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The Continuous Atonement
The sacrament prayers have to be given word-perfect. Everyone knows that. But when the priest flubs it, what happens? Even though the expectation of perfection cannot be lowered, the person giving the prayer gets a second chance, and a third, and a fourth, if he needs them. No matter how many mistakes he makes along the way, when he does finally get it right, the outcome is counted as perfect and acceptable.
"God, like the bishop, cannot lower the standard that we ultimately become perfect," writes Brad Wilcox, "but He can give us many opportunities to start again. . . . Perfection is our long-term goal, but for now our goal is progress in that direction - continues progress that is possible only through the continuous Atonement."
"God, like the bishop, cannot lower the standard that we ultimately become perfect," writes Brad Wilcox, "but He can give us many opportunities to start again. . . . Perfection is our long-term goal, but for now our goal is progress in that direction - continues progress that is possible only through the continuous Atonement."
195 pages, Hardcover
First published February 4, 2009
372 people are currently reading
3686 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 656 reviews
June 8, 2009
This book has new ideas on an old topic. Brother Wilcox applies the atonement to our daily lives in a way that has not been presented to me before. It is an easy read and motivates me to be better.
One quote from the book:
Little children don't learn to walk in a day. Between the time a child is carried in a parent's arms and the great day when he is running on his own, there is a lot of hand holding, baby stepping, and falling. For a child learning to walk, falling down may not be desirable, but the lessons learned from it are.
Similarly, before we came to the world, God knew we had progressed as far as we were able without an earthly experience. He could no longer carry us by keeping us in His presence. It was time for His children to learn how to walk on their own. That's why He lovingly placed us here - across the room, so to speak - and stepped just beyond our reach, all the while beckoning us to come. He knew the tumbles that awawited us. He knew the ups and downs ahead. That's why He planned from the very start to send our older brother to hold our hands, lift us up, and guide us across the room back to His outstretched arms. We left those arms crawling. We can return to them running. (p. 19)
One quote from the book:
Little children don't learn to walk in a day. Between the time a child is carried in a parent's arms and the great day when he is running on his own, there is a lot of hand holding, baby stepping, and falling. For a child learning to walk, falling down may not be desirable, but the lessons learned from it are.
Similarly, before we came to the world, God knew we had progressed as far as we were able without an earthly experience. He could no longer carry us by keeping us in His presence. It was time for His children to learn how to walk on their own. That's why He lovingly placed us here - across the room, so to speak - and stepped just beyond our reach, all the while beckoning us to come. He knew the tumbles that awawited us. He knew the ups and downs ahead. That's why He planned from the very start to send our older brother to hold our hands, lift us up, and guide us across the room back to His outstretched arms. We left those arms crawling. We can return to them running. (p. 19)
June 2, 2019
So many great insights gained from reading this book. Always enjoy Brad Wilcox.
February 16, 2014
Some books can change your life. This one changed mine. It's the type of book I want to read again and again because I feel like I only scratched the surface.
December 11, 2012
One of the best books I have ever read. I think I need to reread it regularly. It has so many powerful insights that I really don't even know what to right. There are so many analogies and examples that help explain how the Atonement works in our lives. It is not a one-time event, nor something that only happens when we are working our hardest. Christ is there to help us work our hardest. His Grace does everything for us.
Here are a few favorite quotes:
"Christ's requirements (commandments) are not so that we can make the best of the Atonement, but so that --on His generous terms--the Atonement can make the best of us"
We are saved by Grace after all we can do = "We are saved by grace 'apart from all we can do', or 'all we can do notwithstanding.' or even 'regardless of all we can do.' ... 'We are saved by grace, after all is said and done'"
"No matter where I am on the mountain, the motivation to climb higher is found not in trying to impress God and Christ with my sacrifices, but in letting their sacrifices be more deeply impressed upon me."
"[God] is bound to love me--not because I am good, but because He is good."
There are so many jewels in this book that I could just end up quoting the whole book, so I will stop. I highly recommend this book. It is a very hope-filled and encouraging book. It is never too late for us, and Christ is not waiting at then end of a long to-do list to greet us, he is right beside us reaching his hands towards us to help us through everything in our lives.
Here are a few favorite quotes:
"Christ's requirements (commandments) are not so that we can make the best of the Atonement, but so that --on His generous terms--the Atonement can make the best of us"
We are saved by Grace after all we can do = "We are saved by grace 'apart from all we can do', or 'all we can do notwithstanding.' or even 'regardless of all we can do.' ... 'We are saved by grace, after all is said and done'"
"No matter where I am on the mountain, the motivation to climb higher is found not in trying to impress God and Christ with my sacrifices, but in letting their sacrifices be more deeply impressed upon me."
"[God] is bound to love me--not because I am good, but because He is good."
There are so many jewels in this book that I could just end up quoting the whole book, so I will stop. I highly recommend this book. It is a very hope-filled and encouraging book. It is never too late for us, and Christ is not waiting at then end of a long to-do list to greet us, he is right beside us reaching his hands towards us to help us through everything in our lives.
September 19, 2018
Second time I've read it. So many good reminders and truths that over power the lies that cloud my mind
February 6, 2015
The Continuous Atonement by Brad Wilcox, a Review
Wonderful book. Had many moments of true “a-ha! I hadn’t thought of it that way before, makes perfect sense and offers a lot of comfort/direction/meaning.”
It took me weeks to read this book, as I’d only read about a half a chapter at a time as part of my daily scripture study and then the next day would write about what I’d read the day before. It was worth it.
The most important thing about this book, and the ideas in this book, is one word contained in the title: CONTINUOUS.
Why is that word important when we think of the Atonement of Jesus Christ?
I don’t know about you, but all too often I fall for the lie that I have to meet some specific set of requirements or reach some specific date in time before all of the benefits of the Atonement can be realized in my life. I cut myself off from divine aid because of feelings of unworthiness or imperfection.
In this book, Brad Wilcox teaches us how to quit making such foolish and unnecessary mistakes.
I’m actually going to take the time to type in some of my favorite quotes from each chapter, because they’re awesome thoughts. And writing all of this down TWO times will help me cement it in memory.
Chapter One: “However Long it Takes”
-“God…cannot lower the standard that we ultimately become perfect, BUT He can give us MANY opportunities to start again. …we are given all the time we need to correct our mistakes. Perfection is our LONG-TERM goal—for now our goal is PROGRESS in that direction. Continuous progress is possible only through the continuous Atonement.”
1-God is long-suffering
2-Change is a PROCESS: “Realizing that change is a process, most of us would never get angry at a seed for not being a flower or expect a sculptor to transform a block of marble into a masterpiece overnight. In each case we acknowledge the POTENTIAL and patiently hope for and nurture the development.”
-“There is a big difference between procrastinating the day of our repentance and working through a repentance process, which, more often than not, takes more than a day.”
-“God, who cannot look upon sin with the least degree of allowance, can LOVINGLY look on repentant sinners with a great deal of allowance and patience. He knows that change is necessary, through Christ’s Atonement it is possible, but it is usually evolutionary rather than revolutionary.”
3-Sincere repentance is a PATTERN: “An ordinary soul, struggling against temptation, failing, and repenting and failing again and repenting, but always DETERMINED to keep covenants can still expect to one day hear ‘Well done, thou good and faithful servant.’”
*
Chapter Two: “Who Needs a Savior” (and Why?)
