The Cross: Not a Memory, But a Victory

How readily do we consign the Cross to the realm of historical event? A beautiful, sorrowful memory, yes, but something distant, something passive? The narrative of salvation often stops at the forgiveness offered, leaving the potent implications of the Atonement largely unexplored. Yet, as Elder Dieter F. Uchtdorf taught, “The Atonement of Jesus Christ is not an end in itself; it is the means to an endless, joyous life.” To understand the fullness of that life, we must grasp the dynamic reality of the Cross – not as a conclusion, but as a launching point.

The video below powerfully illustrates this truth. It’s a reminder that Christ’s suffering wasn’t merely a transaction to cleanse us of sin; it was an act of empowerment, a bestowal of divine capability. He didn't simply carry our burdens; He laid the groundwork for us to carry them, too—to walk in holiness and actively participate in His work.

Galatians 2:20 provides a cornerstone for this understanding: “I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me.” This isn't a passive reception of grace; it’s an active, ongoing participation in Christ’s life. To “live yet not I, but Christ” requires a deliberate choice, a conscious alignment of our will with His. It demands that we actively resist the works of darkness and strive to manifest the principles of heaven on earth. We are called to more than just intellectual assent to the doctrine; we are called to *become*.

Think of the iron rod in Lehi's dream (1 Nephi 8). The path to the Tree of Life isn't merely about avoiding the fiery mist; it’s about grasping and holding fast to the rod—a symbol of the word of God, guided by prophets and apostles. The Cross is our rod. It directs us, sustains us, and protects us as we navigate the perilous journey back to Zion. Without it, we are easily swayed by the winds of worldly philosophies and deceptive practices.

Furthermore, consider the covenants made in the temple. Each ordinance, each sacred promise, is an extension of the power made available through the Atonement. The priesthood, the authority to act in God’s name, is itself a gift born from the Cross. We are not merely recipients of divine grace; we are stewards of it, entrusted with the responsibility to extend it to others.

The call to holiness isn't a burden; it is an invitation to partake of the divine nature, to become more like our Savior. D&C 84:92 states, “And that by reason of this relationship, the Holy Ghost shall be in you to be your Comforter, to witness of your adoption.” This Comforter, this witness, strengthens us to overcome and to manifest the power of the Cross in our daily lives.

Let us examine our own lives. Are we living as though the Cross is a distant memory, or as a vibrant, present reality? Are we actively seeking to crush the works of darkness, or are we allowing them to gain a foothold in our hearts and minds?

May we strive to not merely remember the Cross, but to *embody* its power and grace.