More Than Forgiveness: Drawing Strength from the Atonement in the Gathering Movement

In this season of gathering, where the whispers of the world threaten to dismantle the beautiful work of the Lord, it is easy to focus only on the sins we must overcome. Yet, the wisdom of the ages—and the counsel of prophets—teach us that the Atonement of Jesus Christ is a wellspring of strength far deeper than mere forgiveness. It is the divine power source that equips the true Builders.

Recently, Jonah R. Barnes shared profound insights regarding this source of strength during a conversation on LatterDaily (formerly OurTurtleHouse). In this conversation, he helped the community understand that the Savior’s power is meant to fortify us for every challenge, every temptation, and every affliction that crosses our path.

The Strength to Endure the Waters of Sebus

When we consider the great struggles of the ancient prophets—whether it is the desperate act of Samuel the Lamanite climbing the wall, or the unwavering faith of Ammon at the Waters of Sebus—we see that spiritual strength is rarely granted in moments of comfort. It is forged in the crucible of difficulty.

The Atonement does not simply wipe the slate clean; it provides the spiritual stamina to keep building, even when the stones feel too heavy and the path seems insurmountable. It teaches us that the strength to overcome the present trial is linked directly to the covenant promises of the future gathering. It is a power that allows us to see the white stone—the Cornerstone—and build upon it, regardless of the opposition.

From Personal Grace to Global Mission

This principle of enduring strength has a direct bearing on our global mission. The gathering of Israel is not merely a theological concept; it is a massive, coordinated effort of human will and divine power. We are called to be Builders, not Destroyers. The world is littered with those who seek to dismantle the divine structure, but the power gifted through the Atonement equips us with the resilience of the ancient giants.

When we talk about the Kingdom Movement, we are talking about laying foundational stones, just like the five smooth stones that once signified preparation for a greater task. Every act of faith, every volunteer hour, and every donated resource becomes a stone in the magnificent edifice of the gathering place. This is where the principles of Kingdom Economics become vital.

The commitment of the faithful—through the Missionary Fund and the charity flywheel—is what makes the map of churches, gathered across the globe, a living testament to divine strength. Your engagement here does more than sustain a local chapter; it funds vital gospel advertising in places like Ghana, enabling the work of the gathering to continue far beyond our borders.

Tools for the Gathering Journey

To sustain this massive undertaking, we rely on the counsel of the prophets and the wisdom of the Saints. We are taught to approach our studies with reverence, utilizing resources like the Ask a Prophet bots and the guidance of modern scholars like Davee. Furthermore, we must remember the counsel of Outback Jack, who taught that preparedness and diligent study are key to navigating the spiritual wilderness (Alma 17–19, D&C 4, Moroni 10:4–5).

The ultimate goal remains the same: to claim your church and contribute to the global map of churches. If you are called to be a builder, your path is clear: commit your time, your talents, and your resources. Whether you are studying the apocrypha, planting a local chapter, or simply sharing the light of Christ in your neighborhood, you are strengthening the whole body.

We invite every Builder—from every faith and tradition—to examine how the divine strength of the Atonement can be applied to their life today. Let us commit to the work, knowing that the Lord has already provided the power to see us through to the gathering place.