Accessing the Power of Jesus Christ’s Atonement

It is inspiring to see how many people in the scriptures were able to access the healing power of Jesus Christ. Again and again, miracles occurred as individuals came close to the Savior and exercised faith in Him. In Mark 5:25–34, a woman who had an issue of blood for many years touched the hem of Jesus’ garment and was healed. Jesus told her, “Daughter, thy faith hath made thee whole.” Similarly, in Mark 10:46–52, when a blind man learned that Jesus was nearby, he cried out, “Jesus, thou Son of David, have mercy on me.” After giving him sight, the Savior declared, “Go thy way; thy faith hath made thee whole.” These accounts clearly teach that faith in Jesus Christ is essential to receiving His healing power.

Jesus is no longer physically walking among us on the earth. How can we come close to Him today and access the power of His Atonement? The Book of Mormon teaches in Alma 7:21 that “neither can filthiness or anything which is unclean be received into the kingdom of God.” This reminds us that we must make a conscious decision to turn away from sin and repent. Repentance requires a change of heart--a sincere desire to follow Jesus Christ. Through baptism by water and confirmation of the Holy Ghost, our bodies and souls can be cleansed and sanctified. By making these sacred covenants, we establish a direct and personal connection with our Savior.

As we keep the commandments we have promised to obey, this covenant relationship protects and strengthens us. But life is full of trials and temptations, and at times we fall short. When we make mistakes, the Savior’s infinite Atonement provides a way back. In John 6, Jesus fed five thousand people with only five loaves of bread and two small fishes, with food left over after everyone was filled. This miracle illustrates that His Atonement power is not limited by the temporal constraints—it is infinite. Jesus later taught, “Whoso eateth my flesh, and drinketh my blood, hath eternal life; and I will raise him up at the last day. For my flesh is meat indeed, and my blood is drink indeed. He that eateth my flesh, and drinketh my blood, dwelleth in me, and I in him” (John 6:54–56). His words state clearly that through His sacrifice, all may receive forgiveness, healing, spiritual renewal, and overcome death! Each week as we partake of the sacrament, we are sanctified anew and draw closer to Jesus Christ. By staying on the covenant path, we can continually access the power of His Atonement.

Because we have access to such holy power, we are also responsible for using it to bless others. Jesus taught in Matthew 16:19 that He would give the keys of the kingdom of heaven, with power to bind/loose on earth and in heaven. Through priesthood blessings, temple ordinances, and sacred work for the living and the dead, we help bring souls closer to God. These ordinances allow us to experience the power of Jesus Christ’s Atonement in deeper and more meaningful ways. We should bear our testimony to others about this sacred power. If we come unto the Savior, no matter what we have done, no matter what heavy burdens we carry, and no matter how many times we have fallen, Jesus Christ’s atoning power can save us all.

Accessing the power of Jesus Christ’s Atonement is an incredible blessing from heaven that leads to eternity. It is found through faith, repentance, sacred covenants, and continual renewal through ordinances. As we follow Christ and help others do the same, His infinite power heals us, strengthens us, and leads us back to our Heavenly Father. We will experience the ultimate happiness alongside our beloved family members forever.