DIVINE INTEGRITY

 

“Over long eons of time in the premortal realm he [Christ] proved faithful and dependable and honorable in every commitment, every responsibility, and every charge. The scriptures tell us that “from eternity to eternity he is the same” (D&C 76:4). He never deviated from the mark, never slacked in his performance, never shrank from his word.

“He kept every command with exactness; he discharged every duty with precision; he was “not slack concerning his promise” (2 Peter 3:9). His promises were “immutable and unchangeable” (D&C 104:2). As a result, his spiritual credit was rapidly escalating until it was pure gold, even infinite in value. That is why the laws of justice could recognize the benefits of the Atonement BEFORE the purchase price was ever paid, because his promise, his pledge, his credit was “good for it”, and everyone who honored their first estate knew it.

“In the premortal council the Saviour covenanted with the Father to perform the Atonement. John Taylor wrote, “A covenant was entered into between Him and His Father, in which He agreed to atone for the sins of the world,” and hence he became known as “the Lamb slain from the foundation of the world” (Revelation 13:8; see also Moses 7:47). The Gospel of Philip, one of the Nag Hammadi books, suggests similarly:

“It was not only when he appeared that he voluntarily laid down his life, but he voluntarily laid down his life from the very day the world came into being. Then he came forth in order to take it, since it had been given as a pledge.”

“Based on that pledge or covenant we had faith in him. Based on that covenant the Father could promise remission of sins prior to the atoning sacrifice because he “knew” his Son would not fail. The issue was not that he could not break his covenant, but rather, THAT HE WOULD NOT.”

-          Tad R. Callister, “The Infinite Atonement, p 80-81

 

When You stood in Heaven’s Council,

Did You know we would not heed?

That we would fail to see

You could meet our every need?

Yes, You knew, and still….

Long before creation be,

You climbed Your way to Calvary.

- CATHRYNE ALLEN 

(Art: Divine Redeemer by Simon Dewey)