The Atonement Of Jesus Christ
The atonement of Jesus Christ is one of the greatest gifts we could ever be given. Jesus’ role in our lives is “to bring to pass the immortality and eternal life of man.” Through the atonement, Jesus Christ gives us a way to repent for our sins and to return to live with our Heavenly Father in a perfect state. Through the atonement, man can find hope and peace in knowing that any pain we feel has been felt by our redeemer and Savior Jesus Christ. A testimony in the atonement is a basic Mormon belief.
The American Heritage Dictionary defines atonement as “amends or reparation made for an injury or wrong.” Jesus Christ was a perfect man. He was completely free of sin. Yet, He was crucified. He made amends for our injury and our wrong. He paid the price for our sin. He was literally a sacrifice made unto God for us. The atonement of Jesus Christ was part of God’s plan for the world, or plan of salvation as it is referred to by Mormons. Mormons believe that Jesus volunteered to be the savior of the world in the pre-existence.
Adam and Eve were sent to earth and lived in a state of innocence and perfection. When Adam and Eve were living on earth, an atonement was unneccessary because there was no sin. When Eve partook of the fruit, the world became an imperfect place, filled with sin. We became subject to pain, illness, and death. In order for us to have redemption and eternal life, an infinite atonement was required. Heavenly Father realized that people are imperfect and they are going to make mistakes. We need help on earth. There is no way that man would be able to make it back to the Kingdom of God on His own. And we cannot become perfect on our own. Divine intervention is required. Without Christ’s resurrection we would have died in our sins and would have been subject to the same fate as Satan.
The atonement essentially balances justice and mercy to bring about the salvation of humankind. If we could repent at anytime or for anything, without feeling shame or remorse, the system is too merciful. If we were punished for every bad deed, the system would be too harsh if weighted solely on justice. The atonement balances the two perfectly. Sometimes I wonder if it was necessary for Jesus Christ to suffer such an excruciatingly horrific death. It was necessary for blood to be shed for man. His sacrifice is what gives the atonement meaning. Jesus Christ atoned for Adam and Eve and for every individual.
Mormons believe that it is not through the atonement alone that we are saved. The third article of faith, according to Mormon belief, reads “”We believe that through the atonement of Jesus Christ, all mankind may be saved, by obedience to the laws and ordinances of the Gospel.” Faith in Jesus Christ is not enough. It is a start. Faith in Jesus Christ must be proven through actions and deeds. It is not by Jesus’ grace that we are saved. In order to be saved, we must enter into a contract with the Lord and make certain covenants. Jesus Christ gave His life to save us. We in turn are expected to have faith in His name, repent, be baptized, and stand as a witness for Him throughout our lifetime. There is much work involved on our part in order to return to Heaven. Conversely, no amount of good works can compensate for not having a testimony or trust in the Lord Jesus Christ and His atonement. Grace and works are equally important.
The Lord is merciful unto those who will not receive His message during this lifetime. After death, those who did not hear His message on earth will have the opportunity to hear it and accept or reject it. Those who accept it will dwell with Him forever in the Kingdom of God.