John 3:16‒17 in the New Testament declares, “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved.” The love of God for His children led Him to provide a way for them to be saved and exalted through His Only Begotten Son Jesus Christ.
By Study
The third Article of Faith of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints affirms: “We believe that through the Atonement of Christ, all mankind may be saved, by obedience to the laws and ordinances of the Gospel.” (The Pearl of Great Price, The Articles of Faith 1:3.)
Assignment
Study the Gospel Topics essay “Atonement of Jesus Christ,” as well as the scripture references, scripture study resources, videos, talks, Church magazine articles, and study manual chapters, and chapters from Teachings of Presidents of the Church listed at the bottom of the essay.
By Faith
In the Book of Mormon, Alma the Younger tells his son Corianton, “The plan of mercy could not be brought about except an atonement should be made; therefore God himself atoneth for the sins of the world, to bring about the plan of mercy, to appease the demands of justice, that God might be a perfect, just God, and a merciful God also” (Alma 42:15). As an important revelation of the Prophet Joseph Smith explains, we can be “made perfect through Jesus the mediator of the new covenant, who wrought out this perfect atonement through the shedding of his own blood” (Doctrine and Covenants 76:69).
Assignment
Read President Dallin H. Oaks’s April 2021 general conference address “What Has Our Savior Done for Us?” and ponder what Jesus Christ has done for you personally. Consider particularly how He can mend what we cannot and has made it possible for us to overcome all things, including sin and death.
Ask yourself what your most difficult challenge is in life and how Christ’s atonement can help you overcome it. Decide on the most important step you can take this week to make the atonement effective in your life. Then take that step.
Credit for image at top of page: Stock photo from depositphotos.com.
