In Abinadi's final declaration to King Noah and his wicked priest he testified of the Saviors sacrifice ... Behold I say unto you, that when his soul has been made an offering for sin he shall see his seed. (Mos 15:10) These were also the words of Isaiah as he testified of the Savior mission. (Isaiah 53:10) Much of Abinadi's discourse was quoting the words of Isaiah.
What took place during the Atonement is beyond the natural mans ability to understand. What true understanding any of us may achieve can only be spiritually based, founded on revelation given to us through the power of the Holy Ghost as he bears witness of the Savior Jesus Christ. But even then our understanding of the full love and compassion that accompanied his mission is seemingly beyond any of our abilities - the greatest act of compassion and charity ever given. Mormon told us that charity is the pure love of Christ, and that whoso is found possessed of it at the last day, it shall be well with him (Mor 7:47). Indeed the Saviors love for each of us and for his Father was the basis of His willingness to accept His mission as Savior and Redeemer of mankind. He knew that such an act was necessary to allow us to return to the presence of God and obtain our full potential.
To His disciples the Savior said - Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends. Ye are my friends if ye do whatsoever I command you (John 15:13). The Saviors love is universal for all of Gods children, part of His Atonement is a free gift to all. But what distinguishes someone from being included in the category of friends or seed is clean. In Abinadi's discourse he continued: "And who shall be his seed? Behold I say unto you, that whosoever has heard the words of the prophets, yea, all of the holy prophets who have prophesied concerning the coming of the Lord -- I say unto you, that all those who have hearkened unto their words, and believed that the Savior would redeem his people, looking forward to that day for a remission of their sins, I say unto you, that these are his seed, or they are the heirs of the kingdom of God. For these are they whose sins he has borne; these are they for whom he has died, to redeem them from their transgressions. And now, are they not his seed (Mos 15: 10-12)."
To become part of this group is more than just a declaration that he is the Savior, it would include those that have hearkened to His and the prophets words and have done what they were commanded to do. It would include those that have made and received covenants and have faithfully fulfilled their part of the agreement. These are they that he saw as he made his soul and offering for sin. That accept and make the atonement effective in their lives. Seeing these individuals would have been a strength and support in his time of need.
To better understand why He would be willing to go through such a saving ordinance for someone else, we need only look to any loving parent that sacrifices for the welfare and benefit of their children. During the crossing of the Martin and Willie handcart companies through Wyoming - multiple fathers and adults perished from weakness and fatigue because they sacrificed the majority of their portions to assist their starving children. All of us know of individuals that have and would give their own life for the preservation of those they love. Those in the armed forces place their lives in jeopardy continually to protect and preserve the liberties we enjoy. Indeed no greater love hath any man than to lay down his life for his friends.
Whom should be includes as our friends? This question is similar to the question asked the Savior, "and who is my neighbour?" (Luke10: 29) In answer to that question he gave us the parable of the good Samaritan (Luke 10). He also declared: "Verily I say unto you, Insomuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me" (Matt 25:40).
The Savior has invited all to come unto him and partake of the goodness of the gospel. We too should befriend all that we come in contact with, sharing the good news of the gospel and the saving redemption of the atonement.
After we acknowledge how many blessings we have received and relies our indebtedness to our Father in Heaven we need to follow the Savior example. No matter how hard our circumstances may seem, we should look outward seeking those that are in need of our assistance and love. As we serve, straighten and lighten their loads - our difficulties and circumstances are put into proper perspective. We understand that we're not the only ones that are have difficulties and pain. Those situations and difficulties may continue, but as we serve we become more in tune with the spirit, our loads seem lighter our attitudes and demeanor changes. These actions emulate those of the Saviors during his ministry and atonement.
This expression of love and selflessness should be our goal. To obtain this charity is a life long process that is accomplished by small acts of kindness helping us become like the Savior. The apostle Paul explained what charity is: Charity suffereth long, and is kind; charity envieth not; charity vaunteth not itself, is not puffed up. Doth not behave itself unseemly, seeketh not her own, is not easily provoked, thinketh no evil; Rejoiceth not in iniquity, but rejoiceth in the truth; Beareth all things, believeth all things, hopeth all things, endureth all things. Charity never failth:.. And now abideth faith, hope, charity, these three; but the greatest of these is charity.
When we entered into the waters of baptism we covenanted to comfort those that stand in need comfort and to mourn with those that mourn. Indeed one of the steps of perfection and accepting our infirmities is to look outward and serve those in need.
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