The Atonement of Jesus Christ can uplift and purify us today, as Alma and King Benjamin's people can testify. This "preparatory redemption" foreshadows the perfected redemption promised in Doctrine and Covenants 45, when every wound is healed and every obstacle to our eternal joy has been removed.
“What Are These Wounds?”
Zechariah foresaw a man bearing wounds which he received “in the house of [His] friends.” The Savior's wounds raise the question: What scars have we unknowingly inflicted on our loved ones? Fortunately, He can heal every wound, including the pain we sometimes cause to those we love the most.
The Joy of Our Redemption
Eve recognized that the Fall and the Savior's Atonement enabled her and Adam to experience "the joy of our redemption." This joy is not limited to a future event. As Sister Kristin M. Yee has testified, the Savior's redemptive power can be active in our lives every day.
“The Robe of Righteousness: The Savior’s Gifts in Isaiah 61”
Isaiah 61 describes the Messiah’s mission to heal, liberate, and uplift. He replaces mourning with joy and “the spirit of heaviness” with “the garment of praise.” Nephi referenced this chapter when he prayed, "Wilt thou encircle me around in the robe of thy righteousness!" The Savior can replace our sadness with a robe of righteousness.
“Sweet Evidence”
Mormon taught that we must be clean to experience miracles. Jacob testified that this is possible through God's grace. The Book of Mormon and modern revelation testify that assurance of God's favor often precedes new revelation. The companionship of the Holy Ghost is evidence that the Atonement of Jesus Christ is working in our lives.
“I Will Drink of the Fruit of the Vine with You”
At the Last Supper, Jesus promised to partake of the sacrament again with His disciples. A revelation to Joseph Smith expanded on this future event, naming twelve ancient prophets who will join Him. All of God's children, past, present, and future, need Christ’s grace. The sacrament symbolizes His universal Atonement.
Entangled Again
The Articles and Covenants of the Church begin with a personal story. After being forgiven, Joseph Smith was "entangled again in the vanities of the world." He repented and was forgiven again. When we humbly repent, God will set us free, even when our sins seem insurmountable.
Endless
Book of Mormon authors use the phrase "endless torment" to describe the suffering from which God has delivered us. The Lord encouraged Martin Harris to think of this suffering as enormous, not unending. With this context, "endless punishment" means God's punishment, or in other words, the punishment God willingly suffered on our behalf.
Moroni and Isaiah
In his final chapter, Moroni paraphrases two passages from Isaiah which urge us to live with more enthusiasm and joy because we are aware of the Atonement of Jesus Christ. Because of Him, we can engage fully with life and plan for a hopeful future.
What Is the Second Death?
Jesus overcame death for us in three ways: Because of Him, our bodies and spirits will be reunited after we die. We will also be reunited with God, at least temporarily. Finally, He can help us be prepared at that time to stay in God's presence forever.