Chapter 3 -Atonement of Jesus Christ

“To atone is to suffer the penalty for sin, thereby removing the effects of sin from the repentant sinner and allowing him or her to be reconciled to God. Jesus Christ was the only one capable of making a perfect atonement for all mankind. His Atonement included His suffering for the sins of mankind in the Garden of Gethsemane, the shedding of His blood, His suffering and death on the cross, and His Resurrection from the tomb (see Luke 24:36–39; D&C 19:16–19). The Savior was able to carry out the Atonement because He kept Himself free from sin and had power over death. From His mortal mother, He inherited the ability to die. From His immortal Father, He inherited the power to take up His life again.

Through grace, made available by the Savior’s atoning sacrifice, all people will be resurrected and receive immortality. The Atonement of Jesus Christ also makes it possible for us to receive eternal life (see Moroni 7:41). To receive this gift, we must live the gospel of Jesus Christ, which includes having faith in Him, repenting of our sins, being baptized, receiving the gift of the Holy Ghost, and enduring faithfully to the end (see John 3:5).

As part of His Atonement, Jesus Christ not only suffered for our sins but also took upon Himself the pains, sicknesses, and infirmities of all people (see Alma 7:11–13). He understands our suffering because He has experienced it. His grace, or enabling power, strengthens us to bear burdens and accomplish tasks that we could not do on our own (see Matthew 11:28–30; Philippians 4:13; Ether 12:27).

Related references: John 3:5; Acts 3:19–21

Faith in Jesus Christ

Faith is a “hope for things which are not seen, which are true” (Alma 32:21; see also Ether 12:6). It is a gift from God.

Faith must be centered in Jesus Christ in order for it to lead a person to salvation. Having faith in Jesus Christ means relying completely on Him and trusting in His infinite Atonement, power, and love. It includes believing His teachings and believing that even though we do not understand all things, He does (see Proverbs 3:5–6; D&C 6:36).

More than passive belief, faith is expressed by the way we live (see James 2:17–18). Faith can increase as we pray, study the scriptures, and obey God’s commandments.

Latter-day Saints also have faith in God the Father, the Holy Ghost, and priesthood power as well as other important aspects of the restored gospel. Faith helps us receive spiritual and physical healing and strength to press forward, face our hardships, and overcome temptation (see 2 Nephi 31:19–20). The Lord will work mighty miracles in our lives according to our faith.

Through faith in Jesus Christ, a person may obtain a remission of sins and eventually be able to dwell in God’s presence.

Related reference: Matthew 11:28–30

Repentance

Repentance is a change of mind and heart that gives us a fresh view about God, about ourselves, and about the world. It includes turning away from sin and turning to God for forgiveness. It is motivated by love for God and the sincere desire to obey His commandments.

Our sins make us unclean—unworthy to return to and dwell in the presence of our Heavenly Father. Through the Atonement of Jesus Christ, our Father in Heaven has provided the only way for us to be forgiven of our sins (see Isaiah 1:18).

Repentance also includes feeling sorrow for committing sin, confessing to Heavenly Father and to others if necessary, forsaking sin, seeking to restore as far as possible all that has been damaged by one’s sins, and living a life of obedience to God’s commandments (see D&C 58:42–43).

Related references: Isaiah 53:3–5; John 14:6; 2 Nephi 25:23, 26; D&C 18:10–11; D&C 19:23; D&C 76:40–41”

© 2009, 2013 by Intellectual Reserve, Inc. All rights reserved. English approval: 10/12. Translation approval: 10/12. Translation of Basic Doctrines. Language. PD00010275 000

Lesson #1 Atonement of Jesus Christ: Jesus Christ has Power to Heal

Preparation for Parents

Pray: Prayerfully review lesson material while considering the needs of your children. Prepare any materials you will need.

Review: Read the doctrinal Summary of the Atonement of Jesus Christ provided in the beginning of this section.

Read or listen to: Elder Russell M. Nelson “Jesus Christ – the Master Healer” Ensign, Nov. 2005 p. 88.

Sing an opening song: To Think about Jesus, Primary Children’s Songbook p 71.

