Blainerb: Below are all more or less Mormon doctrines relating to the Atonement--but you will have to think/contemplate on these things to understand them:
Here's the deal as I understand it: Although Adam and Eve were real people, Adam was a type or similitude of Christ--the Bridegroom, and Eve was a type or similitude of the Church--the Bride. Adam and Eve had together entered into a covenant relationship of marriage, and just as Adam took upon himself sin in order that he might not be separated from Eve, so Christ took upon himself the sins of the Church, in order that the Church (the Bride) might not become separated from Him.
This symbolism/reasoning tells us that the atonement was primarily to bring about a reconciliation between Christ, the Bridegroom, and the Bride, or members of the Church, who are in a covenant relationship with Christ, similar to marriage. (See the parable of the ten virgins also.)
Others outside the covenant relationship will benefit from the grace or, in other words, good will of Christ, but may not reap full benefits from the atonement, simply because they are not in a covenant relationship with him. Christ may well give them side-benefits, one of which is immortality, but since they have no promise, only his good will operates in their behalf. There is no, "If you will keep my commandments, then I will give you glory, immortality, and eternal lives." There is only his good will, and his love, and his desire to see all justly and mercifully dealt with.
Simply put, in the very words of Christ, "Greater love hath no man than this--that he give his life for his friends. Ye are my friends, if you keep my commandments."
Only those who have kept his commandments, and fulfilled the terms of the covenant/contract (have kept their lamps trimmed and filled with the oil of obedience), will reap full benefits. Baptism by one having authority, by the way, is believed by Mormons to be one of these terms. :>)
Sent: January 10, 2006 08:04
Subject: [Bulk] Re: [TruthTalk] Mormon doctrine
Yes I have. And, over the years, your contribution has not help . For example -- what is the official Mormon teaching on the atonement of Christ? I have asked that question before, here on TT. The answer? Must be under the pickle!!
I am beginning to believe that there is no Mormon teaching on the atonement of Christ save for the claim that the price was paid in the Garden !!
Help.
jd
