Ether 2

Verses 1-12:
To a Choice Land
How does this relate to the atonement?
This whole story symbolizes the atonement! It is the story of the Lord blessing and guiding a family, through the wilderness and across rough waters (of this earthly existence) to a land choice above all others (eternal salvation). I love that the stories of the Book of Mormon are full of both literal and figurative meaning. It is also the literal outgrowth of the Savior's atoning mission to save His children: the opportunity to found and build a free nation where the gospel can proliferate.

Lesson for me today?
*Moroni is very direct, in verses 9-12, in addressing us, the modern Gentiles in this land, with his message of repentance. As I understand it, I need to make sure I'm not part of the moral deterioration of the nation. I need to be a tree that's bearing good fruit, a propitious part of the Lord's garden, not a weed, corrupting others and better discarded. I need to remember the sacrifices of Christ and everyone else who helped to build and protect this nation and make sure I'm honoring them by making a masterpiece of my life, not stagnating. Not only receiving, but giving.

Verses 13-25: Prepare the Vessels
What does this teach me about the atonement?
More symbolic teaching. I love this!
22 And he cried again unto the Lord saying: O Lord, behold I have done even as thou hast commanded me; and I have prepared the vessels for my people, and behold there is no light in them. Behold, O Lord, wilt thou suffer that we shall cross this great water in darkness?
Everyone offers the equivalent prayer or cry at some time in life, and the answer is a resounding NO. Though we don't always hear it.
 25 And behold, I prepare you against these things; for ye cannot cross this great deep save I prepare you against the waves of the sea, and the winds which have gone forth, and the floods which shall come.

This story has such great power as both a historical narrative and a parable of the gospel plan for our lives. The barges could symbolize people's will, or agency because people constructed them and we control our will and construct a life through our choices. Oftentimes we just have to "get in the barge and ride," meaning, turn our will to the Lord. I imagine the holes to mean prayer- we have to use that regularly to open the way to our spiritual air. The stones are a symbol of our covenants because we bring them to the Lord and, through the divine agreement we make with Him, by His part, He gives us the light of His grace. We cannot spiritually survive the winds and waves of this earthly existence without the power that comes through the atonement of Jesus Christ.

Lesson for me today?
*19 And behold, O Lord, in them there is no light; whither shall we steer? And also we shall perish, for in them we cannot breathe, save it is the air which is in them; therefore we shall perish.
This exactly describes how spiritually dependent you are on the Lord, and how vital it is that you pray frequently and keep your covenants.
Remember also verse 15, which reminds you, as pointed out in your patriarchal blessing, that you should seek to live the gospel closely and repent quickly when you make mistakes.

Ether 1

Verses 1-32: Intro & Genealogy
How does this relate to the atonement?
Moroni relates the story of the Jaredites. He recognizes the love the Lord has for them, and the value inherent in their record. Family relationships are matters of record, and a vital part of what the Savior suffered and died to preserve. Because He atoned, died and took up His body again, we can be made worthy, be resurrected and maintain these sacred relationships.

Lesson for me?
*The Savior knows you by name, and you have a story to tell as well. Keep your history, take time to help redeem the dead, and teach your children to do genealogy. They have the technological know how to do a lot of good.

Verses 33-43: A New Nation
What does this teach me about the atonement?
It reinforces my knowledge that the Savior loves us and works for the salvation of those who reach out to Him, as the Brother of Jared and his family did.

Lesson for me?
*I like that Jared expected, even in the perceived adversity of all the people being "scattered," that the Lord would turn the events into blessings. "Why wouldn't," he thinks, "the Lord lead us into the best and most beautiful land there is?" I can also expect, as the Lord has promised, that great good can come out of my trials.

Mormon 9

Verses 1-6: A Warning to Unbelievers
What does this teach me about the atonement?
This teaches me that the atonement has the power to turn a lone man with every reason to dissolve in self-pity into a man fueled by conviction, burning with a sense of purpose and bursting with love. Moroni cares enough to craft words of the deepest urgency intended for people he'll never meet in his earthly life. He clearly knows that the atonement makes all the difference for everyone. That, on the wrong side of it, you are miserable and "racked with guilt," but turning to Him, crying to the Father in His name, and giving Him your heart can cleanse you. Why is this? Because good has to win. Ultimately, in the hands of our all-powerful Creator, evil, hatred and self-deception will be contained and dispelled, and power goes to the obedient, the joyful, the creative and the loving. It's THE WAY to maximize happiness and perpetuate beauty. You only need to be willing to play for the right team.