-“Just as a man does not really desire food until he is hungry, so he does not desire the salvation of Christ until he knows why he NEEDS Christ. No one adequately and properly knows why he needs Christ until he understands and accepts the doctrine of the Fall and its effects upon all mankind.”
There are two ways we learn this need, namely, when we experience:
-the sting of death
-the stain of sin
-“’Return unto ME, and repent of your sins, and be converted, that I may HEAL you’ says Christ. Perhaps the miraculous physical healings performed by the Savior on relatively few people stand as tangible reminders of the greatest healing He offers ALL people—the healing of our sick and sin-stained souls.”
*
Chapter Three: “He’s Got Us Covered”
-“The ‘Fall’ was not an alternate route—but by design.”
-“God allowed Satan to tempt Adam and Eve, all the while knowing that they would transgress and fall. Although they had to make this conscious choice for themselves, it was NOT against God’s master plan or His wishes. Their fall wasn’t DOWN. Rather, they fell FORWARD.”
-“Atonement” the word in ancient Hebrew means “to cover.”
-“Jesus covers us when we feel defenseless and abandoned. …He doesn’t always keep us from harm, but He does SHIELD us from fear in those dark times and delivers us from having to face those difficulties alone.”
****-“For some reason, we think of the Atonement of Christ applies only at the end of mortal life to redemption from the fall, from spiritual death. It is much more than that. It is an ever present power to call upon in EVERYDAY life… the Atonement has practical, personal, and everyday value.” (Boyd K. Packer)
-“Many people live their lives far from the situations they planned and hoped for when they were children. This gives us all the more reason to turn to the Savior, whose message is not just ‘Come unto Me,’ but ‘Come as you are’…’let’s start right where you are and go from there!”
-“Christ is not waiting for us to be perfect. Perfect people don’t need a Savior. He came to save His people in their imperfections. He is the Lord of the living, and the living make mistakes. He is not embarrassed by us, angry, or shocked. He wants us in our brokenness, in our unhappiness, in our guilt and grief.” (Cheiko Okazaki)
*
Chapter Four: “What Does it Mean to be Redeemed?”
-“The command of ‘Be ye perfect’ is not idealistic gas. Nor is it commanded to do the impossible. He is going to make us into creatures [who] can obey that command. He said (in the Bible) that we were ‘gods’ and He is going to make good His words.” (C. S. Lewis, Mere Christianity)
-“If we view the Atonement as only a way to be resurrected after we die, what motivates us to live? If we view the Atonement as only a way to clean up after the messes we make, what motivates us to avoid making messes? If we view the Atonement as only a comforting support when we deal with hurts and illnesses, why are we required to go through such trouble in the first place? What motivates us to learn from those experiences rather than just endure them? In each case, the answers we seek are only found as we look beyond Christ’s saving role to his REDEEMING role.”
-“A redeemer doesn’t just return us in the same shape we came, but is ‘one who changes us for the better, one who reforms and reshapes us.’”
-“To be admitted into His presence we must become more than clean. We must also be changed.” (Dallin H. Oaks)
-”Our works do not pay part or repay any of it. Rather, they help us RESEMBLE and server the bill payer.”
*
Chapter Five: “One Lone Branch”
-there is no other way (than Christ)
-this chapter is mostly a story with a moral thrown in, it is nice but not as quotable
*
Chapter Six: “After All We Can Do”
This chapter details all the ways we can read that statement and change its meaning just by emphasizing different words.
“AFTER all we can do”
“After ALL we can do”
“After all WE can do”
“After all we can DO”
Can you see how those could mean different things?
-(After) “Christ’s power is not an emergency generator that turns on once our power supply is exhausted. It’s not a booster engine once we run out of steam. Rather, it is our CONSTANT ENERGY SOURCE.”
The word ‘after’ is not time-bound—it means more like notwithstanding or regardless—not that grace ONLY applies after a certain amount of time and effort.
-(All) “If we believe we have to be completely worthy BEFORE we approach God, we will never be able to. Those who feel like failures don’t usually fight for a front-row seat at heaven’s throne. Instead, we distance ourselves even farther from the SOURCE of worthiness we see. Maybe we do this out of embarrassment, lack of confidence, low self-esteem, etc. Whatever the reason, we are all too quickly caught in the never-ending cycle of PROCRASTINATED change and POSTPONED happiness.”
-“Any effort is pleasing to God even if He and I both know it’s not my best or my all. It may be far from an acceptable offering, but God accepts it nonetheless because He is ultimately concerned with the OFFERER rather than the offering.”
-(We): “Was there EVER a time when He wasn’t shouldering the whole load? There were never two sets of footprints in my sand—only ONE, and [they were] always HIS.”
-(Do): “The word EARN doesn’t appear even once in the Doctrine and Covenants. As we FACE the fight rather than shunning it, God transforms us.”
-“He only asks that you be WILLING to be perfected.”
*
Chapter Seven: “Who Made God the Enemy?”
-“Obedience—that which God will never take by force—He will accept when freely given and He will then return to you freedom that you can hardly dream of—the freedom to feel and to know, the freedom to do and the freedom to be, at least a thousandfold more than we offer Him. Strangely enough, the key to freedom is obedience.” (Boyd K. Packer)
-“God is bound to love me. It is His nature to love perfectly and infinitely. He is bound to love me—not because I am good—but because He is good! God is love!”
-“I am one of the reasons for the Atonement.”
-“I have hope because I have choice, and I can make choices with security because I have Jesus and I have Jesus because I am loved.”
-“By allowing freedom and helping me OUTGROW the desire to make poor choices, the balance of justice and mercy is maintained, and love grows ever stronger. It is a harder road, but it is the only road worth traveling. While much is endured, love is preserved.”
*
Chapter Eight: “Exchanging Will Power for His Power”
-“There is no place for sin in heaven. There IS a place for sinners who are willing to confess, learn from mistakes, sincerely progress through the repentance process and welcome the power of the Atonement.”
-“What we often fail to realize is that at the same time we covenant with God, He is covenanting with us—promising blessings, privileges, and pleasures our eyes have not yet seen and our ears have not yet heard. Though we may see our part in the matter of faithfulness going by fits and starts, bumps and bursts, our progress erratic at best, God’s part is sure and steady and supreme. We may stumble, but He never does. We may falter, but He never will. We may feel out of control, but He never is…Covenants forge a link between our telestial mortal struggles and God’s celestial, immortal powers.” (Patricia Holland)
-“’We are all dependent on the Spirit to help us in our quest to break bad habits and improve,’ B.H. Roberts taught. Even after the sins of the past are forgiven, the one so pardoned will doubtless fee the force of sinful habit bearing heavily upon him. There is an absolute necessity for some additional sanctifying grace that will strengthen poor human nature. ...Man’s natural powers are unequal to the task. Such strength, such power, such a sanctifying grace is conferred on man in being born of the Spirit—in receiving the Holy Ghost.”
-Instead of saying “I have failed,” say: ”I have not YET succeeded.”
-Instead of saying “Look how far there is to go,” say: “Look how far God and Christ have brought me.”
-Instead of saying: “I can’t keep my covenants,” say: ”I can’t do it now, but with heaven’s help I can learn.”
-Instead of saying: “I can’t walk on water,” say: ”At least I got out of the boat!.”
Grace to grace.
*
Chapter Nine: “Faith Without Works (and Works Without Supervision)”
-“He worked without supervision, not because he was proving himself to God, but because he was THANKING Him.”
-“’Obedience is the first law of Heaven.’ (Joseph F. Smith). However, obedience is only the starting point that allows the rest of the climb to be possible.”
