There is an imperative need for BYU students to strengthen their understanding of the atonement of Jesus Christ, Elder Richard G. Scott of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles said at the March 18 devotional.
“It is vital that each of us learn what we can about [the atonement]. The atonement is that essential ingredient of our Father in Heaven’s plan of happiness without which that plan would have no significant meaning,” Elder Scott said.
Elder Scott’s devotional will be rebroadcast March 28 on KBYU-TV at 5:30 and 11 a.m.
Elder Scott used a scripture, Alma 7:23, to outline a formula for success and happiness in life.
While at the university, he said, students should strive to be humble, submissive and gentle, easy to be entreated, patient and long-suffering, temperate in all things and diligent in keeping the commandments of God.
“I testify that your regular application of the principles just reviewed will garner you greater accomplishments, satisfaction and peace from your diligent efforts at this university,” Elder Scott assured students.
Elder Scott explained to students that the atonement enables the Lord to accomplish His paramount purpose, which is for His children to attain personal development and progress to inherit the highest blessings of the Father’s plan for happiness.
Elder Scott said the Savior has a limitless capacity to feel “joy, happiness and gratitude as well as sorrow, disappointment and sadness” because of the atonement.
“The depth of how [God and Jesus] feel when they see us make mistakes or not do the things they know can bring happiness in our life is beyond our capacity to appreciate, as is the height of their rejoicing when we are obedient,” he said.
Studying the atonement will help students in all aspects of their life, especially in their university studies, Elder Scott said. He encouraged students to develop a plan to “better understand and appreciate the incomparable, eternal, infinite consequences” of the atonement.
“As an Apostle of the Lord Jesus Christ – and I do not use those words lightly – I testify that your understanding of the atonement and the insight it provides for your life will greatly enhance your productive use of all of the knowledge, experience and skills you acquire at this university,” Elder Scott promised.
Writer: Alexis Plowman
