You Can Be Free of Addiction!

One of the most difficult trials that we face in this life is that of addiction.  I do not speak of specific addictions, but I speak to any of those who have addictions of any kind.  I believe it is true that no one else knows quite exactly what it is that you are going through.  However, there are others that have gone through (or are still going through) the same addiction that you are.  In that sense, these people can be a great strength in trying to help get out of addiction.

Fortunately for all of us, there was a man who lived in the Meridian of time that knew (and knows) exactly what it is that we go through, whatever our problem.  Of course, this person is the Savior Jesus Christ.  He is called the Savior for a reason.  Because of his Atonement performed for all of us, if we go to him and use his grace when we can't do everything ourselves, he will literally save us from our afflictions - even addiction.

How Can Christ Help Us?
Now, maybe you wonder how he can know exactly what we go through if he lived 2,000 years ago, and lived a perfect life, committing no sin.  True, you may say, he suffered in Gethsemane, but does he really know what my problem is like?  C.S. Lewis, the famous Christian writer, gave the following insight.  (For our current purpose, I suggest replacing the word "temptation" with "addiction.")

"No man knows how bad he is till he has tried very hard to be good.  A silly idea is current that good people do not know what temptation means.  This is an obvious lie.  Only those who try to resist temptation know how strong it is.  ... You find out the strength of a wind by trying to walk against it, not by lying down.  A man who gives in to temptation after five minutes simply does not know what it would have been like an hour later. ... We never find out the strength of the evil impulse inside us until we try to fight against it:  and Christ, because He was the only man who never yielded to temptation, is also the only man who knows to the full what temptation means."

It is true that Jesus never gave into temptation, and was therefore never trapped by an addiction, but it is because of this that he understands just how strong the temptation is.  Never in his life did Satan stop trying to tempt him.  At times the father of lies used the Jewish leaders to tempt Christ, at times he used those that knew Him, at other times he used other dark spirits, and the devil even resorted to tempting the Lord himself.

Alma, an ancient prophet, taught that Christ would suffer "pains and afflictions and temptations of every kind; and this that the word might be fulfilled which saith he will take upon him the pains...of his people. He will take  upon him their infirmities, that his bowels may be filled with mercy, according to the flesh, that he may know according to the flesh how to succor his people according to their infirmities."  (Alma 7:11-12, italics added.)

Overcoming Weakness Through Grace
We can go to the Savior to be clean of addiction.  The Lord told another ancient prophet:  "And if men come unto me I will show unto them their weakness.  I give unto men weakness that they may be humble; and my grace is sufficient for all men that humble themselves before me; for if they humble themselves before me, and have faith in me, then will I make weak things become strong unto them" (Ether 12:27).

This scripture teaches us that the Lord knows we have these weaknesses, but they do not always have to be a part of our lives.  God does not see our addictions as a part of our soul, but something our soul needs to overcome to be stronger.  "Our destiny is not determined by the number of times we stumble but by the number of times we rise up, dust ourselves off, and move forward."  (President Dieter F. Uchtdorf, "You Can Do It Now!")

The Lord told Ether that his "grace is sufficient" for all of those that come unto him.  How can we use God's grace?  First, we must do all that we can ourselves, by following the commandments of God, by using the tools and strength of people around us to do all that we have the power to do, prayerfully.  And then, when we have done our all, the Lord will make up for what we cannot do.  The promise is there in the scriptures, that if we approach God humbly through prayer, after doing all that we can do, then he will make our weakness, our addiction, a strength for us - we will no longer be caught in the pain of it.

Additional Help

• Overcoming Pornography
• LDS Addiction Recovery Program

Repentance is a Gift!

"Light of the World" by Howard Lyon

While discussing sin and the need of repentance with a friend of mine, my friend said to me:  "Too many people think of repenting of sins as a punishment from God.  That is simply not true.  That is not the way God sees repentance, and that is not how he wants us to see it.  Repentance is a gift!  It is a chance to be clean of sin and try again."  At that moment my entire perspective of repentance changed, and with that change came a greater love for God and his Atonement.

The Need to Repent
The holy scriptures teach us that no unclean thing can dwell in the kingdom of God.  When we commit sins we are no longer spiritually clean, and therefore are not fit to be saved in the kingdom of God, unless we rid ourselves of the sins committed.

When Jesus Christ performed the Atonement he took upon himself our sins.  This means that he paid the price for all sins that we commit in our lives, making it possible to be free from them.  The Lord, having paid the price even with his life, set the rules to follow to be forgiven of our sins.  These rules are the things he has commanded us to do - faith, baptism, repentance, charity, etc.  "In paying for your sins," teaching a manual of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, "Jesus did not eliminate your agency or personal responsibility - He will not make you clean against your will.  To receive His help and strength, you need to exercise faith in Him, repent, be baptized, receive the Holy Ghost, and choose to follow His teachings for the rest of your life."

To further help us understand the need to repent of our sins, a prophet of the Book of Mormon explained:  "the Lord surely should come to redeem his people, but that he should not come to redeem them in their sins, but to redeem them from their sins" (Helaman 5:10).  That is, if we die without forsaking our sins we will not be saved, but if we have done our best to follow God's commandments and quit our sins, we will be saved through the grace of God - his Atonement making up for anything we could not do ourselves.

There is Always Hope
One may say to themselves that they have committed too many sins to be forgiven, that they are too far from God to be saved.  Do not think this, as this is not true, as difficult as it may seem at the time.  In a great address on the need of repentance, Elder Jeffrey R. Holland, of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, gave this message:

"I do not know who in this vast audience today may need to hear the message of forgiveness ... but however late you think you are, however many chances you think you have missed, however many mistakes you feel you have made or talents you think you don't have, or however far from home and family and God you feel you have traveled, I testify that you have not traveled beyond the reach of divine love.  It is not possible for you to sink lower than the infinite light of Christ's Atonement shines."  ("The Laborers in the Vineyard," General Conference Address, April 2012.)