Lesson for me today?
*Keep reaching higher and choosing to believe.

Verses 7-25: A God of Miracles
I found this section challenging to process, and the following definition of miracles from the Bible Dictionary helpful:
https://www.lds.org/scriptures/bd/miracles?lang=eng&letter=m

Moroni's discussion of miracles here debunks the myth perpetuated among Christian churches and others today that God no longer allows miracles to happen among us- that for some reason the time for miracles is past. The gist of his argument is that creation itself was a miracle, that the Savior is known to have performed miracles, as well as His disciples, and so if God is still God, miracles continue to happen IF people have the faith. And really (as I understand verse 16), with our limited understanding, how can we even codify the great works of God to say that this or that is or isn't a "miracle"?

What does this teach me about the atonement?
Moroni speaks here of the miraculous creation of humankind, the fall, and hence the need for a Savior's redemption.
According to the Bible Dictionary entry which defines miracles as "manifestations of divine or spiritual power", the atonement itself was a miracle, as is the enabling power it activates in our lives.
From Elder David A. Bednar, October 2004:
"In the Bible Dictionary we learn that the word grace frequently is used in the scriptures to connote a strengthening or enabling power:
“The main idea of the word is divine means of help or strength, given through the bounteous mercy and love of Jesus Christ.
“… It is likewise through the grace of the Lord that individuals, through faith in the atonement of Jesus Christ and repentance of their sins, receive strength and assistance to do good works that they otherwise would not be able to maintain if left to their own means. This grace is an enabling power that allows men and women to lay hold on eternal life and exaltation after they have expended their own best efforts” (p. 697).
Thus, the enabling and strengthening aspect of the Atonement helps us to see and to do and to become good in ways that we could never recognize or accomplish with our limited mortal capacity. I testify and witness that the enabling power of the Savior’s Atonement is real."

Once again, though not mentioned by name, the atonement is central to this section, which could not stand without it.

Lesson for you and me today?
*We can take a lesson from verse 20, how people fail today, by undertaking to do its opposite: as you and I believe in Christ, remain in the right way, and do our best to know and trust God, the very narrative of my life and yours will become a story of miracles- a story far grander and lovelier than we would ever have set in motion if we'd shut out divine influence.

Verses 26-29: The Antidote
Here Moroni details for us excellent strategies for keeping miracles in our lives and the world.
What does this teach me about the atonement?
When I read this section with the atonement in mind, I feel to draw a contrast through a metaphor. Let's imagine that the atonement is a Search and Rescue boat of which the Savior is the captain and you are drowning. I think many people imagine that the Savior is there to pluck you out of the water and drop you benevolently on the dry land, when in reality His aim is to invite you aboard and make you part of the crew!
Moroni's counsel in these few verses involves real work! The work of a lifetime, and worth it. We learn through experience that the atonement is less a grant than an offer of apprenticeship. Moroni promises that if we do these things we won't be "cast out" of the boat.




Lesson for you and me today?
*Here's another great Book of Mormon "Spiritual Fitness Test" that we can refer to often and measure ourselves against: "Come unto the Lord with all your heart," "be wise," "yield to no temptation," and "work out your own salvation with fear and trembling before him". In short, keep trying to be better.

Verses 30-37: Authors' Note
Here's a brief aside about the author(s), the language and process.

What does this teach me about the atonement?
Moroni expresses full confidence that the Lord will provide means for interpreting the lost and obscure language he writes in. This makes a case for the enabling power of the atonement, quickening every means of furthering its saving mission-miracles employed for our salvation. He also acknowledges his weakness, reminding us that the atonement makes weak things strong and brings about great things through small and simple means (like a lonely man scratching on metal plates).

Lesson for me today?
*Heavenly Father has a plan for you, just as he had a plan for bringing the Book of Mormon forth! Remember the miracles in your life story that have taken place as you've trusted the Lord. There is no need to be angry at circumstances. As you keep reaching higher, you can expect things to eventually work out for the best. Just hold on. Though Moroni's situation may not appear ideal, from an eternal perspective he's in good shape.

Mormon 8

1-11: I, Moroni, Alone
How does this relate to the atonement?
The atonement made all the difference for Moroni, who has just had all his family and friends violently killed, and could have been overcome by despair. Because of the atonement, he can hang on to hope, and his life still has meaning.

