3 Nephi 19

Verses 1-18: Christ's Church in Ancient America Begins

What does this teach me about the atonement?

This is the beginnings of the atonement's fruits, meaning that its power is beginning to multiply and to change people. I love the portrayal of the people's excitement at Jesus's coming, and the image of the people being divided into twelve bodies and ministered to by the twelve.  We see that Christ's power and influence is being transferred to His representatives on earth, and that they are teaching and caring for them as Christ would. This is the way Christ works.  He authorizes the spiritual transactions, beginning with baptism, through the assistance of His companion, the Holy Ghost.  The symbolic cleansing of baptism sets the stage for the transformative power of the atonement in our lives.  Our baptism is our invitation for Christ to reinvent us: born again as His child. 

I remember finding it rather odd, at first that Jesus should come and command them to pray when He's right there with them. I thought prayer seemed redundant in a way.  But now it makes perfect sense to me.  Jesus is training them for their spiritual survival and self-sufficiency (none of us are actually self-sufficient, but they needed to know how to sustain themselves when Jesus would no longer be physically present.). Communication with the Father, in Christ's name, is our lifeline.  It is the breath of our spiritual life. 

Lesson for me?

*Pray always, and love it. Don't neglect this vital part your day.  It's even more important than breakfast.

Verses 19-36: Faith and Christ's Prayer 

What does this teach me about the atonement?

Christ prays several times in this section, and first He speaks of belief, and then of faith. So I'm wondering, as a side question: is there any difference between belief and faith? I'm getting the impression that belief is to accept the truth of something, and faith contains that element, with the additional element of some degree of trust or reliance on that which you put your belief in: a belief that aligning with that something will result in good. In that sense, faith is a more highly developed form of belief. That feels right to me. Belief, as He states in His prayer, is what caused Christ to choose those disciples. And He prays that those who hear their teachings will believe their words, and receive the Holy Ghost. They believed, and prayed, and received the Holy Ghost. It seems that the Holy Ghost transforms belief into faith.  Then they prayed in faith and became visibly, radiantly clean. So as Christ said in His prayer, faith purifies us. His atonement made it so. Our faith cleanses us through the power of the atonement. Without it, none of us could begin our "apprenticeship" with Christ. We'd be stuck in our fallen state.  

Lesson for me?

*Let this passage fill you with hope!  These people were purified simply because they believed, prayed and had faith in Jesus. This made them radiant and Jesus smiled on them with warmth and joy. Just keep cheerful faith in Christ, pray, and keep trying. This will bring you joy now and infinite joy to come.