The Individual "One"

"Sadly, in today’s world, a person’s importance is often judged by the size of the audience before which he or she performs. That is how media and sports programs are rated, how corporate prominence is sometimes determined, and often how governmental rank is obtained. That may be why roles such as father, mother, and missionary (and school teacher) seldom receive standing ovations. Fathers, mothers, and missionaries and school teachers “play” before very small audiences. Yet, in the eyes of the Lord, there may be only one size of audience that is of lasting importance—and that is just one, each one, you and me, and each one of the children of God. The irony of the Atonement is that it is infinite and eternal, yet it is applied individually, one person at a time."

M. Russell Ballard
(italics information added by Steve Haymore)

Christ was Slain for the Sins of the World

Nov. 28, 2015

3 Nephi 11:14

Whenever people do wrong, we think they need to be punished, that we cannot and should not be punished for them. We actually don't want to be punished in their behalf because they did wrong and therefore they deserve to pay the penalty. It is true that "We believe that men will be punished for their own sins and not for Adam's transgression." However, in the case of Christ and His atonement, He did suffer for the wrongs and sins of others, not for just a few people, but for the sins of ALL people--those who have lived in the past, those who do live in the present, and those  will yet  be born and live in the future. Jesus was slain for every individual and specific sin.

When we commit one sin, it hurts. Christ, being sinless, hurt and felt the pain of ALL sins, and this thought staggers the imagination. Our finite minds cannot think deeply enough or stretch widely enough to even begin to comprehend the suffering of Jesus.

Jesus said, (D&C 19:16-19)

 16 For behold, I, God, have suffered these things for all, that they might not suffer if they would repent;

17 But if they would not repent they must suffer even as I;

18 Which suffering caused myself, even God, the greatest of all, to tremble because of pain, and to bleed at every pore, and to suffer both body and spirit—and would that I might not drink the bitter cup, and shrink—

19 Nevertheless, glory be to the Father, and I partook and finished my preparations unto the children of men.

“Coming to understand this great gift (the Atonement) is an individual pursuit for each child of God.”M. Russell Ballard

“The Atonement and the Value of One Soul” Ensign, May 2004, 84

Jesus Our Redeemer

Novmber 27, 2015

Helaman 5:9 “Jesus, the Only Sure foundation”

The only way we can be saved in one of God’s kingdoms forever is through the atoning blood of Jesus Christ and our constant repentance. There is no other way.

Jesus is the only life foundation upon which we can build and have a sure and dependable foundation. We cannot fall or fail if we build our lives upon the life and teachings of Jesus Christ.

Knowing Jesus and obeying His teachings and commandments is like building a house upon a rock. The winds,, waves, and the rains may come, but the house will not fall. Christ is the rock upon which we must build; otherwise, we are built upon sand.

November 26, 2015

Alma 42:23  “The Atonement of Jesus Christ”

The atonement of Jesus Christ allows the Law of Mercy to be in effect. God is a just and a merciful being; however, justice cannot rob mercy, and mercy cannot substitute for justice when each has its place in the Lord’s purposes. His purposes, ways, and works are always right and true.

Jesus’ atonement brings men back into the presence of God. Jesus’ infinite atonement saves us from sin and death. The atoning blood of Christ is applied to us as we repent. His blood cleanses and sanctifies us. If we continue to repent always, we can become spotless, clean, pure, and white, cleansed from the blood and sins of this generation.

The atonement reconciles us to God the Father, since Jesus is our Mediator between us and the father. Christ’s atonement started in Gethsemane, continued on the cross, and culminated with His resurrection.

November 24, 2015

Alma 34:14 “Jesus Christ, the Great and Last Sacrifice”

A great and last sacrifice was essential for the salvation and exaltation of all living people and things. Jesus sacrificed himself as the greatest sacrifice ever-He was the sacrifice, and it was the last sacrifice that required the shedding of blood. Jesus’ great and last sacrifice was the ultimate sacrifice, the pinnacle sacrifice, the zenith and apex of all sacrifices, the final sacrifice of blood. Now the Law of Moses was fulfilled insomuch that the sacrificing of blood terminated. All sacrifices and the entire Law of Moses pointed to the savior and His great and last sacrifice. His was the sacrifice of all sacrifices.

Jesus was without blemish. There was no sin in Him; hence, he was the only person qualified to make this great and last sacrifice possible. No person or thing could substitute in His behalf. He was the only person who could give His life for the sins of another. Besides Him, there is no other Savior.