Without minimizing the wondrous blessing of the Atonement, it really is a golden ticket. The difference is that anyone who is willing to expend time, effort and energy can receive the ticketed blessings of the Atonement of Jesus Christ. There is no limited number of golden tickets, and even when you lose your ticket you can obtain another one.

When you discover Jesus Christ and the gospel of Jesus Christ and His wonderful principles, doctrines and covenants, you have discovered the golden ticket. You are now filled with hope, opportunity, desire, faith, love, and a longing desire to experience God’s love. You come to appreciate that with this golden ticket, you can be a part of the miracle of the Atonement of Jesus Christ and all the blessings it entails. It is no wonder the Savior invited us to “come and see” because what we experience is miraculous (John 1:39).

I am not a supporter or advocate of lotteries, but I have read that every year there are millions of dollars that lotteries have awarded but are never claimed. Why? How? People who spend the money to gamble in the lottery simply become distracted and either lose the ticket or don’t realize the winning ticket is in their possession. The deadline passes and these people never collect their prize. I think this is crazy on so many levels.

The blessings of the Atonement of Jesus Christ include forgiveness, support, and opportunity to change. In all cases God will prepare a way for His children to be delivered if they desire these blessings. A loving Father has prepared a way out of being— as the scriptures teach—“forever miserable” (Alma 12:26). This path is there even if we don’t see it, don’t want to see it, or don’t believe it is there.

“Forever miserable” means forever subject and controlled by our sins, iniquities, weaknesses and limitations. May we all choose to free ourselves from sin through the great and merciful Atonement of Christ. May we all make the effort to collect the prize that is ours and receive the power and gift of the Atonement of Jesus Christ. May we remember as the Lamanites who were converted did, that “his arm is extended to all people who will repent and believe on his name” (Alma 19:36).

We believe in a God who constantly reminds us to never say never. I am convinced that God provided specific and numerous scriptural examples to remind us that the word “never” is not a Godly approach to righteous desires, goals and personal improvement. The world may perceive “never” as an answer to so many of life’s situations and questions, but an all-knowing God is never restricted by limiting views or beliefs.