I think one of the hardest things for members of the church, especially those that have been in it their whole lives, to truly get is how to apply the atonement of Christ in their life. Members may often view the atonement as something that only comes into place ‘after all we can do’ rather than throughout our lives at every moment. Moreover, members may view perfect obedience of the commandments as a prerequisite to having Christ’s atonement active in us. This perspective leads individuals to feel flawed, lost and forever removed from God’s grace.

 

The truth is far different of course. Having been baptized into his church, born or entered into his covenant and having received the gift of the Holy Ghost, we have become his children and Christ is our advocate. He is consistently pleading and praying for us to have the faith we need. His atonement is continually working even on those that are struggling or can not comprehend

“3 Listen to him who is the advocate with the Father, who is pleading your cause before him–

4 Saying: Father, behold the sufferings and death of him who did no sin, in whom thou wast well pleased; behold the blood of thy Son which was shed, the blood of him whom thou gavest that thyself might be glorified;

5 Wherefore, Father, spare these my brethren that believe on my name, that they may come unto me and have everlasting life.”

Christ knows that we do not have perfect faith. Remember…He knows our weaknesses perfectly. Long ago, as his time upon the cross approached, he reminded one of his chief disciples that he was praying for him to have enough faith to deal with the challenge that would come his way.

But I have prayed for thee, that thy faith fail not: and when thou art converted, strengthen thy brethren.”

 

I testify that Christ likewise prays for and on behalf of each of us. He prays for those whose faiths are struggling and his atonement is ever ready to help.

Moreover, being bearers of the Holy Spirit means that even in those times when our faith is lacking and we know not what to say or what to pray for, Christ is still interceding with us through his Holy Spirit 

 ”26 Likewise the Spirit also helpeth our infirmities: for we know not what we should pray for as we ought: but the Spirit itself maketh intercession for us with groaningswhich cannot be uttered.

 27 And he that searcheth the hearts knoweth what is the mind of the Spirit, because he maketh intercession for the saints according to the will of God.

 28 And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.” (Romans 8).

I testify that Christ and his atonement are continually active in each of our lives, whether or not we fully appreciate it. The atonement is real and it does work. God loves us and Christ cares for us even when we are stubborn or faithless. We are never beyond the reach of his tender arm which is ever beckoning to us.



Continue reading at the original source →