The Atonement (GP 12)

The Atonement (GP 12)

Gospel Principles Lesson 12

Clearly, we cannot understand the "How" of the Atonement. It took a Perfect, Infinite Being to be sacrificed for the sins of the world. God chose His Only Begotten Son, and as the Son of both immortal and mortal parentage, Jesus was given the capacity to be able to suffer for all of us, to give up His own life, and to take it up again. While I'll explain some of the particulars of the conditions of the Atonement, I cannot even begin to understand the "How."

But, the other questions can be answered quite easily, because of the Spirit of Love that speaks to our hearts and minds, enlightening us with truth, giving us understanding, and bringing us hope.

The first question then is "Who?" Jesus, of course. Jesus was chosen by our Heavenly Father to be the Savior of this world. Jesus was chosen because He alone was like unto God in every particular (See Abraham 3:24-27), and our Father could trust Him to carry out His plan.

"Who else?" The rest of us, of course. We would all come to earth to gain bodies, to gain experience, and to learn to be obedient. But unlike Jesus, our attempts would be feeble, and we would fall short of the glory of God (See Romans 3:23). We needed a Savior. Nonetheless, we all shouted for joy at the prospect of living in this mortal world and being allowed these new opportunities(See Job 38:7). Not only was Jesus part of Heavenly Father's Plan; we all were. We all are!

Next question: "What?" The Atonement. What is the Atonement? It is the great sacrifice that enables us, through faith, repentance, and obedience, to be brought back into our Heavenly Father's presence. Jesus is indeed the Way, the Truth, and the Life (John 14:6). Jesus is also the Lamb without Blemish, whose blood can ransom us from our sins (See 1 Peter 1:19-23). No other person could answer the cause of justice, making everything right, and extending mercy to the sinner on conditions of repentance. So the Atonement allows us to be "at one" again with our Father, and thus we can overcome spiritual death through the grace of God.

The Atonement also permits all, everyone, repentant and sinner alike, to live again, to be resurrected. "For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ shall all be made alive" (1 Corinthians 15:22). And clearly the resurrection is the reunification of our bodies with our spirits, allowing us to be living souls forever. Jesus told His disciples, "Handle me, and see; for a spirit hath not flesh and bones, as ye see me have" (See Luke 24:39). So through the Atonement, Jesus gave us the means to overcome both physical and spiritual death.

"When" is the next question. Jesus's Atonement is Infinite, from everlasting to everlasting. So even though the sacrifice was made in the meridian of time, it was available to those who lived before Jesus was on earth in mortality, and it is available to us now. We have access to it always, but there are conditions which make it efficacious in our lives. "Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven" (Matthew 7:21). And in our day to day lives, it works the same way. If we would have the Spirit of the Holy Ghost to guide us, we must keep the commandments and live as He asks us to do.

"Where?" Jesus atoned in Gethsemane and on the Cross of Calvary. But the effects of His atonement reach across time and distance from all eternity to all eternity and to the far reaches of the universe. So the Atonement is for everyone, everywhere. We can experience the peace of the Spirit sanctifying our lives and our efforts while we are at church, while we are at home; while we are traveling, and wherever we may be.

"Why?" The greatest question of all to answer is "Why." It is all because of love. "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" (John 3:16-17).

Jesus doesn't want to condemn us. It is not He that will condemn us. He has done all things possible to save us, and if we stand condemned at the last day, it will be our own lives that condemn us, or our unwillingness to repent. Jesus bled from every pore and suffered both body and spirit to such an Infinite degree so that we don't have to (See Doctrine and Covenants 16:16-19), if we accept His sacrifice, His Atonement, His perfect gift of Love.

The Atonement is God's plan for us all to be brought back into His presence, whole and complete; or, as those words are written in the Bible, perfect. It is His work and His glory to bring to pass the immortality and eternal life of man (See Moses 1:39); and, it is through Christ's obedience to His Heavenly Father's will that the gift is open to us all if we also choose the path of obedience to our Heavenly Father's will. Obedience to our Heavenly Father's will has always been the key to unlock the full blessings of the Atonement.

