Youth Gems - 27 October 2009

Justice and Mercy

“Those who repent will be particularly blessed by the Atonement. Without the Atonement, the eternal principle of justice would require punishment (see Alma 42:14). Because of the Atonement, mercy can prevail for those who have repented and allow them to return to the presence of God (see Alma 42:15).”

Quentin L. Cook, “Strengthen Faith as You Seek Knowledge,” New Era, Sept. 2008, 6

Topics: Atonement

Daily Gems - 29 September 2009

Learning by Personal Experience

“It is clear that for us to have [God’s] gift [of eternal life] and to be given [the] trust [of our Heavenly Father], we must be transformed through making righteous choices where that is hard to do. We are prepared for so great a trust by passing through trying and testing experiences in mortality. That education can come only as we are subject to trials while serving God and others for Him.”

Henry B. Eyring, “Adversity,” Ensign, May 2009, 24

Topics: Righteousness, Atonement, Sacrifice

Daily Gems - 24 September 2009

That Which Perisheth Not

“With all the love I have in me and with the Savior’s love through me, I invite you to come unto Him and hear His words: ‘Wherefore do not spend money for that which is of no worth, nor your labor for that which cannot satisfy. Hearken diligently unto me, and remember the words which I have spoken; and come unto the Holy One of Israel, and feast upon that which perisheth not, neither can be corrupted’ (2 Nephi 9:51).”

Robert D. Hales, “Becoming Provident Providers Temporally and Spiritually,” Ensign, May 2009, 10

Topics: Commandments, Temptation, Atonement

Young Single Adult Gems - 10 August 2009

We Will Never Walk Alone

“Brothers and sisters, one of the great consolations of this Easter season is that because Jesus walked such a long, lonely path utterly alone, we do not have to do so. His solitary journey brought great company for our little version of that path—the merciful care of our Father in Heaven, the unfailing companionship of this Beloved Son, the consummate gift of the Holy Ghost, angels in heaven, family members on both sides of the veil, prophets and apostles, teachers, leaders, friends. All of these and more have been given as companions for our mortal journey because of the Atonement of Jesus Christ and the Restoration of His gospel. Trumpeted from the summit of Calvary is the truth that we will never be left alone nor unaided, even if sometimes we may feel that we are. Truly the Redeemer of us all said, ‘I will not leave you comfortless. [My Father and] I will come to you [and abide with you].’ ”

Jeffrey R. Holland, “None Were with Him,” Ensign, May 2009, 88

Topics: Atonement

Youth Gems - 29 May 2009

Atonement

"Jesus Christ entered a garden called Gethsemane, where He overcame sin for us. He took upon Himself our sins. He suffered the penalty of our wrongs. He paid the price of our education. I don't know how He did what He did. I only know that He did and that because He did, you and I may be forgiven of our sins that we may be endowed with His power. Everything depends on that. What then shall we do? We will 'take upon [us] the name of [the] Son, and always remember him and keep his commandments which he has given [us]; that [we] may always have his Spirit to be with [us]' (D&C 20:77). Everything depends on that."

Lawrence E. Corbridge, "The Way," Ensign, Nov. 2008, 35

Topics: Atonement, Jesus Christ

Daily Gems - 20 April 2009

Testing Our Limits

"[The] testing of our limits in priesthood service is made necessary by God's plan to qualify His children to live with Him again forever. Heavenly Father loves His children. He offered us eternal life, to live with Him again in families and in glory forever. To qualify us to receive that gift, He gave us a mortal body, the opportunity to be tempted to sin, and a way to be cleansed from that sin and to rise in the First Resurrection. He gave us His Beloved Son, Jehovah, as our Savior to make that possible. The Savior was born in mortal life, was tempted but never sinned, and then in Gethsemane and on Golgotha paid the price of our sins so that we could be cleansed. The purifying can come only to those who have faith enough in Jesus Christ to repent of sin, be cleansed through the ordinance of baptism, and make and keep covenants to obey all His commandments. And there was to be a fierce enemy of our souls, Lucifer, who would with his legions relentlessly try to capture every child of God to keep him or her from having the joy of eternal life."

Henry B. Eyring, "O Ye That Embark," Ensign, Nov. 2008, 57

Topics: Atonement, Purpose of Mortality, Opposition

Daily Gems - 27 March 2009

Building Priesthood Strength

"Increased spiritual strength is a gift from God which He can give when we push in His service to our limits. Through the power of the Atonement of Jesus Christ, our natures can be changed. Then our power to carry burdens can be increased more than enough to compensate for the increased service we will be asked to give.

"That helps me understand when I see someone else who makes priesthood service look easy. I know that they have either passed hard tests or that the tests lie ahead. So rather than envying them, I stand ready to help when the going gets harder for them, because it surely will."