-“What is BEHIND the faith and BENEATH the works? Both are possible only through the Atonement, but both become a continuous part of our lives when we realize the continuous nature of the Atonement. This perspective allows us to consider the motives that enable us to find and maintain the essential balance between the two. The important question isn’t ‘Am I saved by faith or works?’ Rather, it is, ‘What MOTIVATES each of them in my life?’”
*
Chapter Ten: “Lesson in Marble”
-“God does not condone sin, but He knows that broken covenants can lead to broken hearts, which can lead us to HIM, the mender of all broken things. This process allows us to grow and gain charity as well as forgiveness and acceptance.”
-“Learning leads to charity.”
-“We are often told to forgive and forget. That is good advice when dealing with the sins of others but when it comes to our own sins, I think we must forgive and REMEMBER. Once we have repented, we will no longer feel the sting of guilt or remorse associated with sin, but we must not forget what we have learned from the experience. Through His atoning sacrifice, Christ takes away the pain and stain, but not the memory. To remove the memory would eliminate the learning.”
Wonderful book. Had many moments of true “a-ha! I hadn’t thought of it that way before, makes perfect sense and offers a lot of comfort/direction/meaning.”
It took me weeks to read this book, as I’d only read about a half a chapter at a time as part of my daily scripture study and then the next day would write about what I’d read the day before. It was worth it.
The most important thing about this book, and the ideas in this book, is one word contained in the title: CONTINUOUS.
Why is that word important when we think of the Atonement of Jesus Christ?
I don’t know about you, but all too often I fall for the lie that I have to meet some specific set of requirements or reach some specific date in time before all of the benefits of the Atonement can be realized in my life. I cut myself off from divine aid because of feelings of unworthiness or imperfection.
In this book, Brad Wilcox teaches us how to quit making such foolish and unnecessary mistakes.
I’m actually going to take the time to type in some of my favorite quotes from each chapter, because they’re awesome thoughts. And writing all of this down TWO times will help me cement it in memory.
Chapter One: “However Long it Takes”
-“God…cannot lower the standard that we ultimately become perfect, BUT He can give us MANY opportunities to start again. …we are given all the time we need to correct our mistakes. Perfection is our LONG-TERM goal—for now our goal is PROGRESS in that direction. Continuous progress is possible only through the continuous Atonement.”
1-God is long-suffering
2-Change is a PROCESS: “Realizing that change is a process, most of us would never get angry at a seed for not being a flower or expect a sculptor to transform a block of marble into a masterpiece overnight. In each case we acknowledge the POTENTIAL and patiently hope for and nurture the development.”
-“There is a big difference between procrastinating the day of our repentance and working through a repentance process, which, more often than not, takes more than a day.”
-“God, who cannot look upon sin with the least degree of allowance, can LOVINGLY look on repentant sinners with a great deal of allowance and patience. He knows that change is necessary, through Christ’s Atonement it is possible, but it is usually evolutionary rather than revolutionary.”
3-Sincere repentance is a PATTERN: “An ordinary soul, struggling against temptation, failing, and repenting and failing again and repenting, but always DETERMINED to keep covenants can still expect to one day hear ‘Well done, thou good and faithful servant.’”
*
Chapter Two: “Who Needs a Savior” (and Why?)
-“Just as a man does not really desire food until he is hungry, so he does not desire the salvation of Christ until he knows why he NEEDS Christ. No one adequately and properly knows why he needs Christ until he understands and accepts the doctrine of the Fall and its effects upon all mankind.”
There are two ways we learn this need, namely, when we experience:
-the sting of death
-the stain of sin
-“’Return unto ME, and repent of your sins, and be converted, that I may HEAL you’ says Christ. Perhaps the miraculous physical healings performed by the Savior on relatively few people stand as tangible reminders of the greatest healing He offers ALL people—the healing of our sick and sin-stained souls.”
*
Chapter Three: “He’s Got Us Covered”
-“The ‘Fall’ was not an alternate route—but by design.”
-“God allowed Satan to tempt Adam and Eve, all the while knowing that they would transgress and fall. Although they had to make this conscious choice for themselves, it was NOT against God’s master plan or His wishes. Their fall wasn’t DOWN. Rather, they fell FORWARD.”
-“Atonement” the word in ancient Hebrew means “to cover.”
-“Jesus covers us when we feel defenseless and abandoned. …He doesn’t always keep us from harm, but He does SHIELD us from fear in those dark times and delivers us from having to face those difficulties alone.”
****-“For some reason, we think of the Atonement of Christ applies only at the end of mortal life to redemption from the fall, from spiritual death. It is much more than that. It is an ever present power to call upon in EVERYDAY life… the Atonement has practical, personal, and everyday value.” (Boyd K. Packer)
-“Many people live their lives far from the situations they planned and hoped for when they were children. This gives us all the more reason to turn to the Savior, whose message is not just ‘Come unto Me,’ but ‘Come as you are’…’let’s start right where you are and go from there!”
-“Christ is not waiting for us to be perfect. Perfect people don’t need a Savior. He came to save His people in their imperfections. He is the Lord of the living, and the living make mistakes. He is not embarrassed by us, angry, or shocked. He wants us in our brokenness, in our unhappiness, in our guilt and grief.” (Cheiko Okazaki)
*
Chapter Four: “What Does it Mean to be Redeemed?”
-“The command of ‘Be ye perfect’ is not idealistic gas. Nor is it commanded to do the impossible. He is going to make us into creatures [who] can obey that command. He said (in the Bible) that we were ‘gods’ and He is going to make good His words.” (C. S. Lewis, Mere Christianity)
-“If we view the Atonement as only a way to be resurrected after we die, what motivates us to live? If we view the Atonement as only a way to clean up after the messes we make, what motivates us to avoid making messes? If we view the Atonement as only a comforting support when we deal with hurts and illnesses, why are we required to go through such trouble in the first place? What motivates us to learn from those experiences rather than just endure them? In each case, the answers we seek are only found as we look beyond Christ’s saving role to his REDEEMING role.”
-“A redeemer doesn’t just return us in the same shape we came, but is ‘one who changes us for the better, one who reforms and reshapes us.’”
-“To be admitted into His presence we must become more than clean. We must also be changed.” (Dallin H. Oaks)
-”Our works do not pay part or repay any of it. Rather, they help us RESEMBLE and server the bill payer.”
*
Chapter Five: “One Lone Branch”
-there is no other way (than Christ)
-this chapter is mostly a story with a moral thrown in, it is nice but not as quotable
*
Chapter Six: “After All We Can Do”
This chapter details all the ways we can read that statement and change its meaning just by emphasizing different words.
“AFTER all we can do”
“After ALL we can do”
“After all WE can do”
“After all we can DO”
Can you see how those could mean different things?
-(After) “Christ’s power is not an emergency generator that turns on once our power supply is exhausted. It’s not a booster engine once we run out of steam. Rather, it is our CONSTANT ENERGY SOURCE.”
The word ‘after’ is not time-bound—it means more like notwithstanding or regardless—not that grace ONLY applies after a certain amount of time and effort.
-(All) “If we believe we have to be completely worthy BEFORE we approach God, we will never be able to. Those who feel like failures don’t usually fight for a front-row seat at heaven’s throne. Instead, we distance ourselves even farther from the SOURCE of worthiness we see. Maybe we do this out of embarrassment, lack of confidence, low self-esteem, etc. Whatever the reason, we are all too quickly caught in the never-ending cycle of PROCRASTINATED change and POSTPONED happiness.”
