Mormons believe in—Christ's Atonement

As referenced in the {Article of Faith #2}, the result of Adam and Eve's choice was The Fall, placing them and all their children (and the rest of mankind) in a fallen, or imperfect, state. At first consideration this sounds like a tragedy.

But if not for an imperfect state filled with opposition, how else could we learn and grow? Watching my children I see how Konrad and Fray have developed: they learn to sit, then crawl, then walk, and even run! Sure, there was falling, crying, and even some bruises—gravity isn't always kind. But look where they are now! I could have coddled them and protected them from all harm, but that would have confined them to the abilities of a baby, unable to move and completely reliant on me for their every need. God, our Eternal Father, has given us this time on earth to learn, allowing the consequences of our actions to teach us so we can increase in knowledge and understanding.

Not only are we allowed to learn, by exercising our agency, but we are given a way to overcome our fallen state through Christ's Atonement.

Jesus Christ is "the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father but by [him]" (John 14:6). Through the most selfless act in earth's history, he sacrificed himself willingly to pay the price for all mankind's sins. "I lay down my life, that I might take it again. No man taketh it from me . . . I have power to lay it down, and I have power to take it again."  (John 10:17-18)

We begin to overcome our fallen state when we access the power of the atonement in our lives through obedience to the laws and ordinances of the Gospel. Or in other words, by keeping the commandments. Christ obeyed the Father's commandments because he loves Him—"But that the world may know that I love the Father; and as the Father gave me commandment, even so I do" (John 14:31). Let us continue to follow his perfect example and show our love for Heavenly Father by keeping His commandments.

Continue reading: {Article of Faith #4} begins to help us understand how we can follow Jesus Christ's example.