Henry B. Eyring, "O Ye That Embark," Ensign, Nov. 2008, 57

Topics: Atonement, Serving Others, Spirituality

Daily Gems - 16 March 2009

A Glorious Future

"The things we hope for are often future events. If only we could look beyond the horizon of mortality into what awaits us beyond this life. Is it possible to imagine a more glorious future than the one prepared for us by our Heavenly Father? Because of the sacrifice of Jesus Christ, we need not fear, for we will live forever, never to taste of death again. Because of His infinite Atonement, we can be cleansed of sin and stand pure and holy before the judgment bar. The Savior is the Author of our Salvation."

Dieter F. Uchtdorf, "The Infinite Power of Hope," Ensign, Nov. 2008, 22

Topics: Atonement, Hope, Plan of Salvation

Young Single Adult Gems - 13 February 2009

Becoming Whole

"The Savior's atonement in the garden and on the cross is intimate as well as infinite. Infinite in that it spans the eternities. Intimate in that the Savior felt each person's pains, sufferings, and sicknesses. Consequently, he knows how to carry our sorrows and relieve our burdens that we might be healed from within, made whole persons, and receive everlasting joy in his kingdom. May our faith in the Father and the Son help each of us to become whole."

Merrill J. Bateman, "The Power to Heal from Within," Ensign, May 1995, 14

Topics: Atonement

Young Single Adult Gems - 9 January 2009

Find Peace through the Atonement

"Every incorrect choice we make, every sin we commit is a violation of eternal law. That violation brings negative results we generally soon recognize. There are also other consequences of our acts of which we may not be conscious. They are nonetheless real. They can have a tremendous effect on the quality of our life here and most certainly will powerfully affect it hereafter. We can do nothing of ourselves to satisfy the demands of justice for a broken eternal law. Yet, unless the demands of justice are paid, each of us will suffer endless negative consequences.

"Only the life, teachings, and particularly the atonement of Jesus Christ can release us from this otherwise impossible predicament. Each of us has made mistakes, large or small, which if unresolved will keep us from the presence of God. For this reason, the atonement of Jesus Christ is the single most significant event that ever has or ever will occur. This selfless act of infinite consequence, performed by a single glorified personage, has eternal impact in the life of every son and daughter of our Father in Heaven—without exception. It shatters the bonds of death. It justifies our finally being judged by the Master. It can prevent an eternity under the control of the devil. It opens the gates to exaltation and eternal life for all who qualify for forgiveness through repentance and obedience."

Richard G. Scott, "Finding Forgiveness," Ensign, May 1995, 75

Topics: Repentance, Atonement

Daily Gems - 17 December 2008

Benefit and Blessing of Scripture

"As members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, we have the benefit and blessing of living scripture as declared by those sustained as prophets, as well as canonized scripture found in the Bible, the Book of Mormon, the Doctrine and Covenants, and the Pearl of Great Price. . . . Written scripture, especially the Book of Mormon, brings us to believe in God and 'be reconciled unto him through the atonement of Christ, his Only Begotten Son' (Jacob 4:11)."

Craig C. Christensen, "A Book with a Promise," Ensign, May 2008, 105

Topics: Atonement, Prophets, Jesus Christ

Daily Gems - 13 November 2008

Belief in an Embodied God

[One] reason The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter day Saints is excluded from the Christian category by some is because we believe, as did the ancient prophets and apostles, in an embodied--but certainly glorified--God. To those who criticize this scripturally based belief, I ask at least rhetorically: If the idea of an embodied God is repugnant, why are the central doctrines and singularly most distinguishing characteristics of all Christianity the Incarnation, the Atonement, and the physical Resurrection of the Lord Jesus Christ? If having a body is not only not needed but not desirable by Deity, why did the Redeemer of mankind redeem His body, redeeming it from the grasp of death and the grave, guaranteeing it would never again be separated from His spirit in time or eternity? (see Romans 6:9; Alma 11:45). Any who dismiss the concept of an embodied God dismiss both the mortal and the resurrected Christ. No one claiming to be a true Christian will want to do that."

Jeffrey R. Holland, "The Only True God and Jesus Christ Whom He Hath Sent," Ensign, Nov. 2007, 42

Topics: Scripture, Atonement

Daily Gems - 10 November 2008

Deep Gratitude for Christ's Suffering

"[An important] dimension of a broken heart [is] our deep gratitude for Christ's suffering on our behalf. In Gethsemane, the Savior 'descended below all things' (D&C 88:6) as He bore the burden of sin for every human being. At Golgotha, He 'poured out his soul unto death' (Isaiah 53:12), and His great heart literally broke with an all encompassing love for the children of God. When we remember the Savior and His suffering, our hearts too will break in gratitude for the Anointed One.

"As we make the sacrifice to Him of all that we have and all that we are, the Lord will fill our hearts with peace. He will 'bind up the brokenhearted' (Isaiah 61:1) and grace our lives with the love of God, 'sweet above all that is sweet, . . . and pure above all that is pure' (Alma 32:42)."

