What Does the Resurrection Mean for You?

By Trent Hortin

Church Magazines

Christ’s Resurrection ensures we will all rise again with renewed bodies.

During Easter season we talk often of Christ’s final week, His death, and His Resurrection. While commemorating these events, it can be good to ask, “What does this mean for me?”

The Resurrection Is Part of God’s Plan

President Dallin H. Oaks, First Counselor in the First Presidency, said: “To reclaim us from death and sin, our Heavenly Father’s plan would provide a Savior. His Resurrection would redeem all from death.”

During mortality we are physically and spiritually separated from God’s presence (see Alma 42:6–9). Christ was sent to live a mortal life on earth as part of the plan of salvation, to provide a way for each of us to return to Heavenly Father’s presence. “For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ shall all be made alive” (1 Corinthians 15:22). Elder D. Todd Christofferson of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles taught: “The Savior makes all things right. No injustice in mortality is permanent, even death, for He restores life again. No injury, disability, betrayal, or abuse goes uncompensated in the end because of His ultimate justice and mercy.”

How does gaining knowledge of the Savior’s role in God’s plan help you turn to Christ?

Study Suggestions:

Dallin H. Oaks, “The Great Plan,” Liahona, May 2020, 93–96
2 Nephi 2
Revelation 20:6, 12–14

Christ Offers Purifying Power

When we sin, we may feel guilt or shame, but Christ can “cleanse us from all unrighteousness” (1 John 1:9) as we repent. Because of His Atonement and Resurrection, Christ has power as a “refiner and purifier” (Malachi 3:3).

Elder Ronald A. Rasband of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles asked, “Are we continually grateful for the incomparable Atonement of Jesus Christ? Do we feel its purifying power, right now?”

How have you felt Jesus Christ’s purifying power in your life?

Study Suggestions:

Henry B. Eyring, “Always Remember Him,” Liahona, May 1995, 25–26
Boyd K. Packer, “Washed Clean,” Liahona, May 1997, 9–11
James 4:8

The Resurrection Is a Fountain of Hope

Because Jesus Christ conquered death, “the grave hath no victory” (Mosiah 16:8).

Elder Gerrit W. Gong of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles said: “Resurrection includes physical restoration of our ‘proper and perfect frame’; ‘every limb and joint,’ ‘even a hair of the head shall not be lost’ [Alma 40:23]. This promise gives hope to those who have lost limbs; those who have lost ability to see, hear, or walk; or those thought lost to relentless disease, mental illness, or other diminished capacity. He finds us. He makes us whole.”

How can you better apply the hope of the Resurrection in your life?

Study Suggestions:

M. Russell Ballard, “Hope in Christ,” Liahona, May 2021, 53–56
Psalms 33:22; 42:11
Moroni 7:40–48