32 The Great Plan of Happiness
The Great Plan of Happiness
Book of Mormon Videos https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/videos-and-images/book-of-mormon-videos?lang=eng
Alma 4:19; 31:5
Alma and his sons went among the people to teach them repentance and help them
find joy in living the gospel.
Corianton strayed greatly from his purpose and
became ensnared in sexual sin. Because Alma had both personal experience with
repentance and forgiveness, and also with teaching the doctrine of Christ, he
was able to teach Corianton the truths that he needed to hear.
Alma was bold against sin, but also tender and
loving to his son. It is also the Lord’s desire to reclaim us, not to punish
us.
Alma 39:15
Alma knew, as Corianton and I have also learned, that Jesus came into the world
to take away the sins of the world and to declare glad tidings of salvation
through faith in Him.
Alma 49:30 Many
people throughout the ages have repented and been called to the Lord’s
ministry. It’s a marvelous thing to become friends with Him who is our greatest
Friend.
Alma 42:29
When Corianton gained understanding.his father, who was also his spiritual
leader, told him to not trouble himself to much about his past mistakes; but,
to let his sins trouble him in such a way that he would repent.
After that, he was again called to the ministry.
Video: Alma Counsels his Sons: https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/video/alma-36-42/2020-03-0900-alma-counsels-his-sons-alma-36-42-1080p?lang=eng
I
can avoid sexual sin.
Alma 39
The effects of sexual sin are devastating; not only to the sinner, but to those who are affected by those choices. Jesus doesn’t even want us to be guilty of lusting after casual sexual encounters; this definitely included pornography, to which so many are in bondage, and so many are treated in demeaning and harmful ways.
The Savior offers those who sin an opportunity to repent and change, even healing. But remember, that these things can’t be undone in this life and the harm you’ve caused others can be lasting harm.
Some mistakes that Corianton made that weakened his resolve to live righteousness include, Alma 39:2–4, 8–9:
1. He was boastful and how strong and smart he was.
2. He left his ministry, his zone or mission, to go see about the Harlot Isabel.
3. A safeguard for all of us is to attend to the ministry to which we are entrusted. This was true for Corianton, for King David, and for me. Stand in holy places and be not moved.
4. You can’t hide your sins. Corianton’s father and His Heavenly Father knew. David’s sins were not secret from God either. Neither are mine.
5. He allowed his lustful thoughts to overtake him and be led away. His father reminded him that he should cross himself in all these things. How can we cross-examine ourselves to make sure we stay on the covenant path?
verses 5–13 The consequences for sins, if we know better and don’t repent, are devastating. But God is merciful to those who repent and believe in His Son.
Alma 42:31; 49:30; 48:18 I am so glad that Corianton repented and also became a righteous man. I am thankful that Jesus stands ready to redeem as all from sin, when we are humble and turn to Him.
For the Strength of Youth: A Guide for Making Choices: pages 19–20: What is pornography? “Intentionally viewing pornography is sinful and harms your ability to feel the Spirit.” (Whether it was initially intention or not, we need to stop immedicately. “It weakens your self-control and distorts the way you see yourself and others.”
Matthew 5:27–28 Looking at a person, or pictures of a person, for sexual gratification is committing adultery in our hearts.
Doctrine and Covenants 63:16 Those who commit adultery in their hearts shall not have the Spirit, but shall deny the faith and fear.
Your Body Is Sacred Read this sometime
Video: To Look Upon: https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/media/video/2011-03-0020-to-look-upon?lang=eng
Worthiness Is Not Flawlessness
For kids:
My
good example can lead others to Christ.
Alma 39:1,
10–11
Why is it important to be a
good example?
Alma 39:1 Are you choosing to spend
your time with people who set a good example for you?
Who has been a good example
to you? What things do they do that you admire and try to do too?
Alma 38:2–4 Do you
recognize the things that you do that are setting a good example for others?
What are some of your own strengths?
Play Follow the Leader
What are some ways that you
can be a good example?
Videos: Shine your light so
others may see: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gV3HgfBawNs
Lessons I learned as a boy: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=naqX9iYE0V0
For kids:
Because
of Jesus Christ, I can repent when I make mistakes.
Alma
39:9–13
Alma’s son Coriantor made a
wrong choice. His dad said some things that helped him see understand what he
did wrong, and how choosing the right would help him be happier.
Alma 39:9 How can it help us to
choose the right, by remembering Jesus and how much He loves us; and by
remembering the good things our parents and teachers have taught us about
Heavenly Father’s love for us?
