I Know That My Redeemer Lives!

"I feel, and the Spirit seems to accord, that the most important doctrine I can declare, and the most powerful testimony I can bear, is of the atoning sacrifice of the Lord Jesus Christ." ~ Elder Bruce R. McConkie

Book of Mormon prophets teach us that the Atonement was part of the plan of salvation that God had for each of us his children. In Alma 34:9 Amulek teaches:  "For it is expedient that an atonement should be made; for according to the great plan of the Eternal God there must be an atonement made, or else all mankind must unavoidably perish; yea, all are hardened; yea, all are fallen and are lost, and must perish except it be through the atonement which it is expedient should be made."

Alma continues, "And now, the plan of mercy could not be brought about except an atonement should be made; therefore God himself atoneth for the sins of the world, to bring about the plan of mercy, to appease the demands of justice, that God might be a perfect, just God, and a merciful God also." (Alma 42:15)

I was a young teenager when I heard Elder Bruce R. McConkie bear testimony of the Savior that April General Conference in 1985. I was impressed by the relationship Elder McConkie had with his Savior, Jesus Christ. I knew even at that young age, that I wanted my relationship with my Savior to be that personal and intimate.

And now, as pertaining to this perfect atonement, wrought by the shedding of the blood of God—I testify that it took place in Gethsemane and at Golgotha, and as pertaining to Jesus Christ, I testify that he is the Son of the Living God and was crucified for the sins of the world. He is our Lord, our God, and our King. This I know of myself independent of any other person.

I am one of his witnesses, and in a coming day I shall feel the nail marks in his hands and in his feet and shall wet his feet with my tears.

But I shall not know any better then than I know now that he is God’s Almighty Son, that he is our Savior and Redeemer, and that salvation comes in and through his atoning blood and in no other way.

Here is another testimony given of the Savior and his Atonement by Elder Jeffery R. Holland:

The Prophet Joseph Smith declares his testimony of the Risen Christ in Doctrine and Covenants 76:

22 And now, after the many testimonies which have been given of him, this is the testimony, last of all, which we give of him: That he lives!

23 For we saw him, even on the right hand of God; and we heard the voice bearing record that he is the Only Begotten of the Father—

To these I add my own humble testimony. I know that my Redeemer lives! Jesus Christ suffered for my sins in Gethsemane, was hung on the cross and died for me. He was  buried, placed in the tomb, and on the third day he rose again, overcoming death and sin so that I might return home to Heavenly Father, if I will repent and come unto Him.  I testify that Jesus Christ is the Son of God and Savior of the World. He came to Earth to do the will of the Father. Through his atoning sacrifice he made it possible for all mankind to overcome sin and death. I long for the day when I will return back into his presence, and thank him for what he has done for me. Not only is he my Savior, but he is my best friend. Of these things I humbly testify in his holy name, Jesus Christ, amen.