Living the Good News

I recently signed up for a training course, and the introductory email stated, “You’ll soon be enjoying one of the most life-transforming experiences you’ll ever have.” That’s a bold assertion. I’ve had my share of transformative experiences, so this claim has some hefty shoes to fill.

When I think of “life-transforming experiences,” a particular moment comes to mind. After returning from my mission, I found myself in a deep emotional abyss. While I won’t divulge the details, it took years to navigate through the repentance cycle. Even today, I still grapple with the residue of that period in my life.

Fast-forward to about three years of therapy: I was attending a group session that featured a Ropes Course—a challenging outdoor personal development and team-building activity. We initiated the event with a group prayer and a motivational talk. The leader asked us what we aimed to gain from the activity. For me, the answer was simple: I just wanted to know that God knew I existed. My expectations were minimal, constrained by my own feelings of unworthiness. Yet, I offered up a sincere prayer, asking for the smallest of acknowledgments.

What followed was a truly life-transforming experience—one that holds immense sacredness for me. For the first time that I can recall, I felt enveloped in God’s love. I sensed His warmth, compassion, and forgiveness coursing through me. More than that, I knew He was aware of me, of who I was. This realization affirmed that I was on the path to forgiveness. But most importantly, it fortified my conviction that God exists, that Christ’s Atonement covered my sins, and that there was absolutely nothing I could do to sever that eternal love.

Undoubtedly, that day stands as one of the most significant in my life. It ranks alongside my marriage and sealing to Shauna, as well as the birth of our children, in terms of transformative impact. But a training course? I have my reservations.

In the New Testament, specifically in the book of Hebrews, the author is asking a lot of Christian Jews. Having already accepted Christ, they are now being invited to transcend an outdated law and tradition. The call is to undergo a life-transforming experience and live by a new and holier law. The method chosen by Paul—and ultimately by Christ Himself—is to educate them (and us) on the Supremacy of Christ.

In Colossians 1:15-20 we read this about Christ:

15 Who is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of every creature:

16 For by him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers: all things were created by him and for him:

17 And he is before all things, and by him all things consist.

18 And he is the head of the body, the church: who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead; that in all things he might have the preeminence.

19 For it pleased the Father that in him should all fulness dwell;

20 And, having made peace through the blood of his cross, by him to reconcile all things unto himself; by him, I say, whether they be things in earth, or things in heaven.

This is a powerful passage that lays out the preeminence and centrality of Jesus Christ, these verses emphasize the divine role of Jesus Christ in God’s eternal plan. Let’s break down some key points from the passage:

• Image of the Invisible God (v. 15): Christ is described as the “image of the invisible God,” indicating that He perfectly represents and reveals God the Father. Christ is in the express image of His Father.
• Firstborn Over All Creation (v. 15): The term “firstborn” here is often understood to mean preeminent or supreme over creation, rather than first created. Christ existed before all things and is above all things.
• All Things Created Through Him (v. 16): This verse emphasizes that Christ is not just a part of creation but the active Creator of all things, both seen and unseen.
• Before All Things, and In Him All Things Hold Together (v. 17): This points to the sustaining power of Christ. He not only created all things but also maintains and upholds them.
• Head of the Church (v. 18): Christ’s authority extends not just over the natural world but also over the spiritual realm, particularly the Church. He is its guiding and unifying force.
• Firstborn from the Dead (v. 18): Christ is the first to be resurrected, paving the way for all humanity to overcome physical death.
• Fullness of God (v. 19): It pleased the Father that all “fullness” should dwell in Christ, affirming His divine nature and His role in the Godhead.
• Reconciliation Through His Blood (v. 20): The passage culminates with the doctrine of atonement, affirming that Christ’s sacrifice reconciles all things to God—making peace through His blood shed on the cross.

It beautifully encapsulates the core Christian belief in the supreme significance of Christ in God’s plan for the cosmos and for our personal lives.

Here’s a question for further reflection:

• How does your understanding of temple ceremonies and ordinances reinforce these key points about the preeminence and centrality of Christ?
• How has your personal revelation or experiences testified of Christ’s universal role as Savior and Redeemer?

By pondering these questions, we can deepen our understanding of Christ’s eternal role and fortify our commitment to follow Him, especially from a Latter-day Saint perspective.

One way for us to gain a profound understanding of the supremacy of Christ is through temple worship. Here’s how:

1. Teachings and Symbols: The temple ceremonies are rich with symbolism and teachings that point to Christ’s central role in the Plan of Salvation. His atoning sacrifice, creation, and teachings are at the heart of the temple experience.
2. Covenants and Ordinances: Each ordinance performed in the temple is done through the authority of Jesus Christ. These ordinances underscore His role as the Mediator between God and mankind.
3. Holiness of the Temple: The temple is often referred to as the “House of the Lord.” This designation underlines the centrality of Christ in our spiritual lives and His role as the ultimate source of truth and light.
4. Personal Revelation: The quiet, reverent atmosphere of the temple serves as a backdrop for receiving personal guidance and revelation, which often testify of Christ’s supreme role in our lives.
5. Unified Worship: Temples are places where Saints gather from all walks of life, united in their testimony of Jesus Christ. This collective worship emphasizes His universal role as Savior and Redeemer.
6. Preparing for Eternity: The endowment and sealing ordinances emphasize eternal relationships and goals that are made possible only through the Atonement of Jesus Christ.
7. Reminder of Covenants: Temple attendance regularly reminds us of the covenants we’ve made with God, which are only possible through the grace and Atonement of Christ.

The temple functions as a microcosm where teachings about Christ’s supremacy transition from theoretical to experiential. It becomes a space where our understanding of His eternal role deepens, and our resolve to follow Him is strengthened.

Here’s a question to ponder: In what specific ways has your temple attendance enriched your understanding and relationship with Christ?

Life presents us with transformative moments—some are challenging, while others liberate us. Temple worship stands as a consistent beacon for such experiences. Within its walls, our grasp of Jesus Christ’s divine role transcends mere instruction; it’s a profound, heartfelt realization. Beyond the temple’s symbolic teachings and sacred covenants, its serene ambiance is fertile ground for personal revelation. Here, our bond with Christ is not only comprehended but deeply felt.

If you haven’t yet ventured into the temple, make it a priority. Even a quiet moment on the temple grounds can immerse you in an atmosphere resonating with God’s love and tranquility.

A memory springs to mind. Some years back, Shauna and I visited the temple with a dear friend. As the evening wrapped up and we headed to our car, a distraught man sat nearby in his vehicle. Although he couldn’t enter the temple that day, he sought solace on its grounds. Compelled by compassion, I tapped on his window and offered an embrace. As he wept, we held each other. While I provided physical comfort, the Lord extended His divine solace. We can all seek and expect such an embrace from the Lord—All we have to do is ask.

Don’t let thoughts of Christ’s majesty deter you from experiencing the intimate consolation He offers. Steer clear of distancing yourself from Christ’s redemptive power. Remember, the adversary wishes for you to second-guess, to harbor doubts. Echoing Elder Uchtdorf, “Doubt your doubts!” Embrace the concept of “questioning in the light”—bringing forth uncertainties while immersed in spiritual surroundings, whether during prayer, temple visits, or scripture study. Should something trigger a question or doubt about our faith, turn to the Lord. If He embodies supreme knowledge and power, why not seek His counsel and illumination? Engaging with questions under the Spirit’s guidance often reveals profound insights. Ground your inquiries in faith and past spiritual experiences, rather than detaching them into skepticism. Let’s not forsake once-felt convictions due to fleeting emotions. God continually bestows personal revelations to navigate our spiritual journey.

All we have to do is ask.