Good book on the Atonement of Christ. ( )

A seamless overview of its topic. Part of the reason I loved it was because it didn't just draw from the usual citation suspects. An obvious lover of poetry, Callister pulls from the classics for phrases and analogies. Obviously a product of careful thought and study. A beautiful collection of thoughts. ( )

I felt very humbled as I felt some small increase in my understanding of the meaning of the atonement. Although it really wasn't, it seemed like wall-to-wall scripture citations, and I feel peace when reading it.

In the middle of the book there was something about eternity comparing it to peeling away curtains I found that very interesting and want to find that statement again. The atonement applies not just to sins but also to our weaknesses and our mistakes.

I especially liked Chapter 15:Infinite in Love. I also quite liked Chapter 26.


To give a picture of the breadth of the book, here are the chapter titles.

Chapter 1: What Is the Significance of the Atonement?
Chapter 2: Why Study the Atonement?
Chapter 3: Can We Fully Comprehend the Atonement?
Chapter 4: What Are the Purposes of the Atonement?
Chapter 5: The Fall of Adam
Chapter 6: The Relationship between the Fall and the Atonement
Chapter 7: The Consequences If There Had Been No Atonement
Chapter 8:The Infinite Nature of the Atonement
Chapter 9: Infinite In Divineness of the Chosen One
Chapter 10: Infinite in Power
Chapter 11: Infinite in Time
Chapter 12: Infinite in Coverage
Chapter 13: Infinite in Depth
Chapter 14: Infinite in Suffering
Chapter 15: Infinite in Love
Chapter 16: The Blessing Of the Resurrection
Chapter 17: The Blessing of Repentance
Chapter 18: The Blessing of Peace of Mind
Chapter 19: The Blessing of Succor
Chapter 20: The Blessing of Motivation
Chapter 21: The Blessing of Exaltation
Chapter 22 The Blessing of Freedom
Chapter 23: The Blessing of Grace
Chapter 24: How Do the Ordinances Relates to the Atonement?
Chapter 25: How Do Justice and Mercy Relate to the Atonement?
Chapter 26: Was the Atonement Necessary or Was There Another Way?
Chapter 27: Appreciation for the Atonement
Bibliography
Index

From the Foreword:
“Truth, glorious truth, proclaims there is such a Mediator. …Through Him mercy can be fully extended to each of us without offending the eternal law of justice.” “This truth is the very root of Christian doctrine. You may know much about the gospel as it branches out from there, but if you only know the branches and those branches do not touch that root, if they have been cut free from that truth, there will be no life nor substance nor redemption in them.” (Conference Report, April 1977, Page 80). ( )

7/8/2020 review
Such a great resource to help expand your understanding of the atonement. Different things stuck out to me the second time through—what you get out of the book depends on what you put into it. Worth it.

10/6/2016 review, 5 stars
I took my time with this book, which really paid off. It helped me understand the atonement in a deeper, more personal way than I ever have. I'm certain I'll reread this semi-regularly, because there's so much to get out of it. I didn't care for all the literary references, though—they felt out of place—but overall this is a great book. A must read. ( )

This book more clearly unfolds the meaning and power of the Atonement of Jesus Christ than any other earthly book. In loving and careful detail, Callister humbly approaches this daunting topic from many different perspectives. He discusses the pre-mortal, mortal, post-mortal and eternal aspects of Christ's mission, never strays into speculation and remains always on the firm ground of revealed truth. Apart from the scriptures, I have never read a book that better conveys the depth of His unmatchable sacrifice. ( )