(For further understanding of The Atonement, please read the 

Gospel Principles Lesson 12)

Prophets of God (GP 10)

Prophets of God (GP 10)

Gospel Principles Lesson 10

Some people think that all scripture is contained only in the Old Testament; others recognize both Testaments in the Bible; others think that all scripture is only contained in the Standard Works of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. These views really put a limit on God's ability to speak to us His children. Since the beginning of this world, God has given his prophets a commandment to keep records of the things He reveals to them and of His dealings with His children. Whenever a servant of the Lord speaks or writes under the influence of the Holy Ghost, those words become scripture (see D&C 68:4). So this gives a broader meaning to the word scripture, and we know that the Lord inspires His children who seek after Him in every land and time. In His own words, He has said, "For I command all men, both in the east and in the west, and in the north, and in the south, and in the islands of the sea, that they shall write the words which I speak unto them; for out of the books which shall be written I will judge the world, every man according to their works, according to that which is written" (2 Nephi 29:11).

As stated previously, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has four books of scripture, known as the Standard Works: the Bible (including the Old and New Testaments); the Book of Mormon, Another Testament of Jesus Christ; the Doctrine and Covenants; and the Pearl of Great Price. Inspired words spoken by our living prophets are also accepted as scripture. So the bi-yearly Ensign editions of General Conference hold words that are among our most current scriptures.

The Holy Bible

What do we find in the Bible? The writings contained in the Bible cover many generations of time, many centuries, beginning with Adam and Eve and concluding with the testimonies of the Apostles of Jesus Christ. (Although Adams own writings are not contained in the Bible currently, Moses begins the Bible account with the creation and the genealogy of mankind beginning with Adam and Eve.) "The Bible is a collection of sacred writing containing God's revelations to man." Many prophets including and following Moses, who wrote the first five books in the Old Testament, recorded the messages that are contained in the Bible. 

The Old Testament prophets foretold of the coming of the Savior and Redeemer of the world. They also foretold of His Atonement, His suffering, crucifixion, death, and resurrection. The New Testament contains a record of the life and ministry of Jesus, the Savior and Redeemer of the world. The New Testament also tells of Christ's Church being established in that day. As Latter-day Saints we believe that the Bible is sacred scripture. Joseph Smith penned these words, "We believe the Bible to be the word of God as far as it is translated correctly; we also believe the Book of Mormon to be the word of God" (Articles of Faith 1:8).

"Through the Prophet Joseph Smith, the Lord has expanded our understanding of some passages in the Bible. The Lord inspired the Prophet Joseph to restore truths to the Bible text that had been lost or changed since the original words were written. These inspired corrections are called the Joseph Smith Translation of the Bible. In the Latter-day Saint edition of the King James Version of the Bible, selected passages from the Joseph Smith Translation are found on pages 797–813 and in many footnotes" (Taken from Gospel Principles Lesson 10).

The Book of Mormon

The majority of the Book of Mormon covers the time period from 600 B.C. to 400 AD. But there is also a record of a people who were in the Americas from 2000 B.C until around 600 B.C. This first group were known as the Jaredites, and they left the Old World at the time of the Tower of Babel. The second group included Lehi's family, Ishmael's family, and Mulek's family, and they were known as Nephites and Lamanites. The Book of Mormon contains the fullness of the gospel of Jesus Christ (See D&C 20:9; D&C 42:12; D&C 135:3). Found in the Book of Mormon is an account of Jesus Christ visiting the Americas soon after His Resurrection.

"The Book of Mormon was the most correct of any book on earth, and the keystone of our religion, and a man would get nearer to God by abiding by its precepts, than by any other book” (See Introduction to the Book of Mormon). The Book of Mormon was translated by Joseph Smith through the power of God. 

