It has been a long time

I haven't posted for a while but I have had many occassions where something strikes me a true and faith promoting but I then forget to post about it. This week I had a discussion with two coworkers about religion. It made me think about the fact that only through the infinite and eternal Atonement can we be reunited with our Father in Heaven and obtain exaltation.
These aren't exact quotes but this is the gist of part of our conversation.

Coworker #1 One thing that really bothers me is thinking that there could be a murderer or rapist that would be able to claim that they are "saved" when they are in jail and think that they would one day being sitting in Heaven next to somebody who has been good their whole lives.

Coworker #2: Well that is the beauty of it and that is what shows Christ's power. His ability to save anyone regardless of what they have done.

I am so thankful for the power of the Atonement and that Christ truely can and will save all of his children, but I believe the caveat is that we have to be willing to accept it. We have to come unto him and be truley repentant. Christ has the ability to make us all clean, but we are required to go through the repentance process. It requires more than simply saying, "I'm saved." I requires a change in heart. I think the questions in Alma ask it perfectly: And now behold, I ask of you, my brethren of the church, have ye spiritually been born of God? Have ye received his image in your countenances? Have ye experienced this mighty change in your hearts? And just because He can help us does not mean that it will be painless and easy. He will require sacrifice and change on our part.