true disciples of Jesus Christ.
Three: The Atonement is the greatest evidence we have of the Father’s love for His children.

When I listened to the talk, I felt an immediate rush of gratitude and love for this new Relief Society President. Personally, I loved Sister Beck (Sister Burton’s predecessor), and I couldn’t really imagine loving another Relief Society President so much. But she gave this powerful talk which confirmed to me that she was the new General Relief Society President–called by God. I was grateful for both the witness and the talk she gave. It was just what I needed. (Isn’t that always the way?!)

After the conference, I talked to a friend about the Atonement. She suggested I do a “scripture study series” on the Atonement. I laughed it off…I mean all of the scriptures are about the Atonement. The task seemed impossible! Even though I knew I couldn’t do a scripture study series on the Atonement, I also knew that there was something I should work on…

A friend of mine -who is a Relief Society President – sent me an email shortly after the Relief Society Broadcast. I will share a part of it with you here, (I hope that she doesn’t mind!)

“Did you just love the RS meeting Saturday night? I thought it was amazing and realized I need to strengthen my testimony in the areas Sister Burton talked about. The question I went away with was about the first principle of the Atonement she spoke of, that all that is unfair about life can and will be made right through the Atonement. Can that be true during this life or is it meant to be looked at in an eternal perspective? I have complete faith that it will be taken care of after this life. I’m not there for this life though and sometimes it makes me feel unfaithful. I see so much trouble and pain in my calling as I work with the sisters in our ward, that I can’t see how it can be solved in this life. It would take a miracle. And then I think well, that’s what I should have faith in, that she (the generic, composite she) will let God make a miracle in their life, that she will follow gospel principles, that she will get her act together through the power of Jesus Christ. But the odds are not in her favor at all. Drug use, bad choices, ignorance, a lifetime of bad habits, mental illness etc. It is all stacked against her. I have faith that the atonement can fix those things, but there’s so much personal participation required, I guess that’s where the disconnect lies. Any thoughts?

I saw Sister Burton’s talk as a personal challenge; not just to strengthen others testimony of those principles, but really work on my own.”

When I read this email, especially this part, it galvanized what I was feeling as I watched the talk Sister Burton gave. It gave me even more insight. I know that in a way, I trust that the Atonement is powerful. Yet I reassessed my faith. Do I have faith–even of a mustard seed? What do I really know about the Atonement. Do I truly understand and even trust the three principles that Sister Burton gave? How can I strengthen my faith and testimony–not only of Christ–but of His infinite Atonement?

At about the same time, I had started on a project–creating a Scripture Study Companion of the New Testament. While working on this, it hit me. As a part of the scripture study companion, I would create exercises for each chapter of the New Testament that included an in-depth study of the Atonement. I had this feeling (and I still do) that everything in Christ’s life can teach us about the Atonement…sometimes it takes a little probing, but we can learn more.

The point of all of this is to invite you to also complete this course of Study: The Atonement and Your Personal Relationship with Christ.

The Atonement and Your Personal Relationship with Christ

The Atonement and Your Personal Relationship with Christ


You can find the assignments in each chapter of the Scripture Study Companions that I’ve published. They can be downloaded for free and are available in various formats.
Click here to download the New Testament Study Companion: Matthew
Click here to download the New Testament Study Companion: Mark

Luke and John will be coming soon.

I will be writing a couple of times a week here on my blog–about my own study experiences. I will include the exercise/assignment. And my own thoughts. I’d love it if you studied and also shared your own insights. I’m hoping that we can follow Sister Burton’s charge to better understand the Atonement and have this knowledge written on our hearts so our faith and love in Christ can be strengthened and we can be strengthened as we navigate the trials of our lives.

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by chococatania on April 23, 2013  •  Permalink
Posted in General Conference, Insights, The Atonement and Your Personal Relationship with Christ
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Posted by chococatania on April 23, 2013

http://thatgoodpart.wordpress.com/2013/04/23/the-atonement-and-your-personal-relationship-with-christ/

The Atonement and The Plan of Salvation

Click here for today’s assignment

“Christ in Gethsemane” by Giovanni di Paolo. Click image for source.

