The Living Christ, Paragraphs 3–4

The First Presidency and Quorum of the Twelve Apostles plainly declare our central beliefs in Jesus Christ.

He instituted the sacrament as a reminder of His great atoning sacrifice. He was arrested and condemned on spurious charges, convicted to satisfy a mob, and sentenced to die on Calvary’s cross. He gave His life to atone for the sins of all mankind. His was a great vicarious gift in behalf of all who would ever live upon the earth.

We solemnly testify that His life, which is central to all human history, neither began in Bethlehem nor concluded on Calvary. He was the Firstborn of the Father, the Only Begotten Son in the flesh, the Redeemer of the world.

Sacrament

The sacrament is a special time to ponder the Savior’s Atonement and to renew baptismal covenants.

To help you focus your thoughts, you might try this during your next sacrament meeting: While the bread is passed, ponder mistakes you have made during the previous week, and while the water is passed, think about what you would like to do better the following week. You could also read a scripture or a hymn that reflects on the life of the Savior.

Spurious

Not genuine, authentic, or true.

Atone for the sins of all mankind

“Since all of us ‘have sinned, and come short of the glory of God’ (Rom. 3:23), the need for repentance is universal. And mercifully, Christ’s Atonement fits sins of all sizes—whether the smaller sins of omission or major transgressions. Hence, when we turn away from our sins, the required arc of that turning varies from person to person, but it is necessary for all.”

Elder Neal A. Maxwell (1926–2004), “Testifying of the Great and Glorious Atonement,” Ensign, Oct. 2001, 10.

We solemnly testify

To solemnly testify is to bear witness in a serious, sober, and sacred manner.

In the scriptures there are several places where the Lord commands his people to testify of him (see Isaiah 43:10; Mosiah 18:9; D&C 84:62). As you study the scriptures, try highlighting areas where someone witnesses of the life of the Savior.

Vicarious

Taking the place of someone else; performing, receiving, or suffering for another.

Central to all human history

Why do we need the Atonement? For the answer, read Alma 34:9–18. Afterward you could write down five reasons why it was necessary for Heavenly Father to send His Only Begotten Son to earth.

Firstborn of the Father

“I believe that He was born of Mary of the lineage of David as the promised Messiah, that He was in very deed begotten of the Father, and that in His birth was the fulfillment of the great prophetic declaration of Isaiah [see Isaiah 9:6].”

President Gordon B. Hinckley (1910–2008), “In These Three I Believe,” Ensign, July 2006, 2–8.