The path to being forgiven of our sins is not an easy one, and will lead us through much pain for the wrongs we have done.  Perhaps that is why, as my friend said, "too many people think of repenting of sins as a punishment from God."  But if we trust in the Lord, our Savior Jesus Christ, we can not only get through our difficult times but can also be forgiven of them, bringing into our lives a new hope and love.

Becoming Pure Through Jesus Christ

Why Do We Need An Atonement?

In the Book of Mormon the Lord Jesus Christ declared, “No unclean thing can enter into his [God’s] kingdom;” Because we are all human and err this scripture may be discouraging.  But the Lord continues, “Therefore nothing entereth into his rest save it be those who have washed their garments in my blood, because of their faith, and the repentance of all their sins, and their faithfulness unto the end” (3Nephi 27:19).  What does Christ mean when he says we must wash our garments in his blood?

Alma Explains the Atonement

In the meridian of time Jesus Christ, the Son of God, was born on earth with a physical body.  The prophet Alma explained:

“And behold, he shall be born of Mary, at Jerusalem which is the land of our forefathers, she being a virgin, a precious and chosen vessel, who shall be overshadowed and conceive by the power of the Holy Ghost, and bring forth a son, yea, even the Son of God.

“And he shall go forth, suffering pains and afflictions and temptations of every kind; and this that the word might be fulfilled which saith he will take upon him the pains and the sicknesses of his people.

“And he will take upon him death, that he may loose the bands of death which bind his people; and he will take upon him their infirmities, that his bowels may be filled with mercy, according to the flesh, that he may know according to the flesh how to succor his people according to their infirmities.” (Alma 7:10-12)

Just as Alma prophesied, Christ suffered all the pains and sins of mankind in the Gethsemane garden.  When he did this he acted as our mediator with God on behalf of our sins.  Jesus paid the price of our sins and so if we listen to him he will clean our souls of the sins we have committed, making us pure again.  Through this purification in the Savior we are then able to enter the kingdom of Heaven, being clean of all sins.

An Apostles Testimony - Boyd K. Packer

President Boyd K. Packer, of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, has expressed his feelings on this event in these words:

“No matter what our transgressions have been, no matter how much our actions may have hurt others, that guilt can all be wiped out.  To me, perhaps the most beautiful phrase in all scripture is when the Lord said, ‘Behold, he who has repented of his sins, the same is forgiven, and I, the Lord, remember them no more.’”

*Click here formore quotes by President Packer.

As was expressed in the words of Alma and Elder Packer, because of Christ’s atonement we are able to repent of sins we commit and become clean again.

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Would you like to know more about the Atonement of Jesus Christ?
- Mormon.org/Chat
- The Atonement of Jesus Christ

Mormonism Teachings: Cleansing Through Christ

One of the great teachings of Mormonism is that of repentance.  Through repentance a person may be cleansed through the Atonement of Jesus Christ.  Previously I have shared a page about Christ's healing power with the Legion.  Now I'd like to share another scripture story of his healing power, that of Naaman the Syrian captain.

Although these two stories - Naaman and Legion - are physical healing, they equally show what the Lord can do for us through repentance.  First I will share the story, and then add my thoughts on the repentance side of it.

2 Kings 5
1. Now Naaman, captain of the host of the king of Syria, was a great man with his master, and honourable, because by him the LORD had given deliverance unto Syria:  he was also a mighty man in valour, but he was a leper.
2. And the Syrians had gone out by companies, and had brought away captive out of the land of Israel a little maid; and she waited on Naaman's wife.
3. And she said unto her mistress, Would God my lord were with the prophet that is in Samaria! for he would recover him of his leprosy.
4. And one went in, and told his lord, saying, Thus and thus said the maid that is of the land of Israel.
5. And the king of Syria said, Go to, go, and I will send a letter unto the king of Israel.  And he departed, and took with him ten talents of silver, and six thousand pieces of gold, and ten changes of raiment.
6. And he brought the letter to the king of Israel, saying, Now when this letter is come unto thee, behold, I have therewith sent Naaman my servant to thee, that thou mayest recover him of his leprosy.
7. And it came to pass, when the king of Israel had read the letter, that he rent his clothes, and said, Am I God, to kill and to make alive, that this man doth send unto me to recover a man of his leprosy? wherefore consider, I pray you, and see how he seeketh a quarrel against me.
8. And it was so, when Elisha the man of God had heard that the king of Israel rent his clothes, that he sent to the king, saying, Wherefore hast thou rent thy clothes? let him come now to me, and he shall know that there is a prophet in Israel.
9. So Naaman came with his horses and with his chariot, and stood at the door of the house of Elisha.
10. And Elisha sent a messenger unto him, saying, Go and wash in Jordan seven times, and thy flesh shall come again to thee, and thou shalt be clean.
11. But Naaman was wroth, and went away, and said, Behold, I thought, He will surely come out to me, and stand, and call on the name of the LORD his God, and strike his hand over the place, and recover the leper.
12. Are not Abana and Pharpar, rivers of Damascus, better than all the waters of Israel? may I not wash in them, and be clean?  So he turned and went away in a rage.
13. And his servants came near, and spake unto him and said, My father, if the prophet had bid thee do some great thing, wouldest thou not have done it? how much rather then, when he saith to thee, Wash, and be clean?
14. Then went he down, and dipped himself seven times in Jordan, according to the saying of the man of God:  and his flesh came again like unto the flesh of a little child, and he was clean.

Naaman had leprosy, which was one of the most feared diseases at this time.  Moses' law taught that if a man had leprosy he was to live alone outside of the city (see Leviticus 13:45-46).  To make matters more humiliating for Naaman, Elisha told him not to wash in the clean Abana or Pharpar rivers, but to wash in the filthy Jordan.

