This is one post in an A-Z series of 26 where I am writing about living as a Mormon in the wilderness of Kuantan
Considering that it is the most essential component of being a Christian, it is somewhat surprising relatively how little we know about the atonement of Jesus Christ.
The atonement of Jesus Christ is at the very heart of the message we learn, follow and share as Christians. We know what it is, but we struggle to grasp how it came to be.
The atonement is a series of events which can be separated into three main parts:
1) the suffering that caused Jesus to bleed form every pore
2) Jesus' death
3) Jesus' resurrection
Why was the atonement necessary?
Basically Adam and Eve messed up. Big time. There was a fruit that was keeping them alive indefinitely which they ate from the aptly-named Tree of Life. But as soon as they ate a forbidden fruit, it caused a change in their bodies which made them become mortal.
The atonement of Christ would act as the fruit of the tree of life which Adam and Eve once devoured. The atonement gives life indefinitely and reunites mankind with God and Christ. It enables us to live happily in a troubled world and points toward an eternal abode in the future.
Trying to fathom the details of the atonement
I can't comprehend how Jesus suffered in the terrible fashion he did on that historic night in Gethsemane. Nor can I come to terms with his awful death or begin to imagine by what power or phenomenon he was able to revive and become alive again.
Its implications for a life beyond the one we currently live are clear. But of the atonement's role in our everyday lives here and now? I spend significant time wondering about this. It may be fair to remark that every human endeavour which overcomes sin or struggle, and every genuine happiness, joy and contentment we feel here in a world that is punctuated by certain death, is directly attributable to the retrospective atonement of Jesus Christ.
As for a clear answer on how that is made possible - I don't know. And I'm fine with that. So I will keep searching.
How do you feel the atonement of Christ working for you?
Trying to fathom the details of the atonement
I can't comprehend how Jesus suffered in the terrible fashion he did on that historic night in Gethsemane. Nor can I come to terms with his awful death or begin to imagine by what power or phenomenon he was able to revive and become alive again.
Its implications for a life beyond the one we currently live are clear. But of the atonement's role in our everyday lives here and now? I spend significant time wondering about this. It may be fair to remark that every human endeavour which overcomes sin or struggle, and every genuine happiness, joy and contentment we feel here in a world that is punctuated by certain death, is directly attributable to the retrospective atonement of Jesus Christ.
As for a clear answer on how that is made possible - I don't know. And I'm fine with that. So I will keep searching.
How do you feel the atonement of Christ working for you?
I am not Mormon, but am Christian. I think without what Jesus did for us on the cross through his death and resurrection, we wouldn't have the hope of eternal life and eternity in heaven with him. What amazes me is that he was willing to go through such an ordeal so that we could have the opportunity of eternal life through our belief in him. He's an amazing Savior.
ReplyDeletegood luck with the rest of the A/Z challenge!
betty
http://viewsfrombenches.blogspot.com/
Hi Betty, it really does demonstrate the pure love he had and continues to have for each and every one of us. It was his choice to go through with the atonement. We do have a remarkable Saviour
ReplyDeleteIt is indeed hard to understand Christ's sacrifice from a human perspective, but it is what is.
ReplyDeleteJL Campbell, our minds are limited in our human state but they can be enlightened from time to time by the Holy Spirit. Step by step our understanding and appreciation can increase
ReplyDeleteVery nicely said Duncan. Betty, I enjoyed your thoughts.
ReplyDeleteThe atonement gives me hope. It shows me the love of God the Father and His son Jesus Christ to me and to all of us.
Are you enjoying General Conference?
@liannekruger from Computare Citus