Grace

It has only been recently: I have overcome my shying away of audio books and podcasts, and am now engaging thrillingly in the learning process of listening, pondering, and recording notes as I listen to the voice of a teacher who lives on the other side of the world.

Currently, one of the audio books I am listening to is Brad Wilcox's "The Continuous Atonement."

I desire not to take away from him so much of his book or chapter(s), but to echo important principles that helps us develop an eternal perspective. I share a knowledge that has been confirmed in my heart and soul by the Holy Ghost. I also note that it has become a knowledge that has been realized over an extensive (and I emphasize 'extensive') period of time - and it is definitely still solidifying and growing.

I have had, many times in life, an experience of guiltiness and shame over a transgression or sin. Then, after working hard at praying for forgiveness, and committing to its abstinence, had realized a cleanliness of spirit, mind and heart.

Those moments are sweet and worth one's full effort and heart.

I have also had many times in life, when I have experienced strength beyond my own. My mission was a bountiful experience of such - everyday was an opportunity to exercise faith, set new goals, and spend the given 11 hours of that day chasing after Heaven. What a thrill! Not a day goes by when I don't think about my mission.

These two types of "moments" in life are both fruits of Christ and His Atonement.

Brad Wilcox taught that Jesus Christ is called both Savior and Redeemer. Are they not identical?

I tabled Brother Wilcox's teaching.

Justification (Christ as Savior)	Sanctification (Christ as Redeemer)
Exchanging His goodness for our sin.	Exchanging our worldly nature for a celestial nature.
Alters our standing.	Alters our state.
Frees us from sin’s penalties.	Frees us from sin’s tyranny
Clean hands.	Pure heart, given to God.
Permits us to enter Heaven, because we are cleansed.	Helps us feel comfortable in Heaven, because we have become Heavenly.

So, it's interesting to see the contrast between the two. They are not completely different, yet, not completely the same. They are inseparable as a team, for we cannot have one without the other.

Those who find themselves committing the same mistakes over and over again, may find that they keep on being forgiven and cleansed as they honestly, sincerely and effort-fully repent. Their repetition of the mistake might be due to a need for patience in the redeeming role of the Savior, as bit by bit, He exchanges a bit of the natural man's characteristic for a celestial characteristic.

These are things that other Christian churches are missing in their doctrines.

I pray we learn this difference in its application our lives, then help others with the same - especially as missionaries in Zion.

I testify of the Savior's cleansing power. I can be forgiven, I can be freed from sin and its eternal consequences. I can feel renewed, and live life as if I had never made that sin.

I also testify of the Savior's transforming power. I can be changed. I can be freed from my susceptibility to sin. I can feel different, and live life to never make that sin again.