My Testimony of the Attonement

Many years ago, when I lived in Reno, Nevada, I went in for a Temple recommend interview.  I knew prior to going into that interview that I would be asked a specific question. At the time,  I was serving as Stake Primary President, and I had attended a Stake meeting with all the Stake Auxilliary leaders, and we were all told about a focus the Stake

Presidency had for us.  They said that everyone who would come in for a temple interview would be asked the normal worthiness interview questions, but one more would be added.  The question was in essence, "What does the Attonement mean to you?"  I  remember thinking about how I might put into words the feelings I had about Christ's attonement so I prepared myself.  Weeks before I went into that interview, I pondered, prayed, studies and read all that I could on the attonement.  I wanted to be able to look into the eye of the Stake Presidency member who would interview me, & be able to share my testimony of the Attonement. 

The time came for my interview and  I shook the hand of President Earl, and we chatted briefly.  He then asked me my worthiness questions, and then went on to ask me what the atonement meant to me.  At that moment, I could barely open my mouth.  My eyes began to well up with tears, and I began to weap.  I couldn't speak, as thoughts of my beloved Savior filled my mind.

Images of his birth and life experiences flashed throug my mind, almost like a slide show, going in fast motion.  As I viewed the image of Him kneeling in Gethsemane, and suffering to the point of bleeding from every pour, I began to shake my head in sorrow. I hurt for Him.  I watched Him suffer for me. 

I couldn't get any words out in response to the question, but my tears kept coming and rollling down my cheeks.  Flashes of Jesus being nailed to the cross, and his sweet mother in agony at His feet occupied my mind.  I imagined one of my own children being tortured in such a manner. Shaking my head and looking to ward the ground, I could barely stand it.  Wiping my tears, I looked up into the face of kindly President Earl.  His eyes were filled too, and I felt as if my spirit had testified to his without words.  He knew, what  I knew and communicated it without e saying a word. 

Of course, I was embarassed and had no intention of becoming such a blubbering, sobbing woman, but once again, he understood.  I believe that I finally was able to gain my composure enough to say a few words, to which I don't even remember, but I will never forget the feelings and emotion of that experience.  I thought I understood the atonement long ago, but  until that interview,  I knew little.

I wanted to share with you my testiomony of the great gift that Jesus Christ has given me, and as I try to put it into words, a beautiful hymn comes into my mind....  "I Stand all Amazed".  Click on the start arrow of the video presentation below, of this song, above and follow along as the words to this song is sung.
Sit back and relax and enjoy the spirit of this beautiful song.



I stand all amazed at the love Jesus offers me
Confused at the grace that so fully he proffers me
I tremble to know that for me he was crucified
That for me, a sinner, he suffered, he bled and died

Chorus:
Oh, it is wonderful that he should care for me enough to die for me
Oh, it is wonderful
Wonderful to me

I marvel that he would descend from his throne divine
To rescue a soul so rebellious and proud as mine
That he should extend his great love unto such as I
Sufficient to own, to redeem and to justify

(Repeat chorus)

I think of his hands, pierced and bleeding to pay my debt
Such mercy, such love and devotion can I forget?
No, no, I will praise and adore at the mercy seat
Until at the glorified throne I kneel at his feet

I stand all amazed at the love Jesus offers me
Secure in the promise of life in his victory
Thus ransomed from death I will live to my Savior's praise
And sing of his goodness and mercy through endless days

         Oh, it is wonderful
    that he should care for me
       enough to die for me
        Oh, it is wonderful
         Wonderful to me!