President Ezra Taft Benson told us how the Book of Mormon is the keystone of our religion: 

“The Book of Mormon is the keystone in our witness of Jesus Christ, who is Himself the cornerstone of everything we do. It bears witness of His reality with power and clarity. …

“[It] broadens our understandings of the doctrines of salvation. … The Book of Mormon … was written for our day. … In [it] we find a pattern for preparing for the Second Coming. …

“… The Book of Mormon teaches us truth [and] bears testimony of Christ. … But there is something more. There is a power in the book which will begin to flow into your lives the moment you begin a serious study of the book. You will find greater power to resist temptation. You will find the power to avoid deception. You will find the power to stay on the strait and narrow path. The scriptures are called ‘the words of life,’ and nowhere is that more true than it is of the Book of Mormon. … ‘Every Latter-day Saint should make the study of this book a lifetime pursuit’” (in Conference Report, Oct. 1986, 4–7; or Ensign, Nov. 1986, 5–7; quoting Marion G. Romney, in Conference Report, Apr. 1980, 90; or Ensign, May 1980, 67). (The foregoing is found in the original lesson, Gospel Principles Lesson 10).

The Doctrine and Covenants

The Pearl of Great Price

Our Living Prophets

Since our prophets are spokesmen for the Lord, their inspired words become scripture for us. We receive these inspired messages through conferences, the Church magazines (the Ensign or the Liahona), and through instructions delivered to local priesthood leaders. God does speak to prophets in our day, and that is a great comfort and blessing. As told us in Amos 3:7, "Surely the Lord God will do nothing, but he revealeth his secret unto his servants the prophets." Also, "We believe all that God has revealed, all that He does now reveal, and we believe that He will yet reveal many great and important things pertaining to the Kingdom of God" (Articles of Faith 1:9).

Studying the Scriptures

We are happy to eat every single day. Of course, our bodies need that nourishment to thrive and stay alive. While eating gives us calories and nourishment, exercise and word gives us endorphins, strength, and muscle. So receiving food and then using that nourishment wisely makes our bodies strong. 

Photo Messages from April Conference 2013

6-7 April Conference 2013

Some of these pictures were posted to announce conference and in preparation for conference. The other pictures were actually taken during conference (on my computer) while watching. 

Please enjoy. 

My Heavenly Father Loves Me

Whenever I hear the song of a bird

Or look at the blue, blue sky,

Whenever I feel the rain on my face

Or the wind as it rushes by,

Whenever I touch a velvet rose

Or walk by our lilac tree,

I'm glad that I live in this beautiful world

Heav'nly Father created for me.

He gave me my eyes that I might see

The color of butterfly wings.

He gave me my ears that I might hear

The magical sound of things.

He gave me my life, my mind, my heart:

I thank him rev'rently

For all his creations, of which I'm a part.

Yes, I know Heav'nly Father loves me.

Words and music: Clara W. McMaster, 1904-1997.

I am so thankful that we are privileged to hear from living prophets, apostles, and leaders in our church. Conferences are grand and glorious occasions. Please take the time to attend. 

General Sessions are Saturday and Sunday from 9-11 a.m. and 1-3 p.m. Pacific Daylight Savings Time. The Priesthood Session is Saturday evening from 5-7 p.m. Pacific Daylight Savings Time. Please make the proper adjustment for your time zone.

1. Come, listen to a prophet's voice,

And hear the word of God,

And in the way of truth rejoice,

And sing for joy aloud.

We've found the way the prophets went

Who lived in days of yore.

Another prophet now is sent

This knowledge to restore.

2. The gloom of sullen darkness spread

Thru earth's extended space

Is banished by our living Head,

And God has shown his face.

Thru erring schemes in days now past

The world has gone astray;

Yet Saints of God have found at last

The straight and narrow way.

3. 'Tis not in man they put their trust

Nor on his arm rely.

Full well assured, all are accursed

Who Jesus Christ deny.

The Savior to his people saith,

"Let all my words obey,

And signs shall follow living faith,

Down to the latest day."

4. Then heed the words of truth and light

That flow from fountains pure.

Yea, keep His law with all thy might

Till thine election's sure,

Till thou shalt hear the holy voice

Assure eternal reign,

While joy and cheer attend thy choice,

As one who shall obtain.

Text: Joseph S. Murdock, 1822-1899. Verse four, Bruce R. McConkie, 1915-1985.

Music: Joseph J. Daynes, 1851-1920

And the Spirit and the bride say, Come. And let him that heareth say, Come. And let him that is athirst come. And whosoever will, let him take the water of life freely.