Lesson for me?
*It's good to remember the poignant circumstances under which the plates of the Book of Mormon were completed and hidden up: by a lone, surviving man with the bittersweet hope that future generations will lead better, happier lives. It lends a greater sense of worth to its teachings, and inspires me to work harder to live the kind of life that will make his pain and sacrifice worthwhile. Perhaps someday I can thank Moroni personally for finishing and preserving the record that has been the most important guiding star in my life.

12-25: His Purposes Roll On
Moroni foresees Joseph Smith's work to bring the record forth and those who will receive it, and he reminds us of the efforts and prayers of those who helped to keep and prepare the record.

How does this relate to the atonement?
It's more news of it. These records are a vital way of spreading the atonement's message so it can take effect in people's lives. The atonement's message is easier to accept when one hears the testimonies of others. So this section reinforces the importance of those testimonies by telling of the lengths being gone to in order to disperse them.

Lesson for me today?
*Heavenly Father always finds a way to carry out His purposes. All things are in His hands. Even after an entire civilization destroyed itself, the spiritual knowledge they attained is available to help convert us to the cause. Nothing was for naught. I can be a vital part of His purposes. By tuning in with Him, actively seeking revelation as to His will for me and acting on the impressions I receive, I can play for the team that changes the world for the best.

26-41: I Know Your Doing

What does this teach me about the atonement?
This is yet another testament to the atonement's matchless power. All of the wickedness described here is encompassed in it, and the full gospel message is coming forth during the thick of it to overpower it! To activate the enabling power in the lives of those who accept it, to reject this current of moral decay and rise above!

Lesson for me today?
*Moroni had to be a tough man to survive the carnage around him and then to experience the future in vision as more of the same and sometimes worse! His descriptions of our modern life are spot on. They are excellent to measure yourself against. If I don't stay conscious of where I'm headed and mindful of where each decision is taking me, I am completely vulnerable to becoming the type of person he describes, who's more interested in looking fashionable than relieving suffering. Many times I already am. That's why this section is so valuable and worthy of returning to again and again.

Mormon 7

Verses 1-10: Another Testament
Mormon speaks to the whole world, but specifically to the Lamanite descendants of those who battled here. He foresees the coming forth of the Bible and offers his record as a supporting companion- another testament.

How does this relate to the atonement?
Simply that Mormon wants everyone to know about and benefit from it, because, like the Savior, he loves us. The whole gospel is summarized in these ten verses, containing all the essentials: Christ's mission, repentance, baptism, final reward and more. If this was the only chapter in the Book of Mormon, it would be enough (but I'm so glad there's more)!

Lesson for me today?
*Believe and keep reviewing the eloquent, comprehensive final testimony of Mormon throughout your life. It will fortify you.

Mormon 6

Verses 1-22: Fallen
The scale of destruction here is inconceivable. I can only imagine Mormon's anguish in watching it all unfold- even leading them to a destruction he knew was inevitable.

How does this relate to the atonement?
It's really a restatement of the last chapter's message: The Savior suffered all so you can have a better fate. The grim landscape of a bloody battlefield is certainly sobering. Here we see the grand plan unfold, though, as Mormon hides his records in the hill, to be unearthed by Joseph Smith. I'm reminded of The Lorax, by Dr. Seuss. Remember how the old Onceler is surrounded by dark devastation and a child approaches, is offered a seed and a pile of rocks displays the one word message, "UNLESS"? The Book of Mormon is the one seed, leftover from a glorious society who knew Jesus- the key to recovering the joyous way the Savior intended for us to live. The Onceler hoped a new generation would learn from his mistakes and rebuild. Mormon hoped a new generation would learn from the mistakes of his people and repent. UNLESS we do, we'll also find some way to destroy ourselves.

Lesson for me today?
*The gospel of Jesus Christ is not a hobby, a pleasant diversion or a personality enhancer to be taken up when you feel like it, it is everything. It's not a big deal, it's the BIGGEST DEAL, and conforming to it our greatest calling. It is the antidote to all the world's evil and the highest good to which we can aspire. LIVE IT.

Mormon 5

Verses 1-7: A Hopeless Cause
Mormon takes command again, in a loving effort to help the people, but he has no hope for them.

