The Infinite Atonement

1. The Atonement is the central, most important doctrine and event in all history.

The Atonement is the central act of human history, the pivotal point in all time, the doctrine of doctrines.

Core of existence. The Atonement of Jesus Christ is not merely one doctrine among many; it is the foundational truth upon which all other gospel principles rest. Without it, every other event, discovery, or acquisition of knowledge in human history would be of only transitory importance, like a "shooting star illuminating the sky for a brief moment, and then vanishing into the night." It provides purpose and potency to all of history.

Beyond comprehension. While its full meaning may be beyond human comprehension, the Atonement invites an immersion of all our senses, feelings, and intellect. It is a doctrine that must be felt and internalized, not just analyzed, rewarding our intellect, animating our emotions, and enlivening our spirit from every vantage point.

Essential for salvation. Prophets throughout time have emphasized the Atonement's preeminent status. Joseph Smith taught that the testimony of Christ's death, burial, and resurrection are the "fundamental principles of our religion," with "all other things which pertain to our religion are only appendages to it." This divine act is the "rock foundation upon which the gospel and all other things rest," making it our singular hope for a meaningful life and salvation.

2. The Atonement rectifies the Fall, unconditionally overcoming physical and first spiritual death for all, and conditionally overcoming individual sins.

The Messiah cometh in the fulness of time, that he may redeem the children of men from the fall.

Reversing the Fall. The Atonement's primary purpose is to restore all that was lost by the Fall of Adam. The Fall introduced two universal consequences: physical death and the "first spiritual death," which is separation from God's physical presence. The Atonement unconditionally overcomes both of these for all mankind.

Universal redemption. Because all men physically die due to Adam's transgression, all men will be resurrected through Christ, regardless of their righteousness. Similarly, all men will return to God's presence for judgment, overcoming the first spiritual death. This means that even the wicked will temporarily stand before God, though they cannot permanently "dwell" with Him if unclean.

Conditional salvation. Beyond these unconditional blessings, the Atonement also provides for the possibility of repentance, allowing individuals to be cleansed from their individual sins. This overcomes the "second spiritual death"—a permanent separation from God caused by personal transgression. This aspect of redemption is conditional, requiring our active participation and repentance.

3. The Atonement is infinite in its scope: in the divinity of Christ, its power, its timelessness, its universal coverage, and its profound depth of suffering.

When the prophets speak of an infinite atonement, they mean just that. Its effects cover all men, the earth itself and all forms of life thereon, and reach out into the endless expanses of eternity.

Boundless nature. The term "infinite atonement" signifies its boundless reach and efficacy. It is infinite because its source is Christ, an "infinite and eternal" God possessing unlimited knowledge, power, love, goodness, mercy, and grace. This divine nature enabled a sacrifice of unparalleled magnitude.

Spanning time and space. The Atonement's effects are not confined by time or space. It applies:

• Retroactively: Cleansing Old Testament saints and even premortal spirits from their sins.
• Prospectively: Extending its redeeming powers to spirits in the postmortal realm.
• Universally: Covering all of God's creations, including animals, plants, the earth itself, and inhabitants of "worlds without number."

Profound depth. The Atonement's depth means Christ descended "below all things," encompassing every human affliction, weakness, and suffering. This includes not only sins and transgressions but also pains, infirmities, loneliness, and temptations of every kind, ensuring no mortal condition is beyond His empathetic reach.

4. Christ's suffering in Gethsemane and on the cross was beyond mortal comprehension, encompassing all human pain, infirmities, and temptations, and was driven by infinite love.

Which suffering caused myself, even God, the greatest of all, to tremble because of pain, and to bleed at every pore.

Unfathomable agony. The Savior's suffering in Gethsemane and on the cross was not merely physical but a total immersion into the human plight—physical, spiritual, intellectual, and emotional pain of the highest order. He voluntarily "emptied himself" of divine power to experience every human trial, not just intellectually, but experientially, without shielding Himself from any "scintilla of human pain."

Bleeding from every pore. In Gethsemane, His agony was so intense that it caused Him to "bleed at every pore," a literal physical manifestation of His spiritual anguish as He took upon Himself the "sins of the whole world." This suffering continued and intensified on the cross, culminating in His cry, "My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me?" as the Father's Spirit withdrew, allowing Him to fully experience the consequences of sin.

Personal and universal. This infinite suffering was driven by "matchless bounty of His love" for each individual. He suffered for every repentable sin, every innocent transgression, and every pain and infirmity, making His Atonement both macro and micro in its dimensions. He bore it all, knowingly, willingly, and lovingly, so that no one could claim their plight was beyond His understanding or His power to succor.

5. The Atonement provides the blessing of repentance, a mighty change of heart that cleanses and transforms us through godly sorrow, forsaking sin, restitution, and confession.

For salvation cometh to none such except it be through repentance.