Like that of Legion, this must have seemed like a worst-case scenario for Naaman.  He was unclean and was told to wash in an unclean river.  But, with the encouragement of his servants, he did wash in Jordan and was cleaned of his unclean disease.

I believe this to be a testament that Christ is the master-healer.  No one can become too unclean through sin to be healed by the Atonement.  The process of repentance is real and the cleansing through Christ is real.  Like Naaman and Legion being clean with physical problems, we can be clean of sinful problems through Jesus Christ.

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If you have further questions about repentance you can read more about it here:

Forgiveness is a Gift

Or you can ask a Mormon missionary here:

http://mormon.org/chat

Mormonism Basics: The Atonement of Jesus Christ

Introduction

The center of Mormonism is Jesus Christ (see MormonTopics.org). Jesus Christ is the son of God, the Only Begotten. Before the world was made he was with the Father and there was chosen to the be Savior of the world. In the Meridian of Time he came forth to do his work to redeem mankind from the fall of Adam. He finished his mortal ministry with what is called The Atonement. It was here that the Lord Jesus Christ suffered and died, and three days later was resurrected. It is this atonement that I will talk about on this page.

Gethsemane

Jesus Christ, in the garden of Gethsemane, did something that no mortal man can do.  The scriptures tell us that he knelt and prayed in the garden, bleeding from each pore, and took all mankind's sins upon himself.

Nothing I have read or heard speaks of the atonement of Christ in a more profound or personal way than those of Elder Bruce R. McConkie, of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles:

"We do not know, we cannot tell, no mortal mind can conceive the full import of what Christ did in Gethsemane.

"We know he sweat great gouts of blood from every pore as he drained the dregs of that bitter cup his Father had given him.

"We know he suffered, both body and spirit, more than it is possible for man to suffer, except it be unto death.

"We know that in some way, incomprehensible to us, his suffering satisfied the demands of justice, ransomed penitent souls from the pains of penalties of sin, and made mercy available to those who believe in his holy name.

"We know that he lay prostrate upon the ground as the pains and agonies of an infinite burden caused him to tremble and would that he might not drink the bitter cup.

"We know that an angel came from the courts of glory to strengthen him in his ordeal, and we suppose it was mighty Michael, who foremost fell that mortal man might be.

"As near as we can judge, these infinite agonies - this suffering beyond compare - continue for some three or four hours." (The Purifying Power of Gethsemane, General Conference, April 1985.)

Golgotha | Calvary

After his agonizing experience in Gethsemane the Lord was arrested and taken to the leaders of the day - Annas, Caiaphas, Pilate and Herod - to be tried as a blasphemer.  His sentence was to be scourged 39 times, and then crucified in Golgotha, on the hill Calvary.

On the cross he again felt the pains of Gethsemane.  This he did until he was able to say to God, the Father, that his work on earth was finished.

Tomb of Joseph of Arimathea

The Atonement, in its entirety, was not completed until three days later.

After the Savior of the world died on the cross he was moved to the tomb owned by Joseph of Arimathea.  Here Nicodemus, Joseph, and others that believed and loved him in life, placed him in linen and spices.

Three days later, in a way that none of us can fully understand, Jesus Christ reunited his spirit and his body, and was the first to be resurrected.  In so doing he broke the fearsome bands of death and completed the Atonement.

In Closing

The Lord did all of this for each and every person who lives on the earth, that we may again live with God in heaven again.  He took all sins upon him that we may be allowed to repent of these sins and be clean again (see Forgiveness Is A Gift).  And he was resurrecting, opening the gates for the resurrection of all mankind.

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*All photos taken from LDS.org's Media Library.

As is always the case, if you have questions about Jesus Christ, the Atonement, or any other topic relating to Mormonism, just ask the missionaries and they will help you.
http://mormon.org/chat

A Mormonism Christmas

Greetings readers!
Today I wish to speak on Christmas, as that is only a week away from today.  It is such a wonderful time!  For one, the music is different this time of year.  I am not talking about Jingle Bells or the like (although some enjoy those too), but I'm talking about the wonderful songs about Christ.  An example would be the Mormonism Hymn "I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day."  My personal favorite this year, however, is the song "Carol of the Bells" as performed by the Steven Sharp Nelson.


Christmas is also one of my favorite times to read and reread The Gospels in the Bible - the life of Christ.  What better way to learn about Christmas than to read the origins of it?  The story of Christ's birth is often shared this season, and I will do so now as well.

The Birth of Jesus Christ
1. And it came to pass in those days, that there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus, that all the world should be taxed.
2. (And this taxing was first made when Cyrenius was governor of Syria.)
3. And all went to be taxed, every one into his own city.
4. And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judea  unto the city of David, which is called Bethlehem; (because he was of the house and lineage of David:)
5. To be taxed with Mary his espoused wife, being great with child.
6. And so it was, that, while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered.
7. And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inns.
8. And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night.
9. And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them:  and they were sore afraid.
10. And the angel said unto them, Fear not:  for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people.
11. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.
12. And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.
13. And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying,
14. Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.
- Luke 2:1-14 -

But I think it is sad to stop the story there.  As the scripture says, "...unto you is born...a Savior."  His entire life was an example of what we need to do to be saved, and the ultimate act of the Savior was performed during the final days of his mortal life.  The Atonement!  In Gethsemane he took upon him all our afflictions and sins, that we may be granted forgiveness if we keep his commandments.  And in the tomb of Joseph of Arimathea yet another great act of salvation was performed.  Christ was resurrected and broke the hold that death had upon all mankind.

It is the summary of all of these things that make this season so wonderful.  The birth of our Redeemer, the example of his life, the mercy found in the Atonement - All of this should be remembered during this wonderful Christmas season.

