This past week I have been thinking about Christ's atonement a lot! It seems like everything has been revolving around it in my life. A week ago yesterday, I taught a combined relief society and elders quorum lesson on the life of Christ and the impact that knowing about it should have on our lives. The lesson went well, but what was even more important to me was the knowledge and greater testimony I had gained from learning about the Atonement. This past week in my new testament class we have been working through the atoning sacrifice in our scriptures and lessons. Through these experiences I wanted to share the four truths that have been shown to me.
1. Christ did not want to go through the Atonement
Often times I think that since Christ volunteered to be the Savior that he wasn't afraid or worried about the atonement. It feels like he was ok with it. What I learned anew this week is the fact that Christ did not want to go through the pains of the atonement. He didn't want to suffer. He wanted to do what the Father would have him do. Knowing this makes the scripture Mark 14:36 that much more powerful because it shows that Christ put his father's will above all else. He truly was willing to die for us even though it wasn't something that he was excited to go through.
2. I can always do better at using the atonement in my life
This week has been an extremely hard week for me. A dear friend of mine was really struggling with their testimony and was hurting, but didn't want the Savior to take away their suffering. I realized that I am like that a lot. I forget to turn to my Lord when I'm having a hard time and let him take and heal me. Christ died for me. He paid for all of my stresses, pains, sorrows, worries, hurts, and sins. He can make me whole. I just need to constantly be turning to him for help and strength and allow the atonement to cleanse me. Making the atonement a bigger part of my everyday life also helps me to remember that the atonement was done for me. Even if I were the only person alive, Christ still would have atoned for me. Jesus Christ loves me and is my Savior and Redeemer!
3. I am of infinite worth
This was a simple thing that my new testament teacher said, but he said that I am of infinite worth. This is why the atonement had to be infinite. The reason I have infinite worth is because of my potential. I am of infinite worth because of my capacity to one day become a god. I have the potential to create worlds and because of that I am of infinite worth. How wonderful is that?
4. The Sacrament truly does give me access to Christ's atonement
The last thing that I wanted to share as truths that I learned is another simple thing from my new testament class. It is the fact that each week I get to take the sacrament, I am making Christ a bigger part of my life because I am taking the emblem of his body (the bread) and of his blood (the water) and putting it in my body. This then becomes a part of me. I literally am becoming more like Jesus. This also reminded me that I need to be better at thinking of Christ during the sacrament and not just going through the motions.
Now, to end this blog post I want to put the lyrics of two of my favorite hymns.
I Stand All Amazed hymn # 193
1. 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
(Chorus)
Oh, it is wonderful that he should care for me
Enough to die for me,
Oh, it is wonderful, wonderful to me!
2. I marvel that he would descend from his throne divine
To rescue a soul so rebellious and proud as mine,
That he should extend his great love unto such as I,
Sufficient to own, to redeem, and to justify.
3. I think of his hands pierced and bleeding to pay the debt!
Such mercy, such love and devotion can I forget?
No, no, I will praise and adore at the mercy seat,
Until at the glorified throne I kneel at his feet.
I Know that my Redeemer Lives hymn # 136
1. I know that my Redeemer lives.
What comfort this sweet sentence gives!
He lives, he lives, who once was dead.
He lives, my ever-living Head.
He lives to bless me with his love.
He lives to plead for me above.
He lives my hungry soul to feed.
He lives to bless in time of need.
2. He lives to grant me rich supply.
He lives to guide me with his eye.
He lives to comfort me when faint.
He lives to hear my soul's complaint.
He lives to silence all my fears.
He lives to wipe away my tears.
He lives to calm my troubled heart.
He lives all blessings to impart.
3. He lives, my kind, wise heav'nly Friend.
He lives and loves me to the end.
He lives, and while he lives, I'll sing.
He lives, my Prophet, Priest, and King.
He lives and grants me daily
breath.
He lives, and I shall conquer death.
He lives my mansion to prepare.
He lives to bring me safely there.
4. He lives! All glory to his name!
He lives, my Savior, still the same.
Oh, sweet the joy this sentence gives:
"I know that my Redeemer lives!"
He lives! All glory to his name!
He lives, my Savior, still the same.
Oh, sweet the joy this sentence gives:
"I know that my Redeemer lives!"
Also, if you want to read more about the Savior's atonement I highly recommend this talk
Elder McKonkie's talk The Purifying Power of Gethsemane The Savior lives. He loves us and is always there for us! Don't doubt that his atonement was for you and for me. The atonement can make you whole if you will just let it!
Three days after Jesus Christ was crucified he was resurrected. I love that Mary Magdalene was the first person to talk with Christ and see him after the resurrection. Mary and the other women had gone to Jesus' tomb to finish taking care of his body. When they got there, they found the tomb empty. Angels were there and told the women that Christ was risen. Mary sat weeping by the tomb. She turned around and saw Jesus, but didn't recognize him. "15 Jesus saith unto her, Woman, why weepest thou? She supposing him to be the gardener, saith unto him, Sir, if thou have borne him hence, tell me where thou has laid him, and I will take him away. 16 Jesus saith unto her, Mary. She turned herself, and saith unto him, Rabboni; which is to say, Master." (John 20:15-16) This scripture speaks volumes to me. First of all, women were not trusted in those days, but Jesus doesn't care what other people thinks, so he trusts Mary to be the first to see him. The second thing I love about this scripture is the fact that Jesus is there comforting Mary, even though she doesn't realize it. So often I find myself being upset and feeling like I'm all alone, but Christ is always there for me. I just sometimes fail to recognize him. Lastly, Christ called Mary by name. This is another reminder to me that when I am going through a rough patch, that Christ will be there and call me by name and comfort me.
