With three talks bearing witness of Jesus Christ, this week, how can I pass up an opportunity to proclaim how wonderful His atoning sacrifice is to me.
I stand all amazed at the love Jesus offers me,
Confused at the grace that so fully he proffers me.
I tremble to know that for me he was crucified,
That for me, a sinner, he suffered, he bled and died.
Not only do I believe in Jesus Christ, I believe in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints that preaches His gospel. There are many good people of other faiths in the world. It feels right to hear them praise Jesus, or preach of a Savior who rescues us, but the gospel I hold to is unique amongst all of them. As Bruce R. McConkie stated, “The issue, I think, is not what we should do but how we should do it.” His gospel teaches us how. And so we fumble and practice as we work toward perfection.
S. Dilworth Young reminded us when Jesus Christ visited the Americas, a voice came from the heavens that the people couldn’t quite understand. “And it came to pass that while they were thus conversing one with another, they heard a voice as if it came out of heaven; and they cast their eyes round about, for they understood not the voice which they heard” (3 Ne. 11:3). This makes me think of the confusion of our day within our own church. We have the truth, we know the signs, yet we still have our doubts and seek confirmation from our friends before turning heavenward.
We all have a mediocre understanding of Jesus Christ’s atoning sacrifice. We readily accept that He has
taken away our sins, but do we realize that the atonement is even more complete and far-reaching than simply relieving us of our wrong-doings? It’s a constant battle for me to remember Him for those incidentals in my life, to call upon Him first before my woes set in, to fully depend on His way being the only–better–way. The few times I have managed to put off my “natural man,” and rely completely on the atonement, I testify that it has been truly wonderful to me.
As I continue learning about the atonement, and its all-encompassing-ness, I understand that it isn’t just for “Big Things,” and it isn’t to be used as a last resort. The atonement must be used, thought about, appreciated, and incorporated into everyday life.
- The atonement is there every time I pray, read my scriptures, and listen to my leaders.
- The atonement is there every time I stand in need of anything.
- The atonement freely forgives me and helps me to forgive others.
- The atonement frees me from my hurts, unsettling feelings, and emotions of the day.
- The atonement frees me from pain, injustices, pride, and resentments of all kinds.
- The atonement freely overcomes any depression that overwhelms me.
- The atonement frees me of any walls I have built up.
- The atonement freely gives me a happy attitude and fills me with love so I can be kind to others.
- The atonement freely reminds me that I am lovable and loved, making it possible to love others who seem unlovable.
- The atonement freely gives me courage to do what’s right.
- The atonement freely gives me hope.
- The atonement freely guides me to a better life, a changed life, a fuller life.
- The atonement freely allows me to try again and again and again…
There are countless other ways I can use the atonement every day, because of my Savior, Jesus Christ. The gospel shows me how then it becomes my responsibility to call for that most precious help.
This is the Jesus Christ I worship. His atoning sacrifice is meant to be used in my life every day as I learn more, repent more, change more, and worship more His love and saving Grace.
“Oh, it is wonderful, wonderful to me!”
More General Conference Odyssey posts:
The Kingdom or the World Nathaniel Givens
What Message Would Christ Share With Us Today? Daniel Ortner
Grace to Grace Marilyn Nielson