A Mighty Change

From the LDS.org media library

This week I studied Mosiah 27, 28, and 29. I also studied Alma 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, and 7. Believe it or not, all of those chapters only covered about twenty-six and a half pages, but they were packed with so much goodness! In Chapter 27 verse 10 we learn that this guy called Alma the younger, (He was called this as a way to differentiate him from his dad who was also named Alma.) and the sons of Mosiah (there were 4 of them) were going about secretly seeking to destroy the church, and leading people astray. Then later in the chapter we see a real conversion to Jesus Christ take place with Alma the younger and the sons of Mosiah. I am pointing this out because, sometimes I tend to think that I’m not worthy of God’s forgiveness, but then I remember stories like this where they had turned completely away from God, even leading people away from God, and when they truly repented they were forgiven. It gives me so much hope not only for myself, but for all mankind.

However, one of the problems I've encountered with seeking forgiveness is that I'm not always able to forgive myself, which has lead me to believe that the Atonement of Jesus Christ is for everyone else, but me. This video is a beautiful reminder of what the Atonement is really capable of doing in my life and yours.

My instructor, Brother McVey, pointed out that in the scriptures in Alma 7:11-13  ". . .we learn more about what the Atonement covers than in any other scripture." I've put the link in for the scripture, but I also want to share the verses here. 

From the LDS.org media library

It says:

11. And he shall go forth, suffering pains and afflictions and temptations of every kind; and this that the word might be fulfilled which saith he will take upon him the pains and the sicknesses of his people.

12. And he will take upon him death, that he may loose the bands of death which bind his people; and he will take upon him their infirmities, that his bowels may be filled with mercy, according to the flesh, that he may know according to the flesh how to succor his people according to their infirmities.

13. Now the Spirit knoweth all things; nevertheless the Son of God suffereth according to the flesh that he might take upon him the sins of his people, that he might blot out their transgressions according to the power of his deliverance; and now behold, this is the testimony which is in me.

So once we have sought forgiveness, have been forgiven, and have allowed the Atonement to work in our lives, how do we know that we have really changed? In Alma Chapter 5 there are some questions that we can ask ourselves to help us gauge where we are in our lives in relation to Jesus Christ. 

Questions such as in this sampling:

• Have you spiritually been born of God? 
• Have you received His image in your countenance?
• Have you experienced this mighty change in your heart?
• Do you exercise faith in the redemption of Him who created you?
• Do you look forward with an eye of faith?
• Are you stripped of pride?
• Can you look up to God at that day (judgment) with a pure heart and clean hands?

I know that I still have a lot to work on, but my hope is that as we are striving to master our souls, that we do have a mighty change of heart. A change so great that we only ever desire to love, serve, and be obedient to our Savior Jesus Christ. I’d love to know how you have overcome the natural man to align your will with the Father’s.

Thanks so much for stopping by. I really appreciate it.