I honestly feel overwhelmed at the idea of discussing the atonement in a single blog post. There is always something new to learn about the atonement, and I think that we’ll die before we adequately understand it.

What it boils down to is the atonement heals us. It heals us from the effects of the fall. Without the atonement we have no plan of salvation – as we have no salvation. The atonement was necessary, and it needed to be infinite and eternal in order to fulfill God’s purposes. (See Moses 1:39.)

There are three major ways that I’ve felt the power of the atonement in my life that I will share here.

Healing from Our Own Sins

Of course, I’m most acquainted with the atonement in this context. I have sinned, repented, and sinned again. It feels like the closer I get to God, the more I realize I’m far from him. (Does that make sense?) Yet, the power of the atonement has played a part in my life when I have repented.

Repentance itself can be a bit of a process, but when I have repented, I have felt like Alma – who, when he was harrowed up in His sins felt grief, but as soon as he had the mind to repent, he could no longer feel his pains. (See Alma 36:17-19.)

Several years ago, I was a single mother living in Chester County, PA. It was a struggle for me, and if you read my blog regularly, I’m sure that you’ve read about this time in my life before. I prayed for help, strength, and a husband. Throughout the time that I was single, the Lord blessed me with everything I needed. Yet, I ached to be married and enjoy the blessings of a family.

After a few years, because of the wise advice I received from my bishop, I finally had the chance to meet Homey. It was amazing. Quickly, we fell in love.

I remember driving to drop the girls off at daycare one morning. As I drove up the final hill to my destination, I was thinking about the phone conversation I had with Homey the night before. I felt high with the love I had for him and he had for me. And I realized that this was a miracle. The Lord had worked the miracle of my life by allowing me to meet homey. The years of prayers were pointing to that moment.

I was also acutely aware of the sins I had committed, the weakness I had, yet the Lord’s willingness to bless me. I felt overwhelmed with gratitude and humility. I knew that the power of the atonement had enabled me to realize the blessing of meeting and marrying Pete. I knew that, in and of myself, I wasn’t worthy of the blessing I desired. I also knew that I wasn’t going to the Lord in and of myself, but that I had the help and intercession of the Savior. I knew that the Savior made it possible for me not only to repent, but also to experience desired blessings.

As I was dropping off my girls that cloudy, chili February morning, not only did I realize that the Lord worked a miracle in my life to meet Homey, but that He had already worked the biggest miracle of all: forgiving and healing me from my own past sins.

The Sins of Others

Unfortunately, we don’t sin in a vacuum. Often, the choices of others can have an impact on many more people than only themselves. There are times when we must experience the consequences of the sins of another.

Though we may still have a “peace of conscience” (as do not have to overcome our own sin). Our “peace of mind” may be unsettled (the effects of the sins of another). The atonement can heal us of this, too.

I know that when we are hurting – even if it is of through fault of our own – the Savior understands, and he can heal the broken-hearted. Jesus pleads:

ҦCome unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.

Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls.

For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.” – Matthew 11:28-30

The Lord doesn’t only ask sinners to come to Him. He beckons for anyone who labors and are heavy laden. Sometimes, the burdens we bear come as a result of the selfish decisions of another. Thankfully, the power of Christ’s atonement can lighten any burden.

Physical Pain – Limitations of Mortality

A third way that I have experienced the power of the atonement in my life is while enduring physical pain. Sometimes, it seems like enduring a physical trial would be easier than a divorce or death. I know that I have thought that before. And in some ways, that is true. But, I have learned not to underestimate the harrowing effect of physical pain!

My life has been blessed. Generally, I have had good physical health. However, there have been a few times in my life when I have endured physical trials – kidney stones, child-birth, rupturing cysts, and chronic pain from endometriosis (to name a few). It is amazing how these physical trials can be just as burdensome as the pain that comes from sin.