-“Any effort is pleasing to God even if He and I both know it’s not my best or my all. It may be far from an acceptable offering, but God accepts it nonetheless because He is ultimately concerned with the OFFERER rather than the offering.”
-(We): “Was there EVER a time when He wasn’t shouldering the whole load? There were never two sets of footprints in my sand—only ONE, and [they were] always HIS.”
-(Do): “The word EARN doesn’t appear even once in the Doctrine and Covenants. As we FACE the fight rather than shunning it, God transforms us.”
-“He only asks that you be WILLING to be perfected.”
*
Chapter Seven: “Who Made God the Enemy?”
-“Obedience—that which God will never take by force—He will accept when freely given and He will then return to you freedom that you can hardly dream of—the freedom to feel and to know, the freedom to do and the freedom to be, at least a thousandfold more than we offer Him. Strangely enough, the key to freedom is obedience.” (Boyd K. Packer)
-“God is bound to love me. It is His nature to love perfectly and infinitely. He is bound to love me—not because I am good—but because He is good! God is love!”
-“I am one of the reasons for the Atonement.”
-“I have hope because I have choice, and I can make choices with security because I have Jesus and I have Jesus because I am loved.”
-“By allowing freedom and helping me OUTGROW the desire to make poor choices, the balance of justice and mercy is maintained, and love grows ever stronger. It is a harder road, but it is the only road worth traveling. While much is endured, love is preserved.”
*
Chapter Eight: “Exchanging Will Power for His Power”
-“There is no place for sin in heaven. There IS a place for sinners who are willing to confess, learn from mistakes, sincerely progress through the repentance process and welcome the power of the Atonement.”
-“What we often fail to realize is that at the same time we covenant with God, He is covenanting with us—promising blessings, privileges, and pleasures our eyes have not yet seen and our ears have not yet heard. Though we may see our part in the matter of faithfulness going by fits and starts, bumps and bursts, our progress erratic at best, God’s part is sure and steady and supreme. We may stumble, but He never does. We may falter, but He never will. We may feel out of control, but He never is…Covenants forge a link between our telestial mortal struggles and God’s celestial, immortal powers.” (Patricia Holland)
-“’We are all dependent on the Spirit to help us in our quest to break bad habits and improve,’ B.H. Roberts taught. Even after the sins of the past are forgiven, the one so pardoned will doubtless fee the force of sinful habit bearing heavily upon him. There is an absolute necessity for some additional sanctifying grace that will strengthen poor human nature. ...Man’s natural powers are unequal to the task. Such strength, such power, such a sanctifying grace is conferred on man in being born of the Spirit—in receiving the Holy Ghost.”
-Instead of saying “I have failed,” say: ”I have not YET succeeded.”
-Instead of saying “Look how far there is to go,” say: “Look how far God and Christ have brought me.”
-Instead of saying: “I can’t keep my covenants,” say: ”I can’t do it now, but with heaven’s help I can learn.”
-Instead of saying: “I can’t walk on water,” say: ”At least I got out of the boat!.”
Grace to grace.
*
Chapter Nine: “Faith Without Works (and Works Without Supervision)”
-“He worked without supervision, not because he was proving himself to God, but because he was THANKING Him.”
-“’Obedience is the first law of Heaven.’ (Joseph F. Smith). However, obedience is only the starting point that allows the rest of the climb to be possible.”
-“What is BEHIND the faith and BENEATH the works? Both are possible only through the Atonement, but both become a continuous part of our lives when we realize the continuous nature of the Atonement. This perspective allows us to consider the motives that enable us to find and maintain the essential balance between the two. The important question isn’t ‘Am I saved by faith or works?’ Rather, it is, ‘What MOTIVATES each of them in my life?’”
*
Chapter Ten: “Lesson in Marble”
-“God does not condone sin, but He knows that broken covenants can lead to broken hearts, which can lead us to HIM, the mender of all broken things. This process allows us to grow and gain charity as well as forgiveness and acceptance.”
-“Learning leads to charity.”
-“We are often told to forgive and forget. That is good advice when dealing with the sins of others but when it comes to our own sins, I think we must forgive and REMEMBER. Once we have repented, we will no longer feel the sting of guilt or remorse associated with sin, but we must not forget what we have learned from the experience. Through His atoning sacrifice, Christ takes away the pain and stain, but not the memory. To remove the memory would eliminate the learning.”
September 7, 2009
I don't often read doctrinal books unless they come from the leadership of the Church. Yet this book came to me highly recommended from a few key friends who said that it dealt with truths regarding the atonement. I was intrigued by these recommendations even though I only knew Brad Wilcox as an EFY speaker. I was duly impressed by the doctrine regarding continual repentance and how we come to obey the commandment "be ye therefore perfect."
This book is written towards people who are often weary in well doing and overwhelmed by the many demands placed on them. This is a hopeful book about power of the atonement not just to get us on the right path, but also to stay on that path even though we make the same mistakes over and over and over again. Do you have a bad habit or a continuing challenge that you just can't seem to get over? Or do you have many of them? Have you vowed a vow many times never to do something again yet find yourself making the same mistakes again and again? This book addresses those circumstances and gives understanding and hope that you really aren't such a lost cause after all.
I loved it!
This book is written towards people who are often weary in well doing and overwhelmed by the many demands placed on them. This is a hopeful book about power of the atonement not just to get us on the right path, but also to stay on that path even though we make the same mistakes over and over and over again. Do you have a bad habit or a continuing challenge that you just can't seem to get over? Or do you have many of them? Have you vowed a vow many times never to do something again yet find yourself making the same mistakes again and again? This book addresses those circumstances and gives understanding and hope that you really aren't such a lost cause after all.
I loved it!
February 24, 2015
This was an amazing book.The Atonement explained in an easy to read digestible way. Many of these things I never even before considered. It amazes me all that his Atonement covers and I think I have a better understanding and more peace now then I had before I read this. I would go so far as to say I wish every Christian especially LDS would read this book and understand a little better the part you are to play on this earth and what the sacrament and some of the other covenants we make mean in our lives. So well done.
July 8, 2017
Key insight from this book: perfect freedom requires perfect love.
September 4, 2017
Tons of credit to the author. To substantively take on a confusing, central/primary, old religious topic by articulating new perspectives with humor, personal experiences and understandable explanations is quite an undertaking. One he succeeds at very well. He doesn't shy away from anything really - including the pretty flawed bicycle analogy and "after all we can do" troublesome verse.
March 30, 2019
READ IT! Great examples and nuggets of wisdom on every page.
January 25, 2023
I loved this book. I see the Atonement of Jesus Christ and my faith in God in a new light, more hopeful, more loving, more constant, more real.
December 9, 2024
This book is amazing! It leaves you feeling uplifted and hopeful. It really helps me to better understand The Atonement of Jesus Christ!
July 26, 2020
Loved this look at the Atonement. I took many notes and would recommend it highly
January 20, 2023
4.5 stars
I listened to the author read this one and it felt like sitting down and having a heart-to-heart conversation. There was so much profound doctrine and insight that I'm going to need to reread it in print with a highlighter, a pen, and my journal in hand. The Atonement of Jesus Christ is so much more than forgiveness of sins.
I listened to the author read this one and it felt like sitting down and having a heart-to-heart conversation. There was so much profound doctrine and insight that I'm going to need to reread it in print with a highlighter, a pen, and my journal in hand. The Atonement of Jesus Christ is so much more than forgiveness of sins.
