The Atonement of Jesus Christ is not only the mechanism through which He saves us but also emblematic of the process by which we receive that salvation. As He suffered on our behalf, He quoted from a psalm, reaffirming His commitment to submit fully to the will of His Father.
Jesus Christ is the Way
The builders of the Tower of Babel hoped to make a name for themselves and ascend to heaven through their own efforts. In contrast, King Benjamin taught that salvation comes only through the name of Jesus Christ. As we grow closer to Him, He unites us and lifts us to our Father in Heaven.
King Benjamin: The Natural Man
Part of mortality is being subject to improper inclinations. An angel explained to King Benjamin that when we err in ignorance, Jesus Christ eliminates our culpability. But when we know right from wrong, we become agents. We can choose to "put off the natural man," and become saints through the atonement of Christ.
The Fall of Adam and Eve
The Fall of Adam and Eve was important to Book of Mormon prophets. Lehi, Benjamin, Alma, Samuel,and Moroni all elaborated on this important event, explaining how it informs our decision-making, our perception of mortality, and our understanding of God's plan for His children.
The Heaven and the Earth
Faith in God can begin with a sense of wonder at His creations. Nephi, Benjamin, Ammon and Aaron, Jesus, and Moroni all emphasized the Creation as a basis for belief in God.
Degrees of Difficulty: Controlling What We Can
God taught Joseph Smith that He judges us according to "the desire of [our] hearts." He is perfectly aware of the unique "degree of difficulty" we individually face, and He factors that in to His assessment of us. We should therefore focus our efforts on what we can control and leave the rest to Him.
“Thus Shall My Church Be Called”
Jesus revealed the name of His church in 1838. He declared, "Thus shall my church be called in the last days, even The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints." We honor Him and affirm our discipleship by using the full name of the Church.
From Eternity to Eternity
Book of Mormon prophets and Doctrine and Covenants 76 testify of the premortal divinity of Jesus Christ. He was "the Lord Omnipotent" before He was born, He created the heavens and the earth, and "from eternity to eternity He is the same." Our confidence in Him rests upon a recognition of His eternal godhood.
Overcoming the World
God wants us to overcome the world, and He is willing to help us do it. President Nelson taught that overcoming the world is synonymous with putting off the natural man. It means to replace worldly qualities like arrogance, anger, and jealousy with Christlike qualities — compassion, patience, humility, and obedience to God.
Practicing Virtue and Holiness
Modern revelation twice urges disciples to “practice virtue and holiness.” Practice means deliberate, repeated action. Virtue is a pattern of thought and behavior based on high moral standards. Holiness means being purified from sin. Consistent effort (practice) invites God's transforming power, so that He can sanctify us and help us become holy.