Thankfully, we do not have to suffer alone.

“And he shall go forth, suffering pains and afflictions and temptations of every kind; and this that the word might be fulfilled which saith he will take upon him the pains and the sicknesses of his people.

And he will take upon him death, that he may loose the bands of death which bind his people; and he will take upon him their infirmities, that his bowels may be filled with mercy, according to the flesh, that he may know according to the flesh how to succor his people according to their infirmities.” – Alma 7:11-12

When you are in a hospital room, alone, trembling in pain – it really is comforting to know that Christ understands. While the pain may not go away, we can pray. We can pray for strength, comfort, and relief. It is also comforting to know that, thanks to Christ, we will not be bound by our mortal bodies forever. Because of Christ’s atonement and resurrection, we will one day enjoy perfected blessings. The perspective and comfort that comes through the atonement can turn even the most physically harrowing experiences into hallowed memories.

How have you felt the power of the atonement in your life? How does understanding the atonement help you to better understand the plan of salvation, in general?

Click here for tomorrow’s assignment.

7 Comments
by chococatania on September 20, 2012  •  Permalink
Posted in Plan of Salvation Scripture STudy Series
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Posted by chococatania on September 20, 2012

http://thatgoodpart.wordpress.com/2012/09/20/the-atonement-and-the-plan-of-salvation/

Easter Scripture Study – Gethsemane (A Scripture Chain)

For today’s scripture study assignment, I thought that it would be nice to do something a little different. Instead of studying only the scriptures recounting Christ’s experience at Gethsemane, I thought it would also be cool to read a few other scriptures of the prophecies and testimonies of Christ’s time in Gethsemane. It really helps us to understand the magnitude and mercy of this event.

The Garden of Gethsemane (from lds.org)

Find the Easter Scripture Study Series here.

Scripture One – Mark 14:32-39

“And they came to a place which was named Gethsemane: and he saith to his disciples, Sit ye here, while I shall pray.

And he taketh with him Peter and James and John, and began to be sore amazed, and to be very heavy;

And saith unto them, My soul is exceeding sorrowful unto death: tarry ye here, and watch.

And he went forward a little, and fell on the ground, and prayed that, if it were possible, the hour might pass from him.

And he said, Abba, Father, all things are possible unto thee; take away this cup from me: nevertheless not what I will, but what thou wilt.

And he cometh, and findeth them sleeping, and saith unto Peter, Simon, sleepest thou? couldest not thou watch one hour?

Watch ye and pray, lest ye enter into temptation. The spirit truly is ready, but the flesh is weak.

And again he went away, and prayed, and spake the same words.” – Mark 14:32-39

Here, the Lord begins His work at Gethsemane. He takes Peter, James, and John. It seems like everyone is feeling a little bit heavy and depressed. Some of the apostles are doubting Christ’s Messiahship. I can understand why…they probably thought he was going to save them physically – not in the way that He did. Even though we have the advantage of seeing the Atonement from hindsight – with all of the teachings of the prophets – it is still really hard to comprehend.

Jesus is burdened by the pains of our sins, sicknesses, weaknesses, and infirmities. He was downtrodden by the mortal experience while in the Garden. I can’t imagine it. While Christ suffers, He asks that His cup be taken away from Him – that He wouldn’t have to continue on suffering and going through with the atonement.
Two things: 1. The difficulty of this event was so horrible that even Christ, the Literal Son of God didn’t want to do it.
2. It is okay to ask to be relieved from our trials. Christ asked. Of course, he added the caveat: nevertheless, not what I will, but what thou wilt. So – He had faith to go through with what the Father’s will was. I like this because it is important to know that it is okay for me to pray to be relieved from difficulty and trial. Even the Savior did.

Scripture Two – Luke 22:41-46

“And he was withdrawn from them about a stone’s cast, and kneeled down, and prayed,

Saying, Father, if thou be willing, remove this cup from me: nevertheless not my will, but thine, be done.

