Thoughts on our Savior's Sacrifice

Part of the general education requirements at BYU is taking a number of religion classes and this term I've been taking a class on the second half of the New Testament. It covers Acts through Revelation. It's been a really great class, and it's been very insightful. Part of our homework is to spend 20 minutes a day reading in the second half of the New Testament. I can't say I understand everything Paul writes, but there are some amazing passages in there. Anyway, we had to write a paper on any passage of scripture from the second half. I don't really like writing papers, but I'm grateful for the chance that writing this paper has given me to reflect on the Atonement. I wrote on Hebrews 10:9-14, which stood out to me when I was reading one night. It says:

 9 Then said he, Lo, I come to do thy will, O God. He taketh away the first, that he may establish the second.
 10 By the which will we are ^asanctified through the ^boffering ^cof the ^dbody of Jesus Christ ^eonce for all. 11 And every priest standeth ^adaily ministering and offering oftentimes the same sacrifices, which can never take away ^bsins:
 12 But this man, after he had offered one ^asacrifice for sins for ever, sat down on the right hand of God;
 13 ^aFrom henceforth expecting till his enemies be made his footstool.
 14 For by one offering he hath perfected for ever them that are sanctified.

This passage is referring to the Law of Sacrifices, as part of the Law of Moses, being fulfilled in Christ. His sacrifice, the Atonement, is our hope and salvation. 

So, I was thinking about the different ways that we can use the Atonement in our lives. I say use because we need to make an active effort to reach out for it. Some aspects of the Atonement are granted to us, regardless of our works, but other aspects have to be actively employed in our lives. Christ is always there, willing to help us, but he allows us to choose, to use our agency to come to Him and let Him carry us. 

Sometimes we think of the Atonement only as Christ suffering and dying for our sins, so we can be forgiven and be clean. That, of course, is huge and essential, but there's more. He didn't just suffer for our sins, he suffered every one of our pains and sorrows. He suffered what we feel when someone else hurts us and when life hurts us. Sometimes we have trials and challenges that come because mortality is hard. Christ willingly suffered all of those things so he would really, truly understand us and know how to succor us. 

Think of it. He satisfied your debts, enabling you to return to your Heavenly Father. He felt your pains, sorrows, and sicknesses of every kind so he could understand you and know how to help you. He has done everything, and all you need to do is follow Him. Why would he do that for you? Because He loves you so much. Sometimes we talk about the Atonement like it's something we can divide up into pieces and say, this much was for me. This many drops of blood were shed for me. I don't really think that's the way it works. Every single drop was for you. Every single drop was for me. If you were the only person who needed the Atonement, He would have done it all for you. You are worth it to Him. That thought is both humbling and encouraging.

I love my Savior. He has carried me through hard times, guided me through impossible decisions, and blessed me in unimaginable ways. Someday I will kneel at His feet and perhaps then I will be able to express my gratitude to Him.