Pray to invite the Spirit into your lesson:

Show Artwork: Non-cartoon Illustration of the Crucifixion/Atonement of Jesus Christ: Jesus healed the man who had his ear cut off by Peter.

Read: Christ completed the suffering in gethsemane he was betrayed by Judas.  Men came to take him into custody and Peter tried to protect him. Peter didn’t understand at the time that Jesus had to go and complete his Father’s will (see John 18:11). Peter cut a man named Malchus’s ear in the process of trying to protect Jesus (see John 18:10).  Jesus healed the man that Peter hurt; Jesus Christ’s power can perfectly put things right in our lives as well (see Luke 22:51-52). Sometimes his healing may not be immediate. The healing he offers perfectly adjusts to our circumstances and to the lessons he desire us to learn.  Our trials can help our faith in Him to grow and become perfected (see D&C 58:3-6). It is through his atonement that all those we have injured can be healed (see D&C 42:48-52). When we pray for those we have injured it helps to begin that healing process in their lives. Jesus prayed in the garden of gethsemane and he prayed on the cross. We too need to pray when we are having troubles in our life. We pray directly to our Heavenly Father in the name of Jesus Christ. We can feel what we need to ask for through the Holy Ghost. When we follow the promptings of the Holy Ghost as we pray we will be praying for things that God wants to give us. Those prayers are always answered. Jesus Christ suffered the great pain on the cross when his Father in Heaven withdrew his Spirit from him. He knows what it is like to feel completely alone (See Mark 15:34, 37). He felt that way for us so we don’t ever need to be alone in our trials. He knows perfectly how we feel when we have been cut off from feeling the Holy Ghost because of sin. He chose to give up his life for us because he loves us and there was no other way to overcome sin and death (see 2 Nephi 9:21-22).

Testify: I know that Jesus gave his life for us so that we can overcome sin and death.

Teaching Hint: Play the telephone game, if you have at least three people it will be more fun. The telephone game is when one person is given a piece of paper with a phrase on it. Then that person has to whisper that phrase in the ear of the person next to them. This continues until everyone has had a turn to hear the phrase. The last person repeats the phrase and sees how close it came to the original phrase. Teach them that the Spirit has a quiet voice like a whisper and that we need to learn to listen to it. Help them learn to listen to the Holy Ghost when they pray to their Heavenly Father. Help them understand that their prayers go directly to the Father and that Jesus Christ’s atonement helps them to feel the Holy Ghost and know what to prayer for. Teach them to end their prayers in the name of Jesus Christ amen. Share that the reason why we end our prayers that way is to show that we are praying for the things that Jesus Christ would pray for (see Bible Dictionary prayer.) When making commitments with your children it is important to express your confidence in them that they can accomplish things that stretch their faith.

Ask: Why did Jesus suffer and die for us?

What abilities did Jesus inherit from his father and mother?

How did these abilities help him complete the atonement?

What hurt or heartache do you need help with? Will you pray for the Lord to heal that? What can we do to help others who have been injured?

Study Journal: What did you learn about the Atonement of Jesus Christ today? Set a goal to focus on the Savior throughout the day and look for ways we need his help.

Closing Testimony and Invitation for Children to Bear Testimony: I know Jesus paid for all our sins, illness and sadness and this is called the atonement. Jesus understands how we feel perfectly and has power to heal us. In the Name of Jesus Christ amen.

This is an appropriate time for children to share their thoughts and feelings about what they have learned. As you seek the Spirit you can be directed as to the time when it is appropriate to invite your children to testify. Possible invitations are as follows:

Will you share your testimony now or later?

Will you share your testimony about Jesus Christ?

Closing Prayer: Express gratitude that the Spirit of the Lord has been present, and for what you have learned.

Adaptions for small children (0-3/non-verbal)

Sing the opening song: To Think about Jesus, Primary Children’s Songbook p 71.

Say a simple prayer: Pray to invite the Spirit to teach you and your children the truths God desires for you.

Statements of true doctrinal principals: Jesus knows how you feel. Jesus’ atonement allowed him to experience all the sins and problems of all people so he would know how and have power to help us.

Testify: share your testimony that you know Jesus chose to give his life to save you and me.

