All Things Witness

Thoughts on the mission and power of Jesus Christ

Tag Archives: Atonement


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Under His Wing

"Under His Wing" © Jay Bryant Ward, used with permission

“Under His Wing” © Jay Bryant Ward, used with permission

A few years ago, I was given for my birthday a print of a painting by Jay Bryant Ward entitled “Under His Wing”.  It portrays a young girl of perhaps 6 or 7 years of age.  In the painting we see that someone is standing next to her, but all we see of this adult at her side is half a waist, and a right arm which is protectively behind her – not touching her, but in place to ensure that she would be quickly secured in the event of need.

There is an obvious implication in the painting that the adult at this small girl’s side is keeping close and constant watchful care of her.  Although we can’t see the face, we know the identity of this adult, because we see the hand placed carefully to ensure this small girl’s safety, in the middle of which is the unmistakeable mark of a nail having pierced it.  In many ways this is a very simple picture, but for me it is profound beyond measure. Continue reading →


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Heart, Might, Mind and Strength (2 of 5)

This is the second post in a series about how, through the Atonement of Jesus Christ, we gain power within each part of our beings: our Heart, Might, Mind, and Strength.  The first post, found here, is an overview and explains how I understand these principles.

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This second post considers in more detail how the Atonement helps us overcome the shortcomings of our Heart, or – as I understand this – our spitritual selves.  (The next post will look at our Might, or emotional selves).

Our spiritual wellbeing is usually damaged

Continue reading →


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Heart, Might, Mind and Strength (1 of 5)

This is the first in a series of 5 articles on this topic I will post.  This first article covers the broad topic, but I will post subsequent articles over the coming weeks that address each area of Heart, Might, Mind and Strength individually.

“Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, with all thy might, mind and strength; and in the name of Jesus Christ thou shalt serve him”  (D&C 59:5).  “Therefore, O ye that embark in the service of God, see that ye serve him with all your heart, might, mind and strength, that ye may stand blameless before God at the last day.” (D&C 4:2)

These four aspects of our beings – heart, might, mind, and strength – are repeated throughout the scriptures, usually in the context of either how we serve the Lord, or how we worship Him, as in the two examples cited above.  The four aspects seem to cover our entire being.

As I have pondered these, I have come to the conclusion Continue reading →


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Studying the Atonement of Christ

The Atonement is wondrous in its scope – in its breadth and depth.  It is the most important act in all of history – the focal act of our Heavenly Father’s creations, and our testimony of it forms the first principle of the gospel.  Consequently, the Lord hasn’t kept it a secret.  The Book of Mormon prophet Jacob said, “…we knew of Christ, and we had a hope of his glory many hundred years before his coming; and not only we ourselves had a hope of his glory, but also all the holy prophets which were before us.” (Jacob 4:4), and the Saviour Himself commanded that we study to learn about Him, “Search the scriptures; for in them ye think ye have eternal life: and they are they which testify of me.” (John 5:39)

Modern Apostles have repeated this encouragement.  Elder Richard G Scott, when speaking to students at Brigham Young University, said, “I energetically encourage you to establish a personal plan to better understand and appreciate the incomparable, eternal, infinite consequences of the perfect fulfillment by Jesus Christ of His divinely appointed calling as our Savior and Redeemer. Profound personal Continue reading →