I leave you with another comic by Arie Van De Graaff:

Let us remember Christ in Christmas.

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Would you like to know more about The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (Mormonism) or Jesus Christ and his Atonement?  The missionaries are ready to answer any of your questions.  Just ask them here!

Mormonism - Help From the Savior

Today I want to share one of my favorite Mormonism scriptures out of the Book of Mormon.  As I typically do, first the scripture and then my thoughts.

- Alma 7:11-12 -
11. And he shall go forth, suffering pains and afflictions and temptations of every kind; and this that the word might be fulfilled which saith he will take upon him the pains and the sicknesses of his people.

12. And he will take upon him death, that he may loose the bands of death which bind his people; and he will take upon him their infirmities, that his bowels may be filled with mercy, according to the flesh, that he may know according to the flesh how to succor his people according to their infirmities.  

Often the part that is emphasized is his taking upon him all of our sins.  Of course that part is true, which is why repentance works, but he did much more than that.  Also shown in this scripture is that he died so that he could bring about resurrection (by first being resurrected himself).  But he did more than that.

I love this scripture so much because it says he even took upon him our pains, sicknesses, and infirmities so that he may succor his people.  This means he knows our sorrows, our physical problems and moral weaknesses.  Because of this he can help us in any situation, knowing perfectly how to succor us, having felt it all himself.

I find it wonderful that we have a Savior that cares so much about us, that if we pray and have faith and follow him then he will give us aid with our infirmities.

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If you have any questions on Christ's Atonement, Prayer, Mormonism or anything else relating to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, then you can simply ask the missionaries your questions (by clicking the picture below).  They will do their best to answer any and all questions.

Mormonism: Immortality and Eternal Life (Moses 1:39)

Many of you may know this, but for those of you who do not, I will explain.  The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (Mormonism) has more book of scripture than just the Holy Bible.  It is not uncommon for religions to have multiple books of scripture.  Mormonism has four scriptural books:  The Holy Bible (containing both the Old and New Testaments), the Book of Mormon, Doctrine and Covenants, and the Pearl of Great Price.  The passage I wish to expound upon today is taken from the Pearl of Great Price.

In the Book of Moses, in the Pearl of Great Price, chapter one verse thirty nine, it reads:

"For behold, this is my work and my glory - to bring to pass the immortality and eternal life of man."

There are many ways one could branch out from this, but I wish to do so this way:  First I will explain immortality and second eternal life.  There is a difference between the two, and in connection with the above quoted verse it is important to understand.  Here we go.

Immortality
As the word describes, immortality is to be immortal, to live forever.  Mankind is now mortal (as is discussed in detail here and here).  But through the infinite atonement of Jesus Christ mankind will one day become immortal through the resurrection (discussed a bit more in detail here and here).  In this way the first half of the previously quoted verse has come into being.  God's work of bringing about immortality has been fulfilled.

Eternal Life
Second comes eternal life.  Eternal Life is a degree greater than immortality.  Immortality is to live forever and eternal life is to liver forever with God, in the Celestial Kingdom.  Only those that have lived worthily to receive this will have eternal life.  (Discussed more here.)

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If you have questions about the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Mormonism, Jesus Christ, or any other church topic chat with a missionary here.

What is Mormonism: Articles of Faith - Articles #2 / #3

This post is the next section of "What is Mormonism:  The Articles of Faith."  That first post briefly summarizes what the Articles of Faith are, and you can find it by clicking here (in case you have not read it).  Following that post I wrote a page explaining the first article, which is called, "Mormonism: The Articles of Faith - Article #1," and in case you missed it you can find it by clicking here.  This page is looking in detail at articles two and three, which are:


We believe that men will be punished for their own sins, and not for Adam's transgression.

We believe that through the Atonement of Christ, all mankind may be saved, by obedience to the laws and ordinances of the Gospel.


Both the second and the third articles of faith go together in explanation.  They are both related to the fall of Adam and Eve, and the atonement of Jesus Christ.  And so, to begin, I will explain the fall and the atonement.

In the beginning God created Adam and Eve in the garden called Eden.  When Eve, and later Adam, ate the fruit of the Tree of Knowledge of Good and Evil against the commands of God they were then sent out from the garden and the presence of God.  Their eating the forbidden fruit brought about mortality to the world.  Mankind was no longer fit to dwell in the kingdom of God, and should there not be some atonement for this fallen state of man, no one would again be able to return to Celestial Kingdom.

To help explain the implications of the fall, and the importance of an atonement, I'll quote the prophet Alma with my own commentary.

"And now, ye see by this that our first parents were cut off both temporally and spiritually from the presence of the Lord; and thus we see that they became subjects to follow after their own will.  Now behold, it was not expedient that man should be reclaimed from this temporal death, for that would destroy the great plan of happiness."
The fall of our first parents brought about two death:  temporal and spiritual.  The first is to physicall die, which became possible when the mortal body was obtained   The second is to be cast out of the presence of God, which happened when they were driven from the garden of Eden.

"And now remember, my son, if it were not for the plan of redemption, (laying it aside) as soon as they were dead their souls were miserable, being cut off from the presence of the Lord.  And now, there was no means to reclaim men from this fallen state, which man had brought upon himself because of his own disobedience."
Because mankind is no longer worthy to be in the presence of God, having sinned, if they were to die without a way for forgiveness, they'd spend eternity in the misery of knowing their sins.

"Therefore, according to justice, the plan of redemption could not be brought about, only on conditions of repentance of men in this probationary state, yea, this preparatory state; for except it were for these conditions, mercy could not take effect except it should destroy the work of justice.  Now the work of justice could not be destroyed; if so, God would cease to be God.  And thus we see that all mankind were fallen, and they were in the grasp of justice; the justice of God, which consigned them forever to be cut off from his presence."
What Alma is teaching here is that because man hadsinned, mankind would have to be punished for their sins or God, being just, would no longer be God.  But because God is merciful he provided the plan of redemption, a way to be forgiven.  The problem is that even with the plan of redemption someone has to pay for the sins committed, because justice cannot go unanswered.

