A Living Witness of the Living Christ
Open talk in Gospel LibraryContents
Before Reading
Before reading or listening to the talk, consider the following questions:
- What is the central message of the Book of Mormon according to Bishop Caussé?
- How does Bishop Caussé describe the Atonement of Jesus Christ?
- What are some of the "plain and precious truths" about the Savior’s Atonement that Bishop Caussé lists?
- What does Bishop Caussé mean when he says the Atonement is a "personal and intimate gift"?
- How does Bishop Caussé suggest we can feel the influence of the Savior’s Atonement in our lives?
Topics
Understanding the Significance of the Christus Statue
Bishop Caussé discusses the Christus statue, its history, and its significance in testifying of the Church's love for the Savior. He contrasts the depiction of a living Christ in the statue with other artistic renderings of the time that largely portray the suffering Christ on the cross.
The statue of the Christus, which adorns the grounds of the Paris Temple and other Church properties, testifies of our love for the Savior.
Thorvaldsen’s work presents the living Christ, who gained victory over death and, with open arms, invites all to come unto Him.
- What is the significance of the Christus statue to members of the Church?
- How does the Christus statue testify of the Church's love for the Savior?
- How does the image of the living Christ depicted in the Christus statue affect your understanding of the Savior?
- What feelings or thoughts do you have when you see the Christus statue?
Recognizing the Central Message of the Book of Mormon
Bishop Caussé emphasizes that the central message of the Book of Mormon is to restore the true knowledge of the essential role of Jesus Christ in the salvation and exaltation of mankind. He explains how the Book of Mormon clarifies and expands our knowledge of the Atonement.
The central message of the Book of Mormon is to restore the true knowledge of the essential role of Jesus Christ in the salvation and exaltation of mankind.
Plain and precious truths about the Savior’s Atonement resound throughout the Book of Mormon.
- What is the central message of the Book of Mormon according to Bishop Caussé?
- How does the Book of Mormon restore the true knowledge of the essential role of Jesus Christ?
- How has your study of the Book of Mormon deepened your understanding of the essential role of Jesus Christ?
- Can you identify an instance when the Book of Mormon clarified or expanded your knowledge of the Atonement?
Reflecting on the Truths of the Savior’s Atonement
Bishop Caussé lists several truths about the Savior’s Atonement and invites listeners to reflect on how these truths have changed or could change their lives. These truths include the universality and personal nature of the Atonement, the conditions for receiving its full blessings, and the enabling power it provides.
The Atonement of Jesus Christ is a free gift offered to all who have lived, who currently live, and who will live on the earth.
Through His Atonement, Jesus Christ not only washes away our sins, but He also provides enabling power through which His disciples may "[put] off the natural man," progress "line upon line," and increase in holiness.
- What are some of the truths about the Savior’s Atonement that Bishop Caussé lists?
- How does the Atonement provide enabling power according to Bishop Caussé?
- How have the truths of the Savior’s Atonement changed your life?
- Can you think of a time when you felt the enabling power of the Atonement in your life?
Appreciating the Personal Nature of the Atonement
Bishop Caussé discusses the personal and intimate nature of the Atonement, explaining that Christ died for each one of us personally. He also shares examples from the Book of Mormon of individuals who experienced the Lord's infinite goodness and mercy.
The Lord’s Atonement is a remarkably personal and intimate gift, suited to each of us individually.
Their conversion stories and vibrant testimonies provide a living witness of how our hearts can be changed and our lives transformed through the Lord’s infinite goodness and mercy.
- What does Bishop Caussé mean when he says the Atonement is a "personal and intimate gift"?
- How do the conversion stories in the Book of Mormon illustrate the personal nature of the Atonement?
- How have you personally experienced the Atonement in your life?
- Can you think of a time when you felt the Lord's infinite goodness and mercy?
Experiencing the Influence of the Savior’s Atonement
Bishop Caussé discusses how we can feel the influence of the Savior’s Atonement in our lives. He describes various experiences that bear witness of the Savior's redemptive influence and invites listeners to reflect on their own experiences with the Atonement.
When was the last time you felt the sweet influence of the Savior’s Atonement in your life?
I bear witness that all these experiences are real and are evidence that lives can be changed through faith in Jesus Christ and His Atonement.
- How does Bishop Caussé suggest we can feel the influence of the Savior’s Atonement in our lives?
- What experiences does Bishop Caussé describe as evidence of the Savior's redemptive influence?
- When was the last time you felt the sweet influence of the Savior’s Atonement in your life?
- How has your life been changed through faith in Jesus Christ and His Atonement?