How does this relate to the atonement?
I have no way of knowing this, but I sometimes imagine to myself that the Savior didn't know whether or not any of us would accept His offering. By granting to us our free agency, He had to be taking the chance that we wouldn't, correct? There's so much I don't understand, but it seems to me that part of what He was taking on through the atonement was the possibility of performing it to no avail- that it might be wholly rejected. But He loved us enough to take the risk. Mormon, as a follower of Christ, had charity in his heart. Verse 1 suggests that he took command because he wanted to offer the people some hope. Even though he had no hope for them and was repelled by their behavior, he loved them and was willing to sacrifice for them if it brought them any comfort. In this way he was like our Savior- giving what he had to give, even if it would not change the people. Another "type" of Him, with which the B of M is replete.

Lesson for me today?

*Learn from verse 2 and don't be like these people. Repent and maintain a relationship with Deity. Don't stop talking with Him.

Verses 8-24: Message for the Future

How does this relate to the atonement?
The Savior suffered awful agonies for these fallen people, and Mormon's message here expresses the hope that His suffering might not be in vain. Mormon pleads with us to use the tragic example we see here of a society destroying itself as a motivator to repent, that we might be "clasped in the arms of Jesus," (a blessing these people rejected). Repentance is the continual injunction throughout all scripture. Repentance just means becoming better. Become better! Notice that you've messed up and try to fix it! Incredible that worldly philosophies have twisted the concept of becoming better into something negative. The Savior suffered the consequences of all the bad things we did. He took the "karma," so it would stop rebounding on us and we could move beyond it, through His grace. And He did it out of His boundless love for us. Mormon is one of His under shepherds, and we, the future, are his flock, as his generation would not hear his message. In his solitude, he prepared for us the Book of Mormon.

Lesson for me?
*The time to become better is now. Be mindful in your interactions, not blind and reactionary as these people. Tune in to the Savior and the needs of His children- your children. Lower your voice, get your head on straight, and treat them as you expect the Savior to treat you. Pay the price. It's worth it!

Mormon 4

Verses 1-23: War and Carnage
Battles are described, however, I believe this chapter can be encapsulated in the following verse:
 11 And it is impossible for the tongue to describe, or for man to write a perfect description of the horrible scene of the blood and carnage which was among the people, both of the Nephites and of the Lamanites; and every heart was hardened, so that they delighted in the shedding of blood continually.

This is so instructive for us, because it's the natural outcome of the unchecked growth of an impulse residing in every human being. A battle is continually raging within each of us.

How does this relate to the atonement?
Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ are the Masters of the Universe because they rule every obedient element, through love. Every particle that would unify, build and grow, is at Their command, while the opposite impulse, toward chaos, breaking away, and destruction, resists Them. (I don't speak of the cycle of life and death in which material decomposes and begins anew in different form. Decomposition is part of creation.). I speak of a spiritual force by which souls resist that which elevates them and binds them to others and God. It is evil. Evil is divided, good is unified. Evil is the self-deception which halts our progress and separates us from good. It is damnation (the opposite of repentance), wherein we actively defy inner and outer invitations to improve- we blame others and circumstances. The insidious arithmetic of evil is that it multiplies even as it divides- meaning that contention invites us to contend and become missionaries of evil, as it were, ourselves. This relates to another noteworthy verse from this chapter, verse 5:
But, behold, the judgments of God will overtake the wicked; and it is by the wicked that the wicked are punished; for it is the wicked that stir up the hearts of the children of men unto bloodshed.

Evil is also the opposite of love. Love is unity, as we feel towards others as about ourselves- they are one with us. Christ's pure love means He identifies with us at least as much as with His own body. That's why He suffered for us. He had enough love to withstand every offense, every struggle, every outrage, every temptation, every punishment, every dark embodiment of evil without engaging in any evil Himself. He overcame with love. His great atonement illustrates for us that we can choose a higher path of love rather than succumbing to divisiveness as these tragic ancient people did.

*Lesson for me today?
When you act defensively, out of scorn or contempt, when you raise your voice at a child for inconveniencing you or making you look bad, when you harbor grudges or look down upon other people, in short, whenever you treat people with any less care and love than would treat a wound on your own body, you are following the same impulses that overtook these people of old and destroyed an entire race. I don't mean to sound extremist or fanatical, it's just a fact that we're always moving one way or the other, and it's only a matter of degree. But because of Christ, you're in good shape. You need only to keep repenting, keep readjusting, keep reaching higher and don't get discouraged. Choose love.

Mormon 3

Verses 1-3: Cry Unto This People
Mormon is commanded to offer the people one more chance to be spared. His cry is vain 😔.

