Friday, March 18, 2016

Rome Forum - March 2016

March 18, 2016




Just as chalk can be removed from a blackboard,
with sincere repentance the effects of our transgression can be erased through the Atonement of Jesus Christ.
--President Boyd K. Packer

As we look forward to Easter and reflect on the meaning of the resurrection of our Savior, Jesus Christ, it is important to understand that the resurrection took place after the death of Christ.  The death of Christ was only after he had atoned for the sins of all mankind.  Because of His atoning sacrifice, all of us may be forgiven of our sins if we truly repent and come unto Him.

That is the message we share with everyone we meet—“Come Unto Christ”.   Repentance and baptism are the keys that open the door so that a person can truly start on the path to life eternal. 

When we commit a sin, Satan tells us we are lost forever and there is no forgiveness, no way to repent, and all we have to look forward to is despair.  Christ on the other hand, offers redemption to all regardless of what the transgression is.

As missionaries, our purpose is to invite everyone to Come Unto Christ.  We offer hope to anyone who is willing to forsake their sins and follow in the footsteps of Christ.  We offer light instead of darkness.  We are the Lord’s emissaries here on earth.  We teach there is a better way and that sins can and will be forgiven when one truly repents.  We should strive diligently to share that message.

In a recent address, Elder Russell M. Ballard said:

We do not want God to weep because we did not do all we could to share with His children the revealed truths of the gospel. I pray that you will seek to know the blessings of the Atonement and that you will strive to be worthy to serve the Lord in the mission field. It was Jesus who said, “If … you should labor all your days in crying repentance unto this people, and bring, save it be one soul unto me, how great shall be your joy with him in the kingdom of my Father!” (D&C 18:15). Not only that, but great shall be the Lord’s joy in the soul that repenteth! For precious unto Him is the one.

We hope you will each gain a personal testimony of the Atonement and that you will share it with everyone.  Understand that anyone who repents is forgiven.  Even missionaries.  Once you have confessed your sins and gone through the repentance process, learn to forgive yourselves because God has already forgiven you.  This is the perfect time of year for people’s hearts to be opened to the blessings offered because Christ died for us and was then resurrected so that we, too, might live again.

We are proud of you.  We love you.  Continue to “bee the best you can bee”.  Happy Easter.

Presidente and Sorella Waddoups

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