The Infinite Atonement Is Timeless And All Powerful

"The atonement of Jesus Christ is available to each of us. His Atonement is infinite. It applies to everyone, even you. It can clean, reclaim, and sanctify even you. That is what infinite means- total, complete, all, forever." The Atonement Can, Clean, Reclaim, And Sanctify Our Lives; Elder Shayne M. Bowen

The Infinite Atonement Is Total, All, Complete And Forever

These are significant and profound descriptions of the atonement and how it is infinite. This is very clear language of how the atonement was not a one time event and was not for one generation. The atonement is for everyone.

These words (total, all, complete and forever) is obvious that the power of the atonement is not transitory or short lived. Our ability to change is real but it requires work. The Book of Mormon has a powerful promise that says weaknesses can be made into strengths. With that said, the prophets have also said that dealing with problems is part of mortal life.

Even if we don't use the atonement to change and improve, His power to transform us will never become obsolete.

One of the best metaphors I have read is comparing us to a twisted vine. Our purpose is to bind ourselves to Christ. His job is to straighten us out when we get all twisted up. It is almost impossible not become twisted on a frequent basis with all the bombarding messages.

Everyone has an agenda.

The prophets have only one agenda, and that is to bring you to Christ. If you let the prophets be the pacesetters in your life, you will not only be straightened out but thrive with this onslaught of confusing messages.

The Atonement Can Clean, Reclaim And Sanctify

Clean: The scriptures that say there is no happiness for the wicked come to mind. Hugh Nibley has an interesting definition of what constitutes the wicked and the righteous. He says the righteous are those who are repenting (currently) and the wicked are those who are not repenting. What I take from that is repenting must be a constant daily habit.

The scriptures also say that nothing unclean can dwell with God. Every single one of us will die. Even if you don't believe in God, you have to answer the question what will happen to you after you die because it is a guarantee, nobody can escape it.

The amazing thing about repentance is no matter what you have done or not done before in your life, you can start with a clean slate.

One of the most powerful examples in the scriptures of repentance and change that I can think comes from the Book of Mormon. Alma and the sons of Mosiah were the vilest of sinners. They actually fought against God. The sons of Mosiah were the Kings boys.

They became converted, and once converted they plead with their father to allow them to take the gospel and serve a people called the Lamanites. The Lamanites delighted in killing them, yet the gospel changed the sons of Mosiah to the point they grew to love their enemy and wanted to serve them even until the end of their lives. It is an incredible story that I highly encourage you to read for yourself.

The sons of Mosiah were compared to a Nephite commander by the name of Captain Moroni (He was really a general).

"Yea, verily, verily I say unto you, if all men had been, and were, and ever would be, like unto Moroni, behold, the very powers of hell would have been shaken forever; yea, the devil would never have power over the hearts of the children of men." Alma 48: 17

Reclaim: When I think of reclaim, the word restoration comes to mind, more specifically personal restoration. We all lived in the pre-existence with Heavenly Father. There were many different degrees of faithfulness and devotion to God there as there is here. We received lessons there about the mission and purpose of life. We have forgotten those lessons because a veil has been placed over our eyes.

Fortunately, our purpose for mortal life has been revealed to the prophets. Everyone can be restored to their knowledge of what this life is all about.

Even more important we can be restored to our relationship with God. Most will not see God in this life. There is a promise throughout the scriptures that says if you draw near to God, He will draw near unto you.

Sanctify: Sanctification is a process of becoming holy. Holiness gives you tremendous spiritual power. The words written on every LDS temple says, "Holiness To The Lord." Worshipping in the temple is the most powerful place to become holy, because the temple is literally Christ's house.

The Atonement Is Available To Each Of Us

You don't need to belong to any specific religion to take advantage of the atonement through repentance. Repentance is a key way to access the atonement. Mercy claims justice, but only through repentance.

Jesus Christ has His church but He is also the God of this world.

When pondering this quote the following scripture came to mind from the Book of Mormon;

"Wherefore, it must needs be an infinite atonement-save it should be an infinite atonement this corruption could not put on incorruption. Wherefore, the first judgment which came upon man must needs have remained to an endless duration. And if so, this flesh must have laid down to rot and to crumble to its mother earth, to rise no more." (2 Nephi 9:7)