Revelation 22:17

I believe in Christ, like I believe in the sun; not because I can see it, but by it, I can see everything else. (C.S. Lewis)

Two Days Until Conference Weekend!

Do you have family traditions for conference weekends?

1. Of all the Sundays of the year,

the ones I love the best

are conf’rence Sundays twice a year,

so diff’rent from the rest.

I gather with my family

and feel the Spirit near

as I prepare to understand

the messages I hear.

2. The scriptures are a history

of prophets gone before.

Their timeless words were written then

to teach forever more.

But what an opportunity

I have on conf’rence day

to hear a living prophet who

is showing me the way!

3. I hear the special witnesses

of Jesus Christ, our Lord.

They testify of gospel truth

and teach God’s holy word.

So now when conf’rence time is past,

the thing for me to do

is follow well what I’ve been told

and prove that it is true.

[Chorus:] At conf’rence time,

at conf’rence time,

the Brethren tell me what to do,

So I can live in happiness

at conf’rence time

and all year through.

Copyright © 1997 by Steven Perry and Brad Wilcox. All rights reserved. This song may be copied for incidental, noncommercial home or church use. This notice must be included on each copy made.

Holy temples on Mount Zion

In a lofty splendor shine,

Avenues to exaltation,

Symbols of a love divine.

And their kindly portals beckon

To serenity and prayer,

Valiant children of the promise,

Pledged to sacred service there.

Merciful and gracious Father,

Purify our hearts, we pray;

Bless our mission of redemption

In thy hallowed house each day,

Till at length our faithful kindred,

Sealed with us eternally

In celestial bonds of union,

Sing hosannas unto thee.

Sing aloud, ye heav'nly chorus,

Anthems of eternal praise

To the glorious King Immanuel!

Sing with Saints of latter days!

Let the mountains shout for gladness,

And the valleys joyful be,

While the stars acclaim in rapture,

For the prisoners shall go free.

Text: Archibald F. Bennett, 1896-1965.

Music: Alexander Schreiner, 1901-1987.

I belong to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

I belong to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

I know who I am.

I know God's plan.

I'll follow him in faith.

I believe in the Savior, Jesus Christ.

I'll honor his name.

I'll do what is right;

I'll follow his light.

His truth I will proclaim.

Words and music: Janice Kapp Perry

Conference is this weekend. It will be broadcast from the Conference Center in Salt Lake City, Utah. The General Sessions on both Saturday and Sunday will be showing at 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. Mountain Daylight Savings Time. The Priesthood Session will be Saturday evening at 6 p.m. Mountain Daylight Savings Time. Please make adjustments for your time zone, and decide whether you will view conference at an LDS chapel, by cable or satellite, or on the Web, at BYUTV or lds.org. Remember that you will be able to review the broadcasts at lds.org as well. 

Where will you be watching conference?

I believe that it is wonderful that we can all meet together as Latter-day Saints around the world two times a year. There is strength and power as we all unite in song and prayer and saying "amen" to those things that we hear.

Come, Come, Ye Saints

1. Come, come, ye Saints, no toil nor labor fear;

But with joy wend your way.

Though hard to you this journey may appear,

Grace shall be as your day.

'Tis better far for us to strive

Our useless cares from us to drive;

Do this, and joy your hearts will swell--

All is well! All is well!

2. Why should we mourn or think our lot is hard?

'Tis not so; all is right.

Why should we think to earn a great reward

If we now shun the fight?

Gird up your loins; fresh courage take.

Our God will never us forsake;

And soon we'll have this tale to tell--

All is well! All is well!

3. We'll find the place which God for us prepared,

Far away in the West,

Where none shall come to hurt or make afraid;

There the Saints will be blessed.

We'll make the air with music ring,

Shout praises to our God and King;

Above the rest these words we'll tell--

All is well! All is well!

4. And should we die before our journey's through,

Happy day! All is well!

We then are free from toil and sorrow, too;

With the just we shall dwell!

But if our lives are spared again

To see the Saints their rest obtain,

Oh, how we'll make this chorus swell--

All is well! All is well!