Teaching Hint: whisper in their ear and say, “You are a child of God.” Tell them that the Holy Ghost speaks in a “still small voice” (see 1 Nephi 17:45). Don’t be afraid to ask questions that are beyond their current understanding. Asking the question helps to prepare them to receive more information. If children can’t answer a question answer the question answer the question for them. You can also help your children know that they can get a priesthood blessing and pray for help. Children that are too small to ask for themselves will still benefit from prayers and priesthood blessings when they are in need.

Ask: Does Jesus know how you feel?

What can you do to get him to help you feel better?

Study Journal: Write their responses to the question or spirit that you felt as you taught. A good goal would be to talk about the power Jesus has to help them throughout the week and as prompted.

Closing Testimony and Invitation for Children to Bear Testimony: I know Jesus paid for all our sins, illness and sadness and this is called the atonement. Jesus understands how we feel perfectly and has power to heal us. In the Name of Jesus Christ amen.

This is an appropriate time for children to share their thoughts and feelings about what they have learned. As you encourage the sharing of their thoughts and feelings they are being prepared to share their testimony. Confirm the truthfulness of what they have said and that learning these things by the power of the Holy Ghost is the beginning of gaining a testimony.

Closing Prayer: Express gratitude that the Spirit of the Lord has been present, and for what you have learned.

Lesson #2 Atonement of Jesus Christ: Jesus Understands and Enables Us to Accomplish Our Missions

Preparation for Parents

Pray: Prayerfully review lesson material while considering the needs of your children. Prepare any materials you will need.

Review: Read the doctrinal Summary of the Atonement of Jesus Christ provided in the beginning of this section.

Read or listen to: Elder Dallin H. Oaks, “Strengthened by the Atonement of Jesus Christ, Ensign, Nov. 2015, p.61.

Sing an opening song: He Sent His Son, Children’s Songbook p. 34.

Pray to invite the Spirit into your lesson:

Show Artwork: Non-cartoon Illustration of the Garden of Gethsemane/Atonement of Jesus Christ and an Elder Apostle Paul receiving revelation in prayer.

Read: Jesus prayed and took upon him the burdens of all mankind in the garden of Gethsemane and again on the cross. The Garden of Gethsemane is where Jesus began to redeem mankind. (Redeem means to buy back.) In other words Christ had to purchase us with all of our struggles and challenges so we could be freed from those struggles and from Satan. There he felt every pain and sadness of men women and children (2 Nephi 9:21-23). Because He did this he became our Redeemer and Savior and knows perfectly how to help us with our problems (See 1 Nephi 10:5-8). All he asks in return is that we remember him and keep his commandments (See D&C 20:77, 79). There is not a problem in the world that the Savior cannot help. The apostle Paul learned that sometimes we will need to bear burdens while we do His work. When Paul came to understand that principle he was able to be happy even though he carried a burden (see 2 Corinthians 12:7-10). This happiness is possible through the enabling power of the atonement. Enabling power is when God helps us do what he asks us to do. Even though we must try to keep the commandments and be good but we do not need to worry about being perfect right now. It takes time to learn to be like God. We can do God’s work in our families and the church even though we are not perfect like Jesus because Jesus will help us (see President Thomas S. Monson, “Finding Joy in the Journey” Ensign, Nov. 2008, 84).

Testify: Share that you know that Jesus loves us even though we are not perfect. Testify of the power that you feel when you remember Jesus and keep the commandments.

Teaching Hint: There are many correct answers to how we can receive the Savior’s help. If children still struggle with this you may want to share a time when you prayed or read your scriptures and found your answers through leaders of the church etc. It is important that children understand Christ’s role as the Redeemer. Find a coupon. Show the children that the coupon is only good if you take it to the store and use it to redeem the coupon’s value. Explain that they are like the coupon yet their value is so high there are not numbers high enough to reach it. Then share how in order for us to be redeemed we need to go to Christ through the ordinance and covenants of the Church.

Ask: What did Jesus do so that he could help us?

What are some problems you would like the Savior’s help with?

How do you get the Savior’s help?

