Paul’s letters overflow with joy in the promise of resurrection and redemption.
In 2 Corinthians 5:17-18, Paul wrote, “Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new. And all things are of God, who hath reconciled us to himself by Jesus Christ.” Scholar Thomas Wayment explains, “Changed and reconciliation are based on the same root word, which mean to change, receive into favor, and reconcile. The act of God reconciling us describes him changing us to conform to his person and attributes” (The New Testament: A Translation for Latter-day Saints, revised edition, 320).
Book of Mormon prophets similarly testified of Christ’s power to redeem us. Among Lehi’s last words to his children were this poetic declaration: “Behold, the Lord hath redeemed my soul from hell; I have beheld his glory, and I am encircled about eternally in the arms of his love” (2 Nephi 1:15). Lehi went on to encourage his sons to awake and “shake off the chains with which ye are bound” (2 Nephi 1:23).
This digital print by Mark Jarman powerfully visualizes these truths. Using an abstracted form, Jarman shows a man breaking free of his chains. With arms upraised and head thrown back, the man accepts the divine light of Christ’s redeeming power. His mortal and spiritual prisons are shattered. He stands upright in the glory of God’s love, not just a healed man but a new creature.
–Jenny Champoux, Director