Doctrine and Covenants Lesson 2

Introduction

Display a branch I have broken off a tree.  “I’m sure looking forward to harvesting some tasty fruit off this branch in fall!”  That obviously won’t work; why not?  Read quote by Elder Packer:

“[The Atonement of Jesus Christ] is the very root of Christian doctrine. You may know much about the gospel as it branches out from there, but if you only know the branches and those branches do not touch that root, if they have been cut free from that truth, there will be no life nor substance nor redemption in them” (in Conference Report, Apr. 1977, 80; or Ensign, May 1977, 56).

In everything that we study we need to remember the Atonement of Jesus Christ and draw strength from that great act of love.

The Doctrine and Covenants testifies of Jesus Christ

A major purpose of all scripture is to testify of Jesus Christ.  In the Doctrine and Covenants there are many instances of Jesus speaking directly to the Prophet in our dispensation testifying of himself.  Read for example D&C 50:41–44.  Today’s lesson will highlight many other such passages.

Jesus suffered for us so we can repent

The Savior describes His atoning sacrifice

Read D&C 19:16–19.  This is the only passage in all of scripture in which Jesus describes his suffering during his atoning sacrifice.  What does this teach us?

• Verse 16 – I suffered these things for all. 
• He suffered for you, paying the price for your little “pet sins” you don’t really want to give up, and your secret struggles that you fear will overwhelm you. 
• He suffered for those you love, and he loves them even more than you do.
• He suffered for those you don’t love.  We should work to love everyone, if for no other reason than that Jesus does.
• Verse 19 – Glory be to the father and I partook…  Sometimes we hear or say something like, “Praise God, I’m alive!” or “Thank God, I did it!”  These expressions imply that we only achieved whatever we did through God’s grace, and this is likely true.  Notice in this case that Jesus used the word and to join the ideas of praising God and accomplishing his work.  This helps me understand that the Atonement was a conscious choice motivated by love for us and a desire to bring glory to our Father in Heaven.

Why did Jesus willingly suffer for us?

1. D&C 19:19 – To glorify God
2. D&C 19:24 – To do the will of the Father
3. D&C 18:10-11 – Because we’re worth it, and Jesus wants us to be with him

Through the Atonement, all will be resurrected

What do we learn about the resurrection from the following passages?

D&C 88:14–18; D&C 93:33; Alma 11:42–44

1. Resurrection is the redemption of the soul. The spirit and the body are reunited, inseparably connected in a perfect form (D&C 88:14–16; 93:33; Alma 11:42–43).
2. Resurrection prepares us for the celestial glory (D&C 88:18).
3. Resurrection is necessary for us to receive a fulness of joy (D&C 93:33).
4. All people will be resurrected (Alma 11:44).

Through the Atonement, we can be forgiven and inherit Celestial glory

Read the following passages from the Doctrine and Covenants: D&C 18:11–12; 19:16–17, 20; 58:42; 76:62–70.  What blessings do we receive through the Atonement?

1. We can repent of our sins and come unto Him (D&C 18:11–12).
2. If we repent, Christ has taken upon Himself the suffering for our sins (D&C 19:16–17, 20).
3. If we repent, the Lord forgives us and remembers our sins no more (D&C 58:42).
4. We can come forth in the first resurrection, be made perfect through Christ, and inherit celestial glory (D&C 76:62–70).

Jesus has perfect empathy

Read D&C 62:1.  This points out two roles of Jesus Christ. 

• He is our advocate with the Father.  He pleads on our behalf.  See D&C 45:3-4.
• He understands our weakness and knows how to succor those who are tempted.  All of us are tempted to some degree; Jesus knows how to aid, help, and relieve us in those temptations.  He doesn’t make the consequences less; he makes our ability to resist more.

Elder Jeffrey R. Holland of the Quorum of the Twelve said: “When … difficult times come to us, we can remember that Jesus had to descend below all things before He could ascend above them, and that He suffered pains and afflictions and temptations of every kind that He might be filled with mercy and know how to succor His people in their infirmities (see D&C 88:6; Alma 7:11–12)” (in Conference Report, Oct. 1995, 91; or Ensign, Nov. 1995, 69).

• How can we show gratitude for Jesus’ Atonement?
• How should our understanding of the Atonement affect our daily lives?

The Doctrine and Covenants helps us understand the Savior’s attributes

D&C 6:20–21. (If we are faithful and diligent, the Savior will encircle us in the arms of His love. He is the light that shines in darkness.)

D&C 29:1–2. (His arm of mercy has atoned for our sins. If we hearken to His voice and humble ourselves, He will gather us as a hen gathers her chickens.)

D&C 76:5. (He is merciful and gracious to those who fear Him, and He delights to honor those who serve Him in righteousness and truth to the end.)

D&C 136:22. (His arm is stretched out to save His people.)

Conclusion

Read D&C 19:23.  I love the promise of peace to us as we learn of Jesus Christ and follow His perfect, loving example.