The Gospel and Atonement of Jesus Christ Are for All People

Today, we live in a world that has lost many of its marks. The scriptures remind us so clearly that:

“The day cometh that they who will not hear the voice of the Lord, neither the voice of his servants, neither give heed to the words of the prophets and apostles, shall be cut off from among the people;

“For they have strayed from mine ordinances, and have broken mine everlasting covenant;

“They seek not the Lord to establish his righteousness, but every man walketh in his own way, and after the image of his own god, whose image is in the likeness of the world” (Doctrine and Covenants 1:14–16).

The gospel guides us to eternal truth, peace, and joy. The gospel teaches us that we are all beloved children of our Heavenly Father, created in His image. When we understand our divine identity, we discover an infinite love that transcends our mistakes and weaknesses.

As members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, we are blessed with the knowledge of the fulness of the gospel and the Atonement of our Saviour Jesus Christ, which is the antidote for our world. This is why the Lord exhorts each of us—who have agreed to take His name upon us at baptism—to proclaim His gospel. We must be ambassadors of His gospel to the world, and that is why we must live by His gospel. The gospel of Jesus Christ is a message of love and redemption for all mankind.

Our dedication to missionary work is an essential manifestation of our belief in the universal significance of the gospel. Our missionaries embody the inclusive spirit of Christ’s ministry, reaching out to the marginalized and warmly welcoming all who are ready to listen. They carry the torch of the universal gospel message, attesting that God’s love and the Atonement of Jesus Christ are available to all.

2 Nephi 26:33 beautifully illustrates this truth:

“He [the Lord] inviteth them all to come unto him and partake of his goodness; and he denieth none that come unto him, black and white, bond and free, male and female; and he remembereth the heathen; and all are alike unto God, both Jew and Gentile.”

We must remember that every person we meet is a child of God, worthy of love, respect, and of the opportunity to hear the gospel message. In Alma 16:16, we are reminded that the Lord will pour out “his Spirit on all the face of the land to prepare the minds of the children of men, or to prepare their hearts to receive the word which should be taught them at the time of His coming.”

Another vital aspect of our doctrine is the belief in the eternal nature of families and the opportunity for salvation for all generations. In our temples, we perform ordinances on behalf of our deceased ancestors. This sacred practice confirms our belief that salvation is available to all, even those who never had the chance to hear the gospel in their lifetime.

Our commitment to temple work reflects the belief that God’s love extends beyond the bounds of this life. It means we understand that the Atonement of Jesus Christ offers hope and redemption not only to the living, but also to those on the other side of the veil.

The Atonement of Jesus Christ is the foundation of our faith. Through His atoning sacrifice, He took upon Himself our sins, pains, and afflictions, thus offering us the opportunity to repent and receive divine forgiveness. This is a universal gift, available to all who humbly accept the Lord into their lives.

Let us stand firm in the truth that the gospel and Atonement of Jesus Christ are truly for all. It is a message of hope, redemption and eternal blessings, freely offered to every willing soul eager to learn more. Let us reach out with love, compassion, and empathy to all our brothers and sisters, knowing that we are instruments of His divine plan, to offer salvation to every individual.

In conclusion, I testify to the truthfulness of the gospel of Jesus Christ and the power of His Atonement. May we pray to be united in our commitment to follow Christ and to spread this good news to all God’s children, regardless of their background or situation. The world really needs the gospel and the Atonement of Jesus Christ in their lives. Let us save them together.