On March 1, 1842, the Church newspaper Times
and Seasons published a letter
that Joseph Smith had written for a Chicago newspaper,
which contained a list of statements about
LDS doctrine that would later become the Articles
of Faith.
The third statement on this list reads: “We
believe that through the Atonement of Christ,
all mankind may be saved, by obedience to
the laws and ordinances of the Gospel.”
At first glance, this statement about Christ
looks like
a basic summary of doctrine gleaned from the Bible.
However, early LDS understanding of the Atonement
actually closely reflects Book of Mormon teachings.
In fact, Joseph’s use of the word “atonement”,
which only appears in the New Testament once,
suggests a Book of Mormon foundation.
Also, the phrase “through the Atonement,
all mankind may be saved” has a definite
Book of Mormon ring to it.
Very similar phrases were used by both King
Benjamin and Alma the Younger.
This is just one of many examples of how the
Book of Mormon has shed light on the glorious
and expansive realities of the Atonement
and added precious insight to the life and mission of Jesus Christ.
And now you know why.
