9/22/13 Review

Lesson Review

Followers of Christ – by Elder Dallin H. Oaks (April 2013 General Conference)

Redemption – by Elder D. Todd Christofferson (April 2013 General Conference)

Elder Christofferson said,

“Among the most significant of Jesus Christ descriptive titles is Redeemer….The Savior’s Redemption has two parts.  First, it atones for Adam’s transgression and the consequent Fall of man by overcoming what could be called the direct effects of the Fall – physical death and spiritual death. Physical death is well understood; spiritual death is the separation of man from God. In the words of Paul, ‘For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ shall all be made alive.’ This redemption from physical and spiritual death is both universal and without condition.  The second aspect of the Savior’s Atonement is redemption from what might be termed the indirect consequences of the Fall – our own sins as opposed to Adam’s transgression.  By virtue of the Fall, we are born into a mortal world where sin – that is, disobedience to divinely instituted law – is pervasive.’

Elder Christofferson went on to say,

“The Savior’s suffering in Gethsemane and His agony on the cross redeem us from sin by satisfying the demands that justice has upon us.  He extends mercy and pardons those who repent.  The Atonement also satisfies the debt justice owes to us by healing and compensating us for any suffering we innocently endure.  ‘For behold, he suffereth the pains of all men, yea, the pains of every living creature, both men, women, and children, who belong to the family of Adam.’”

We are redeemed when we follow the example of the Savior.

Elder Oaks said, “Following Christ is not a casual or occasional practice but a continuous commitment and way of life that applies at all times and in all places.”

One of our most beloved hymns begins with these words:

“Come, follow me,” the Savior said.

Then let us in his footsteps tread,

For thus alone can we be one

With God’s own loved, begotten Son.

Elder Oaks further said, “Jesus’ teachings were not meant to be theoretical.  Always they were to be acted upon.  Jesus taught, ‘Whosoever heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them, I will liken him unto a wise man’ and ‘Blessed is that servant, whom his lord when he cometh shall find so doing.’”

How are we to be followers of Christ?  The following are some of the ways:

1.      Repentance

2.      Baptism

3.      Keep the commandments

4.      Be not of the world

5.      Follow after the Savior

6.      Partake of the Sacrament

7.      Prayer

8.      Assist in building up His gospel

9.      Seek lambs who are lost

10.  Forgiving one another

11.  Give to the poor and needy