The Infinite Atonement

Bibliography
Callister, Tad R. 2000. The Infinite Atonement. Salt Lake City: Deseret Book.

Review by Michael Beach
 
Tad Callister has served in several general leadership positions in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He was a member of the quorum of the Seventy and was the Sunday School General President. In this book he focuses on the sacrifice of the Savior in the pre-earth world, the Garden of Gethsemane, on the cross, and His resurrection from the tomb. Much of this work expounds on the effects for the countless children of Heavenly Father that result from the acts Jesus completed. Callister makes attempts to expound on the infinite nature of this central act of human history, but admits there is still much we don’t know.

Like any personal doctrinal exposition, there are points of established church doctrine and areas of personal speculation. Tad Callister makes a good case when he waxes speculative, but admits some things are a matter of opinion. Despite this, I found insights that complimented my own limited understanding. One area for example that I still struggle with is the reach of the atonement. Is Jesus the Messiah for this world only, or for all worlds past, present, and future that are the makings of God? Callister argues for the latter. The ‘infinite’ in the title implies Callister’s position. He backs it up with scripture and quotes from former and present church leaders.
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My reading of this book is timely for me. Over a number of years I’ve struggled with how to increase my relationship with the Redeemer. I’ve covered this topic in other writings, but I pray to Heavenly Father and receive answers through the Holy Ghost. These relationships then feel more direct. Jesus acts as advocate and in that role takes part in my prayers, yet the interaction has seemed more indirect. I’ve come to gain more of a closeness with the Savior through reading the scriptures, books like this one, and through stronger efforts at personal repentance. Feeling the joy that comes through repentance, and noticing more His hand directly in my life through daily miracles has helped me draw nearer to Him.