Easter is the most important holiday for the world to celebrate. Easter commemorates the completion of the three days and three nights of the infinite atonement, with two Sabbaths back-to-back.He is Risen
“He is Risen” changed the dynamic for the whole world, as the Savior completed the seven steps of His infinite atonement. “He that ascended up on high, as also he descended below all things, in that he comprehended all things, that he might be in all and through all things, the light of truth;” (D&C 88:6) The Father’s infinite love for each of us is manifest in this most important of all gifts of His Beloved Son. The Savior’s infinite atonement perfected Heavenly Father’s Plan of salvation for all of His children. Our praise and gratitude need to extend to the core of our hearts for this gift given by our infinitely loving Heavenly Father.
His Resurrection Miracle
His resurrection is the best-documented miracle in history and the most important miracle. We are all the beneficiaries of His glorious resurrection bringing us all back into the presence of God to be judged. The resurrection also opens the door to the fullness of JOY. (D&C 93:33-34)
The Fifth Gospel
I recently learned of a Fifth Gospel that was actually written before the four gospels. It was taken to England by Joseph of Arimathea, Jesus’ great uncle, who became an Apostle there. I just got a hard copy last Monday (3 April 2023). It is in old English format and is hard to read, but I found it most fascinating. I have gone through all 288 pages and learned three new and very important things:
1. After the Savior was resurrected, one of the first things He did was appear to his Mother, Mary, and the book gives a remarkable description of what a great blessing this was to her. I don’t think we can comprehend the trauma in her heart because of what her son had gone through the previous three days. When you think about it, why wouldn’t Jesus do this for her—giving her love for him and knowing who He was, as the Son of God, from the time of her miraculous conception? (Luke 1:35)
2. The E-book Fifth gospel that I have shared before is clearly a modern translation of the ancient text in the book that I have but using modern English words. They have done a great job from the original but with some errors. None of the gospels are perfect translations. As always, we need to read the scriptures with the Spirit.
3) The Apostle John talks about a high Sabbath—preceding the regular Sabbath—two Sabbaths in a row, which can happen as is part of Jewish tradition orchestrated by the Lord. (John 19:31) In other words this double Sabbath occurred so that prophecy would be fulfilled, as He lay in the tomb for three days. As the Savior said, it was just as Jonah was three days in the belly of the whale, (Matt. 12:39-40) Jesus earlier declared to the Jews, who asked for a sign. A wicked and adulterous generation seeketh for a sign, but He would give them the sign of the Prophet Jonah. So, He was crucified on Thursday and was in the tomb Thursday, Friday, and Saturday until Sunday morning–making Thursday the GOOD THURSDAY we should commemorate for the weekday of His crucifixion. On page 234 of this new book I just got, it tells of the “TWO SABBATHS” to complete the three days. So, “Good Friday” should be “GOOD THURSDAY,” but false traditions have changed it over the years.
Three Days and Three Nights
The three days and three nights of darkness here in America correspond exactly with the time he suffered—starting in Gethsemane until he arose from the tomb—completing the seven steps of His perfect and infinite atonement. The resurrection is the capstone of His infinite atonement.
The fall of Adam and Eve brought both spiritual and physical deaths into the world. The infinite atonement overcame both. The Apostle Paul said it well, “But now is Christ risen from the dead, and become the first fruits of them that slept. For since by man came death, by man came also the resurrection of the dead. For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ shall all be made alive.” (1 Corinthians 15:20-22) The Book of Mormon is very clear on this important doctrinal point. It is Christ’s resurrection that brings us back into the presence of God. (2 Nephi 9:6, 12, 22; Helaman 14:15-16)
The Infinite Atonement
Most Christians look to the cross and the blood of Jesus for salvation. Members and leaders of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints express their gratitude for the “atoning sacrifice.” These views miss the incredible depth of the infinite atonement, which includes both His suffering & sacrifice and His glorious resurrection. The word “infinite” is needed to describe the atonement. As best we can comprehend it we should speak and think of the infinite atonement. As mortals, this is a major challenge for us, but the better we understand the infinite atonement, the closer we come to knowing the Father and the Son, which is eternal life. (John 17:3) Without Christ’s resurrection, we would be “toast.” We would all be damned.
Three Religions Acknowledge The Infinite Atonement
I find it fascinating how the Lord has orchestrated events to focus the Christians, the Jews, and the Muslims on His infinite atonement. The Christians have Easter; the Jews have Passover, which commemorates the Lord saving the House of Israel from Egyptian slavery, and the Muslims have Eid Al-Adha, which means “The Feast of the Sacrifice”.
We witnessed this celebration specifically among our Muslim friends while we were serving a mission in West Africa. This celebration commemorates Abraham’s willingness and obedience to sacrifice his son on Mt. Moriah, which significantly is the same Mt. where Jesus finished the infinite atonement.
Abraham walked from Hebron to Mt. Moriah taking three days. Three days of great emotional pain for Abraham–signifying the three days of infinite atonement. When Isaac asked where is the sacrifice? Abraham responded, “My son, God will provide himself a lamb for the burnt offering…” Genesis 22:8 in the Hebrew language has the meaning God will be the sacrifice—the lamb without blemish.
Join Me In the Celebration
I pray that you will join me in continually expressing gratitude for the infinite atonement. The three pillars of eternity are the creation, the fall, and the atonement which includes Christ’s glorious resurrection. Have a blessed Easter and also join me in commemorating these three days for the incomprehensible gift of Christ’s infinite atonement from the Father because of His infinite love for each of us.
David W. Allan
Below I share additional information for further study.
The Infinite Atonement of Jesus Christ
What is the most important common holiday for Arabs, Jews, and Gentiles?
The Drama of The Lost Disciples
The Gospel Before the Four Gospel
Photo Credit: Public Domaine Pictures