Gateway to cleansing. Repentance is the conditional key that unlocks the Atonement's cleansing power for individual sins. Without the Atonement, there would be no opportunity to repent, and without repentance, no spiritual cleansing. It is a positive, glorious principle, not just for the wicked, but for all who seek to become better and achieve perfection.

Mighty change of heart. True repentance is more than merely stopping wrongdoing or expressing sorrow; it is a "mighty change wrought in his heart," leading to "no more disposition to do evil, but to do good continually." This transformation requires:

• Honest recognition: Acknowledging faults without rationalization or excuse.
• Godly sorrow: A deep, soul-wrenching pain for sin, distinct from worldly sorrow.
• Absolute forsaking: A burning resolve to abandon former ways, no matter the circumstances.
• Restitution: Doing all within our power to repair injuries caused by our actions.
• Confession: Humbly disclosing serious sins to appropriate priesthood leaders.

Total forgiveness. For those who sincerely repent, the Lord promises, "I, the Lord, remember them no more." This means a complete spiritual cleansing, making our "garments white as snow," as if the sin were never committed. The Atonement allows us to be judged by who we have become, not by who we were, offering a permanent healing for the repentant soul.

6. The Atonement offers peace of mind and succor, healing wounded souls and providing empathy because Christ descended below all human woes.

My peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you.

Consoling power. Beyond cleansing from sin, the Atonement provides profound peace of mind and consolation. Many who have repented still struggle to forgive themselves, placing artificial limits on Christ's infinite regenerative powers. Understanding the Atonement's vast reach allows us to accept that our sins are within His conquered domain, transforming abstract hope into personal reality.

Ultimate Comforter. Christ's descent "below all things" means He experienced every human condition—loneliness, inadequacy, sorrow, sickness, and temptation. This firsthand experience allows Him to succor us with perfect empathy, not just sympathy. He can "bind up the brokenhearted," "comfort all that mourn," and "wipe away tears from off all faces," transforming the "ashes of mortality to the beauties of eternity."

Only true solace. The world offers many false antidotes to guilt and turmoil, but only Christ provides lasting peace. His invitation, "Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest," is a promise that His peace "passeth all understanding." Through the Atonement, our wounded souls can find healing, rest, and a spiritual buoyancy that transcends any earthly burden.

7. The Atonement is the ultimate motivational force, drawing us to Christ and inspiring us to goodness through the power of His righteous sacrifice.

For this cause have I been lifted up; therefore... I will draw all men unto me.

Spiritual gravity. The Atonement possesses a powerful, omnipresent motivational force that draws all men to Christ. This "love appeal syndrome" is not merely reactive, correcting sins after they occur, but also proactive, inspiring righteous conduct before sin is ever committed. It is the most potent force in the world to inspire daily goodness and, when necessary, repentance.

Power of righteous suffering. The Savior's voluntary, righteous suffering for others is the highest and purest form of motivation. Just as the self-sacrifice of the Anti-Nephi-Lehies melted the hearts of their Lamanite brethren, Christ's incomparable suffering for us can penetrate pride, replenish humility, and engender profound gratitude, leading to a change of heart.

Remembering His sacrifice. To unleash this motivational power, we must continually "look unto me in every thought" and "behold the wounds which pierced my side." Remembering the Savior's life and Atonement is a catalyst for goodness, filling our souls with appreciation, peace, and a resolve that His suffering "shall not have been in vain." This reflection is a spiritual feast, drawing us heavenward and strengthening our commitment to serve Him.

8. The Atonement's crowning blessing is exaltation, enabling us to overcome weaknesses and become perfect, like God, through His grace and the gifts of the Spirit.

As man now is, God once was: As God now is, man may be.

Beyond redemption. The Atonement does more than redeem us from the Fall; it "adds upon" us, lifting us above our pre-fallen state and enabling our exaltation. It is not merely a return to innocence, but a transformative process that perfects our imperfections and endows us with a Christlike nature, making us "more glorious than unfallen humanity would have been."

Grace for perfection. God's grace, made possible by the Atonement, is an "enabling power" that allows us to "lay hold on eternal life and exaltation after they have expended their own best efforts." This grace helps us convert weaknesses into strengths, as seen with Moroni's writing or Enoch's speech impediment. It is a "booster rocket" that lifts us above our limitations, provided we approach God with humility and faith.

Quest for godhood. The ultimate goal of the Atonement is to enable us to become "perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect"—to become gods. This doctrine, though controversial, is supported by:

• Scriptures: Declaring us "children of God," "heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ," and commanded to "be even as I am."
• Logic: Like begets like; spiritual offspring inherit divine potential.
• History: Demonstrating man's capacity for immense growth in a short mortal span, hinting at infinite potential.
  This journey is long and requires patience, but "no power in the whole universe, except you yourself, can prevent Him from taking you to that goal."

9. The Atonement grants true freedom by providing knowledge, choices, and power, with obedience as the key to unlocking these blessings.

Because that they are redeemed from the fall they have become free forever.

