Let's read the article Faith, an Anchor for the Soul by Brad and Wendee Wilcox. I'll email the article to you. I'd love to get your thoughts. Here are a few questions to think about:
-The word atonement is from the ancient Hebrew word Kaphar, which means to cover. It’s more than hiding.
-What do you learn or what thoughts do you have about how the atonement of Christ can transform us?
-What new thoughts do you have about the parable comparing the father who bought the bike after his daughter gave all she had with the Savior's atonement?
(By the way. I've removed a few sentences from the article that comment about what other Christians believe compared with our understanding. I believe the message is maintained.)
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8 comments:
I thought this was a great article. I've been waiting to post a comment... where I am staying I don't have internet access (but it's free). I really liked what was taught with the parable of the bike. Just thinking that I could pull a few quarters out from under the couch, offer that, and have Dad pay the rest doesn't help me. Real work needs to be put into earning money for the bike, then when I have done everything I can Christ COVERS the difference with His atonement. Repentance wont be valued for what it really is if I don't have to work for it, and I definitely won't change. Without the work I also won't appreciate the Atonement covering, redeeming, and healing. Thinking about repentance in this light, for me, changes repentance from an act of justice (or what is normally thought of as punishment) to an act of mercy.
I have come to feel that it may be more appropriate to say that Christ IS the difference, especially when it comes to repentance from sin. He is our savior from the effects of sin. What he asks of us in the repentance process are things that will set us on the redemptive path to become something more than what we are. And then, as our redeemer, he lifts us and helps us change to become more than we were.
So through repentance, it is not just that our sins are removed and we are "placed" back where we were before the sin. Rather, our sins are removed and through the metamorphosis of repentance we find ourselves full of hope & joy on a path to becoming something more than we ever were before.
This morning I read 3 Nephi 20. I liked verses 8 and 9 when Christ tells the people they will be "filled" when taking the sacrament. It reminded me of the new definition of the Atonement I've been thinking about - being covered. So by using the Atonement and taking the sacrament worthily I can be both covered and filled with Christ and His spirit. What a cool image. I think it would be hard for me not to be one with Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ, as commanded, if I am both covered and filled. I think guidance to do what is right would be easy to see, and, more importantly, feel.
Cover is a beautiful word to associate with the atonement. The word cover has several meanings. First in Grandpa's 1920 dictionary is "to overspread, sit or brood over, as eggs." This reminds me of "how often would I have gathered thy children together, as a hen doth gather her brood under her wings" (Luke 13:34). Through the atonement, the Lord makes it possible to gather us all home. It also conveys the personal nature of the atonement made for each of us by Him who watches over Israel one by one.
Second, it can also mean "to suffice or compensate for." Jesus Christ is the one who lifts and redeems us.
Third, it can mean to "bring and keep within range" a definition often associated with guns and troops. However, this definition also reminds me of a savior who protects me. This definition may also help one understand "let him know that he who turns a sinner from the error of his way will save a soul from death, and will cover a multitude of sins" James 5:20 RSV. Through serving and lifting others, we can be sanctified by the spirit, we are strengthened, our desires turn toward God, and we are turned toward and kept within the power of the savior who will guide us home. Which leads to:
Fourth, to cover is to "pass over a space or distance." The atonement is the process through which we put off the natural man, are saved, redeemed and pass successfully through mortality to return to the presence of God.
This was a great talk, thanks for sharing! As I read the talk a couple themes jumped out at me. First, faith is knowing our Father in Heaven. Second, the atonement is to be continually applied in our life so that as we learn about our Father, we can become more like him. These two principles related very well to some other recent thoughts and experience.
A few weeks ago in Elders Quorum, someone shared their favorite scripture in John 5:17. It’s very short and simple on the surface: “But Jesus answered them, My Father worketh hitherto, and I work.” I had to think about the scripture a few times to grasp what it’s really saying. I came to a few conclusions. (1) In order for Jesus to do his Father’s work, he had to learn about his father (which relates to faith; see above). (2) I also realized that as we partake in His work, we also become to know our Father, because he will direct us and talk with us.
This past weekend as I listen to Elder Bednar’s conference talk about prayer I learned how we can specifically apply the atonement each day. If I remember correctly he encouraged us to pray in the morning for help on overcoming a weakness. Then in the evening report back. It’s so simple, but yet a very powerful way to invite the Lord into our daily lives, apply the atonement, and to help us overcome our weaknesses.
To follow up on Dave's comments about prayer and returning and reporting...
When Evelyn first started to really say prayers on her own I noticed she often spoke about the things she had recently learned. This could be the alphabet, colors, or scripture stories. I also noticed the excitement in her voice while she spoke and a spirit that energized me (and probably her).
I decided to try the same thing myself, thanking Heavenly Father for the things I had learned during the day about the Gospel and the Atonement. I felt that same spirit that was felt during Evelyn's prayers. Doing this during prayers helps me to pray with gratitude for blessings (also in Elder Bednar's address) and helped me see the hand of God in my life throughout each day. It helped me end the day feeling that I had done something good, that I was a better person.
While not a thought from this article, I had new thought on the Atonement. It comes from Pres. Eyring's message in the Oct. 2008 Friend. His message is titled "How to Give". He talks about three parts always present when great gifts are given.
1. You feel what the other feels.
2. You give freely.
3. You count the sacrifice a bargain.
I thought these were great little insights into the Atonement. The part that struck me the most was counting the sacrifice a bargain. It is very humbling for me to think that Jesus counts His sacrifice for me a bargain! He counts His suffering in the Garden, his continued work for me while I overcome trials and sins, and His pleading to the Father on my behalf a bargain.
Pres. Eyring closes his remarks with this statement: "One of the sure signs of a person who has accepted the gift of the Savior's Atonement is a willingness to give."
I thought this was a nice thought for this Christmas season. I hope everyone is doing well.
I just noticed the above article from the friend was excerpts from Dec. 1982 Ensign "Giving with Joy" if anyone is interested.
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