So, for the second scripture I wanted to memorize, I chose Romans 1:16. Romans is one of the epistles (letters) that Paul wrote; this was directed to the early Christian saints in Rome. Romans 1:16 is Paul's testimony of the the Gospel of Jesus Christ. He explains that the Gospel is the way we are saved and that it is God's power that saves us.
President George Albert Smith, prophet and president of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints until his death in 1951, has said:
"I know as I know that I live that he was the son of God, that through him and through him only will we gain exaltation in the celestial kingdom and all those who follow in his footsteps and live according to the teachings that he gave, will be happy in this life . . .
The Redeemer of mankind was more than a good man who came into the world to teach us ethics. The Redeemer of mankind possessed more than ordinary intelligence. He was indeed the Son of God, the only begotten of God in the flesh. . . . He came to call men to repentance, to turn them from the error of their way." If you want to read more, this is a link to the rest of President Smith's sermon.
So, what is the Gospel of Jesus Christ, and why would it work for everyone, for both the Jew and the Greek, as Paul says? The Gospel of Jesus Christ is the way we learn of His life and try to become like Him. It entails having faith in Jesus Christ and in the Atonement, repenting sincerely of our sins (which is not a one-time process), being baptized by Priesthood leaders with the authority from God to do so, being given the gift of the Holy Ghost, and "enduring to the end." Elder L. Tom Perry, a Priesthood leader of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, explains more about the Gospel of Jesus Christ in this talk.
So, why is the Gospel of Jesus Christ the way all can be saved and return to live with God? It is because God wants us to live with Him, as His children, and wants us to become the best that we can. That means being tested and experiencing the hardships of a mortal life, to learn and grow from them. I know for myself that God loves us, and that He sent His son, Jesus the Christ, as a way for us to return to Him.
I know that Jesus Christ took upon Himself our sins in the Garden of Gethsemane so that we would be cleansed of them, and be able to return to our perfect Father, God. I know that the Atonement of Jesus Christ, when He suffered for all the pain and sins every human being has experienced, was the ultimate act of love for us. I know I don't understand the full weight of this sacrifice for us, for me, but I have confidence that someday, I will know. I know that we can show our gratitude for the Savior by trying to do what He has asked us, by following His example to love others.
What are your thoughts on the Atonement of Jesus Christ?
Jesus the Christ
9 And when he had spoken these things, while they beheld, he was taken up; and a cloud received him out of their sight. 10 And while they looked stedfastly toward heaven as he went up, behold, two men stood by them in white apparel; 11 Which also said, Ye men of Galilee, why stand ye gazing up into heaven? this same Jesus, which is taken up from you into heaven, shall so come in like manner as ye have seen him go into heaven. -Acts 1:9-11
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