"An now, the plan of mercy could not be brought about except an atonement should be made; therefore God himself atoneth for the sins of the world, to bring about the plan of mercy, to appease the demands of jstice, that God might be a perfect, just God, and a merciful God also."
To answer the requirements of justice, God being just, a Savior was chosen to pay the price for sin.  This is Jesus Christ, God's son.  But the question could be asked, "Why did God's son need to be sent to atone for man's sins?  Could not a man atone for his sins?"  Alma continues,

"Now, repentance could not come unto men except there were a punishment, which also was eternal as the life of the soul should be, affixed opposite to the plan of happiness, which was as eternal also as the life of the soul." (Alma 42:10-16.)
The son of God needed to atone for sins because the atonement had to be as eternal as the fall.  The fall, if no atonement, would be eternal.  Mankind would be in a fallen state forever.  Therefore the atonement had to be eternal.  The atonement had to cover all the sins of all mankind.  To further explain why Christ needed to atone for mankind Alma teaches, on another occasion:
"It must be an infinite and eternal sacrifice.  Now there is not any man that can sacrifice his own blood which will atone for the sins of another.  Now, if a man murdereth, behold will our law, which is just, take the life of his brother?  I say unto you, Nay.  But the law requireth the life of him who hath murdered; therefore there can be nothing which is short of an infinite atonemetn which will suffice for the sins of the world." (Alma 34: 10-12.)

The third article of faith says that mankind may be saved through the atonement, explained above, by obedience to the laws and ordinances of the gospel.  Alma now explains the importance of having laws, and how following them brings our salvation.

"Now, how could a man repent except he should sin?  How could he sin if there was no law?  How could there be a law save there was a punishment?"
This is straightforward:  A law has two parts - if you obey the law you are rewarded, and if you break the law you are punished.  But you cannot be punished for breaking a law if there is no law, and you cannot be rewarded for following a law if there is no law.

"Now, there was a punishment affixed, and a just law given, which brought remorse of conscience unto man.  Now, if there was no law given - if a man murdered he should die - would he be afraid he would die if he should murder?  And also, if there was no law given against sin men would not be afraid to sin.  And if there was no law given, if men sinned what could justice do, or mercy either, for they would have no claim upon the creature?"
As explained before, if there was no law then man cannot be punished, nor rewarded.  Also, however, if there was no law then man would not be afraid to sin.

"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." (Alma 42:17-22.)

The law was set in the garden of Eden, which Adam and Eve broke, bringing about the punishment of forever being in an eternal state.  But because God is merciful he allowed a way for repentance by giving his Son to atone for the sins of the world, if they would obey his commandments.  So if people obey the commandments of God they can be forgiven of their sins through the atonement that Christ paid.  This repentance allows us to return to the presence of God with a clear conscience.  However, because God is just as well as merciful, if a person does not follow God's commandments then it is as if an atonement for their sins was not made for them and they have to pay the price of justice.

And now, having that lengthy explanation given, we can go back to the two articles of faith and explain them one at a time.

The second article of faith says, "We believe that men will be punished for their own sins, and not for Adam's transgression."  As shown previously Adam's transgression (the fall) has been taken care of by way of the atonement.  The fall brought spiritual death to all people, but the atonement repairs the bridge back across that spiritual death.  It is only the sins that a person commits himself that he is judged for.

The third, continuing on from where the second leaves off, is that not only will men be judged only for their own sins, but man can even be saved from these sins if they are obedient to God's will.  The demands by justice for our sins have been paid for through the atonement if we repent of them.  This is the blessing of mercy and justice working together.

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McConkie on Life's Purpose

While reading Andrew C. Skinner's "Third Nephi - The Fifth Gospel," I came across the following quote by Elder Bruce R. McConkie:

"Viewed from our mortal position, the gospel is all that is required to take us back to the Eternal Presence, there to be crowned with glory and honor, immortality and eternal life.  To gain these greatest of all rewards, two things are required.  The first is the atonement by which all men are raised in immortality, with those who believe and obey ascending also unto eternal life.  This atoning sacrifice was the work of our Blessed Lord, and he has done his work.  The second requisite is obedience on our part to the laws and ordinances of the gospel.  Thus the gospel is, in effect, the atonement."

What I believe he is saying is that the entire purpose of life is the gospel of Jesus Christ, which can be toned down to two parts:  The atonement and our obedience.  The atonement was Christ's role to play, and he did so,  In Gethsemane he atoned for our sins, on Golgotha he died, and in the sepulcher he was resurrected.

That leaves the second part, for us to obey the commandments of God.  In order to obey them though, we must know what they are.  Often I think when we hear the word "commandments" we think of the ten commandments as set forth by the Law of Moses:

1. Thou shalt have no other gods before me. (Exodus 20:3; Mosiah 12:35)

2. Thou shalt not make unto thee any graven image. (Exodus 20:4; Mosiah 12:36)

3. Thou shalt not take the name of the LORD thy God in vain. (Exodus 20:7; Mosiah 13:15)

4.Remember the sabbath day, to keep it holy. (Exodus 20:8; Mosiah 13:16)

5. Honour thy father and thy mother. (Exodus 20:12; Mosiah 13:20; Matthew 19:19)

6. Thou shalt not kill. (Exodus 20:13; Mosiah 13:21; Matthew 19:18)

7. Thou shalt not commit adultery. (Exodus 20:14; Mosiah 13:22; Matthew 19:18)

8. Thou shalt not steal. (Exodus 20:15; Mosiah 13:22; Matthew 19:18)

9. Thou shalt not bear false witness. (Exodus 20:16; Mosiah 13:23; Matthew 19:18)

10. Thou shalt not covet. (Exodus 20:17; Mosiah 13:24)

When Christ came to live out his mortal ministry on earth he brought with him the higher law, one to replace the fulfilled Law of Moses.  This higher law was given during the Sermon on the Mount. This sermon includes the Be-attitudes, and greater commandments.  This sermon can be found in the New Testament's book of Matthew chapter 5.  It is by following these commandments set forth here by the Savior that we may inherit the rewards of immortality and eternal life talked about by Elder McConkie.