Bruce D. Porter, "A Broken Heart and a Contrite Spirit," Ensign, Nov. 2007, 32

Topics: Atonement

Daily Gems - 10 October 2008

The Atonement Gives Us the Strength to Endure

"The Atonement of Jesus Christ and the healing it offers do much more than provide the opportunity for repentance from sins. The Atonement also gives us the strength to endure 'pains and afflictions and temptations of every kind,' because our Savior also took upon Him 'the pains and the sicknesses of his people' (Alma 7:11). Brothers and sisters, if your faith and prayers and the power of the priesthood do not heal you from an affliction, the power of the Atonement will surely give you the strength to bear the burden."

Dallin H. Oaks, "He Heals the Heavy Laden," Ensign, Nov. 2006, 9

Topics: Atonement, Repentance

Daily Gems - 22 September 2008

Hymns Capture the Sacrifice and Atonement of the Savior

"How incomplete and empty sacrament meetings would be without hymns of worship. Sacred among all hymns are those that capture the sacrifice and the shedding of the blood of Jesus Christ and His infinite Atonement.

"My earliest memories of the healing power of the Savior are associated with sacrament hymns. This sentence is real to me: 'I stand all amazed at the love Jesus offers me, confused at the grace that so fully he proffers me' ("I Stand All Amazed," Hymns, no. 193).

"My understanding of the doctrines of the Atonement is connected to the hymns."

Jay E. Jensen, "The Nourishing Power of Hymns," Ensign, May 2007, 12

Topics: Atonement

Youth Gems - 25 August 2008

Change of Heart

"The gospel of Jesus Christ encompasses much more than avoiding, overcoming, and being cleansed from sin and the bad influences in our lives; it also essentially entails doing good, being good, and becoming better. Repenting of our sins and seeking forgiveness are spiritually necessary, and we must always do so. But remission of sin is not the only or even the ultimate purpose of the gospel. To have our hearts changed by the Holy Spirit such that 'we have no more disposition to do evil, but to do good continually' (Mosiah 5:2), as did King Benjamin's people, is the covenant responsibility we have accepted. This mighty change is not simply the result of working harder or developing greater individual discipline. Rather, it is the consequence of a fundamental change in our desires, our motives, and our natures made possible through the Atonement of Christ the Lord. Our spiritual purpose is to overcome both sin and the desire to sin, both the taint and the tyranny of sin."

David A. Bednar, "Clean Hands and a Pure Heart," Ensign, Nov. 2007, 81-82

Topics: Atonement

Young Single Adult Gems - 22 August 2008

The Light of the Atonement

"[Jesus Christ] is the Light of the Atonement fulfilled in the Garden of Gethsemane and on Golgotha, who took upon Himself the sins of the world, that all mankind may obtain eternal salvation. He is the Light of the empty tomb. . . . He is my Light, my Redeemer, my Savior--and yours."

Robert D. Hales, "Out of Darkness into His Marvelous Light," Ensign, May 2002, 71–72

Topics: Atonement

Young Single Adult Gems - 11 August 2008

The Centerpiece of Human History

"[Jesus Christ's] atoning sacrifice for all mankind is the centerpiece of the history of our Father in Heaven's children here on earth. Each of us who accepts the divine plan must accept the role of our Savior and covenant to keep his laws that our Father has developed for us. As we accept Christ in spirit and in deed, we may win our salvation."

L. Tom Perry, "Sacrament of the Lord's Supper," Ensign, May 1996, 53

Topics: Atonement

Young Single Adult Gems - 8 August 2008

He Did for Us What We Could Not Do for Ourselves

"As the Only Begotten Son of the Father in the flesh, Jesus inherited divine attributes. He was the only person ever born into mortality who could perform this most significant and supernal act. As the only sinless Man who ever lived on this earth, He was not subject to spiritual death. Because of His godhood, He also possessed power over physical death. Thus He did for us what we cannot do for ourselves."

James E. Faust, "The Atonement: Our Greatest Hope," Ensign, Nov. 2001, 19

Topics: Atonement, Resurrection

Daily Gems - 8 August 2008

The Gospel a Key Part of God's Plan

"God, our loving Father in Heaven, has said that it is His work and glory 'to bring to pass the immortality and eternal life of man' (Moses 1:39). God the Father is the author of the gospel; it is a key part of God's plan of salvation, or plan of redemption. It is called the gospel of Jesus Christ because it is the Atonement of Jesus Christ that makes redemption and salvation possible. Through the Atonement all men, women, and children are unconditionally redeemed from physical death, and all will be redeemed from their own sins on the condition of accepting and obeying the gospel of Jesus Christ."

Dieter F. Uchtdorf, "Have We Not Reason to Rejoice?" Ensign, Nov. 2007, 19

Topics: Atonement