Redemption

Taught by Jeanine M.

Last conference Elder Christofferson spoke about the meaning of the Redemption.  

He defined two parts to the redeeming atonement of our Savior, Jesus Christ.  

The first is to redeem us from the Fall by providing a way for us to over come our physical death.  This redemption is unconditional.  

The second aspect redeems us from our own sins.  He says, "Because we are accountable and we make the choices, the redemption from our own sins is conditional---conditioned on confessing and abandoning sin and turning to a godly life, or in other words, conditioned on repentance."

Click the link: 

The Parable of the Stranded Daughter

For an enlightening story about Jeanine's husband and daughter.

President Eyring told us how he turns to the Savior to have a godly life.  He said, "I experienced the joy of coming closer to the Savior and of His coming closer to me most often through simple acts of obedience to the commandments."

It is also important to remember that "The atonement also satisfies the debt justice owes to us by healing and compensating us for any suffering we innocently endure." Elder Christofferson 

This is helpful to remember if we have been the victim of tragedy or trial that might affect our family or our development.  It is also helpful in regards to choices our children make.  President Eyring gives us the following promise: "My promise to you who pray and serve the Lord cannot be that you will have every blessing you may wish for yourself and your family.  But I can promise you that the Savior will draw close to you and bless you and your family with what is best.  You will have the comfort of His love and feel the answer of His drawing closer as you reach out your arms in giving service to others.  As you bind up the wounds of those in need and offer the cleansing of His Atonement to those who sorrow in sin, the Lord's power will sustain you.  His arms are outstretched with yours to succor and bless the children of our Heavenly Father, including those in your family." Elder Christofferson

In the story of Les Miserables, Jean Valjean has been in prison for 19 years.  He can't find work and is poorly mistreated.  He finally ends up finding food and shelter for a night with Bishop Bienvenu.  That night he steals some silver and is later caught.  When he is brought before the Bishop, the response is, "But I gave you the candlesticks also.. Why did you not take them along with your plates?".  He then tells Jean Valjean to take the silver and to become an honest man.  Jean Valjean does just that and he leads a selfless life helping those in need.

This story is a perfect example of someone who helps redeem another soul.  In turn, that person redeems himself and others as he lives a life of service.  We have all covenanted at baptism to provide support and service to others.  We do this collectively as a Relief Society, a ward and a church community.  We are also obligated to do individual acts of service.  we do this through serving in our callings, being good visiting teachers, doing redemptive work for the dead in the Temple and bringing our families and those around to Christ.

"The greatest service we can provide to others in this life, beginning with those of our own family, is to bring them to Christ through faith and repentance so they may experience His Redemption-peace and joy now and immortality and eternal life in the world to come." Elder Christofferson

"Every covenant servant of His within His kingdom on earth and in the spirit world will receive His guidance by the Spirit as they bless and serve others for Him.  And they will feel His love and find joy in being drawn closer to Him." President Eyring

May we all not "wave him on", but beckon him in and find peace and joy through the blessing of the  atonement.