March 6, 2017
I absolutely loved this book. It brought me so much peace and hope. Highly recommended.
August 12, 2018
I loved Brad Wilcox when I was a teenager and got to meet him once when I was in college. There is something about his writing and speaking that I connect with, and I love the examples and explanations he gives.
This book is easily one of his best works. Very easy to read, and yet surprisingly deep. The example of the sacrament prayer is something that I will probably remember every Sunday for the rest of my life.
This book is easily one of his best works. Very easy to read, and yet surprisingly deep. The example of the sacrament prayer is something that I will probably remember every Sunday for the rest of my life.
December 25, 2011
I heard the author talk about much of the material in this book and I preferred his speaking to his writing. That said, I still found this to be an inspiring and useful book.
some favorite quotes:
"Changes in belief always precede changes in behavior."
"It is one thing to follow Christ and another thing entirely to be led by Him."
"True faith in Christ is more than just knowing about Him or even believing He is divine. It is knowing that His Atonement is real, that its purpose is to transform us, and that it will be available as long as that perfecting process takes."
"Our needs—including the need for forgiveness—are continuous, and so is Christ's Atonement in its ability to meet those needs."
"[Christ] doesn't always clear the path, but He does illuminate it."
"One who chooses Christ chooses to be changed... [The Atonement] rehabilitates, regenerates, renews, and transforms human nature."
"We should recognize that God is pleased with every effort we make—no matter how faltering—to better ourselves."
"Save for the exception of the very few who defect to perdition, there is no habit, no addiction, no rebellion, no transgression, no apostasy, no crime exempted from the promise of complete forgiveness. That is the promise of the Atonement of Christ. (Boyd K. Packer)"
Wilcox's down-to-earth writing and clear examples make a difficult subject much easier to understand.
some favorite quotes:
"Changes in belief always precede changes in behavior."
"It is one thing to follow Christ and another thing entirely to be led by Him."
"True faith in Christ is more than just knowing about Him or even believing He is divine. It is knowing that His Atonement is real, that its purpose is to transform us, and that it will be available as long as that perfecting process takes."
"Our needs—including the need for forgiveness—are continuous, and so is Christ's Atonement in its ability to meet those needs."
"[Christ] doesn't always clear the path, but He does illuminate it."
"One who chooses Christ chooses to be changed... [The Atonement] rehabilitates, regenerates, renews, and transforms human nature."
"We should recognize that God is pleased with every effort we make—no matter how faltering—to better ourselves."
"Save for the exception of the very few who defect to perdition, there is no habit, no addiction, no rebellion, no transgression, no apostasy, no crime exempted from the promise of complete forgiveness. That is the promise of the Atonement of Christ. (Boyd K. Packer)"
Wilcox's down-to-earth writing and clear examples make a difficult subject much easier to understand.
April 5, 2009
This book's title says it all. It is an examination of the Atonement, but not just how the Atonement can save us at the end of our lives, but how it is our very real source for strength, solace, forgiveness and power each and every day, as we struggle along, mired in sins we repeat all too often. I know many others who, like me, have become discouraged at our apparent and obvious lack of perfection, even after years of trying to live the Gospel. The truths in this book are like a balm. I'm afraid if I try to write all my favorite quotes here, I'll be engaging in copyright infringement. So I'll just include one--one that may be going on a wall in my home:
"When we speak of the human part of a covenant as something we can do without God's assistance, or the divine part of a covenant as something we can repay, we not only grossly overestimate our own abillities but we also see teh arrangement as a one-time deal. When we fully realize the continuous nature of the Atonement, gratitude and obedience are less a condition of receiving it and more a natural outgrowth of it. They become as continuous as the gift itself. In that moment, we realize we do not earn the Atonement. The Atonement actually earns us."
Beautiful book.
"When we speak of the human part of a covenant as something we can do without God's assistance, or the divine part of a covenant as something we can repay, we not only grossly overestimate our own abillities but we also see teh arrangement as a one-time deal. When we fully realize the continuous nature of the Atonement, gratitude and obedience are less a condition of receiving it and more a natural outgrowth of it. They become as continuous as the gift itself. In that moment, we realize we do not earn the Atonement. The Atonement actually earns us."
Beautiful book.
May 14, 2012
Loved it. I rarely read "church" lit, but made an exception for this one, and it is excellent. This book is based on a talk given by Brad Wilcox, which can be found (free) in PDF format, here:http://speeches.byu.edu/?act=viewitem... If you think it's an excellent explanation for a complicated doctrine, and find it as comforting as I did, you may want to do what I did -- buy this book.
In the acknowledgments, Wilcox quotes Dallin H. Oaks: "A call for repentance that is clear enough and loud enough to encourage reformation by the lenient can produce paralyzing discouragement in the conscientious. The dose of doctrine that is strong enough to penetrate the hard shell of the easygoing group may prove to be a massive overdose for the conscientious."
Wilcox continues: "I choose to assume those reading these words are the soft-shelled survivors of many a massive doctrinal overdose focusing on the "Thou shalts" and the "Thou shalt nots." Lets leave the afflicting for another day. This purpose of this book is to comfort."
Anyone who thinks that "I do my best, and God does the rest," explains the Atonement, then this book is for you.
In the acknowledgments, Wilcox quotes Dallin H. Oaks: "A call for repentance that is clear enough and loud enough to encourage reformation by the lenient can produce paralyzing discouragement in the conscientious. The dose of doctrine that is strong enough to penetrate the hard shell of the easygoing group may prove to be a massive overdose for the conscientious."
Wilcox continues: "I choose to assume those reading these words are the soft-shelled survivors of many a massive doctrinal overdose focusing on the "Thou shalts" and the "Thou shalt nots." Lets leave the afflicting for another day. This purpose of this book is to comfort."
Anyone who thinks that "I do my best, and God does the rest," explains the Atonement, then this book is for you.
September 4, 2014
I was a little sad when I finished this book. It was so uplifting and edifying that I would read a little bit of it every morning and then think about what I'd read during the day. This book is perfect for someone who is trying to understand why everyone is worthy of the Atonement, why justice and mercy are important, why Christ saves and redeems us. Wilcox shows why the Atonement should fill us with hope, not make us feel hopeless.
I learn best through examples, and this book is full of them. Having turned the last page of this book, I feel like I have a deeper appreciation for Christ's Atonement and a more solid understanding about the beauty and hope found in His sacrifice.
In my opinion, everyone should read this book. All of us can benefit from a little hope.
I learn best through examples, and this book is full of them. Having turned the last page of this book, I feel like I have a deeper appreciation for Christ's Atonement and a more solid understanding about the beauty and hope found in His sacrifice.
In my opinion, everyone should read this book. All of us can benefit from a little hope.
July 3, 2009
Ironically, I picked this book up at the bookstore on a whim (rarely spend $20 for a book) & the next week my bishop recommended it. For those struggling to understand the concept of the atonement, or for those who understand it and are attempting to apply it to themselves, this book is amazing. I'm also always on the lookout for books written from an LDS perspective that deal empathetically with depression and mental illness, this book has a chapter specifically written on that topic. This book was quickly added to my list of books to pass on to future bishops when attempting to explain mental illness to those who are not familar with the accompanying challenges.
September 16, 2013
Author, Brad Wilcox encourages greater understanding of Christ’s Atonement as he illustrates that this gift is meant to cleanse,change, and sanctify us. He talks a great deal about justice and how the atonement satisfies the demands of justice, so we can repent of our sins and become like God. We are ideally supposed to consecrate our lives to God and find joy in living as he asks, with no ulterior motives. For a condensed version of the book, read his speech entitled “His Grace Is Sufficient”.
