The Atonement of Jesus Christ: Two Talks
When it came to understanding the atonement of Jesus Christ, I realize now that I didn’t think about it deeply, nor did I truly grasp what it meant. Even today, I can’t claim to fully comprehend it. Its depth and power are far beyond my complete understanding. But over time, I’ve come to appreciate that the Atonement isn’t just about being cleansed from sin. It’s also about drawing strength from the Savior in our daily struggles, weaknesses, and efforts to become more like him.
There are two talks I return to again and again that have helped me open my heart and mind to this broader perspective.
In the Strength of the Lord
The first is a Brigham Young University devotional address titled In the Strength of the Lord by David A. Bednar. In it, he teaches how the Atonement not only redeems us but also strengthens and enables us. We are not left to rely solely on our own efforts. Through Christ we can do more and become more than we ever could on our own.
As a result of Elder Bednar’s talk I have changed the way I pray. I used to ask the Lord to help me find a new job. I’m not in love with the one I have and those prayers seem to go unanswered. But after my most recent listening to this talk, I felt prompted to shift my focus. Now, instead of asking for a way out, I pray for strength to make it through each workday and for the enabling power of the atonement to help me grow my abilities so that I can become a strong candidate for the jobs I truly want.
You can find the full text of this talk at BYU Speeches.
Elder Bednar draws on several scriptures and stories from the Book of Mormon to illustrate his message. If you’re interested, you can read the Book of Mormon online here, or request a free physical copy and meet with missionaries using the link in the right column of this page. There’s also a mobile app available, which you can download through the other link on the right.
His Grace is Sufficient
The Second talk is also from a Brigham Young University devotional and is titled His Grace is Sufficient by Brad Wilcox. This message helped me see grace not as something we earn after we’ve done our part, but as the very power that enables us to do our part in the first place. His explanation of how grace works, not as a backup plan but as a daily sustaining gift, shifted the way I view my relationship with Jesus Christ.
You can also find this talk at BYU Speeches
Other Resources on the Atonement
Of course, there are many more talk and articles available online about the Atonement of Jesus Christ. In fact, there is a whole bunch. But for now, I just wanted to highlight two talks that have resonated with me. These particular messages helped me move beyond a surface level understanding and invited me into a more personal, empowering relationship with the Savior.
If Elder Bednar’s and Brad Wilcox’s talks speak to you the way the it did to me, you might also consider reading Brad Wilcox’s book The Continuous Atonement. It’s essentially an extended, in-depth lesson based on the same principles he taught in his BYU devotional, and it provides even more clarity, insights, and real-life application.
Another excellent resource is The Infinite Atonement by Tad R. Callister. This book offers a profound doctrinal exploration of the Atonement. It’s another book that’s well worth the time if you’re seeking a better grasp of the eternal significance of Christ’s sacrifice.
Image Credit: Cover – Dallas Golden
