#BecauseHeLives

I love the new Easter video by the Church. In case you missed it, you can view it here. I have seen our missionaries cry out, call out, reach out for the Savior. I have witnessed as they have found Him. I have seen them understand that it does not matter who they are or who they were, He is here. I see His influence reflected in the faces of His missionaries in the good, the bad, and the in-between. They see in their work He is here no matter who you are or who you were. They know there are no exceptions, no lost causes. He is here in all times and in all places. It is required of us is to find Him.

Elder Bruce R. McConkie offered this sobering counsel, "Now, the atonement of Christ is the most basic and fundamental doctrine of the the gospel, and it is the least understood of all our revealed truth. Many of us have a superficial knowledge and rely upon the Lord and his goodness to see us through the trials and perils of life. But if we are to have faith like Enoch and Elijah, we must believe what they believed, know what they knew, and live as they lived. May I invite you to join with me in gaining a sound and sure knowledge of the Atonement."

I do not understand how, but I know that Christ atoned for each of us individually. We have much evidence in scripture that He touched and healed individually. He invited the remnant of the people in the Book of Mormon to feel His wounds one-by-one. He washed the disciples feet one-by-one. He healed infirmities one-by-one. Somehow in the Garden of Gethsemane, He suffered for our sins and felt our burdens one-by-one. And one-by-one he will redeem us, perfect us, and resurrect us.

We invited the mission leaders at our most recent Mission Leadership Council to find a way to guide the missionaries they serve to a greater and expanded view of the atonement and resurrection of the Savior. It seems to be the least we can do because He lives.

As we study, ponder and pray about the atonement, we will more fully appreciate Him and His life and magnificent sacrifice. President Howard W. Hunter gave this promise, "As we come to understand His mission and the atonement which He wrought, we will desire to live more like Him." There is nothing more important for our missionaries and those they teach to understand because in this understanding we open our hearts to His grace to truly change who we are.

Because He lives, He forgives and saves and succors. What do we have to give because He lives? How will we find Him? He rose the third day! Because He lives, we also will live. What a glorious miracle it is!

Mission Leadership Council-April 2, 2015