Elder Christofferson's Words

The Divine Gift of Repentance Ocotober 2011

Key Doctrines and Principles:

Repentance

Sacrifice

Transgression

Change

Agency

Celestial Glory 

Favorite Quotes:

Without repentance, there is no real progress or improvement in life. Pretending there is no sin does not lessen its burden and pain. Suffering for sin does not by itself change anything for the better. Only repentance leads to the sunlit uplands of a better life. And, of course, only through repentance do we gain access to the atoning grace of Jesus Christ and salvation. Repentance is a divine gift, and there should be a smile on our faces when we speak of it. It points us to freedom, confidence, and peace. Rather than interrupting the celebration, the gift of repentance is the cause for true celebration.

Repentance is the necessary condition, and the grace of Christ is the power by which “mercy can satisfy the demands of justice”

The invitation to repent is an expression of love.  

Repentance means striving to change.

Repentance means not only abandoning sin but also committing to obedience.

Repentance requires a seriousness of purpose and a willingness to persevere, even through pain. 

Real repentance, real change may require repeated attempts, but there is something refining and holy in such striving.

With repentance we can steadily improve in our capacity to live the celestial law, for we recognize that “he who is not able to abide the law of a celestial kingdom cannot abide a celestial glory”

Any pain entailed in repentance will always be far less than the suffering required to satisfy justice for unresolved transgression. 

Why It Matters:

Repentance is so crucial to our celestial glory. We have the agency to repent or to not repent. Repentance should be celebratory. It means we are striving to change and abandon our sins. By repenting, we allow ourselves to be in God's presence and to carry his Spirit with us. Repentance is sometimes very challenging, but it is always less suffering than the justice for the unresolved transgression. We all make mistakes, repentance is the only way to overcome them.