The Atonement

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

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

It was required, indeed it was central to the significance of the Atonement, that this perfect Son who had never spoken ill nor done wrong nor touched an unclean thing had to know how the rest of humankind—us, all of us—would feel when we did commit such sins. For His Atonement to be infinite and eternal, He had to feel what it was like to die not only physically but spiritually, to sense what it was like to have the divine Spirit withdraw, leaving one feeling totally, abjectly, hopelessly alone.

~Jeffery R. Holland, None Were With Him, Conference April 2009

Forgiving ourselves and others is not easy. In fact, for most of us it requires a major change in our attitude and way of thinking, even a change of heart. But there is good news. This mighty change of heart is exactly what the gospel of Jesus Christ is designed to bring into our lives. How is it done? Through the love of God.

~ Dieter F. Utchdorf, The Merciful Shall Obtain Mercy, Conference April 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

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

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

The Redeemer will safely lead you over the most difficult obstacles of life. His laws are absolutely secure anchors of protection that dispel fear and assure success in an otherwise dangerous world. Such a life will certainly provide you peace and happiness. True, enduring happiness, with the accompanying strength, courage, and capacity to overcome the greatest difficulties, will come as you center your life in Jesus Christ.

~ Richard G. Scott, The Atonement Can Secure Your Peace and Happiness,  April 2009

Though we are incomplete, God loves us completely. Though we are imperfect, He loves us perfectly. Though we may feel lost and without compass, God’s love encompasses us completely… He Loves every one of us, even those who are flawed, rejected, awkward, sorrowful, or broken.

~Dieter F. Utchdorf, The Love of God, Conference October 2009

As one of His latter-day witnesses, I testify that He lives today. He is a resurrected Being. He is our Savior, our Lord, the very Son of God. I testify that He will come again as our glorified, resurrected Lord. That day is not far distant. To all who accept Him as Savior and Lord, His literal resurrection means that life does not end at death, for He promised: “Because I live, ye shall live also.

~ Ezra Taft Benson, The Meaning of Easter, Conference April 1992


My Own Thoughts and Testimony:

Since the fall of Adam all mankind has been in a lost and fallen state, an enemy to God, and subject to the natural man. All of us are bound to make mistakes and to fall at times on dark paths and loose our way from God. Therefore it was given to us that we might have an atonement from the selfless sacrifice  not of man, but infinite and eternal so that God could remain both just and merciful. Therefore He sent His Son Jesus Christ to atone for all the pains, sins, and death of man. It is my testimony that the atonement is real! I know it with all of my heart that repentance is available to any who will humble themselves and come to Christ. In my life I have made many mistakes, but I know that God's love is unconditional and His hand is always stretched out to you and me. It is never too late. Remember that guilt is to our souls like pain is to our physical bodies. It is a way for us to prevent further damage and leads us to seek healing. There is healing in Christ, come to Him and be healed.