Topic

Atonement

As declared by Joseph Smith, the Atonement of the Savior Jesus Christ is the fundamental doctrine for members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints upon which all other principles are founded. We believe in the testimonies of the Atonement foreshadowed in the Old Testament, offered in the New Testament, and echoed in the Book of Mormon, Doctrine and Covenants, and Pearl of Great Price, as well as by every latter-day prophet and apostle. These teachings, whether written or spoken, testify that Jesus Christ suffered for the sins and afflictions of the world, gave up His life on the cross, and then took it up again in the Resurrection.

The blessings of the Atonement are innumerable. Because of Jesus Christ, we can be forgiven of our sins and prepare to return to our Father in Heaven. We know that death is not permanent and each of us will one day receive a perfected and glorified body, enabling us to live forever with those we love. However, the blessings of the Atonement are not limited to life after death. Here and now, the Atonement offers us the peace, hope, and confidence we need to endure trials, make our lives meaningful, and become more like the Savior.

These discourses given at BYU devotionals offer added doctrinal depth, gleaned through years of academic and spiritual study, to our understanding of this matchless gift. They also provide powerful testimonies of the reality of Jesus Christ and His Atonement to shore up our faith and give us strength. Finally, they give us practical examples and counsel for applying the Atonement in our lives. As you read, listen to, or watch these devotional addresses, your relationship with Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ will be strengthened and you will better understand the infinite worth you have.

Michael S. Drake, professor of accounting

Michael S. Drake | October 4, 2022

We are part of the greatest deliverance story ever told. Our Savior is the protagonist, and His promises can fill us with hope.

devotional 2022

Adam T. Woolley, BYU professor of chemistry

Adam T. Woolley | May 17, 2022

BYU implements a unique form of teaching centered around scholarship and faith that draws us closer to the Savior’s example.

devotional 2022

Kyle S. McKay, General Authority Seventy

Kyle S. McKay | March 23, 2021

Kyle S. McKay shares why we need to embrace the plan of God and the doctrine of Christ; Christ can undo wrongs and provide healing.

devotional 2021

Benjamin M. Ogles | January 30, 2018

The doctrines of agency, accountability, and the Atonement of Jesus Christ lay the foundation for understanding the devastating issue of sexual assault.

devotional 2018

Jeffery N. Bunker | April 5, 2016

Our thoughts determine our destinies. We must keep our thoughts clean and pure so that over time they lead us to eternal life.

devotional 2016

Scott C. Esplin | January 19, 2016

God is real. His Son is real. Our faith in them will be strengthened as we learn more completely about them and have sacred experiences with them.

devotional 2016

Lloyd D. Newell | April 11, 2014

In the scriptures, ordinary people use the Atonement to "walk in newness of life." Their examples prove it is never too late to change.

devotional 2014

James R. Rasband | October 23, 2012

The faith to forgive, like faith to repent, shows our trust in the Atonement, which provides restitution and heals us from wrongs.

devotional 2012

Michael L. Dunn | January 31, 2012

Michael L. Dunn speaks on the miracle of forgiveness that is reached through the atonement of Jesus Christ.

devotional 2012

Brad Wilcox | July 12, 2011

Christ’s grace gives us the power and potential to become like Him. We need to believe Christ's words when he said "My grace is sufficient".

devotional 2011

Jon M. Huntsman Sr. | November 10, 2009

Jon M. Huntsman Sr. speaks of the need to be optimistic and of how following the gospel of Jesus Christ will lead us to happiness.

devotional 2009

Richard C. Edgley | November 4, 2008

Richard C. Edgley talks about the powerful, personal force of hope that is rooted in faith in the Atonement. With Christ, we can truly hope for all things.

devotional 2008

Elder Jeffrey R. Holland of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

Jeffrey R. Holland | September 7, 2008

What lessons does Joseph Smith's experience in Liberty Jail teach us about God's love? How can our trials be both a prison and a temple?

devotional 2008

Michael D. Barnes | July 1, 2008

How do we overcome our weaknesses? In this devotional, Michael Barnes gives advice on how to receive help from the Lord when overcoming weaknesses.

devotional 2008

Henry B. Eyring—second counselor in the First Presidency of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints

Henry B. Eyring | January 15, 2008

God can offer us deliverance through the hardest of trials, including comfort in grief, strength in opposition, and escape from sin.

devotional 2008

Thomas B. Griffith | March 14, 2006

The Atonement of Christ is the core of Christian doctrine. It is only by coming to know Him as our Redeemer that we are motivated to change.

devotional 2006

Merrill J. Bateman | March 5, 2006

The Book of Mormon teaches God's plan for us. Live according to that plan—take care of your body, seek intelligence, and prepare for an eternal family.

devotional 2006

Elder D. Todd Christofferson, member of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

D. Todd Christofferson | January 31, 2006

By using our God-given moral agency in the way that Jesus Christ exemplified, we don't become God's puppets—we become like Him.

