Our Savior’s Victory
Our Savior Jesus Christ won the victory over sin and death, and He can bless your life exactly where you are today.
The Resurrected Christ, by Wilson J. Ong
As the years have passed, I have become increasingly humbled as I have thought about, studied, and found comfort in the gift of our Savior—the Atonement of Jesus Christ. The human mind can scarcely begin to comprehend how completely the destiny of mankind changed because of what happened in Gethsemane, on the cross, and at the tomb.
The Savior Helps and Comforts Us
In my calling as an Apostle, I have traveled extensively and had the privilege of meeting children, youth, and adults throughout much of the world. There are moments of great joy in life, but one thing I have seen with my own eyes and felt in the depths of my heart is that in addition to happiness and joy, life holds moments of heartbreak and suffering.
I feel increasingly drawn to the Savior’s love and the never-ending blessings promised us through His Atonement. In our trials, the Savior will succor, or help, us (see Alma 7:12). He did not shield us from the difficult experiences of life, but He protected us from everlasting suffering and estrangement from Heavenly Father. He allowed us, through His all-encompassing suffering, to have the possibility of perfect joy and eternal happiness in the presence of God.
Thy Will, by Dan Wilson
The Savior Suffered for Us
I cannot, with any words I know, describe the feelings in my heart for what must have occurred in the Savior’s heart, mind, body, and soul in His sacred moments of all-encompassing suffering for the sins and pain of all humanity.
It began as Jesus went “unto a place called Gethsemane” (Matthew 26:36). He said to His disciples, “My soul is exceeding sorrowful, even unto death” (Matthew 26:38). He then prayed three times for His Father to let this cup pass from Him. But He said, “nevertheless not as I will, but as thou wilt.” “Thy will be done” (Matthew 26:39, 42, 44).
Without sin, Jesus drank the bitter cup. He took upon Himself all of our sins and suffered beyond our mortal comprehension so that as we come unto Him and repent, our sins and burdens are lifted from us (see 2 Corinthians 5:21). He did what no other could do to allow us to return to the presence of our Father.
Following the suffering in Gethsemane, His agony continued—the betrayal by one who walked with Him, the ridicule before unjust rulers, the pain of His body being scourged, the crown of thorns pressed into His head by the cruel and unmerciful soldiers (see John 18:12; Mark 15:16–20), and the heavy beam thrust upon the torn flesh of His back as He moved toward Golgotha (see John 19:16–17).
On the cross, the extreme agony felt in Gethsemane returned. Jesus Christ, the Son of God, bore alone the divine commission by His Father to lay down His life. The soldiers and rulers could not take it from Him. In reverence and humility, Jesus bowed His head and said, “It is finished” (John 19:30).
Balm of Gilead, by Annie Henrie Nader
The Savior Lives!
With His divine mission accomplished, He would now be the first in all human history to rise from the grave into immortality.
Jesus Christ broke the chains and shackles of the everlasting bondage of death for every person who has lived or will live on earth. He conquered our all-encompassing enemy; the enemy of death was forever vanquished.
President Russell M. Nelson said: “Jesus Christ took upon Himself your sins, your pains, your heartaches, and your infirmities. You do not have to bear them alone! He will forgive you as you repent. He will bless you with what you need. He will heal your wounded soul.”
As one of His ordained Apostles, I have experienced the spiritual and personal moments that have brought to me a sure and certain witness that He lives. At this Easter season, may these words softly abide in our minds and hearts: “Let me not forget, O Savior, Thou didst bleed and die for me,” as we rejoice in singing, “He is risen! He is risen! … Death is conquered; man is free. Christ has won the victory.”