Heavenly Father wants us to climb over boulders and out of pits so that we can reach the mountaintop. He knew we would face temptations and trials so He provided a way for us to overcome them and return to Him. Jesus Christ is the Way up the mountain, the Light in the darkness, and the hope of eternal Life (see John 14:6).

Through the Atonement, Jesus Christ became “the mediator of a better covenant, which was established upon better promises” (Hebrews 8:6). He also became “an high priest of good things to come” (Hebrews 9:11). Elder Jeffrey R. Holland said “to any who may be struggling to see that light and find that hope….Don’t you quit. You keep walking. You keep trying. There is help and happiness ahead–a lot of it….You keep your chin up. It will be all right in the end. Trust God and believe in good things to come.”

Here are some additional points to ponder, study, and practice. I invite you to share your insights and experiences of the good things that come to you as you climb your mountain.

Points to Ponder:

1. What is the Atonement of Jesus Christ?
a. The Atonement: Our Greatest Hope
b. The Atonement
c. The Loving Arms of Christ

2. What does it mean to have faith in Jesus Christ?
a. Believing Christ
b. Is Faith in the Atonement of Jesus Christ Written in our Hearts?
c. The Atonement and Faith
d. By Faith All Things Are Fulfilled

3. How can repentance and forgiveness help me every day?
a. The Divine Gift of Repentance
b. Repent…That I May Heal You
c. Forgiveness
d. The Merciful Shall Obtain Mercy

4. What is grace?
a. In the Strength of the Lord
b. His Grace is Sufficient
c. Beauty for Ashes: The Atonement of Jesus Christ

5. How can the Atonement help me during my trials?
a. The Atonement and the Journey of Mortality
b. He Lives! All Glory to His Name
c. Because I Live, Ye Shall Live Also
d. Waiting upon the Lord: They Will Be Done

6. How do I apply the Atonement in my life?
a. The Touch of the Master’s Hand
b. Arms of Safety
c. Preserving the Heart’s Mighty Change