Elder's Quorum Lesson

Because of Jesus Christ

Elder Dale G. Renlund

April 2026 General Conference

1

The Central Promise

Because of the merits, mercy, and grace of Jesus Christ, we can return home to our Heavenly Father and live in His presence.
Elder Dale G. Renlund
2

An Infinite Atonement

Jesus praying in the Garden of Gethsemane

Christ in Gethsemane, by Harry Anderson (churchofjesuschrist.org)

10For it is expedient that there should be a great and last sacrifice; yea, not a sacrifice of man, neither of beast, neither of any manner of fowl; for it shall not be a human sacrifice; but it must be an infinite and eternal sacrifice.11Now there is not any man that can sacrifice his own blood which will atone for the sins of another. Now, if a man murdereth, behold will our law, which is just, take the life of his brother? I say unto you, Nay.12But the law requireth the life of him who hath murdered; therefore there can be nothing which is short of an infinite atonement which will suffice for the sins of the world.
Alma 34:10–12
Wherefore, it must needs be an infinite atonement—save it should be an infinite atonement this corruption could not put on incorruption.
2 Nephi 9:7
Discuss

Why must the Atonement be infinite why couldn’t it simply be very large?

3

Application

All mankind may be saved because of Him and His atoning sacrifice. All means everyone. If everyone, then anyone. If anyone, then even one. And if even one, then even you.
Elder Dale G. Renlund · Because of Jesus Christ
Jesus Christ has infinite capacity to forgive, promising that ‘as often as my people repent will I forgive them their trespasses against me.’
Elder Dale G. Renlund · Because of Jesus Christ
4

A Broken Heart and a Contrite Spirit

What the Lord asks of us in return.

Mary kneeling before the resurrected Jesus Christ

Mary and the Resurrected Lord, by Harry Anderson (churchofjesuschrist.org)

When we repent with real intent, the entirety of our sin, not just a part, is figuratively nailed to the cross and we no longer bear its spiritual consequences. After we have repented, we owe no more to justice because Jesus has paid the debt; He pardons us from deserved punishment. We are forgiven, our hearts and hands are made clean, and the Lord remembers our sins no more.
Elder Dale G. Renlund · Because of Jesus Christ
Behold, he offereth himself a sacrifice for sin, to answer the ends of the law, unto all those who have a broken heart and a contrite spirit; and unto none else can the ends of the law be answered.
2 Nephi 2:7
Discuss

What does repentance look like in your life?

Discuss

What does it mean to have a broken heart and a contrite spirit?