Study Guide for "Be Perfected in Him"

In his talk, Elder Paul V. Johnson uses the story of his grandson's life-saving bone marrow transplant to illustrate the transformative power of Jesus Christ's Atonement. He emphasizes that just as his grandson could not heal himself, we cannot save ourselves. Rather, it is through the grace of Jesus Christ and His infinite Atonement that we are saved, changed, and ultimately perfected. Elder Johnson urges us to submit to the Lord's will, keep our covenants, and allow the Lord to work miracles in us.

Before Reading

Before reading or listening to the talk, consider the following questions:

How does Elder Johnson use his grandson's story to illustrate the Atonement of Jesus Christ?
What does Elder Johnson say about our ability to save ourselves?
What role does our willingness to submit to the Lord's will and keep our covenants play in our redemption?
How does Elder Johnson interpret Jesus's commandment that we "should be perfect"?
What promise does Elder Johnson give about the outcome of our spiritual change of heart?

Topics

Understanding Our Inability to Save Ourselves

Elder Johnson uses the story of his grandson's illness to illustrate our inability to save ourselves. Just as his grandson could not cure his own disease, we cannot cleanse ourselves from our sins or exalt ourselves. Salvation and exaltation are only possible through the Savior Jesus Christ and His infinite Atonement.

Just as Aaron could not cure himself, we cannot save ourselves. No matter how capable, educated, brilliant, or strong we are, we cannot cleanse ourselves from our sins, change our bodies to an immortal state, or exalt ourselves. It is only possible through the Savior Jesus Christ and His infinite Atonement.

It is His atoning blood that cleanses us and sanctifies us.

What does it mean that we cannot save ourselves?
How does the Savior's Atonement cleanse and sanctify us?
How can you more fully rely on the Savior's Atonement in your life?
In what ways have you experienced the cleansing and sanctifying power of the Atonement?

Submitting to the Lord's Will and Keeping Covenants

Elder Johnson teaches that although we can't save ourselves, when we submit to the Lord's will and keep our covenants, the way is open for our redemption. This submission and faithfulness allows for our hearts to be changed and for us to become new creatures in Christ.

Although we can’t save ourselves, when we submit to the Lord’s will and keep our covenants, the way is open for our redemption.

Like the remarkable process of the very DNA of Aaron’s blood cells changing, we can have our hearts changed, have His image in our countenances, and become new creatures in Christ.

What does it mean to submit to the Lord's will?
How does keeping our covenants open the way for our redemption?
What steps can you take to better submit to the Lord's will?
How can you more faithfully keep your covenants?

Experiencing the Mighty Change of Heart

Elder Johnson highlights the transformative power of the Lord in changing our hearts. He emphasizes that it is the Lord who performs this change and that it results in a mighty transformation in our lives.

The people were willing to open their hearts and exercise faith, and then the Lord changed their hearts. And what a mighty change it was!

Think of the difference in the lives of these two men named Alma before and after their hearts were changed.

What does it mean to have a "mighty change" of heart?
How does the Lord perform this change in our hearts?
How have you experienced a change of heart in your own life?
What can you do to invite the Lord to further change your heart?

Striving for Perfection Through Christ's Grace

Elder Johnson addresses the commandment to be perfect, acknowledging that it can seem daunting. He reassures us that perfection is not something we can achieve on our own, but is only possible through God's grace and the Atonement of Jesus Christ.

There is only one way and one name whereby perfection comes. We are “made perfect through Jesus the mediator of the new covenant, who wrought out this perfect atonement through the shedding of his own blood.”

Our perfection is only possible through God’s grace.

What does it mean to be "perfect" according to the gospel of Jesus Christ?
How does the Atonement of Jesus Christ make us perfect?
How can you better understand and accept the Savior's grace in your life?
What steps can you take to strive for perfection through Christ's grace?

Embracing the Sure Promise of Perfection

Elder Johnson teaches that while the process of change takes time and will not be completed until after this life, the promise of being perfected in Christ is sure. He encourages us to embrace God's promises, even when their fulfillment seems far off.

When we live according to His will, “relying wholly upon the merits of him who is mighty to save,” there is a 100 percent guarantee of being cleansed by the Savior’s blood and eventually being perfected in Him.

There is no question that this process of change takes time and will not be completed until after this life, but the promise is sure.

What does it mean that the promise of being perfected in Christ is sure?
How can we rely wholly upon the merits of Christ?
How can you better embrace God's promises in your life?
What steps can you take to rely more fully on the Savior?