And there appeared an angel unto him from heaven, strengthening him.

And being in an agony he prayed more earnestly: and his sweat was as it were great drops of blood falling down to the ground.

And when he rose up from prayer, and was come to his disciples, he found them sleeping for sorrow,

And said unto them, Why sleep ye? rise and pray, lest ye enter into temptation.” – Luke 22:41-46

Again, a record of the Lord’s suffering in Gethsemane. In this account, we also learned that Christ was suffering so much that His sweat was like drops of blood…horrible. Yet, as we know, He sought help. The Savior, the Son of God, the One who could control the elements, The Creator of This earth prayed. When completing the atonement, Christ didn’t walk on water or turn water into wine. He simply prayed. His prayer enabled Him to finish this work. Oh, How praying rests the weary!I usually underestimate the power of prayer.

Scripture Three – Mosiah 3:7

And lo, he shall suffer temptations, and pain of body, hunger, thirst, and fatigue, even more than man can suffer, except it be unto death; for behold, blood cometh from every pore, so great shall be his anguish for the wickedness and the abominations of his people.” – Mosiah 3:7

The Lord is acquainted with our temptations, pain, hunger, thirst, and fatigue. In some ways, this is the most comforting knowledge that I have about the Savior. What kind of Savior would He be if He didn’t understand what it was like to be tempted, hurt, or hungry? I can’t imagine trusting a Lord that didn’t know what it was like to be tired.

As sad as it is to see the Savior suffer in this way, I’m so grateful that He did.
`
Scripture Four – Doctrine and Covenants 19:18

“Which suffering 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 not drink the bitter cup, and shrink—” – Doctrine and Covenants 19:18

This is just such a good scripture. It is Christ recounting what His experience was like. This scripture is one of the reasons I always feel inspired to repent – even when repentance is hard, I know that it is nothing in compared to suffering for a committed sin.

Scripture Five – Isaiah 53:4-5

“Surely he hath borne our griefs, and carried our sorrows: yet we did esteem him stricken, smitten of God, and afflicted.

But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed.” – Isaiah 53:4-5

Instead of writing something, I encourage you to listen to this:

Scripture Six – Alma 7:11-12

“And he shall go forth, suffering pains and afflictions and temptations of every kind; and this that the word might be fulfilled which saith he will take upon him the pains and the sicknesses of his people.

And he will take upon him death, that he may loose the bands of death which bind his people; and he will take upon him their infirmities, that his bowels may be filled with mercy, according to the flesh, that he may know according to the flesh how to succor his people according to their infirmities.” – Alma 7:11-12

This is one of my favorite scriptures about the Savior, His suffering in Gethsemane, and the way we benefit from It.

We see what he went through, and then Alma teaches us why: “…that He may know according to the flesh how to succor his people according to their infirmities.”

Succor = to run to support.

I have experienced this support from my Savior. Even if I haven’t been relieved of some of the pains that I have had to experience, I have been comforted by Christ. And He is able to succor us perfectly because he understands us perfectly. I know that Jesus Christ loves each of us. It is difficult for me to imagine the atonement. It hurts my brain. For me, thinking about the power of the atonement is not unlike thinking about space…I’m overwhelmed by how amazing it is and how small I am. Yet I know that Jesus Christ truly suffered for me and all of us. I don’t understand how, but I know that He did it. I know that He loves me. I know that Heavenly Father loves me. If you do not know that God loves you and the the Savior loves you, I encourage you to seek Him and open your eyes to His love.

***

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by chococatania on April 5, 2012  •  Permalink
Posted in Easter Study Series, Insights, Scripture Chain, Scripture Study, Testimonies
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Posted by chococatania on April 5, 2012

http://thatgoodpart.wordpress.com/2012/04/05/easter-scripture-study-gethsemane-a-scripture-chain/

Increasing Understanding of Christ through the Book of Mormon (Part One)

One of the things that I love the most about the Book of Mormon is how it has brought me closer to the Savior.

