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| Alabaster Box by J Kirk Richards |
A good friend (in every sense of the phrase) asked me for suggestions to help her study the Atonement of Christ in the Book of Mormon, something we were encouraged to do by Elder Bednar.
Here are my initial suggestions:
Studying the
Atonement in the Book of Mormon
1. Look for what
Christ DOES: notice the VERBS – then copy those actions in your life Alma 7:11-12
2. Look for what
Christ OFFERS: look for covenants and the BLESSINGS promised for obedience 1Nephi 2:20
3. Look for mentions
of rituals, gatherings and/or ordinances.
Pay particular attention to symbolic actions. Ask what we can learn about Christ and the
Atonement by looking deeply into symbols and metaphors. 2 Nephi 25:26, 1 Nephi 2:7, (see quote
below from Elder Bednar, October 2014 gen conf.)
4. Look for the
OPPOSITES of each of the first three suggestions: remember, the opposites are, by definition,
ANTI-CHRIST 1 – SIN
2 – CURSES
3 – PRIESTCRAFT
Recognizing opposites of truth helps us better understand
the boundaries of goodness.
Bednar quote: “And it came to pass that I did go forth and partake of the
fruit thereof; and I beheld that it was most sweet, above all that I ever
before tasted. Yea, and I beheld that the fruit thereof was white, to exceed
all the whiteness that I had ever seen.
“And as I partook of the fruit thereof it filled my soul with
exceedingly great joy; wherefore, I began to be desirous that my family should
partake of it also” (1 Nephi 8:11–12; emphasis added).
Bednar cont. : The greatest manifestation of God’s love for His children is the
mortal ministry, atoning sacrifice, and Resurrection of the Lord Jesus Christ.
The fruit on the tree can be considered a symbol for the blessings of the
Savior’s Atonement.
Bednar cont. : Lehi’s instant response to partaking of the fruit of the tree
and experiencing great joy was an increased desire to share with and serve his
family. Thus, as he turned to Christ, he also turned outward in love and
service.
Another important episode in the Book of Mormon describes what
happened to a man named Enos after his earnest and pleading prayer was heard
and answered by God.
He said:
“And my soul hungered; and I kneeled down before my Maker, and I
cried unto him in mighty prayer and supplication for mine own soul; and all the
day long did I cry unto him; yea, and when the night came I did still raise my
voice high that it reached the heavens.
“And there came a voice unto me, saying: Enos, thy sins are
forgiven thee, and thou shalt be blessed.
“And I, Enos, knew that God could not lie; wherefore, my guilt
was swept away.
“And I said: Lord, how is it done?
“And he said unto me: Because of thy faith in Christ, whom thou
hast never before heard nor seen. … Wherefore, go to, thy faith hath made thee
whole.
“Now, it came to pass that when I had heard these words
I began to feel a desire for the welfare of my brethren, the Nephites;
wherefore, I did pour out my whole soul unto God for them” (Enos 1:4–9; emphasis added).
As Enos turned to the Lord “with full purpose of heart” (2 Nephi 31:13), his concern for the welfare of his
family, friends, and associates increased simultaneously.
The enduring lesson we learn from these two episodes is the
importance of experiencing in our personal lives the blessings of the Atonement
of Jesus Christ as a prerequisite to heartfelt and authentic service that
stretches far beyond merely “going through the motions.” Much like Lehi, Enos,
and our little boy in the story I recounted, we as members of The Church of
Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints have felt the anguish associated with
spiritual uncertainty and sin. We also have experienced the cleansing, the
peace of conscience, the spiritual healing and renewal, and the guidance that
are obtained only by learning and living the principles of the Savior’s gospel.
The Atonement of Jesus Christ provides the cleanser necessary to
be made pure and clean, the soothing salve to heal spiritual wounds and remove
guilt, and the protection that enables us to be faithful in times both good and
bad.
An essay by Robert Millet on the Atonement of Christ published by FARMS in 1995
And here are some scriptures to start with, compliled here by Rachel Bruner
An Infinite and Eternal Sacrifice
"And now, behold, I will testify unto you of myself
that these things are true. Behold, I say unto you, that I do know that Christ
shall come among the children of men, to take upon him the transgressions of
his people, and that he shall atone for the sins of the world; for the Lord God
hath spoken it.
"For it is expedient that an atonement should be made;
for according to the great plan of the Eternal God there must be an atonement
made, or else all mankind must unavoidably perish; yea, all are hardened; yea,
all are fallen and are lost, and must perish except it be through the atonement
which it is expedient should be made.
"For it is expedient that there should be a great and
last sacrifice; yea, not a sacrifice of man, neither of beast, neither of any
manner of fowl; for it shall not be a human sacrifice; but it must be an
infinite and eternal sacrifice." (Alma 34:8-10)
Justice and Mercy
"But there is a law given, and a punishment affixed,
and a repentance granted; which repentance, mercy claimeth; otherwise, justice
claimeth the creature and executeth the law, and the law inflicteth the
punishment; if not so, the works of justice would be destroyed, and God would
cease to be God.
"But God ceaseth not to be God, and mercy claimeth the
penitent, and mercy cometh because of the atonement; and the atonement bringeth
to pass the resurrection of the dead; and the resurrection of the dead bringeth
back men into the presence of God; and thus they are restored into his
presence, to be judged according to their works, according to the law and
justice.
"For behold, justice exerciseth all his demands, and
also mercy claimeth all which is her own; and thus, none but the truly penitent
are saved." (Alma 42:22-24)
A Sacrifice for Sin
"And men are instructed sufficiently that they know
good from evil. And the law is given unto men. And by the law no flesh is
justified...
"Wherefore, redemption cometh in and through the Holy
Messiah; for he is full of grace and truth.
"Behold, he offereth himself a sacrifice for sin, to
answer the ends of the law, unto all those who have a broken heart and a
contrite spirit; and unto none else can the ends of the law be answered."
(2 Nephi 2:5-7)
Redeemed From the Fall
"Adam fell that men might be; and men are, that they
might have joy.
"And the Messiah cometh in the fulness of time, that he
may redeem the children of men from the fall. And because that they are
redeemed from the fall they have become free forever, knowing good from evil;
to act for themselves and not to be acted upon, save it be by the punishment of
the law at the great and last day, according to the commandments which God hath
given.
"Wherefore, men are free according to the flesh; and
all things are given them which are expedient unto man. And they are free to
choose liberty and eternal life, through the great Mediator of all men, or to
choose captivity and death, according to the captivity and power of the devil;
for he seeketh that all men might be miserable like unto himself." (2
Nephi 2:25-27)
ALL THE PAINTINGS IN THIS POST ARE FROM J KIRK RICHARDS, by
his permission.
Go check out all his awesome work on his website:
www.jkirkrichards.com
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