Learn More:
Click the link below to read more about the Atonement:
https://ourpurposeinlife.wordpress.com/why-were-here/atonement/
Click the link below to read what more people have to say on the purpose of life:
http://mormon.org/faq/purpose-of-life/

Hosanna Shout - Reflecting Words of Thomas S. Monson

Because of the upcoming dedication of the Brigham City, Utah temple I have been doing some reading on the topic.  In the April session of General Conference in 2009, Thomas S. Monson made the following remark:

"In the near future we will be dedicating the Oquirrh Mountain Utah Temple, and then in the coming months and years there will be many more dedications.  We look forward to these occasions.  There is something about a temple dedication which prompts a reevaluation of one's own performance and a sincere desire to do even better."

What is it about a temple dedication that prompts one to reevaluate and with to do even better?  I feel it has much to do with the Hosanna Shout.  And to help those that have not been a part of a Hosanna Shout understand it, I will explain the roots of that practice.  The roots of the Hosanna Shout can be found in the Holy Bible.  In the book of Matthew chapter 21 we find the following:

"And when they drew nigh unto Jerusalem, and were come to Bethphage, unto the mount of Olives, then sent Jesus two disciples,
"Saying unto them, Go into the village over against you, and straightway ye shall find an ass tied, and a colt with her:  loose them, and bring them unto me.
"And if any man say ought unto you, ye shall say, The Lord hath need of them; and straightway he will send them...
"And the disciples went, and did as Jesus commanded them,
"And brought the ass, and the colt, and put on them their clothes, and they set him thereon.
"And a very great multitude spread their garments in the way; others cut down branches from the trees, and strawed them in the way.
"And the multitudes that went before, and that followed, cried, saying, Hosanna to the Son of David:  Blessed is he that cometh in the name of the Lord; Hosanna in the highest.
"And when he was come into Jerusalem, all the city was moved, saying, Who is this?
"And the multitude said, This is Jesus the prophet of Nazareth of Galilee.
"And Jesus went into the temple of God..."
- Matthew 21:1-12 -

The word "Hosanna" means "Save us now," or "God save us."  At the time of Jesus the Jews were in bondage to the Romans.  In the city of Jerusalem could be found a Roman government building of sorts where they ruled over the Jews.  When Jesus began his journey into the city the people came to greet him as their Savior from the Roman rule.  They, in a red-carpet kind of way, laid out their garments and waved palm leaves shouting Hosanna, that is to say, "God save us from the Romans!"

The Lord, Jesus Christ, did a couple significant, often overlooked, things at this time.  If he was truly going to go to war and save the Jews from the Romans he would have rode into the city on a horse.  But it says in the scripture that he was riding a colt, which was then a sign of peace.  He did not wish to make war with the Roman government.  Secondly, when he entered into the city, rather than going to the Roman government he turned and went to the temple.  I feel that by doing this while they were shouting "Save us" he was pointing out to them that he was not there to save them from a government rule, but from the bondage of sin.  He was saving them, but not as they expected it.

His first actions after that momentous entrance into the city was to cleanse the temple of traders and thieves, and then to heal the sick.  By so doing he was teaching these people the importance of the temple.  The temple is to be a holy place where people go to fulfill ordinances that save them from the bondage of sin and be healed (coupled with the power of the Atonement that Christ would soon perform).

These scriptures emphasize, in part, why The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints holds such revered feelings towards temples.  It is a place where people can go to be closer to God and Salvation through the Savior.  And as we strive to be closer to God at the temple, and by following the example set by Christ, we are prompted to make a reevaluation of our own performance and obtain a sincere desire to do even better.

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Baptism Explained

Baptism is the first saving ordinance of the gospel of Jesus Christ.  Ordinances, as defined by LDS.org, are "sacred rites and ceremonies.  Ordinances consist of acts that have spiritual meanings.  Ordinances can also mean God's laws and statutes."  A saving ordinance is an ordinance of the gospel required to return to the Celestial Kingdom, or the Kingdom or God.  Christ taught this truth to Nicodemus, of the Pharisees.  Record of this can be found in John chapter 3.

"Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.
"Nicodemus saith unto him, How can a man be born when he is old? can he enter the second time into his mother's womb, and be born?
"Jesus answered, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God."
- John 3:3-5 -

Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit.  What exactly does this mean?  Joseph Smith clarifies by saying, "Baptism is a holy ordinance preparatory to the reception of the Holy Ghost; it is the channel and key by which the Holy Ghost will be administered. (History of the Church 3:379)

Baptism is a symbolism of the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ.  The water represents the grave.  We, when baptized, are submerged under the water representing death, and are brought back out just as Christ was resurrected and brought back to life.  In this way we are born of water.  We are born of the Spirit when we have the companionship of the Holy Ghost.  This is different than the gift of the Holy Ghost, which we receive after baptism.  Receiving the gift of the Holy Ghost means we are now able to have the companionship of the Spirit, so long as we live according to the commandments of God.  Joseph Smith taught, "Baptism is a covenant with God that we will do his will" (Discourses, 273).  We are baptized and receive the gift of the Holy Ghost, and when we live righteously we obtain the companionship of the Holy Ghost, meaning we have the Spirit with us.  In this way we are born of the Spirit.