July 13, 2011
Absolutely wonderful book. Provided me with so much insight and understanding as to the purpose of the atonement and what it means for me in my life. It also made me feel at peace with my day to day struggles and helped me grow closer to my Father in Heaven. This life is a process; God knew we'd slip up sometimes and loved us enough to send his Son to atone for our sins. I would highly recommend it.
June 16, 2022
One sentence in the introduction of this book and I knew it was for me: The purpose of this book is to comfort.
December 15, 2021
I learned a lot from this wonderful book by Brad Wilcox.
Quotes/thoughts I want to remember:
“This is a gospel of grand expectations, but God’s grace is sufficient for each of us if we remember that there are no instant Christians.” -Elder Neal A. Maxwell
How comforting it is for us to see how often he (Joseph Smith) and others hear that same reassuring phrase (“Your sins are forgiven you”) throughout many subsequent years.
One day we will have to face ourselves in the mirror and realize how much we need the Savior.
Jesus would provide a way for us to be resurrected and, by His shouldering our punishment and guilt, a way to be cleansed. However, those would not be the end of His gifts. He also took upon Himself our infirmities and sorrows. He provided a way for us to be consoled through every trial. He suffered alone so that we would never have to do the same. Through His Atonement all of us can be covered, helped, comforted, and ultimately embraced.
“In a world that offers flimsy and fleeting remedies for mortal despair, Jesus comes to us in our moments of need with a ‘more excellent hope’.” - Robert L. Millet
“The gospel of Jesus Christ was not given us to prevent our pain. The gospel was given us to heal our pain.” -Marie K. Hafen
Jesus doesn’t always protect us from unpleasant consequences of sin or the choices of others, since they are all part of what we are here on earth to experience. However, He does shield us from fear in those dark times and delivers us from having to face those difficulties alone.
Jesus makes every mountain manageable and fills every valley.
The Savior’s message isn’t just “Come unto me,” but “Come as you are.” He doesn’t say, “Go get your act together and then come back when you fit the mold.” He says, in essence, “Let’s start right where you are, and go from there.” He doesn’t require us to fit any mold before He is willing to mold us.
Christ’s saving role - “unto the remission of your sins”
Christ’s redeeming role - “that ye may become holy”
John 10:10 “having life” and having “it more abundantly”
“The Atonement was designed to do more than restore us to the ‘starting line’ — more than just wipe the slate clean. [Its] crowing purpose [is] to endow us with power so that we might overcome each of our weaknesses and acquire the divine traits that would make us like God.” - Elder Tad R. Callister
“That which I have I can easily give you, but that which I am you must obtain for yourself. You will qualify for your inheritance by learning what I have learned and by living as I have lived.” - Elder Dallin H. Oaks
Jesus was God’s Only Begotten in the flesh. His unique birth and mission were absolutely necessary because they constituted our only chance to avoid eternal destruction.
“Remember that one of Satan’s strategies, especially with good people, is to whisper in their ears: ‘If you are not perfect, you are failing.’ This is one of his most effective deceptions.” - Elder Gerald N. Lund
There is a man in a hot desert who sees a fountain at the top of a hill. With great effort, he climbs the hill and receives the life-giving water. What saved him? Was it the climb (his works) or the water (grace)? The answer, of course, is that they are both essential.
Scriptures make it clear that our works are a significant factor in where we end up. However, this is not because of what our works earn us, but because of how they shape us.
As we face the fight, rather than shunning it, God transforms us.
“Obedience—that which God will never take by force—He will accept when freely given. And He will then return to you freedoms that you can hardly dream of—the freedom to feel and to know, the freedom to do, and the freedoms to be, at least a thousandfold more than we offer Him. Strangely enough, the key to freedom is obedience.” - Elder Boyd K. Packer
Through all the highs and lows I’ve experienced since that night, I have always felt safety and security as I continue going through the refining process—a process He wouldn’t put me through if I were not worth refining. I know it will take time, but I’ll get there.
Perfection isn’t our immediate goal. Progress is.
Developing a Christlike character “requires patience and persistence more than it requires flawlessness.” - Elder Bruce C. Hafen
Covenants connect us to Christ, who said, “I will not leave you comfortless: I will come to you.” (John 14:18)
“When you get hooked up to the heart monitor, you don’t want to see a straight line. That’s bad news. It’s the up and down lines that let you know you are alive.” -Debi Wilcox
Sin, mistakes, sorrows, and injustices do not automatically make people more empathetic. Consider how the wards in the Book of Mormon softened and humbled the hearts of some, but hardened others (see Alma 62:41). It is Christ who can sanctify our experiences for our growth and development, but we must let Him do so.
The continuous Atonement of Jesus Christ will be there for me and you.
Quotes/thoughts I want to remember:
“This is a gospel of grand expectations, but God’s grace is sufficient for each of us if we remember that there are no instant Christians.” -Elder Neal A. Maxwell
How comforting it is for us to see how often he (Joseph Smith) and others hear that same reassuring phrase (“Your sins are forgiven you”) throughout many subsequent years.
One day we will have to face ourselves in the mirror and realize how much we need the Savior.
Jesus would provide a way for us to be resurrected and, by His shouldering our punishment and guilt, a way to be cleansed. However, those would not be the end of His gifts. He also took upon Himself our infirmities and sorrows. He provided a way for us to be consoled through every trial. He suffered alone so that we would never have to do the same. Through His Atonement all of us can be covered, helped, comforted, and ultimately embraced.
“In a world that offers flimsy and fleeting remedies for mortal despair, Jesus comes to us in our moments of need with a ‘more excellent hope’.” - Robert L. Millet
“The gospel of Jesus Christ was not given us to prevent our pain. The gospel was given us to heal our pain.” -Marie K. Hafen
Jesus doesn’t always protect us from unpleasant consequences of sin or the choices of others, since they are all part of what we are here on earth to experience. However, He does shield us from fear in those dark times and delivers us from having to face those difficulties alone.
Jesus makes every mountain manageable and fills every valley.
The Savior’s message isn’t just “Come unto me,” but “Come as you are.” He doesn’t say, “Go get your act together and then come back when you fit the mold.” He says, in essence, “Let’s start right where you are, and go from there.” He doesn’t require us to fit any mold before He is willing to mold us.
Christ’s saving role - “unto the remission of your sins”
Christ’s redeeming role - “that ye may become holy”
John 10:10 “having life” and having “it more abundantly”
“The Atonement was designed to do more than restore us to the ‘starting line’ — more than just wipe the slate clean. [Its] crowing purpose [is] to endow us with power so that we might overcome each of our weaknesses and acquire the divine traits that would make us like God.” - Elder Tad R. Callister
“That which I have I can easily give you, but that which I am you must obtain for yourself. You will qualify for your inheritance by learning what I have learned and by living as I have lived.” - Elder Dallin H. Oaks
Jesus was God’s Only Begotten in the flesh. His unique birth and mission were absolutely necessary because they constituted our only chance to avoid eternal destruction.
“Remember that one of Satan’s strategies, especially with good people, is to whisper in their ears: ‘If you are not perfect, you are failing.’ This is one of his most effective deceptions.” - Elder Gerald N. Lund
There is a man in a hot desert who sees a fountain at the top of a hill. With great effort, he climbs the hill and receives the life-giving water. What saved him? Was it the climb (his works) or the water (grace)? The answer, of course, is that they are both essential.
