Poems Based on Talks by Todd D. Christofferson

Sanctification and Justification

Central to our Father's plan of salvation
Is justification and sanctification
The two serve as the essence of our witness
That we may live in God's presence through divine process

The infinite virtue of Christ atoning
Deepens the roots of laws foundation in all things
Though hard we try to achieve full righteousness
We're in need of His mercy and grace for happiness

The divine law governs all the universe
As we make choices cause and effect must rehearse
When we sin against laws of obedience
Our misery and punishment is the consequence

If we lacked actors to be acted upon
How could the heaven and earth a new day dawn?
Forces in randomness, chaos- we'd soon find
That without law there'd be no God, no earth or mankind

Just as laws apply to the earth and heaven
There are laws to which mankind has been given
Is there a way to escape condemnation?
The laws of justice can be answered by redemption

Who without sin can go before God and be tried?
And take our sins upon Him, till we're justified?
Through Jesus, there is remission of each sin
We are pardoned and placed, with conditions, unto Him

In Christ's name, we repent to become baptized
Through grace and the atonement, we are sanctified
Which means we become holy and without spot.
From grace which comes from God, as a gift which Christ bought

There's another help to keep these covenants close
It can speak unto our hearts, it's the Holy Ghost
So we'll stay justified and sanctified within
One removes the punishment, and one removes the sin



We Look to the Apostles

We look to the Apostles,
For a witness of Christ.
Then we stand as disciples
And we too testify.
At all times, things and places,
We show our commitment.
And faith shines on our faces
With love and contentment.

Today, what is sufficient?
What can we rejoice in?
Though we've disappointment
and trials of death and sin?
We know what source to look to,
For our eternal rest.
As we testify anew,
Warmth grows within our breast.

Now, as we anticipate
The coming of our Lord.
We can prepare for that date.
With words angels record
All testimonies- they hear!
And, too, rejoice o'er us.
What we hold in us is dear.
There's light in our witness.

But, what of those who've died?
And, not made ordinance?
What to them can be applied?
Who've not received a chance?
We have a holy temple
Where their work we can do.
There, we set an example,
Our light is for them too!

A Sense of the Sacred

I sense what is sacred
While in God's holy house
With quiet shoes, I tread
Wearing hose, skirt and blouse

Not to seem of stature
But, clothed to revere God-
I'm His, it's my nature
To groom without facade

Holiness to the Lord
It reads on the temple
I'll avoid what's abhorred
His home, I'll not trample

I'll not be immodest,
Sloppy or casual
I want to be impressed
With what is spiritual

And, on His holy day
I'll wear my Sunday best
In a way it does say
I'm thankful, and I'm blessed

I want to look the part
As a Latter-Day Saint
His spirit feels my heart
And, it cannot be restrained

Some things deserve respect
As well as some events
I've reverence for our Prophet
As, our Lord, he represents

I've also reverence for
The scriptures, they're God's word
I use them, they're not ignored
When He speaks, He should be heard

The day I was baptized
Everyone dressed with care
And the day was more apprised
From this reverence they did share

As I became washed clean
As the newest member
As a new Saint I am seen
And I dress to remember

I choose to walk with grace
In our Savior's footsteps
As I long to see His face
I'll abide in His precepts

And as I practice reverence...
Some things are so sacred
Words... in a trust that is immense
...In my heart they're kept instead


Elder D. Todd Christofferson
A Sense of the Sacred
CES November 7, 2004