We believe that through the Atonement of Christ, all mankind may be saved, by obedience to the laws and ordinances of the Gospel. (Articles of Faith:3)

The atonement made possible by our Savior is one of the most widely used terms made by Latter-day Saints. And at the same time, it is one of the most misunderstood terms. I believe the reason for this is because of the very personal nature of the atonement. We can use it in general terms, but until we sink to our knees, asking The Lord to apply the atonement for our personal misdeeds, we cannot begin to fully understand the magnitude of the act of love that our Savior did for us in the garden of Gethsemane. It is not until we echo the words of His apostles, "Lord, how is this done?"

One misconception is that the atonement just applies to members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. This is clearly stated in this Article of Faith; "...all mankind may be saved...". So, clearly, it is made available to all. But it cannot be put in place if all mankind is ignorant of this gift. Thus (to me), one of the reasons why our prophet and apostles have raised the bar of spirituality and preparation while lowering the age for prospective missionaries.

Obedience begins early in our earthly journey by our parents teaching us those principles. We find out early in our lives that our parents counsel of, "don't touch the stove. It is hot" is wise and true counsel. We find that keeping our bodies clean and pure by watching what we put into our bodies is wise counsel and if we obey that counsel, we have promises of ".. run(ning) and not be weary, walk(ing) and not faint."

Some may look at the commandments as "too restrictive", or as Laban and Lamuel constantly lamented, "... It is hard for us...". Commandments and counsel are spiritual safety nets that, if followed can further our joy on this earth while furthering our eternal cause. I have heard stories of people who are consistent smokers or drinkers mocking those that do not partake; ridiculing them for their strict laws that they must comply with. And the "come back" of those responding, "I could start to smoke or drink right now if I choose - can you stop as fast as I can begin?". Smoking/drinking and other related vices are hindrances to our progression. Our bodies become prisoners of these things - we no longer have the capability to control, but are controlled.

"...Obedience to the laws and ordinances of the Gospel." can mean obedience to our baptismal covenants, obedience to the temple covenants, obedience and fidelity to our spouse, obedience to the words and counsel of living prophets, and obedience in keeping our lives in accordance to the gospel. For each of these laws and ordinances are blessings attached. 

Once we begin to understand the atonement in our very own lives, we will want to be obedient to the laws (commandments, counsel) and will want to seek out the blessings that the ordinances of the gospel have to offer. Our lives will have greater meaning and we will tend to seek out the good while shunning the evil that happens on the earth. Our disposition will tend to be more of charity and reaching out to all man. We will tend to forgive others and seek out opportunities to serve our fellow man.

I am grateful for my Savior and for His marvelous atonement. I am grateful for the knowledge that no matter what I do; no matter how much I stumble and falter - that through the atonement, those things can be made new as long as I repent. I am grateful for the ordinances given to help me progress. I am grateful for the counsel given and the knowledge that when I am obedient to those laws, The Lord stands ready to pour out blessings, "there may not be room enough to receive them."

I believe in Obedience.