Reflections on the Atonement of Jesus Christ

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It is a tenant of our faith that “We believe that through the Atonement of Christ, all mankind may be saved, by obedience to the laws and ordinances of the Gospel” ( AF 1:3 ). Yea, the Atonement was wrought for all of us, and there are none that do not have access to it; for, “God is no respecter of persons” ( Acts 10:34 ) and “he denieth none that come unto him, black and white, bond and free, male and female… all are alike unto God” ( 2 Ne 26:33 ). “For Jesus died on Calvary, that all thru Him might ransomed be” ( Hymn 177 , emphasis added). Indeed, Jesus Christ, Himself, speaking of His Atonement said, “For, behold, I, God, have suffered these things for all” ( D&C 19:16 ). He atoned for you and He atoned for me; He atoned for everyone. There is no one too far gone, no one too shrouded in sin, no one past the point of no return. We all fall short; we are all imperfect; we are all at the mercy of His Atonement. That’s why we are here; that’s why we partake of the sacram...
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A Tribute to President Thomas S. Monson, A Navy Veteran



President Thomas S. Monson was a great man, whom I admire tremendously, but now he's with his darling Frances, whom he missed so dearly. I enjoyed listening to him speak; I enjoyed his stories, his voice inflections and facial expressions. He had a great sense of humor from the pulpit. I remember sitting in the Priesthood Session of General Conference and watching him wiggle his ears. I know he was a prophet of God, not because that’s what the Church teaches nor because I know President Hinckley was a Prophet of God and therefore would make logical sense that his successor would be as well. I know for myself. I watched that first General Conference after President Hinckley passed away and saw the mantle pass to President Monson. I felt it deep within my heart, and I knew then that he was indeed a prophet of God.

I related to President Monson more than anyone else I’ve heard speak in conference. His stories always spoke to me, especially the stories of his naval service during World War II. I loved how he quoted literature in his talks.

I’m grateful for his teachings and counsel. So to the man who taught me that when I'm on the Lord's errand, I'm entitled to his help, thank you. To the man who taught me that when the spirit directs, do it, thank you. To the man who taught me to enjoy the journey, thank you.  To the man who taught me about priesthood service and priesthood power, thank you.  To the man who taught me to be an example and to dare to stand alone, thank you.  Thank you for your dedication and service.

From one sailor to another, fair winds and following seas shipmate. We have the watch.

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