Study Journal: What did you learn about the Atonement of Jesus Christ today? If children are prepared for a new goal, after follow up on the previous goal, encourage them to think about how much they need the Savior’s help and remember that and be spiritually ready to partake of the sacrament.  (At young ages preparing for the sacrament can be as simple as being reverent and trying to be good. Prayerfully consider ways to help your children focus on Christ during the administration of the sacrament.)

Closing Testimony and Invitation for Children to Bear Testimony: I know Jesus will help us to do whatever he needs us to do through His atoning sacrifice. Jesus purchased us through his atonement and because of this he is called the Redeemer. All Jesus wants in return is for us to do our best to be good and keep the commandments. In the name of Jesus Christ amen.

This is an appropriate time for children to share their thoughts and feelings about what they have learned. As you seek the Spirit you can be directed as to the time when it is appropriate to invite your children to testify. Possible invitations are as follows:

Will you share your testimony now or later?

Will you share your testimony about Jesus Christ?

Closing Prayer: Express gratitude that the Spirit of the Lord has been present, and for what you have learned.

Adaptions for small children (0-3/non-verbal)

Sing the opening song: He Sent His Son, Children’s Songbook p. 34.

Say a simple prayer: Pray to invite the Spirit to teach you and your children the truths God desires for you.

Statements of true doctrinal principals: Jesus purchased us with his life. He wants us to remember him and keep his commandments.

Testify: Share how you know that keeping the commandments and remembering Jesus can help us to be happy.

Teaching Hint: Show a picture of Moses holding the 10 commandments. Review a commandment that your child needs help with. Since they are so young they just need to remember the commandment and be reminded by you when they are keeping. Encourage them to continue keeping the commandment and that when they do so they make Jesus happy.

Ask: What is a commandment?

How can you remember Jesus?

Study Journal: Write their responses to the question or spirit that you felt as you taught. To help your child keep a goal, talk about Jesus and his commandments as a part of your daily routine.

Closing Testimony and Invitation for Children to Bear Testimony: I know Jesus will help us to do whatever he needs us to do through His atoning sacrifice. I know that we don’t need to be perfect right now but we do need to try to be good and keep the commandments. I know it will take time to be like Heavenly Father and Jesus. In the name of Jesus Christ amen.

This is an appropriate time for children to share their thoughts and feelings about what they have learned. As you encourage the sharing of their thoughts and feelings they are being prepared to share their testimony. Confirm the truthfulness of what they have said and that learning these things by the power of the Holy Ghost is the beginning of gaining a testimony.

Closing Prayer: Express gratitude that the Spirit of the Lord has been present, and for what you have learned.

Lesson #3 Atonement of Jesus Christ: Jesus Helps Us Repent

Preparation for Parents

Pray: Prayerfully review lesson material while considering the needs of your children. Prepare any materials you will need.

Review: Read the doctrinal Summary of the Atonement of Jesus Christ provided in the beginning of this section.

Read or listen to: Elder Dale G. Renlund, “Repentance a Joyful Choice” Ensign, Nov. 2016, p. 121.

Sing an opening song: “Jesus Said Love Everyone” Primary Children’s Songbook, p.61.

Pray to invite the Spirit into your lesson:

Show Artwork: Non-cartoon Illustration of Jesus’ burial/Atonement of Jesus Christ and a picture of a young boy or girl speaking with parents and a smiling bishop

Read: When Jesus died his body was lovingly taken off the cross and placed in a tomb before the Sabbath, which at that time was on Saturday. Jesus’s death was necessary to fulfill the plan of God and in order to pay the price to redeem all mankind. All mankind can be saved from physical death and be resurrected. This is called a universal gift. In order to get freedom from spiritual death we need to repent. The gift of repentance is a chance to change and be better making us truly happy and at peace. Repentance begins when we truly feel sorrow for what we have done. Even though it makes us sad to do what is wrong repentance makes us happy again. Repentance requires us to make restitution, meaning we need to make up for what we did. When we have stolen something restitution means returning it or paying for it. Sometime restitution is not simple, like when we hurt other people. We need Jesus’ help to make things right again. When we repent we pray for those we have injured so that Jesus can heal them. We need to ask God and anyone else we have injured through our actions for forgiveness. To repent means we forsake our sins (never do the wrong thing again). When we are old enough sometimes our sins are the kind we need to talk to the bishop about. Your parents will help you know when that is necessary. Your parents love you and will help you. When we truly repent God will forgive us. Finally we need to forgive ourselves as well. When we follow the steps of repentance we are able to access the cleansing power of the atonement of Jesus Christ. Blessings are also extended to all those we have injured as well when we repent (See True to the Faith, Repentance p.132-135).