Just how important is the ordinance of baptism?  For this we can look to the life of Christ.  Jesus, as mentioned earlier, taught that no one can be admitted to the Kingdom of God without this ordinance, and not even he, a perfect person, was excluded from this.  The Gospels record that the Savior was baptized by John the baptist in the Jordan River.  Through his example we know that no one is exempt from this ordinance.

This is further understood by the many references and sermons given about baptism in holy scripture.  The book of Acts reads:

"Now when they heard this, thy were pricked in their heart, and said unto Peter and to the rest of the apostles, Men and brethren, what shall we do?
"Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost."
- Acts 2:37-38 -

In the book of Moses, of the Pearl of Great Price, we learn that even Adam, the first man, was baptized.

"And it came to pass, when the Lord had spoken with Adam, our father, that Adam cried unto the Lord, and he was caught away by the Spirit of the Lord, and was carried down into the water, and was laid under the water, and was brought forth out of the water.
"And thus he was baptized, and the Spirit of God descended upon him, and thus he was born of the Spirit."
- Moses 6:64-68 -

This has been practiced since the days of our first parents.  And now, having learned of the importance of the ordinance, must understand how it is performed.  Is the person supposed to be completely buried in the water, or is it more of a sprinkling on the head?  Or is it something between these two?  Again we can look to the scriptures for the answer.  Written in the Book of Mormon is the following:

"And after Alma had said these words, both Alma and Helam were buried in the water; and they arose and came forth out of the water rejoicing, being filled with the Spirit.
"And again, Alma took another, and went forth a second time into the water, and baptized him according to the first, only he did not bury himself again in the water."
- Mosiah 18:14-15 -

So why is it that we must be buried by submersion?  I have touched upon this earlier when talking about the symbolism of baptism to the death and resurrection of Christ.  Now let's read the words of the Prophet Joseph Smith:

"The word baptize is derived from the Greek verb 'baptiso,' and means to immerse or overwhelm, and that sprinkle is from the Greek verb 'rantiso,' and means to scatter on by particles" (Discourses, 92-93).

Baptism, the word itself, means to immerse and anything other than to fully immerse in water does not follow under the word "baptism."  One is fully immersed in the water, representing a burial in the grave, and is then brought out of the water, as a spiritual re-birth, representing the resurrection.

Now understanding the importance and process of baptism we must ask - When is someone supposed to be baptized?  This doctrine is taught in many ways in our world today, but what is the correct answer?  Like before, the scriptures hold the answers to even this question.  But first let's return to the words of Joseph smith, "Baptism is a covenant with God that we will do his will."  To covenant with God to follow his commandments we must first know his commandments and be in a state of understanding them.  There are people that are in a state of innocence, not fully knowing good from evil yet.  And who are these people?  Children.

Let's read the words of Christ to Mormon:

"Listen to the words of Christ, your Redeemer, your Lord and your God.  Behold, I came into the world not to call the righteous but sinners to repentance; the whole need no physician, but they that are sick; wherefore, little children are whole, for they are not capable of committing sin; wherefore the curse of Adam is taken from them in me, that it hath no power over them;"
- Moroni 8:8 -

Young children are still learning and are not at an age of accountability.  What is the age of accountability?  "And I will establish a covenant with thee," God told Moses, "that thou mayest know for ever that children are not accountable before me until they are eight years old" (JST Genesis 17:11).  Thus we learn that a person need not be baptized until at least eight years old.  That is the age of accountability.  This does not mean that a person needs to be baptized right when they turn eight, but that is the time when this ordinance is now available to them.  At any age from this point on, so long as the person understands the commandments of God and seeks to follow them they can be baptized and receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.

And what of those children who die before they turn eight and have the opportunity to be baptized?  Again the Prophet answers, "All children are redeemed by the blood of Jesus Christ, and the moment they leave this world they are taken to the bosom of Abraham" (Discourses, 273).  Through the Atonement of Christ they are saved.

We now approach the final topic of baptism:  Baptism for the dead.  From the apostle Peter we hear that "God is no respecter of persons" (Acts 10:34).  If this be the case then there must be a way for every person to receive the saving ordinances.  As was just said, some children die before the age of accountability and therefore do not receive the ordinance of baptism.  There are also those who died without the knowledge of the Gospel of Christ or the knowledge of baptism.  If God is no respecter of persons then there must be a way provided for all of these people to receive this ordinance as well.  The way provided is what is known as baptism for the dead.

This baptism for deceased members of mankind is not a new doctrine.  We can find teachings of it in the Holy Bible.  Consider the words found in 1 Corinthians:

"Else what shall they do which are baptized for the dead, if the dead rise not at all?  Why are they then baptized for the dead?"
- 1 Corinthians 15:29 -

This practice is done today by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.  A member of the Church, by one with the Priesthood, is baptized, as a proxy, for a deceased person.  "By performing proxy baptisms in behalf of those who have died," we read on LDS.org, "Church members offer these blessings to deceased ancestors.  Individuals can then choose to accept or reject what has been done in their behalf."

The last part of that quote is important, so let's go over it again.  "Individuals can then choose to accept or reject what has been done on their behalf."  We understand from this that simply because a proxy has been baptized for them on the earth, the people, now in the Spirit World, are not automatically made a member of the Church.  It is still their choice, as it is in life on earth, to follow the commandments of God and accept the ordinance done for them.  Through this practice of baptizing for dead ancestors, all people of the human race are offered the chance to be born again by water and the Spirit and receive the saving ordinance of baptism.

Sacrifice - Typifying of Christ

Sacrifice has been a part of the life of Christ's people since the days of Adam.  After leaving the Garden of Eden Christ "gave unto them [Adam and Eve] commandments, that they should worship the Lord their God, and should offer the firstlings of their flocks, for an offering unto the Lord" (Moses 5:5).

