ATONEMENT

"As a result of Christ's victory over the grave, we shall all be resurrected." ~ President Thomas S. Monson, "He is not here, but is Risen", Liahona, April 2011

"We understand that the Atonement of Jesus Christ gives us the opportunity to overcome the spiritual death that results from sin and, through making and keeping sacred covenants, to have the blessings of eternal life." ~Elder Dallin H. Oaks, "Teachings of Jesus", Ensign, November 2011

"Indeed the Atonement of the Only Begotten Son of God in the flesh is the crucial foundation upon which all Christian doctrine rests and the greatest expression of divine love this world has ever been given. Its importance in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints cannot be overstated. Every other principle, commandment, and virtue of the restored gospel draws its significance from this pivotal event." ~Elder Jeffrey R. Holland, "The Atonement of Jesus Christ," Liahona March 2008

"The second concept to stress in our mental preparation is Atonement. The Atonement of Jesus Christ is the central act of all human history. It is the core of the plan of salvation. Without the infinite Atonement, all mankind would be irretrievably lost. Temple ordinances and covenants teach of the redeeming power of the Atonement." ~Elder Russell M. Nelson, "Prepare for the Blessings of the Temple," Liahona, October 2010

“If you have repented from serious transgression and mistakenly believe that you will always be a second-class citizen in the kingdom of God, learn that is not true. The Savior said: ‘Behold, he who has repented of his sins, the same is forgiven, and I, the Lord, remember them no more. ‘By this ye may know if a man repenteth of his sins–behold, he will confess them and forsake them.’16 Find encouragement in the lives of Alma the Younger and the sons of Mosiah. They were tragically wicked. Yet their full repentance and service qualified them to be considered as noble as righteous Captain Moroni.17 To you who have sincerely repented yet continue to feel the burden of guilt, realize that to continue to suffer for sins when there has been proper repentance and forgiveness of the Lord is prompted by the master of deceit. Lucifer will encourage you to continue to relive the details of past mistakes, knowing that such thoughts can hamper your progress. Thus he attempts to tie strings to the mind and body so that he can manipulate you like a puppet to discourage personal achievement.” ~ Elder Richard G. Scott, "The Path to Peace and Joy," October 2000 General Conference

"It is my testimony that many of the deepest regrets of tomorrow can be prevented by following the Savior today. If we have sinned or made mistakes—if we have made choices that we now regret—there is the precious gift of Christ’s Atonement, through which we can be forgiven. We cannot go back in time and change the past, but we can repent." ~ Deiter F. Utchdorf, Of Resolutions and Regrets, Conference October 2012

"Do not misunderstand. Repentance is not easy or painless or convenient. It is a bitter cup from Hell. But only Satan, who dwells there, would have you think that a necessary and required acknowledgment is more distasteful than permanent residence. Only he would say, “You can’t change. You won’t change. It’s too long and too hard to change. Give up. Give in. Don’t repent. You are just the way you are.” That, my friends, is a lie born of desperation. Don’t fall for it." ~Jeffery R. Holland, For Times of Trouble, March 1980 BYU Devotional

"That is the promise of the gospel of Jesus Christ and the Atonement: to take anyone who comes, anyone who will join, and put them through an experience so that at the end of their life, they can go through the veil having repented of their sins and having been washed clean through the blood of Christ." ~ Boyd K. Packer, The Atonement, Conference October 2012

"As Christians today, we have the opportunity to act straightway, immediately, and decisively, just as Peter and Andrew did: “they forsook their nets, and followed him.” We too are called upon to leave our nets, to reject worldly habits, customs, and traditions. We are also called to forsake our sins.” ~Elder Hales, Being a More Christian Christian, Conference October 2012

"The scriptures speak of His arms being open, extended, stretched out, and encircling. They are described as mighty and holy, arms of mercy, arms of safety, arms of love, “lengthened out all the day long… The Lord’s desire that we come unto Him and be wrapped in His arms is often an invitation to repent. “Behold, he sendeth an invitation unto all men, for the arms of mercy are extended towards them, and he saith: Repent, and I will receive you.” ~ Neil L. Anderson, Repent That I May Heal You, Conference October 2009


CAPSTONE:
I echo my testimony with these prophets of God that the Atonement of Jesus Christ is the single most important act in the existence of mankind. No words can adequately express what the Atonement means to me personally. I am forever indebted to my Savior, Jesus Christ. The only way I can possibly repay him, is to repent of my sins and follow him in every word, deed and thought. He is my salvation and the only way that I can return to my heavenly home when this life is over. I love Him with all of my heart and know that someday, I will feel the nail prints in his hands and feet and know for a surety that He is the son of God, the Savior of the world, and the older brother that loved me so much that he gave His life for me.