Divine liberty. The Atonement is the "charter of freedom," making us "free forever" to act for ourselves rather than being "acted upon." This freedom is not the world's definition of unrestrained license, which leads to bondage, but the divine liberty to become like God, the freest of all beings.

Components of freedom. True freedom requires four elements, all enhanced by the Atonement:

• Intelligent being: Man's innate capacity to make decisions.
• Knowledge of good and evil: The Fall opened this gate, but the Atonement provides the "truth that makes you free" from prejudice, falsehood, and sin.
• Availability of choices: The Atonement offers the choice between eternal life (ultimate freedom) and captivity (ultimate bondage), rescuing us from the no-option path of the Fall.
• Power to execute choices: Obedience to God's laws, made meaningful by the Atonement, unlocks spiritual power, enabling us to control our destiny and become "gods, because they have all power."

Obedience as the foundation. Contrary to worldly belief, obedience is not the antithesis of freedom but its very foundation. Commandments are not restrictive but serve as "guideposts" to eternal progress. By obeying God's will, we gain increased knowledge, broaden our choices, and enhance our power, ultimately leading to the "fulness of freedom under God."

10. All gospel ordinances, from sacrifice to the sacrament and temple rites, derive their spiritual substance and saving power from the Atonement.

The ordinances of the Gospel have virtue in them by reason of the atoning blood of Jesus Christ, and without it there would be no virtue in them for salvation.

Spiritual currency. The Atonement is the "spiritual bank" that gives life, breath, and substance to every gospel principle and ordinance. Without Christ's atoning blood, every baptism, marriage, and sacred act would be like a check written on an "empty account," lacking the "sufficient funds" to cleanse, seal, or resurrect.

Symbolic power. Ancient ordinances, like animal sacrifice and the offering of firstfruits, were divinely designed "similitudes" and "types" pointing to Christ's future Atonement. They taught that:

• Sacrifice: Symbolized Christ's shedding of blood for the remission of sins.
• Firstfruits: Prefigured Christ's resurrection as the "firstfruits of them that slept."
  These rituals were meant to focus hearts and minds on the coming Redeemer.

Modern ordinances. Baptism symbolizes Christ's death, burial, and resurrection, cleansing us by water and the Holy Ghost, but ultimately by His blood. The sacrament is a weekly memorial, a "spiritual feast" to "remember" the Savior's body and blood, renewing covenants and offering spiritual healing. Temple ordinances, rich in Atonement symbolism, "open the gate of exaltation," endowing us with power to return to God's presence and become like Him.

11. The Atonement perfectly reconciles God's justice and mercy, satisfying the demands of eternal law while offering unearned grace and pardon to the repentant.

How great, how glorious, how complete, Redemption’s grand design, Where justice, love, and mercy meet In harmony divine!

Immutable laws. The universe is governed by immutable, eternal laws, to which even God is subject. These spiritual laws dictate that failure to comply results in a loss of opportunity for increased power and progression. Justice, in this sense, is the natural consequence of uncreated law, and also God's moral system, established with the "common consent" of His children in the premortal council.

Divine balance. While justice demands a penalty for broken law, it cannot, by itself, cleanse or perfect the soul. Without mercy and grace, "all mankind must unavoidably perish." The Atonement is the singular act that demonstrated "maximum mercy, yet never robbed justice of one ounce of payment." Christ's suffering became the "legal tender" to pay the debt of broken law, both for Adam's transgression and our individual sins.

Advocacy and pardon. Christ, as our perfect Judge and Advocate, pleads our case before the Father. His "sufferings and death" and "the blood of thy Son which was shed" move the Father to grant mercy. This advocacy, combined with our repentance, allows us to receive a "reduced sentence" and escape the full penalty of justice. Mercy and grace are unearned gifts, enabling powers that transform us, but they are activated when we have done "all we can do" to align with God's will.

12. The Atonement was absolutely necessary and the only way for mankind's salvation and exaltation, performed by Christ as the only possible infinite sacrifice.

There shall be no other name given nor any other way nor means whereby salvation can come unto the children of men, only in and through the name of Christ.

No alternative. Prophets consistently declare the Atonement's absolute necessity: "all mankind must unavoidably perish" without it. Man, having fallen, "could not merit anything of himself" to escape the pit of sin and death. There was no "easier way" or "alternative way" for salvation; Christ's sacrifice was the only means to reclaim fallen humanity.

Why only Christ? The Atonement was necessary to comply with immutable laws, reflect God's perfect attributes, appeal to the universal sense of fairness among His children, and provide the ultimate motivational power for our return. A sacrifice was required because "there is not any man that can sacrifice his own blood which will atone for the sins of another."

The singular Redeemer. Christ was not merely the best candidate, but the only candidate for this infinite sacrifice. He alone possessed the infinitely divine qualities and power necessary to overcome both physical and spiritual death for all of God's creations. Any other being would have lacked the capacity to pay such an immense price, making His role as the "only name under heaven... whereby we must be saved" an eternal truth, established "from the foundation of the world."