Before I speak anymore about the Book of Mormon, I want you to know that I unequivocally believe that Jesus Christ is the Savior and Redeemer of this world. I believe that He has suffered for me personally so that I could receive the blessings that Heavenly Father has for me. I believe that He loves me – more than I can even begin to comprehend. This belief has come through life experiences coupled with intense study of the scriptures – especially the Book of Mormon.

A lot of people talk about Christ as their Savior. While I believe that this is true, There may be some who ask: What does Christ save us from?…Why, exactly, do we need to be saved.

The Book of Mormon clearly explains the need for a Savior. We learn this through the following points.
1. The Creation
There is no full account of the Creation in the Book of Mormon. There is no need for it to be included, either. We can read it in Genesis 1. Even though there is no account of the Creation in the Book of Mormon, the prophets in the Book of Mormon undoubtably believed that God created the world – just as the Ancient Jews and Modern Christians do.

” 9 Believe in God; believe that he is, and that he created all things, both in heaven and in earth; believe that he has all wisdom, and all power, both in heaven and in earth; believe that man doth not comprehend all the things which the Lord can comprehend.” – Mosiah 4:9

” 9 For behold, by the power of his word man came upon the face of the earth, which earth was created by the power of his word. …” – Jacob 4:9

” 36 Behold, the Lord hath created the earth that it should be inhabited; and he hath created his children that they should possess it.” – 1 Nephi 17:36

So – the earth was created. After the Earth was created, we find Adam and Eve in the garden of Eden.

From the Book of Mormon, we learn that in the Garden of Eden, Adam and Eve were faced with opposition.

” 15 And to bring about his eternal purposes in the end of man, after he had created our first parents, and the beasts of the field and the fowls of the air, and in fine, all things which are created, it must needs be that there was an opposition; even the forbidden fruit in opposition to the tree of life; the one being sweet and the other bitter.” – 2 Nephi 2:15

So…the earth was created and, as we learn from the Book of Mormon, Adam and Eve could be found in the Garden of Eden – amongst both the tree of life and the tree of knowledge of good and evil. Adam and Eve were able to receive direction from the Lord. They were also able to be tempted by Satan.

2. The Fall
Lehi, a prophet from the Book of Mormon, taught his son about the fall of Adam:

” 17 And I, Lehi, according to the things which I have read, must needs suppose that an angel of God, according to that which is written, had fallen from heaven; wherefore, he became a devil, having sought that which was evil before God.

18 And because he had fallen from heaven, and had become miserable forever, he sought also the misery of all mankind. Wherefore, he said unto Eve, yea, even that old serpent, who is the devil, who is the father of all lies, wherefore he said: Partake of the forbidden fruit, and ye shall not die, but ye shall be as God, knowing good and evil.

19 And after Adam and Eve had partaken of the forbidden fruit they were driven out of the garden of Eden, to till the earth.” – 2 Nephi 2:17-19

Adam and Eve were tempted and beguiled by the Devil, and they chose to partake of the fruit of the tree of Knowledge. Because of this decision, they became mortal – subject to death.

Alma, another prophet from the Book of Mormon teaches:

” 6 But behold, it was appointed unto man to die—therefore, as they were cut off from the tree of life they should be cut off from the face of the earth—and man became lost forever, yea, they became fallen man.” – Alma 42:6

Remember, the tree of life was also in the Garden of Eden. If Adam and Eve would have partaken of the fruit of the tree of life after they had partaken of the fruit of the tree of knowledge, then they would have lived forever. Yet, they were fallen people. So, if they would have partaken of this fruit, then they would have lived forever in their sins. There would be no hope for them, or anyone else. God’s plan for the salvation of his children would have been ruined.

We see that the fall brought on death. It brought the death of the body (physical death) and the death of the Spirit (being cut off from God – which is why they were banished from the Garden of Eden).

