Have you ever wanted to dive deeper into the profound doctrines of the gospel? Studying historical apostolic writings can open our minds to incredible spiritual insights. The embedded document below contains detailed notes from John Taylor’s classic 1882 book regarding the Savior’s infinite sacrifice on mediation and atonement.
This beautiful summary outlines the entire plan of salvation, from the creation of the world to our ultimate exaltation. By studying these powerful truths, you will gain a massive appreciation for the covenants that empower and protect our families today.
The Creation and God’s Merciful Plan
The story of our salvation begins in the Garden of Eden. Eve was deceived, but the Fall ultimately brought essential benefits to all of mankind. Death actually came into the world to fulfill God’s merciful plan. Without the Atonement, our flesh would simply rot.
Furthermore, without this divine intervention, man would remain forever subject to Satan. The Fall was completely appointed by God. Adam needed to pass through these earthly experiences and be exalted to eventually become like God. Without the Atonement, there would be absolutely no mortal progress for any of us.
Salvation Through the Mediation and Atonement
Salvation comes strictly by the strength of the hand of the Lord. It is found in Christ alone, not in the ancient law of Moses. The law beautifully points to Christ, but it cannot save anyone by itself.
Christ lovingly stands between humanity and the strict demands of justice. He is preeminent as the representative of God and is the fullness of the Godhead. In fact, He is above mortal man in eight distinct ways, yet He remains subordinate to the Father. During His ministry, He spoke exactly as commanded by the Father.
Faith, Repentance, and Forgiveness
During His mortal ministry, Christ suffered intense temptation but gave no heed to it. In the Garden of Gethsemane and on the cross, He suffered the excruciating pangs of every single person. He suffered for all mankind, as recorded in the four Gospels.
True faith naturally leads unto sincere repentance. Repentance requires crying mightily to God and developing a broken heart and a contrite spirit. Forgiveness of our sins comes ultimately by His divine grace, and sanctification comes strictly through the Atonement. Christ constantly pleads our cause before the Father.
Ordinances and Priesthood Power
All priesthood power is the direct result of faith in Jesus Christ. Sacred ordinances were deeply understood and practiced anciently, with covenants given to prophets like Noah, Enoch, and Abraham. We even see examples of this in the specific ordinances performed in Solomon’s Temple.
Over time, however, these ordinances were misunderstood or corrupted by mankind, leading to the necessity of a restoration. God calls mankind back to the truth through the power of the Holy Ghost. The Lord generously reveals His incredible secrets to those who truly fear Him.
Exaltation and the Resurrection
To eventually become kings and priests, we must participate in sacred temple ordinances. The ultimate goal of the Atonement is to bring about the glorious resurrection. Without the resurrection, humanity would remain permanently subject to the devil.
Christ has the absolute power to lay down His life and take it up again, ensuring our victory over the grave. Those who deeply study these doctrines will find their spiritual prosperity tied directly to faith, obedience, and strict covenant keeping.
Take a moment to review the excellent 7-page notes below to deepen your understanding of the Savior’s infinite sacrifice! You can also explore our previous post on Temples and Temple Work, or visit the official Gospel Topics page on the Atonement to learn even more.
