I imagine standing shoulder to shoulder with my many brothers and sisters. We are gathered to hear our Heavenly Father present to us a plan. As He describes the different hardships and experiences we would each face on earth, some of us are fearful of the risks. Then our older brother, Jesus Christ, steps forward and declares that should we take this journey of mortality, that He would offer Himself a sacrifice so that we could return and obtain Eternal Life. I can see many doubting Christ and considering it all too risky. But I also see many of us stepping forward
and declaring our faith that Jesus Christ would follow through and save us.
Today we celebrate His fulfillment of His promise. Today we remember what gift He gave us...Himself. I have thought deeply today about what this life would be like if Christ never came. These are some realities we would face.
Mortal Life without Christ
1) Death is permanent
2) After death, you will never see your loved ones again
3) With every failure you sink closer to hell
4) You suffer every pain alone.
5) You are forever damned in your progress.
6) The only future you see is eternal suffering
“What a plight!” Elder Holland said. “The entire human race in free fall—every man, woman, and child in it physically tumbling toward permanent death, spiritually plunging toward eternal anguish.”
But isn't it amazing that none of this is our reality??? I remember experiences teaching people on my mission about the hope that comes because of Jesus Christ. It was so beautiful to see their lives brighten and joy fill their faces as they discovered what He did for them. He transformed their lives! In our free fall, He offers us His hand and it is our choice if we will take it! It might just be the most impactful and life-changing decision we ever make.
Because of Him…
-Death is conquered- You will be resurrected.
-You will hug and be surrounded by your family forever.
-You can progress forever.
-You can see your failures as lessons.
-Every wrong will be made right.
-You can live with your Father and Creator again.
-You will never endure any pain or struggle alone.
-As long as you do your best, Eternal joy and the
Celestial kingdom is before you.
“So today we celebrate the gift of victory over every fall we have ever experienced, every sorrow we have ever known, every discouragement we have ever had, every fear we have ever faced” “That first Easter sequence of Atonement and Resurrection constitutes the most consequential moment, the most generous gift, the most excruciating pain, and the most majestic manifestation of pure love ever to be demonstrated in the history of this world.”
I hope to adequately express my love for Jesus Christ. He suffered death, the Atonement, and rose triumphant from the tomb. I love Him for His dedication to fulfill His promises. Of all the joys in this life, there is none greater than when we turn our life over to our Savior. Joy exists because of Him and I testify that He lives. He did His part and now it is our turn to do ours! His gospel has been restored on this earth and on this, His day, I praise His holy name. In Jesus Christ's name, Amen.
Challenge- Remember Him today by reading of His suffering, death, and resurrection in the Gospel of John 18-21. Consider what your life and future would look like without His sacrifice for you.
Comments