At this point, based on justice alone (after all, God is just), the consequence of the fall is this: (taught by Alma):

” 12 And now, there was no means to reclaim men from this fallen state, which man had brought upon himself because of his own disobedience;
***
14 And thus we see that all mankind were fallen, and they were in the grasp of justice; yea, the justice of God, which consigned them forever to be cut off from his presence.” – Alma 42:12, 14

Where is the hope in this plan? Where is the happiness? How do we overcome our plight – without destroying the justice of God? Justice, at this point, means that fallen man is forever cut off from God – which is Hell. Fallen man is also forever dead – physically. This is totally depressing!

But, God’s plan isn’t sad. God’s plan is the plan of Happiness. Before he created Adam and Eve, he already had his plan in place. He provided a way for us to overcome death and Hell.

3. The Atonement
Lehi teaches his son:

” 26 And the Messiah cometh in the fulness of time, that he may redeem the children of men from the fall….” – 2 Nephi 2:26

Christ redeems us from all of the effects of the Fall.

  • Christ saves us from physical Death:
    “5 Yea, I know that ye know that in the body he shall show himself unto those at Jerusalem, from whence we came; for it is expedient that it should be among them; for it behooveth the great Creator that he suffereth himself to become subject unto man in the flesh, and die for all men, that all men might become subject unto him.

    6 For as death hath passed upon all men, to fulfil the merciful plan of the great Creator, there must needs be a power of resurrection, and the resurrection must needs come unto man by reason of the fall; and the fall came by reason of transgression; and because man became fallen they were cut off from the presence of the Lord.

    7 Wherefore, it must needs be an infinite atonement—save it should be an infinite atonement this corruption could not put on incorruption. Wherefore, the first judgment which came upon man must needs have remained to an endless duration. And if so, this flesh must have laid down to rot and to crumble to its mother earth, to rise no more.” – 2 Nephi 9:5-7

    Because Christ came to the earth, and made himself susceptible to physical death, he was able to overcome the fall of Man with His Resurrection. Because death came to all of us, we are also all able to be resurrected because of the grace and mercy of Jesus Christ. This part of the gift of the atonement is free to all of us.

  • Christ saves us from Spiritual Death – or Hell.
    ” 23 But God ceaseth not to be God, and mercy claimeth the penitent, and mercy cometh because of the atonement; and the atonement bringeth to pass the resurrection of the dead; and the resurrection of the dead bringeth back men into the presence of God; and thus they are restored into his presence, to be judged according to their works, according to the law and justice.” – Alma 42:23

    Because of Christ’s atonement, we are able to receive mercy. But there is a condition on this part of His sacrifice: we must be “penitent.” In this way, His atonement will enable us to be brought back into God’s presence. Christ atones for our sins and enables us to inherit the blessings of Heaven.

The Book of Mormon teaches us, clearly, the need for Christ. Without Christ, there is no hope. Nowhere else do we learn the plan of Salvation or the need for the atonement so clearly.

The Book of Mormon also teaches us how to access Christ’s atonement (through making covenants), The Book of Mormon testifies of Christ’s divinity, and the Book of Mormon helps us understand more of Christ’s mission through symbols and shadows. I will discuss these in later blog posts.

***
I read an article today that stated that Mormons aren’t Christians. I always find this claim to be…well…hilarious. I am a Christian. I am also a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. I know why I need Christ, I have covenanted with Him, and I’m grateful – every day – for His loving sacrifice. I feel overwhelmed by His sacrifice and love. I have come to understand the Savior and His love for me through the powerful witness of the Book of Mormon. I know that it is true.

I encourage you to learn more about the Savior through the Book of Mormon. You can request a free copy here. You can also read here for various articles that teach more about the Book of Mormon.

5 Comments
by chococatania on October 8, 2011  •  Permalink
Posted in Blessings, Book of Mormon, Book of Mormon Forum, Insights, Testimonies
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Posted by chococatania on October 8, 2011

http://thatgoodpart.wordpress.com/2011/10/08/increasing-understanding-of-christ-through-the-book-of-mormon-part-one/

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