Scriptures make it clear that our works are a significant factor in where we end up. However, this is not because of what our works earn us, but because of how they shape us.
As we face the fight, rather than shunning it, God transforms us.
“Obedience—that which God will never take by force—He will accept when freely given. And He will then return to you freedoms that you can hardly dream of—the freedom to feel and to know, the freedom to do, and the freedoms to be, at least a thousandfold more than we offer Him. Strangely enough, the key to freedom is obedience.” - Elder Boyd K. Packer
Through all the highs and lows I’ve experienced since that night, I have always felt safety and security as I continue going through the refining process—a process He wouldn’t put me through if I were not worth refining. I know it will take time, but I’ll get there.
Perfection isn’t our immediate goal. Progress is.
Developing a Christlike character “requires patience and persistence more than it requires flawlessness.” - Elder Bruce C. Hafen
Covenants connect us to Christ, who said, “I will not leave you comfortless: I will come to you.” (John 14:18)
“When you get hooked up to the heart monitor, you don’t want to see a straight line. That’s bad news. It’s the up and down lines that let you know you are alive.” -Debi Wilcox
Sin, mistakes, sorrows, and injustices do not automatically make people more empathetic. Consider how the wards in the Book of Mormon softened and humbled the hearts of some, but hardened others (see Alma 62:41). It is Christ who can sanctify our experiences for our growth and development, but we must let Him do so.
The continuous Atonement of Jesus Christ will be there for me and you.
Read
March 21, 2025This book was really good. It dives into depth more into the Savior's atoning sacrifice for man, and also provides insights regarding God, Christ, and our relationship with them. I originally started reading this book because I wanted to learn more about Jesus Christ's grace, or the enabling strength that comes only through His atonement, (His sacrifice for man,) but as I read, not only did I gain a deeper understanding about Christ's grace and how I can not only receive greater power through His atonement, and how I can be continuously strengthened through Christ's atonement, but I also learned more on a deeper level how much Jesus Christ's atonement affects me every day, especially as I choose to let His sacrifice affect me. This book not only helped me ponder on why I personally feel the need for Christ's continuous atonement in my life, but it also helped me even gain a deeper understanding of my covenants I have made with the Lord. One of my favorite parts of this book was in Chapter 6,"After All We Can Do," where the author, Brad Wilcox, discusses how through the atonement of Christ, we are BECOMING someone new, and always changing, if we allow the Savior to work in our lives. There was a quote in this chapter that Brad quoted from a sister who was answering the last question of the temple recommend questions, where it asks you to consider your personal worthiness. Brad said that this sister paused, and responded: "I'm not alone. I am standing hand in hand with the Savior, and together WE are worthy." After reading this book, it makes me want to make changes in my life that will help me to constantly use the Savior's atonement daily, as I feel I am underutilizing the atonement, rather than truly using it to its full capacity as the Savior has intended for us to do. If you are not a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, or have no belief in God or Jesus Christ, this book might be a little difficult to read, as there is a lot of doctrines and scriptures referenced that are believed and familiar to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. However, I highly recommend this book to all who not only want a deeper understanding of the Lord's sacrifice, but to those who also desire a deeper connection to Jesus Christ.
January 12, 2020
I thought this book was a wonderful repositioning of grace and Jesus’s atonement compared to some LDS perspectives which think we have to earn our exhalation. “I figured that immortality was free, but eternal life had to be earned. Now I realize both are free (DC 6:14; 14:7), but eternal life must be received by faith in Christ, which included covenants and the ordinances that evidence those covenants” (157). I didn’t always understand how grace could be free and also that it must be received by faith, but the idea that it is already all taken care of is beautiful.
One idea that I really liked was different levels of motivation that Wilcox discussed. He suggested that the highest level of motivation is a friend, giving more meaning to Jesus yelling his disciples that He is their friend. “The Lord sometimes referees to Joseph as His servant (DC 1:17). At other times He called him His son (DC 121:7) and His friend (DC 93:45). No doubt even the Prophet and his associates were progressing through the levels of motivation. Servants are required to work. Sons are expected to work. However, friends work because they want to” (172).
One idea that I really liked was different levels of motivation that Wilcox discussed. He suggested that the highest level of motivation is a friend, giving more meaning to Jesus yelling his disciples that He is their friend. “The Lord sometimes referees to Joseph as His servant (DC 1:17). At other times He called him His son (DC 121:7) and His friend (DC 93:45). No doubt even the Prophet and his associates were progressing through the levels of motivation. Servants are required to work. Sons are expected to work. However, friends work because they want to” (172).
Read
May 17, 2025I can’t give a book like this a rating because it’s more than just a book, it’s a testimony!
Sometimes reading religious text is difficult for me because it’s not as entertaining, haha, BUT, Brad Wilcox has quite the narrating voice and it’s easy to “hear” him while reading his words. So enthusiastic and animated with a hint of drama in his words choice. So I would say more entertaining than most religious text and quite easy to focus and pay attention.
There were a lot of points that I loved and some that I felt were quite exclusive, but I needed to continually remind myself of the intended audience.
Good book to get a couple different viewpoints on some doctrine of the church.
Sometimes reading religious text is difficult for me because it’s not as entertaining, haha, BUT, Brad Wilcox has quite the narrating voice and it’s easy to “hear” him while reading his words. So enthusiastic and animated with a hint of drama in his words choice. So I would say more entertaining than most religious text and quite easy to focus and pay attention.
There were a lot of points that I loved and some that I felt were quite exclusive, but I needed to continually remind myself of the intended audience.
Good book to get a couple different viewpoints on some doctrine of the church.
June 5, 2014
Full review to come soon but for now all I can say is WOW! What a fabulously inspirational book!
Ok here it is:
I would like to give you a brief snapshot (a teaser) into each chapter.
Chapter 1 However Long it Takes:
The message of this chapter is: DONT GIVE UP. Even if you struggle with a serious addiction and you keep regressing. KEEP TRYING.
"Even when we may not have completely forsaken a sin, each time we repent we are one step closer to that goal - we are closer than we think.... When we're tempted to give up, we must remember God is long-suffering, change is a process, and repentance is a pattern in our lives." (Page 15)
Chapter 2 Who Needs a Savior?
In this Chapter, Brother Wlicox shares a couple of stories from when he was a mission president in Chile. The first one he shares is about a man who didn't think he needed the Savior until his teenage son died tragically.
He shares this quote by President Ezra T. Benson, "Just as a man does not really desire food until he is hungry, so he does not desire the salvation of Christ until he knows why he needs Christ."
Chapter 3 He's Got us Covered
"The English word Atonement comes from the ancient Hebrew word kaphar, which means to cover." After Adam and Eve partook of the forbidden fruit the Lord provided coats of skins for them so they were covered physically. Through the atonement we are also covered emotionally and spiritually.
President Boyd K. Packer: "For some reason, we think the Atonement of Christ applies only at the end of mortal life to redemption from the Fall, from spiritual death. It is much more than that. It is an ever-present power to call upon to everyday life.... The Atonement has practical, personal, (and) everyday value."
Chapter 4 What Does it Mean to be Redeemed?
This chapter is about how the atonement can transform us if we let it.
"Being recovered, rescued, reconciled, reunited, and reinstated, would all ultimately be disappointing if we could not also be renewed..... The goal is not just being with God, but being like God.... One who chooses Christ chooses to be changed."