In those days sacrifice was giving the best firstling of the flock to the Lord upon an altar.  This was implemented in the beginning so the people of Christ would always have a reminder of the Lord's atoning sacrifice that would be made for them.  It is for this reason other sacrifices were not pleasing to the Lord, as was the case with Cain, son of Adam.
"And in the process of time it came to pass that Cain brought of the fruit of the ground an offering unto the Lord ... But unto Cain, and to his offering, he [the Lord] had no respect" (Moses 5:19, 21).
Cain's offering of fruit was not a respectable offering because this offering was not the sacrifice they were commanded to give.  The sacrifice of the firstling of the flock was a reminder of Christ, where as the fruit was not.  Adam was taught this when an angel explained it to him:
"After many days an angel of the Lord appeared unto Adam, saying:  Why dost thou offer sacrifices unto the Lord?  ...This thing is a similitude of the sacrifice of the Only Begotten of the Father, which is full of grace and truth" (Moses 5:6-7).

Throughout the thousands of years before the Meridian of Time all prophets and people of God offered up these sacrifices.  In these ancient times there were actually four types of sacrificial offerings.  These offerings were explained by Elder Bruce R. McConkie as follows:

"Of all the Mosaic performances, none typified the atonement better than their sacrificial offerings.  These were of four general kinds:  1, Burnt Offerings symbolized the entire surrender of the Lord's people to him and his laws.  They were sacrifices in which a covenant of service and devotion was made.  2, Sin Offerings were the means whereby the whole congregation of Israel, based on repentance, was freed from sin... 3, Trespass Offerings were designed to cleanse individuals from particular sins, especially those committed through ignorance.  This forgiveness was predicated upon repentance.  4, Peace Offerings were sacrifices of worship and adoration and gratitude to the Lord for the fellowship that existed between him and his people" (A New Witness of the Articles of Faith, McConkie, pg. 116).

The type of sacrifice made depended upon the reason for making the offering, but all of them were done with a firstling of the flock upon an altar.

The four sacrifices, or sacrificial offerings in general, were one of the key points of the Law of Moses.  Moses was originally given the 'Higher Law,' which contained a different form of sacrifice, but due to the wickedness of the people he was required to present a simpler law, or the Law of Moses, in which these sacrifices were contained.

To understand the 'Higher Law' that contained a new form of sacrifice we must look to the teachings of Jesus of Nazareth himself during his mortal ministry on earth.  One example of a time Jesus taught the higher law is when he gave what is commonly known as the Sermon on the Mount, found in the Holy Bible.  Relatively few of the people in Jerusalem, however, listened and followed these teachings, but after his resurrection he visited a civilization in the Americas and taught them a similar sermon.  This sermon can be found in the Book of Mormon, as written:

"Think not that I am come to destroy the law or the prophets.  I am not come to destroy but to fulfill; For verily I say unto you, one jot nor one tittle hath not passed away from the law, but in me it hath all be fulfilled.  And behold, I have given you the law and the commandments of my Father, that ye shall believe in me, and that ye shall repent of your sins, and come unto me with a broken heart and a contrite spirit.  Behold, ye have the commandments before you, and the law is fulfilled.
"...Ye have heard that it hath been said by them of old time, and it is also written before you, that thou shalt not kill, and whosoever shall kill shall be in danger of the judgment of God; But I say unto you, that whosoever is angry with his brother shall be in danger of his judgment...
"Behold, it is written by them of old time, that thou shalt not commit adultery; But I say unto you, that whosoever looketh on a woman, to lust after her, hath committed adultery already in his heart...
"And again it is written, thou shalt not forswear thyself, but shalt perform unto the Lord thine oaths; But verily, verily, I say unto you, swear not at all; neither by heaven, for it is by God's throne; nor by the earth, for it is his footstool..." (3 Nephi 12:17-18, 21-22, 27-28, 33-35).

That is not everything spoken in this sermon, but it is enough to explain the point.

Christ had fulfilled the Law of Moses and it was time to implement the greater law among his people.  Before it was "an eye for an eye" and now it is "turn the other cheek."  Likewise the ways of sacrifice had changed.  Before Christ's crucifixion the proper way of sacrifice was to give the first lamb of the flock to the Lord.  The lamb in symbolism of the Lamb of God giving himself for the sins of the world.  Now that this great sacrifice had been fulfilled, we are to sacrifice by serving the Lord with a broken heart and a contrite spirit, in remembrance of the life of Jesus Christ.  This was also explained to the Nephites when Christ appeared to them.

"And ye shall offer up unto me no more the shedding of blood; yea, your sacrifices and your burnt offerings shall be done away, for I will accept none of your sacrifices and your burnt offerings.
"And ye shall offer for a sacrifice unto me a broken heart and a contrite spirit.  And whoso cometh unto me with a broken heart and a contrite spirit, him will I baptize with fire and with the Holy Ghost" (3 Nephi 9:19-20).

What was once done to remember to look forward to Christ is now done to remember to look back at what he did.  Elder Dallin H. Oaks, of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, has further explained it as thus:

"The incomprehensible suffering of Jesus Christ ended sacrifice by the shedding of blood, but it did not end the importance of sacrifice in the gospel plan.  Our Savior requires us to continue to offer sacrifices... in effect, to offer a small imitation of His own sacrifice by making sacrifices of our own time and selfish priorities" (Oaks, Sacrifice).

As Christ Jesus spent the days of his mortal ministry serving people, so must we do now.  He blessed the elderly, the children, those who had deficiencies.  Whenever there was someone he could help, he helped.  Not everyone on earth has the ability to give back sight, to heal lepers, to walk on water, but all people have the ability to visit a widow(er), to clean up a neighborhood, to get to know a lonely person.  That is the kind of sacrifice we are asked to make now.  To sacrifice our time and abilities to help those that we can.