What does this teach me about the atonement?
That the Savior is full of love and wants us to know He is waiting to save us through His atoning power. Why not save everyone? Because we can't have our greatest joy without freedom, but we can't be happy with people like these who use their freedom to hurt and destroy each other. He does all He can for us, no matter what our past sins.

Lesson for me?
*Repent, help build up the church and teach your children of the Lord's mercy.

Verses 4-16: Battles and Blasphemy
The Nephites blaspheme against God and attribute their great battle victory to themselves. Mormon refuses to lead them.

How does this relate to the atonement?
The Savior provides His atoning power only to those who want it, those who recognize a power greater than themselves. He can help us be like Him, but we have to be on board.

Lesson for me?
*I have the same tendency to "boast in my own strength" when things are going well for me and forget just how blessed I am. Still that private desire to be "better than". When I do that, I just might be blocking other blessings that could be coming my way!

Verses 17-22: I Write Unto YOU

What does this teach me about the atonement?
The Savior uses His witnesses, those who perceive His power, to spread His message and further His saving work. His atonement makes apprentices of any who will align with Him. That's the power that changes us. And this is Mormon's position in writing this. He lets us know we'll all be judged by Christ's apprentices, so to speak, in a coming day. I imagine that the experience of "judgment" will be an honest encounter with Christ and/or His servant, in which we simply feel, know and acknowledge whether we are in loving alliance with Christ and desirous to be part of His community, or we are not.
He writes specifically, in verse 21, of an intention to let the Lord's ancient covenant people know that their God is He whom they put to death. Why is that? He wants them to be humble, to repent and be forgiven- to see their misunderstanding- to know that their spiritual deliverer was with them all along, and to finally let Him save them. That's what the atonement was all about- a much dearer and more far-reaching act than the temporary overthrow, sought by the people, of an oppressive earthly regime.

Lesson for me today?
*This section invites "big picture" thinking. Keep an eternal perspective. Don't be brought up short or waylaid by little difficulties or fears. See to the state of your heart. See that it would resonate with the heart of Christ, overflowing with love. Keep reaching higher.

Mormon 1 & 2 (Combined as narrative and thematic elements run together)

Verses 1-5: Ammaron's Commandment

Mormon writes that Ammaron asked him, at age 11, to retrieve the plates at age 24, and keep the history of the people.

What does this teach me about the atonement?
The atoning work of the Savior, and His gospel which implements the atonement for our salvation, is more sacred and precious than anything. In order for it to be of the most benefit, the teachings had to be preserved by the hands of those who recognize its worth. Those who rejected the Savior could not be neutral. They would have destroyed the record which was such an odious offense to their deceitful state of mind.

Lesson for me?
*Keep valuing and learning from this sacred record. It was preserved for you over many generations by people who risked their lives to protect it, and gave their lives to defend its teachings. It is the greatest earthly treasure you have.

Mormon 1 verse 6- Mormon 2 verse 29: Left to Themselves
Miracles cease among the scores of people caught up in warfare. Mormon leads their efforts but despairs at their wickedness.

How does this relate to the atonement?

The Savior felt the pain of all warfare, bloodshed and sin. Being a perfectly loving man, and knowing that His children cannot progress without exercising their agency, His recourse is simply not to lend His divine grace when His children use their agency to hurt one another. The people have the basic gifts and capabilities of mortality, but not the extra assistance available to us when we're seeking loving, constructive ends. By rejecting the Savior, we also reject the power He wrought through His atonement, which could be blessing our lives in ways beyond our imagining.

Lesson for me?
*It doesn't pay to rebel against the greatest source of love and knowledge in the universe. Duh. Don't do it. Let Him bless you!

Mormon 1 Verse 15
 15 And I, being fifteen years of age and being somewhat of a sober mind, therefore I was visited of the Lord, and tasted and knew of the goodness of Jesus.

That beautiful verse deserves special attention.
Mormon points out the causal relationship between a sober mind, and being visited by the Lord. I believe his use of the word sober (as Ammaron called him when he was ten) refers to His equanimity or resistance to letting his natural impulses (hunger, lust, greed, anger, pride, giddiness) rule over him. When one is sober, one is in control of one's faculties and better able to make wise decisions. The Lord can visit those who aren't ruled by opposing and distracting forces. Self-mastery is a means of tuning into His power.
How does this relate to the atonement?
The joy of the Savior is good enough to taste. It is His pure love- the love that moved Him to suffer on our behalf, and which now moves Him to attempt to minimize our sufferings and encourage us in purity and joy.