Chapter 5 One Lone Branch
He tells the most amazing story about an experience his brother-in-law had while on a scouting camp out. This story has stuck with me more than anything else in the entire book. It touched me so deeply I shared it with several of my friends and family.
He also quotes Sheri Dew: "The Savior isn't our last chance; He is our only chance."
Chapter 6 After All We Can Do
This chapter focuses on the scripture found in 2 Nephi 25:23 "For we know that it is by grace that we are saved, after all we can do". He really analyzes the phrase "after all we can do" word by word.
"In those anxious moments, the greatest comfort I have found is in knowing ANY effort is pleasing to God even if He and I both know it's not my all or my best.... He is more concerned with the offerer than the offering."
Chapter 7 Who made God the Enemy?
In this chapter, he explains justice and mercy and how they are both essential to our salvation.
"We read of the "wrath" and "anger" of God... without remembering that mercy is not made possible by removing justice but by sustaining it."
"For those with eyes to see, God's love is found not only in the ark but also in the flood. It is found not only in His raising the city of Enoch but also in His destroying Sodom and Gomorrah...."
Chapter 8 Exchanging Willpower for His Power
Inspired by his mission president, Brother Wilcox explains the steps of repentance by exploring the UN-principles of the gospel: Un-faith, un-humility, un-recognition, etc.
"God does not need our confession; we need to confess. Sin is wrong, but covering it up makes it worse because the only sins the Atonement can't reach are the unconfessed ones.... Confession makes problems a part of our past, while lying makes them a part of our future."
Chapter 9 Faith Without Works (And Works Without Supervision)
In this chapter, he dispels the belief that we are here to work out or EARN our salvation.
"We serve others as He serves us - not in an effort to deserve grace, but to accept it and offer it as freely as it is offered to us.... not to EARN grace but to RETURN grace for grace."
Chapter 10 A Lesson in Marble
In this chapter, he talks about finding joy in life's ups and downs.
He shares a quote from President Gordon B. Hinckley: "I know it isn't easy. It's discouraging at times, sure. Aren't you glad it isn't just fun all the time? Those valleys of discouragement make more beautiful the peaks of achievement."
He concludes by giving a beautiful analogy. He compares the repentant sinner's life with a polished marble stone.
"Look at the marble. Isn't it beautiful? What makes it beautiful is not that it is free from imperfections. If it were clear and white, with no flaws, it would look plastic and artificial. The marble is beautiful and useful BECAUSE of the dark veins, not IN SPITE of them. When we repent, our sins are gone, but the memories linger, just like these dark lines. However, as we keep our covenants and experience the sanctifying influence of the Spirit, it is as if those dark lines are polished over time. They actually become part of our beauty."
I realize this is an extremely long review, but hopefully someone finds it helpful. Obviously, I got a lot out of this book and will refer to it again and again. It sits next to my bed so that I can reach for it whenever I'm feeling the need for something uplifting and encouraging.
Ok here it is:
I would like to give you a brief snapshot (a teaser) into each chapter.
Chapter 1 However Long it Takes:
The message of this chapter is: DONT GIVE UP. Even if you struggle with a serious addiction and you keep regressing. KEEP TRYING.
"Even when we may not have completely forsaken a sin, each time we repent we are one step closer to that goal - we are closer than we think.... When we're tempted to give up, we must remember God is long-suffering, change is a process, and repentance is a pattern in our lives." (Page 15)
Chapter 2 Who Needs a Savior?
In this Chapter, Brother Wlicox shares a couple of stories from when he was a mission president in Chile. The first one he shares is about a man who didn't think he needed the Savior until his teenage son died tragically.
He shares this quote by President Ezra T. Benson, "Just as a man does not really desire food until he is hungry, so he does not desire the salvation of Christ until he knows why he needs Christ."
Chapter 3 He's Got us Covered
"The English word Atonement comes from the ancient Hebrew word kaphar, which means to cover." After Adam and Eve partook of the forbidden fruit the Lord provided coats of skins for them so they were covered physically. Through the atonement we are also covered emotionally and spiritually.
President Boyd K. Packer: "For some reason, we think the Atonement of Christ applies only at the end of mortal life to redemption from the Fall, from spiritual death. It is much more than that. It is an ever-present power to call upon to everyday life.... The Atonement has practical, personal, (and) everyday value."
Chapter 4 What Does it Mean to be Redeemed?
This chapter is about how the atonement can transform us if we let it.
"Being recovered, rescued, reconciled, reunited, and reinstated, would all ultimately be disappointing if we could not also be renewed..... The goal is not just being with God, but being like God.... One who chooses Christ chooses to be changed."
Chapter 5 One Lone Branch
He tells the most amazing story about an experience his brother-in-law had while on a scouting camp out. This story has stuck with me more than anything else in the entire book. It touched me so deeply I shared it with several of my friends and family.
He also quotes Sheri Dew: "The Savior isn't our last chance; He is our only chance."
Chapter 6 After All We Can Do
This chapter focuses on the scripture found in 2 Nephi 25:23 "For we know that it is by grace that we are saved, after all we can do". He really analyzes the phrase "after all we can do" word by word.
"In those anxious moments, the greatest comfort I have found is in knowing ANY effort is pleasing to God even if He and I both know it's not my all or my best.... He is more concerned with the offerer than the offering."
Chapter 7 Who made God the Enemy?
In this chapter, he explains justice and mercy and how they are both essential to our salvation.
"We read of the "wrath" and "anger" of God... without remembering that mercy is not made possible by removing justice but by sustaining it."
"For those with eyes to see, God's love is found not only in the ark but also in the flood. It is found not only in His raising the city of Enoch but also in His destroying Sodom and Gomorrah...."
Chapter 8 Exchanging Willpower for His Power
Inspired by his mission president, Brother Wilcox explains the steps of repentance by exploring the UN-principles of the gospel: Un-faith, un-humility, un-recognition, etc.
"God does not need our confession; we need to confess. Sin is wrong, but covering it up makes it worse because the only sins the Atonement can't reach are the unconfessed ones.... Confession makes problems a part of our past, while lying makes them a part of our future."
Chapter 9 Faith Without Works (And Works Without Supervision)
In this chapter, he dispels the belief that we are here to work out or EARN our salvation.
"We serve others as He serves us - not in an effort to deserve grace, but to accept it and offer it as freely as it is offered to us.... not to EARN grace but to RETURN grace for grace."
Chapter 10 A Lesson in Marble
In this chapter, he talks about finding joy in life's ups and downs.
He shares a quote from President Gordon B. Hinckley: "I know it isn't easy. It's discouraging at times, sure. Aren't you glad it isn't just fun all the time? Those valleys of discouragement make more beautiful the peaks of achievement."
He concludes by giving a beautiful analogy. He compares the repentant sinner's life with a polished marble stone.
"Look at the marble. Isn't it beautiful? What makes it beautiful is not that it is free from imperfections. If it were clear and white, with no flaws, it would look plastic and artificial. The marble is beautiful and useful BECAUSE of the dark veins, not IN SPITE of them. When we repent, our sins are gone, but the memories linger, just like these dark lines. However, as we keep our covenants and experience the sanctifying influence of the Spirit, it is as if those dark lines are polished over time. They actually become part of our beauty."
I realize this is an extremely long review, but hopefully someone finds it helpful. Obviously, I got a lot out of this book and will refer to it again and again. It sits next to my bed so that I can reach for it whenever I'm feeling the need for something uplifting and encouraging.
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