Text: William Clayton, 1814-1879

Music: English folk song

President Uchtdorf is conducting this first session. President Monson gave beautiful opening remarks.

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Part of the Blueprint of Life: Faith, Repentance, Baptism, receiving the Holy Ghost; and enduring to the end. (Bishop Davies)

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Whate’er thou art, act well thy part. 

"She understood who she was and whose she was."

(Sister Dalton, speaking of her mother)

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The Son of Man forgives sins; the Savior forgives sins on earth, and not just in the final judgment.

Elder Craig A. Cardon

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As the literal spirit children of our loving Heavenly Father, we have unlimited divine potential. 

Do the things that the Savior would do if He were living among us today. 

M. Russell Ballard

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Simple acts of obedience bring us closer to the Savior.

President Henry B. Eyring

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" I would not barter age to youth; I have to much to lose." (Correction from picture, which says "I'd".)

Unfinished Composition

Part I 1992—Written in England

I had a thought the other night;

A thought profound and deep.

It came when I was too worn down,

Too tired to go to sleep.

I’d had a very busy day

And pondered on my fate.

The thought was this:

When I was young, I wasn’t sixty-eight!

I could walk without a limp;

I had no shoulder pain.

I could read a line through twice

And quote it back again.

I could work for endless hours

And hardly stop to breathe.

And things that now I cannot do

I mastered then with ease.

If I could now turn back the years,

If that were mine to choose,

I would not barter age for youth,

I have too much to lose.

I am quite content to move ahead;

To yield my youth, however grand.

The thing I’d lose if I went back

Is what I understand.

Now a few months ago, ten years later, I added Part II of this “Unfinished Composition.”

Part II 2002

Ten years have flown to who knows where

And with them much of pain.

A metal hip erased my limp;

I walk quite straight again.

Another plate holds neck bones fast—

A wonderful creation!

It backed my polio away;

I’ve joined the stiff-necked generation.

The signs of aging can be seen,

Those things will not get better.

The only thing that grows in strength

With me is my forgetter.

You ask, Do I remember you?

Of course, you’re much the same.

Now don’t go getting all upset—

I don’t recall your name.

I would agree I’ve learned some things

I did not want to know,

But age has brought those precious truths

That make the Spirit grow.

Of all the blessings that have come,

The best thing in my life

Is the comfort and encouragement

I get from my dear wife.

Our children all have married well,

With families of their own.

With children and grandchildren,

How soon they all have grown.

I have not changed my mind one bit

About regaining youth.

We’re meant to age, for with it

Comes a knowledge of the truth.

You ask, What will the future bring?

Just what will be my fate?

We’ll go along and not complain.

Ask when I’m eighty-eight!

Part III—To be continued

President Boyd K. Packer

(See http://www.lds.org/broadcast/ces020203/transcript/0,15946,395,00.html)

(I do not yet have the continuation for his reflections at 88. I cannot type that fast. I found the poem he recited at the link above.)

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1. Jesus, the very thought of thee

With sweetness fills my breast;

But sweeter far thy face to see

And in thy presence rest.

2. Nor voice can sing, nor heart can frame,

Nor can the mem'ry find

A sweeter sound than thy blest name,

O Savior of mankind!

3. O hope of ev'ry contrite heart,

O joy of all the meek,

To those who fall, how kind thou art!

How good to those who seek!

4. Jesus, our only joy be thou,

As thou our prize wilt be;

Jesus, be thou our glory now,

And thru eternity.

Be obedient to prophetic teachings of Jesus Christ. Apply sound gospel principles. Simple consistent good habits lead to full and bountiful blessings. 

Satan’s fate is decided; he knows he has lost. But he wants to take as many as he can. Stay on the Lord’s side, and you will win every time. 

Elder Richard G. Scott

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Peace comes from knowing that the Savior knows who we are...The Savior is the source of true peace. Righteous living will be rewarded with peace. 

Elder Quintin L. Cook

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Stick to the basics. 

If you don’t plant, you don’t harvest. 

You milk the cow when she needs to be milked, not when you want to. 

Elder Stanley G. Ellis

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Where do your priorities lie? The Lord wants to bless us.