Testify: Share how you have felt when you have sincerely repented. Follow the Spirit in how you share these experiences. (It is unnecessary to give a detailed account of sins. For example Alma the younger is called the “vilest of sinners” (see Mosiah 28: 4). He shares the pain he suffered in repenting and emphasizes the relief of being forgiven by God (see Mosiah 27:23-32). When we truly repent God remembers our sins no more (see D&C 58:42). It is important to be forgiving of our children and others. Dwelling on past sins is not inspired of God. 

Teaching Hint: Have your children imagine and remember what they feel like when they do something wrong. Teach them that repentance is the way to be happy again. (Smiling while you teach repentance helps communicate that repentance is a happy choice.) It is an opportunity to feel better and to help those we may have injured feel better too. To emphasize that we should be repenting daily take a toothbrush and say that repentance is like brushing your teeth. When we brush our teeth everyday we have a healthier mouth. This is an important lesson to practice. As you implement this simple lesson of repentance and how it is a happy thing to change and learn children will grow up with a healthy and better attitude about repentance. Understanding how to repent is a fundamental understanding for a happy life and for missionary service.

Ask: What does conditional mean?

What does universally mean?

What do you need to do to be forgiven of your sins?

How do you repent?

Study Journal: What did you learn about the Atonement of Jesus Christ today? If children are ready to set a goal begin to teach them the process of repentance when they have done something wrong. Have a happy attitude about it so that children get the right idea that repentance is positive. If this is already a part of your life then have the children record a time that it meant a difference to them and helped them have greater peace and love for the Savior and his sacrifice for them personally.

Closing Testimony and Invitation for Children to Bear Testimony: I know that Jesus Christ is our Savior. Jesus saves us from physical death and will save us from spiritual death on conditions of repentance. Through repentance we can have happiness and peace. In the name of Jesus Christ amen.

This is an appropriate time for children to share their thoughts and feelings about what they have learned. As you seek the Spirit you can be directed as to the time when it is appropriate to invite your children to testify. Possible invitations are as follows:

Will you share your testimony now or later?

Will you share your testimony about Jesus Christ?

Closing Prayer: Express gratitude that the Spirit of the Lord has been present, and for what you have learned.

Adaptions for small children (0-3/non-verbal)

Sing the opening song: “Jesus Said Love Everyone” Primary Children’s Songbook, p.61.

Say a simple prayer: Pray to invite the Spirit to teach you and your children the truths God desires for you.

Statements of true doctrinal principals: Jesus is the Savior he saves us from sin and death. Jesus saves us from death through the resurrection and he saves us from sin through repentance and faith in His name. Repentance is God’s gift to us so that we can be happy.

Testify: Share how you know that repentance makes us happy.

Teaching Hint: let your children get really dirty. If getting really dirty is a little too difficult for you just mix up a batch of cookies and let them mix the dough with their hands. Then teach them repentance is like a bath or washing their hands. Have them describe how they feel after they are clean. Tell them that Jesus helps us be clean in our hearts.

Ask: What is repentance?

Do you believe that repentance works?

Study Journal: Write their responses to the question or the Spirit that you felt as you taught. A good goal is to be consistent with your discipline. Be happy and positive as you redirect them and teach them a better way to act.

Closing Testimony and Invitation for Children to Bear Testimony: I know that Jesus Christ is our Savior. Jesus saves us from physical death and will save us from spiritual death on conditions of repentance. Through repentance we can have happiness and peace. In the name of Jesus Christ amen.

This is an appropriate time for children to share their thoughts and feelings about what they have learned. As you encourage the sharing of their thoughts and feelings they are being prepared to share their testimony. Confirm the truthfulness of what they have said and that learning these things by the power of the Holy Ghost is the beginning of gaining a testimony.

Closing Prayer: Express gratitude that the Spirit of the Lord has been present, and for what you have learned.