There is nothing more important to the sons and daughters of God than the atoning sacrifice of the Savior Jesus Christ. It is the most significant single event of all time. “Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.” (John 14: 6 in the Bible) “And being made perfect, he became the author of eternal salvation unto all them that obey him;” (Hebrews 5: 9 in the Bible) “For to this end Christ both died, and rose, and revived, that he might be Lord both of the dead and living.” (Romans 14: 9)
Overcoming Death and Making Possible the Eventual Resurrection of all Mankind
The Savior came into the world to break the bands of death by initiating the eventual universal resurrection of all mankind. “But now is Christ risen from the dead, and become the firstfruits of them that slept… For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ shall all be made alive.” (I Corinthians 15: 20, 22 in the Bible)
“…by the power of the Father he hath risen again, whereby he hath gained the victory over the grave; and also in him is the sting of death swallowed up. And he bringeth to pass the resurrection of the dead, whereby man must be raised to stand before his judgment-seat.” (Mormon 7:5-6 p. 480 in the Book of Mormon)
His Mission and Atonement Saves us from the Consequences of our Sins
Because of the Atonement of Jesus Christ we can be saved from our sins and as sons and daughters of God can become heirs of salvation, inheriting the fulness of Heavenly Father’s Kingdom with Jesus Christ. The Apostle Paul stated, “The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God: And if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ…” (Romans 8: 16-17 in the Bible)
“But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. Much more then, being now justified by his blood, we shall be saved from wrath through him…And not only so, but we also joy in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom we have now received the atonement.”
(Romans 5: 8-11 in the Bible)
Another ancient prophet said, “…for behold, he suffereth the pains of all men, yea, the pains of every living creature, both men, women, and children, who belong to the family of Adam. And he suffereth this that the resurrection might pass upon all men, that all might stand before him at the great and judgment day.”
2 Nephi 9: 21-22 p.74 in the Book of Mormon)
We Must Believe in Jesus Christ and Keep His Commandments to have Our Sins Removed
The Savior’s suffering and atoning sacrifice will not save us from our sins unless we keep His commandments and follow the necessary steps of repentance. “For this ye know, that no whoremonger, nor unclean person, nor covetous man, who is an idolater, hath any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and of God. Let no man deceive you with vain words: for because of these things cometh the wrath of God upon the children of disobedience.” (Ephesians 5: 5-6 in the Bible)
The Savior has explained to a prophet: “For behold, I, God, have suffered these things for all, that they might not suffer if they would repent; But if they would not repent they must suffer even as I; 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—Nevertheless, glory be to the Father, and I partook and finished my preparations unto the children of men.”
(Doctrine and Covenants 19: 16-19 p. 32)
Summary of the Glorious Mission and Atonement of Jesus Christ
1. He broke the bands of death opening the door for the universal resurrection of mankind.
2. Through His suffering for our sins He removes our sins if we repent.
3. He offers peace and healing from the adversities of life.
4. The Savior made possible the eternal progression of all the sons and daughters of God.
5. He atonement allows the possibility of experiencing a fullness of Joy and Happiness in the life to come.
For a more detailed composition on the mission and atonement of Jesus Christ call (231) 383-8359 or send an email [email protected].