“As a natural result of their faith, the Lord is lifting them in meaningful ways. “

Elder John B. Dickson

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Intimate relations are proper only between a man and a woman in a relationship prescribed in God’s Plan…

We are defined by our nature as children of God. 

Elder David A. Bednar

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We all need to catch the wave of the missionary spirit.

If you catch the wave with energy and enthusiasm, others will also. 

Elder Russell M. Nelson

Did you have a favorite message? What words of wisdom did you find inspiring?

When a task seems too hard; when we just don’t know where to begin, we should just start; we should just get our feet wet. God will help us from there. 

Lloyd Newell

Music and the Spoken Word

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Even though we may feel lost in the midst of our current circumstances, God offers us hope in His Light. 

Spiritual light rarely comes to those who sit in the darkness and wait for someone to switch on the light. 

1. Start where you are.

2. Turn your heart to the Lord.

3. Walk in the light.

President Dieter F. Uchtdorf

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We are few in number, but at the same time, you and I are witnesses of Daniel’s prophetic verse: the stone without hands is filling the whole earth. . .We are witnessing the miracles of the Lord as His gospel is spreading across the world. 

You, too, are an important part of this unfolding miracle. All of us have a contribution to make for this miracle

Elder Neal L. Anderson

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Children come to this earth ready to listen. 

To speak to a child’s heart, we must know a child’s needs. 

Choose a time each day to disconnect with technology, and reconnect with each other. 

Sister Rosemary M. Wixom

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In the happiest marriages, both the husband and wife consider their marriage to be a pearl beyond price. 

Successful eternal marriages are built upon Faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. Faith is the foundation of every virtue that strengthens marriage. Faith in the Lord Jesus Christ is the foundation of eternal, happy marriages. 

Elder L. Whitney Clayton

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In the universe, too, where God is in command, there is law. 

Obedience to law is liberty.

Elder L. Tom Perry

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Obedience is an unfailing guide. 

A knowledge of truth comes to us as we are obedient to the commandments of God. 

President Thomas S. Monson

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No greater example of obedience exists than that of our Savior.

Ever was He humble; ever was He sincere; ever was he obedient. 

He instructs you and me, “Follow Thou Me.” 

President Thomas S. Monson

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“If thou canst do anything, have compassion on us, and help us.” “Lord, I believe; help thou my unbelief.” 

The father exerted his strength first; and then acknowledges his limitation. 

Do not start your quest for faith by declaring what you don’t have. Be true to the faith that you do have.

In this church, what we know will always trump what we do not know.

Elder Jeffrey R. Holland

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"If you love me, keep my commandments."Leave the tradition of men behind. 

We should not be of the world, or bound by the traditions of men. They love the praise of men more than the praise of God. Jesus’ teachings were not meant to be theoretical; always, they are to be acted upon. Following Christ is not an occasional or casual practice.

Elder Dallin H. Oaks

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God is ever near, and He is interested in us; and He answers our prayers.

Elder Christoffel Golden Jr.

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From my wife, 

“In order to contend you need two people, and I will never be one of them.”

Elder Enrique R. Falabella

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The feeling of being accepted by someone we love is a basic human need.

Those who cannot find acceptance from desirable sources, may seek it elsewhere. This puts them on a dangerous path. 

Heavenly Father and His Son Jesus Christ know us. They accept us for what we are and for what we are striving to become. 

Elder Erich W. Kopischke

"Be of good cheer; I have overcome the world." 

We need not fear the future, because God is with us. The Lord 

will stand by His Church and by His people until His Coming. 

Elder Bruce D. Porter

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May we go about doing good in the pattern of the Master. 

As followers of Jesus Christ, we are a Community of Saints. We may participate in the Christ-like role of redemption. 

Elder D. Todd Christofferson

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If we will put our trust in the Lord, He will help us through our difficulties whatever they may be.

President Thomas S. Monson

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Isn't it amazing to know that the Lord loves all of us, and He wants all of us. He wants us to be happy; He wants us to be successful; He wants us to return home to Him. He prepared the way. He is the Way. Yes, the Lord wants you!

(Web photo source: Facebook page: I Sustain Thomas S. Monson)