Testimony on the Atonement

Good morning, Sisters and Brothers.

My name is Salvatore James Santaniello. Most people call me James. Some call me Sal. Close friends say Jay. My sister calls me SJ. My parents—just S. And there are a few other names I’ve been called that I probably shouldn’t repeat here.

I am the father of two sons: Salvatore Jacob, who’s 24, and Levi Grey, 22.

I joined the Church in 2017, after spending most of my life as an Episcopalian. Aside from being invited to offer the closing prayer two weeks ago, this is the first time I’ve stood and spoken before the entire congregation. I don’t consider myself an expert in gospel doctrine. In fact, I might be the last person qualified to stand here and try to explain something so sacred. But I speak from the heart, and from personal experience.

In 1997, the mother of my children and I faced a loss that shattered us. Our daughter, Sierra-Rose, passed away suddenly at just six months old. Her death marked us forever. It changed everything. It’s a grief that never really leaves you.

In the aftermath, I found myself asking questions I never imagined I’d have to ask: Was she taken because of something we had done? Was there some divine debt we were paying? Was she the price?

I don't have all the answers. But I do know this: the only place I have ever found peace—real, healing peace—is in the Gospel of Jesus Christ. In living it, reading it, and striving to embody His attributes.

Today I want to talk about our Savior Jesus Christ, about what He did—and why it matters.

What is the Atonement?

In scripture, "to atone" means to pay the penalty for sin, removing its effects from the repentant sinner and allowing reconciliation with God. Only Jesus Christ was capable of performing the infinite and eternal Atonement. Because of His sacrifice, all will be resurrected, and those who follow Him will be given the gift of eternal life.

We cannot save ourselves. We need someone who can meet the demands of justice—someone to stand in our place, assume the burden, and pay the price.

Jesus Christ was the only one who could do that.

He lived a sinless life and was, therefore, exempt from the demands of justice. Yet He chose to suffer anyway. As we read in the Doctrine and Covenants, “He suffered temptations but gave no heed unto them.” He chose to suffer and die so that we might live. His death and Resurrection overcame physical death for all.

But spiritual redemption requires something more: our personal effort. We must come unto Christ, exercise faith, repent, be baptized, and receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.

Elder Boyd K. Packer taught this beautifully in his April 1977 General Conference talk, “The Mediator.

”He posed the question: “What effect can Jesus Christ have on me personally?”

To explain, he shared a parable about a man who took on a great debt. When the day of payment came, the man couldn’t pay, and justice demanded full recompense. The debtor begged for mercy. But mercy alone would leave justice unpaid. They stood at odds—one demanding, one pleading—until a Mediator stepped in. He said, “I will pay the debt, if you will free him.” And justice was satisfied. The debtor was saved, not by his own merit, but through the love and sacrifice of his friend.

That Mediator is Jesus Christ.

This parable struck a chord with me. After Sierra-Rose’s death, I often asked if her passing was part of a spiritual settlement. Was her death the price?

The answer I have come to know, with time and testimony, is no.

Sierra-Rose was not the currency for our sins. That debt has already been paid—by the Savior.

He is the only one who could satisfy both justice and mercy. Through Him, we are offered peace—not because of what we’ve done, but because of who He is.

Each of us lives on spiritual credit. We all fall short. And one day, we will all face a reckoning. But because of the Atonement of Jesus Christ, we do not face that day alone.

As Paul declared, “There is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus.

”This is the very root of Christian doctrine. If the branches of our faith are not connected to this root, they will wither. But if we anchor our lives in Him, if we keep our covenants, we can be made clean.

The extension of mercy is not automatic. It is offered through covenants, through repentance, and through our own discipleship. Baptism is not just a ritual—it is a promise, a starting point on a path back to Him.

So how do we strengthen ourselves along this path?

We build spiritual fortifications. We make and keep sacred covenants. We share the gospel. We serve faithfully. We minister to one another, and most especially, we serve our families.

The Lord strengthens those who serve. And in that service, Satan's influence weakens.

Because of the Atonement, we don’t just endure this life—we are transformed by it. Our guilt can be lifted. Our hearts softened. Our burdens made light. I have felt it. I know many of you have too.

If there’s one message I hope to leave with you today, it’s this:

There is no debt too great, no mistake too far gone, no grief too heavy, that the Atonement of Jesus Christ cannot heal. He stands ready, willing, and able to save us—if we will come unto Him.

I leave this testimony with you in the name of Jesus Christ, amen.

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