Atonement

[Contemplator]

Many people have tried to explain what Jesus Christ has done in what we abbreviate with the word "Atonement." My observation is that it simply cannot be described successfully by one person to another. Think of all the ways that people have tried to explain it.

The atonement is:
like paying a price for sin ... but not exactly
like redeeming us ... but not exactly
like learning to play the piano ... but not exactly
like having to pay for a broken window ... but not exactly
like taking a whipping in class ... but not exactly
like buying a bicycle ... but not exactly.

My point is that the atonement of Jesus Christ is not a thing that can be explained by one person to another. Why? Because it is unique and we lack the shared vocabulary to describe it. It simply must be experienced. There are many threads here that explore arcane details of doctrine, history or practice related to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. While these are interesting topics, and I have enjoyed the discussion, the really important question is, "What think ye of Christ?"

There is simply no substitute for coming to Christ and accepting what Jesus is offering. He loves each of us in a deep and profound way that must be experienced. He will change our very nature so that we can actually imagine living comfortably in the presence of God. With that will come a feeling of desire, and maybe even obligation, to share the message of Jesus Christ with others. And then we will try to put into words that which defies description but which simply must be experienced.

Thank you to so many of you who have shared the impact of Jesus Christ in your life. I don't have a provocative question to get you to respond to this thread. I just wanted to put this thought out there. If you are troubled by questions about church, history, individual foibles, social policy, etc., set those aside and seek for Jesus Christ until, like Nephi, Enos, Alma the younger, Lamoni, or the brother of Jared, your heart is broken and you are healed by Jesus Christ.

[John Tavner]

Many people have tried to explain what Jesus Christ has done in what we abbreviate with the word "Atonement." My observation is that it simply cannot be described successfully by one person to another. Think of all the ways that people have tried to explain it.

The atonement is:
like paying a price for sin ... but not exactly
like redeeming us ... but not exactly
like learning to play the piano ... but not exactly
like having to pay for a broken window ... but not exactly
like taking a whipping in class ... but not exactly
like buying a bicycle ... but not exactly.

My point is that the atonement of Jesus Christ is not a thing that can be explained by one person to another. Why? Because it is unique and we lack the shared vocabulary to describe it. It simply must be experienced. There are many threads here that explore arcane details of doctrine, history or practice related to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. While these are interesting topics, and I have enjoyed the discussion, the really important question is, "What think ye of Christ?"

There is simply no substitute for coming to Christ and accepting what Jesus is offering. He loves each of us in a deep and profound way that must be experienced. He will change our very nature so that we can actually imagine living comfortably in the presence of God. With that will come a feeling of desire, and maybe even obligation, to share the message of Jesus Christ with others. And then we will try to put into words that which defies description but which simply must be experienced.

Thank you to so many of you who have shared the impact of Jesus Christ in your life. I don't have a provocative question to get you to respond to this thread. I just wanted to put this thought out there. If you are troubled by questions about church, history, individual foibles, social policy, etc., set those aside and seek for Jesus Christ until, like Nephi, Enos, Alma the younger, Lamoni, or the brother of Jared, your heart is broken and you are healed by Jesus Christ.

He is the way, the truth, and the life. There is no other name by which man can be saved.

[cab]

I pray with all my heart to receive Nephi's testimony of Jesus. He certainly obtained a Promised Land.

6 I glory in plainness; I glory in truth; I glory in my Jesus, for he hath redeemed my soul from hell.
7 I have charity for my people, and great faith in Christ that I shall meet many souls spotless at his judgment-seat.