"Be ye holy; for I am holy."

Christ being the Great Exemplar for our sojourn on Earth said, "Be ye holy; for I am holy"(Peter 1:16).

The question that follows this seemingly impossible task probably goes something like: "how can I, a sinful, imperfect mortal, be holy?" Certainly being holy within ourselves and achieving Eternal Life, where we dwell in the presence of our loving Heavenly Father, resides in the depths of every Christian heart. The answer, lies within the very One who commanded us to be holy.

Indeed, it is within Jesus Christ himself that we can find ourselves cleansed, purified, and holy. Jesus Christ performed the Atonement, suffering the penalty of each and every person who ever has, does, or will live on the earth. In, doing so "He took upon Himself the pains, sicknesses, temptations, afflictions, and infirmities of us all..."(Alma 7:11-12). In doing so he removed the effects of sin from the repentant sinner; allowing him/her to be reconciled to god.

As we exercise faith in Jesus Christ our love for him will lead us to repent, or to change our thoughts, beliefs, and behaviors that are not in harmony with His will. True repentance includes:

1. Recognizing our sins and feel remorse, or godly sorrow.
2. We confess our sins to God.
3. We ask God in prayer to forgive us.
4. Making restitution by doing all we can to correct the problems our actions may have caused
5. We resist any desire to commit sin. In time, our desire becomes God's desire and we lose the desire to sin all together.

As we rely upon our Savior and Redeemer, Jesus Christ, and the atonement he performed we will achieve Eternal Life. I know this to be true. May we all strive to follow his teachings and live a Christlike life now, in preparation for the hereafter, is my prayer.