devotional 2006

Gordon B. Lindsay | July 26, 2005

Gordon Lindsay reiterates that when we take the sacrament, we covenant to always remember Him. But how often do we really remember Christ?

devotional 2005

Daniel K Judd | December 7, 2004

The restoration brought about a "wonderful flood of light" regarding the family, the Fall, and the Atonement of Christ—but do we live in that light?

devotional 2004

Eric B. Shumway | March 26, 2002

I pray that the . . . the power of the Atonement in Lazarus, Sonya, Raskolnikov, Theany Reath, and Kats Kajiyama and millions of others will give us courage to “stand forth” and to allow our graveclothes to be removed; and that we might also be both the healers and the healed, the unbinders and the unbound.

devotional 2002

David A. Bednar, member of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

David A. Bednar | October 23, 2001

Christ's Atonement does more than cleanse us from sin. His grace is also an enabling power to become better and serve more faithfully.

devotional 2001

Jeffrey D. Keith | October 9, 2001

We must constantly strive to understand the depth of Christ's atoning love for us. Search after Christ, and your search will not be in vain.

devotional 2001

James D. Stice | October 2, 2001

Everyone faces challenges, and James D. Stice shows how we can help those who, for a time, are carrying the weight of the world on their shoulders.

devotional 2001

John R. Rosenberg | April 6, 1999

He who will bring about the restoration of all things also brings to pass the intimate restorations that heal us, cleanse us, and fulfill divine promises.

devotional 1999

L. Robert Webb | November 16, 1998

The Atonement of Jesus Christ is vast enough to apply to the entirety of the universe and intimate enough to support us in our trials.

devotional 1998

Bruce L. Brown | August 4, 1998

Bruce L. Brown testifies that modern prophets have revealed and will continue to reveal important truths about the great plan of redemption.

devotional 1998

Merrill J. Bateman | September 9, 1997

The Savior performed the Atonement for each of us, one by one. We can develop an individual relationship with Him through prayer, study, and loving others.

devotional 1997

Marion D. Hanks | April 16, 1996

The atonement, along with our own agency and accountability, work together to comprise the essence of the Plan of Salvation.

devotional 1996

Gary L. Bunker | March 1, 1994

The mortal ministry of the Savior was the ultimate paradox: He was wounded so we could be whole, and He died so we could live.

devotional 1994

Elder Neal A. Maxwell, member of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ.

Neal A. Maxwell | March 31, 1991

Jesus Christ's Atonement exemplifies all of the divine attributes we are seeking. Truly, "in Him all things hold together."

devotional 1991

Stephen E. Robinson | May 29, 1990

Believing in Christ and believing Christ are two entirely different things. Taking a practical approach to the Atonement can help us grow our faith.

devotional 1990

Henry B. Eyring | October 29, 1989

If we come unto Christ, His Atonement will make us clean and spotless. We can go home to live with God again, our deepest desire.

devotional 1989

Robert J. Matthews | December 4, 1984

In living the gospel, we must understand why a Savior is necessary for our physical and spiritual salvation. He is the greatest gift.

devotional 1984

John H. Groberg | June 3, 1984

No matter how complicated your trials, how dark your sins, or how overwhelming the challenges you face, in Christ there is always hope.

devotional 1984

J. Richard Clarke | March 27, 1984

We all sin, but we don't have to live with those burdens forever. Through repentance, we can be made clean through the Atonement of Christ.

devotional 1984

A. Theodore Tuttle | December 4, 1983

Elder A. Theodore Tuttle discusses the Atonement and our part in it. We must take important steps to fully access the Savior's Atonement.

devotional 1983

David H. Yarn Jr. | July 26, 1983

Christ was asked the question “Who then can be saved?” Every person can be saved, but eternal life only comes on God's terms.

devotional 1983

Truman G. Madsen | May 9, 1982

Drawing parallels between the olive press and the events in Gethsemane, Truman G. Madsen invites us all to reflect on the atoning sacrifice of Jesus Christ.

devotional 1982

J. Richard Clarke | December 6, 1981

We are responsible to learn of and become witnesses of Jesus Christ. As we do, we positively and profoundly influence our posterity and those around us.

devotional 1981

Bruce R. McConkie | February 17, 1981

The Creation, the Fall, and the Atonement are the foundations of salvation. As we understand them better, we can live to gain eternal life.

devotional 1981

Joseph Fielding Smith - Mormon Prophet and Apostle

Joseph Fielding Smith | May 14, 1957

The scriptures say that we are "bought with a price." We forever owe our love and devotion to Jesus Christ for His ransoming sacrifice.

devotional 1957

Joseph Fielding Smith | January 25, 1955

The atonement of Jesus Christ saves us from the effects of the Fall and from our own transgressions. Understanding it gives us hope to repent and improve.

devotional 1955

Bruce R. McConkie | May 6, 1953