Tag Archives: Atonement

The Savior Fully Comprehends our Trials

John Taylor taught,

“It was necessary, when the Savior was upon the earth, that he should be tempted in all points, like unto us, and ‘be touched with the feeling of our infirmities,’ (Hebrews 4:15) to comprhend the weaknesses and strength, the perfections and imperfections of poor fallen human nature…

“He knows how to estimate and put a proper value upon human nature, for he, having been placed in the same position as we are, knows how to bear with our weaknesses and infirmities, and can fully comprehend the depth, power, and strength of the afflictions and trials that men have to cope with in this world. And thus understandingly and by experience, he can bear with them.”

John Taylor
Teachings of the Presidents of the Church: John Taylor, p. 53

Children Alive in Christ

President John Taylor spoke of power of the atonement over children who have not yet reached the age of accountability,

“Without Adam’s Transgression those children could not have existed; through the atonement they are placed in a state of salvation without any act of their own. These would embrace, according to the opinion of statisticians, more than one-half of the human family, who can attribute their salvation only to the mediation and atonement of the Savior. Thus, as stated elsewhere, in some mysterious, incomprehensible way, Jesus assumed the responsibility which naturally would have devolved upon Adam; but which could only be accomplished through the mediation of Himself, and by taking upon Himself their sorrows, assuming their responsibilities, and bearing their transgressions or sins.”

John Taylor
Teachings of the President of the Church: John Taylor, p. 52

The Joy of the Resurrection

President John Taylor (Third President of the Church) said,

“How consoling it is to those who are called upon to mourn the loss of dear friends in death, to know that we will again be associated with them! How encouragining to all who live accordingly to the revealed rpinciples of truth, perhaps more especially to those whose lives are pretty well spent, who have bourne the heat and burden of the day, to konw that ere long we shall burst the barriers of the tomb, and come forth living and immortal souls, to enjoy the society of our tried and trusted friends, no more to be afflicted with the seeds of death, and to finish the work the Father has given us to do!”

 

John Taylor, Teachings of the Presidents of the Church: John Taylor, p.50-51.

Temple and Family History are Christlike Activities

On the nature of the work we do take family names to the temple, Boyd K. Packer said,

“Now, there are those who scoff at the idea of vicarious ordinances performed for the salvation of souls. They think it all to be very strange.

No thinking Christian should be surprised at such a doctrine. Was not the sacrifice of Christ a vicarious offering for and in behalf of all mankind? The very Atonement was wrought vicariously.

The Lord did for us what we could not do for ourselves. Is it not Christlike for us to perform in the temples ordinances for and in behalf of those who cannot do them for themselves?”

“Covenants”
April 1987 General Conference

Whatever Jesus Lays His Hands Upon Lives

Speaking on the Raising of Jarius’ daughter from the dead, President Howard W. Hunter said,

These are not only the words of faith of a father torn with grief but are also a reminder to us that whatever Jesus lays his hands upon lives. If Jesus lays his hands upon a marriage, it lives. If he is allowed to lay his hands on a family, it lives.

Conference Report, Oct. 1979, p. 93

Understanding The Atonement

Richard G. Scott said,

“By understanding the Atonement, you will see that God is not a jealous being who delights in persecuting those who misstep. He is an absolutely perfect, compassionate, understanding, patient, and forgiving Father. He is willing to entreat, counsel, strengthen, lift, and fortify. He so loves each of us that He was willing to have His perfect, sinless, absolutely obedient, totally righteous Son experience indescribable agony and pain and give Himself in sacrifice for all.”

Fall Not An Accident

Elder Bruce C. Hafen of the Seventy taught,

The Fall was not a disaster. It wasn’t a mistake or an accident. It was a deliberate part of the plan of salvation. We are God’s spirit “offspring,” sent to earth “innocent”  of Adam’s transgression. Yet our Father’s plan subjects us to temptation and misery in this fallen world as the price to comprehend authentic joy. Without tasting the bitter, we actually cannotunderstand the sweet. We require mortality’s discipline and refinement as the “next step in [our] development” toward becoming like our Father. But growth means growing pains. It also means learning from our mistakes in a continual process made possible by the Savior’s grace, which He extends both during and “after all we can do.” 

April 2004 General Conference, “The Atonement: All for All“

The Savior and Atonement

The Prophet Joseph Smith taught,

“The fundamental principles of our religion are the testimony of the Apostles and Prophets, concerning Jesus Christ, that He died, was buried, and rose again the third day, and ascended into heaven; and all other things which pertain to our religion are only appendages to it.”

Teachings of Presidents of the Church: Joseph Smith (2007), 49.

The Two Deaths [PREZI]

Today, I’v put together something a little different as an experiment, you’ll have to let me know what you think. Using the presentation platform, Prezi, I give you “The Two Deaths”, an interactive slideshow discussing how Christ’s atonement helps us overcome both physical and spiritual death.

Use the play button below to get started or click more and then “Full Screen” for the full effect. Enjoy!