While hanging on the cross of crucifixion, the Savior, according to the New Testament, made seven final utterances:

• In an expression tinged with forgiveness, He said, "Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do." (Luke 23:34.)

• He told one of the thieves who was crucified with Him: "Verily I say unto thee, To day thou shalt be with me in paradise." (Luke 23:43.)

• He said to Mary, "Woman, behold thy son!" And to John the Beloved, the only Apostle whose presence at the crucifixion was recorded, He added, "Behold thy mother!" (John 19:26-27.)

• Enduring a depth of anguish none of us can really comprehend, the Savior cried out: "My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me?" (Matt. 27:46; Mark 15:34.)

• And in the midst of His suffering, He made this statement, one regarding a mortal need: "I thirst." (John 19:28.)

• He proclaimed the end had come, declaring, "It is finished." (John 19:30.

• And then came His final words, as recorded by Luke: "And when Jesus had cried with a loud voice, he said, Father, into thy hands I commend my spirit: and having said thus, he gave up the ghost." (Luke 23:46.)

These seven utterances delivered from the cross mark the end of the Savior's mortal ministry, a ministry filled with teachings of love and forgiveness, hope and encouragement, obedience and sacrifice.

In the scriptures, we read the account of His agony in the Garden of Gethsemane where, during a night of great intercessory prayer, He took upon Himself the world's sins. We read also of His suffering on the cross where He willingly gave His life in the atoning sacrifice. Our amazement that He would endure so much for us is reflected in a favorite hymn: "I marvel that he would descend from his throne divine, To rescue a soul so rebellious and proud as mine, That he should extend his great love unto such as I, Sufficient to own, to redeem, and to justify." (Hymns, No. 193.)

The scriptural account of the story of the Atonement abruptly moves from the despair of the cross to the wonder of the empty tomb as the most awful Friday the world has yet known was followed by the most memorable Sunday in all history. This was the Sunday of the first resurrection, an event that signaled the bands of death were forever broken.

So the seven utterances from the cross were not the Savior's final words on this earth after all! He arose. Although He had promised He would arise on the third day, few were prepared to accept that reality.

The good news spread quickly. But some, such as Thomas, still doubted until the very wounds in the Savior's hands and side were seen and touched.

Gradually, people began to realize the account of the resurrection was no rumor. From that tomb of death the Savior emerged triumphant to walk among men again, to teach His everlasting gospel truths.

We are told: "For, behold, the Lord your Redeemer suffered death in the flesh; wherefore he suffered the pain of all men, that all men might repent and come unto him. And he hath risen again from the dead, that he might bring all men unto him, on conditions of repentance." (D&C 18:11-12.)

Easter celebrations abound. Churches produce pageants and choirs perform cantatas to mark this memorable day.

If we truly wish to commemorate this sacred event, however, we will go to Him with repentant hearts and souls, not only at the Easter season but also in the days, weeks, months and years ahead. The commemoration of the Savior's atoning sacrifice should not be limited to one weekend a year.

Our true observance of Easter is a daily, lifelong effort. We should strive to adopt the attitude reflected in the Savior's final words on the cross: "Father, into thy hands I commend my spirit."

In commending our spirits to our Heavenly Father, we would live in righteousness. We would lead exemplary lives. We truly would be worthy of the sacrifice His Son made in our behalf.

First published Saturday, April 14, 1990.