(2/4/02)
"The greatest miracle of the Atonement is the power Jesus Christ has to change our character if we come to Him with a broken heart and a contrite spirit." — Merrill J. Bateman, "Living a Christ-Centered Life," Ensign, Jan. 1999, p. 12-13

(10/29/03)
"Priesthood and priesthood keys open the door to the blessings of the Atonement. Through the power of the priesthood, people are baptized for the remission of sins, made possible by the Savior's great act of mercy. A holder of the Melchizedek Priesthood may confer the Holy Ghost. Through the bestowal of the Holy Ghost, members are cleansed with fire, guided into truth, comforted, sanctified, and blessed in many ways as partakers of the fruits of the Atonement. The sealing authority may bind a man, a woman, and their children together forever, making possible exaltations in the world to come-again, a blessing from the Savior." — Merrill J. Bateman, "Priesthood, Keys, and the Power to Bless," General Conference, 4 October 2003

(2/16/04)
"An understanding of the plan of salvation, of premortality, earth life, and life after death provides perspective that helps one endure. As stated in the scriptures, the earth was created by God as a testing ground (see Abr. 3:24-26). Mortal life on earth is a probationary period (see Alma 12:24; Alma 34:32). Opposition, disappointments, pain, suffering, and death are necessary to protect agency and provide for spiritual development (see 2 Ne. 11). On the other hand, if life were limited to our mortal experience, adversity could not be understood and life would be unfair. Without an understanding of God's plan, it is natural to define moral standards in terms of the natural man. Without an eternal perspective, there are no meaningful explanations for man's inhumanity to man or for earthquakes, floods, or children with disabilities." - Merrill J. Bateman, "Living a Christ-Centered Life," Ensign, Jan. 1999, p. 13

(4/29/04)
"Following baptism, a commandment-keeping member seeks to 'bear one another's burdens,... mourn with those that mourn,... and comfort those that stand in need of comfort' (Mosiah 18:8-9). As we keep the commandments and render that kind of service, the Lord can 'pour out his Spirit more abundantly upon [us]' (Mosiah 18:10; see D&C 20:77). The reward for obedience and service is not only the gift of the Holy Ghost but also special gifts of the Spirit. Paul defines the fruits of the Spirit as love, joy, peace, long-suffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, and meekness (see Gal. 5:22-23). The Holy Spirit blesses us with Christlike attributes as we serve each other." - Merrill J. Bateman, "Living a Christ-Centered Life," Ensign, January 1999, p. 10

(6/3/04)
"Thanks be to God, for He has a plan. Although the polishing process may be difficult at times, we should be grateful that adversity may bring us closer to Him and that His plan provided for a Savior and Redeemer who understands our trials and tribulations. The book of Alma states that Christ would suffer our 'pains and afflictions and temptations' and would 'take upon him... the sicknesses of his people' (Alma 7:11). Further, the Lord took death upon Himself so that the bands of death would be broken; and He also took upon Himself our infirmities, 'that his bowels may be filled with mercy,... that he may know... how to succor' us in our weaknesses (Alma 7:12)." - Merrill J. Bateman, "Living a Christ-Centered Life," Ensign, January 1999, p. 13

(7/18/04)
"The prophet Alma states that the seed planted in our hearts matures into the tree of life (see Alma 32:41-42). The angel taught Nephi that the tree of life is a symbol for Christ (see 1 Ne. 11:7, 20-22). If we follow Alma's counsel of planting and nourishing the seed until it becomes the tree of life within our hearts and souls, the image of Christ will be in our countenance and we will have built a Christ-centered life." - Merrill J. Bateman, "Living a Christ-Centered Life," Ensign, January 1999, p. 13