Elder Boyd K. Packer: “[The Atonement of Jesus Christ] is the very root of Christian doctrine. You may know much about the gospel as it branches out from there, but if you only know the branches and those branches do not touch that root, if they have been cut free from that truth, there will be no life nor substance nor redemption in them” (Ensign, May 1977, 56). The Atonement of Jesus Christ brings life and gives meaning to all other doctrines of the true gospel.
The Doctrine and Covenants is another—modern dispensation—testimony of Jesus Christ
A major purpose of all scripture is to testify of the Savior. Scripture is intended to persuade individuals to come unto the Savior and accept the salvation offered through His Atonement. While the Bible, the books of Moses and Abraham in the Pearl of Great Price, and the Book of Mormon are ancient witnesses of the Christ, the Doctrine and Covenants testifies that in our present day that He lives, He is the Savior of the World, He stands at the head of the Church, He speaks to His chosen servants—the prophets, and He guides His people today just as He did in Biblical and Book of Mormon times.
D&C 50:41-44; 76:22-24. The Doctrine and Covenants testifies powerfully of the Savior and His work. Most testimonies are directly from the Savior himself.
The Atonement of Jesus Christ allows us to come unto Christ, sincerely repent, and be forgiven.
Think of Christ in Gethsemane and as He suffered on the cross. The D&C contains revelations which help us understand what He endured and why.
· D&C 19:16-19 contains the Savior’s own description of His suffering in Gethsemane.
· D&C 18:10-11; 19:19, 24; and 34:3 help us understand why He was willing to suffer for us.
Through His Atonement, we will all be resurrected.
· D&C 88:14-16; 93:33; and Alma 11:42-43 explain that resurrection is the redemption of the soul. The spirit and body are reunited, inseparably connected in a perfect form.
· D&C 88:18. Resurrection prepares us for celestial glory.
· D&C 93:33. Resurrection is necessary for us to receive a fullness of joy.
· Alma 11:44. All people will be resurrected.
Through the Atonement, we can be forgiven of our sins and inherit celestial glory
· D&C 18:11-12. We can repent of our sins and come unto the Savior.
· D&C 19:16-17, 20. If we repent, Christ takes upon Himself the suffering for our sins.
· D&C 58:42. When we repent, the Lord forgives us and remembers our sins no more.
· D&C 76:62-70. We are eligible to rise in the first resurrection, be perfected through Christ, and inherit celestial glory.
Through His Atonement, the Savior gained perfect empathy for our sorrows and afflictions
· D&C 122:1-8 (given in Liberty Jail). The first 7 verses recount Joseph Smith’s trials, while verse 8 refers to the Savior’s trials. Elder Jeffrey R. Holland said: “When…difficult times come to us, we can remember that Jesus had to descend below all things before He could ascend above them, and that He suffered pains and afflictions and temptations of every kind that He might be filled with mercy and know how to succor (help) His people in their infirmities” (Ensign, Nov. 1995, 69).
We should ponder ways in which we can show our appreciation to our Savior for His sacrifice and suffering on our behalf.
Through a study of the D&C, we gain an improved understanding of Christ’s roles and attributes
According to Joseph Smith, we have to possess “a correct idea of his character, perfections, and attributes” (in Joseph Smith, comp. Lectures on Faith [1985], 38) before we may properly exercise faith in Him. The D&C helps us understand our Father and His Son.
Attributes of the Savior that can be found in the scriptures we have read today include charity, obedience, humility, and submissiveness.
The following also highlight and help us recognize the Savior’s attributes and His roles:
· D&C 6:20-21. If we are faithful and diligent, the Savior will encircle us in the arms of His love. He is the light that shines in darkness.
· D&C 6:32-37. He offers us protection and comfort and is ready to bless us when we remember Him and obey His commandments.
· D&C 19:1-3. Having done the will of the Father, He has subdued all things and retained all power. He will destroy Satan and his works. He will judge all people according to their deeds.
· D&C 29:1-2. His arm of mercy has atoned for our sins. If we hearken to His voice and humble ourselves, He will gather us as a hen gathers her chicks.
· D&C 38:1-3. He is the Creator of the world and He knows all things.
· D&C 43:34. He is the Savior of the world.
· D&C 45:3-5. He is our advocate with the Father.
· D&C 50:44. He is the Good Shepherd and the Stone of Israel, a sure foundation upon which we can build.
· D&C 76:5. He is merciful and gracious to those who fear Him, and He delights to honor those who serve Him in righteousness and truth to the end.
· D&C 93:5-19. He is the Only Begotten of the Father. He “continued from grace to grace” until He received a fullness of the glory and power of the Father.
· D&C 133:42-52. When He comes in power at the time of His Second Coming, those who He has redeemed will mention His loving-kindness and goodness.
· D&C 136:22. His arm is extended to save His people.
As you study the Doctrine and Covenants, look for teachings that help you understand and appreciate Jesus Christ. He is the central figure in this modern-day book of revelations. The D&C can help you strengthen your testimony of the Lord and the plan of salvation.
forwarded from: The James E. Neumann Institute
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