How does it help you to
choose the right, by stopping and questioning your choices?
Even when we’ve made a big
mistake, we can stop, we can repent, and we can feel the Holy Ghost telling us
that Heavenly Father and Jesus loves us and they are happy we want to follow
Them.
When we do something wrong,
we might feel guilty, and like we are carrying something big and heavy. When we
repent, Jesus will take that heavy load from us and make us feel healthy and
whole again.
What
will happen after I die?
Alma
40–41
Make a list of the truth you find in Alma 40-41 concerning the spirit world, resurrection, and judgment. (See notes below.)
For kids:
After we
die, our spirits go to the spirit world until the Resurrection and Judgment.
Alma
40:6–7, 11–14, 21–23
When we die, it is like going through a door into another room. I think there are times, when those who die can still see us and what we are doing, and whether we are happy or sad (kind of like looking through a window or watching a movie).
We shouldn’t be afraid of death, because Heavenly Father and
Jesus love us. Heavenly Father sent Jesus so that we could all be forgiven of
our sins is we love Him and believe in Him, and so that we would all be
resurrection and live again forever.
I know I am sad when people I love die, because I can’t spend time any more
with them right now. But I have good memories and I can think about the things
we have done together and the times they made me laugh or helped me. In many
ways, they are still with me because of my memories; and also because of my
hope. I know that Heavenly Father’s plan is perfect and He wants our families
to be together forever.
When we die, we are taken
home to God who gave us life; there is a time between death and the
resurrection; we live in the Spirit World and there continue to learn and grow
and help each other. If we were righteous and happy here; we will be there too.
If we did some things wrong, will be taught the right way and be given a chance
to repent and be righteous and happy again. When we are resurrected, we’ll get
our bodies back and be able to live forever. It’s a wonderful plan.
- Do your
children know someone who has died? Maybe you could talk briefly about
that person. Bear your testimony that someday they—and everyone else—will
be resurrected because of Jesus Christ. If needed, use this week’s activity
page to explain what it means to be resurrected.
I can seek
answers to my questions with faith in Jesus Christ.
Alma 40
Even prophets seek answers in private prayer; and so can I.
The
Atonement of Jesus Christ makes redemption possible.
Alma 42
Alma
42:1 Do you know people who think that punishment for sin is unfair?
Alma explained cause and
effect to his son. He talked about God’s justice and His mercy. We can find
forgiveness through the Atonement of Jesus Christ.
Video: The Mediator: https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/media/video/2007-01-0005-the-mediator?lang=eng
https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/scriptures/bofm/alma/39?lang=eng
Sexual sin is an abomination—Corianton’s sins kept the
Zoramites from receiving the word—Christ’s redemption is retroactive in saving
the faithful who preceded it. About 74 B.C.
5 Know ye not, my son, that these things are an abomination in the sight of the Lord; yea, most abominable above all sins save it be the shedding of innocent blood or denying the Holy Ghost?
6 For behold, if ye deny the Holy Ghost when it once has had place in you, and ye know that ye deny it, behold, this is a sin which is unpardonable; yea, and whosoever murdereth against the light and knowledge of God, it is not easy for him to obtain forgiveness; yea, I say unto you, my son, that it is not easy for him to obtain a forgiveness.
Vs 9 How should we cross ourselves in all these things. It's like a self-cross examination. When there are temptations or interests vying for our time, and the Spirit invites us to follow after the Lord, we have a choice to make. We need to learn to examine our hearts, our choice, and outcomes; and then choose and do better.
Vs 11 We are our brothers' keeper, and we will be held responsible if we lead the Lord's sheep away from Him.
Vs 12-14 Repentance opens our eyes to what is really important: our salvation and the salvation of others, and the riches of eternity.
Vs 15-16 Missionaries should have a firm testimony of Jesus Christ and his mission before they go out on missions themselves. Also, they should use their personal study time appropriate to sustain and develop their testimonies and gain spiritual growth and power.
Vs 17-19 The gospel and atonement of Jesus Christ are eternal, and they have been taught to men from Adam to our day; because in the gospel light, we receive the direction we need to have faith in Him, repent and receive forgiveness, be baptized, receive the Gift of the Holy Ghost; then we have the power through Him to continue in faith until the end and receive the gift of Eternal Life. This is important to every people.
https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/scriptures/bofm/alma/40?lang=eng
Christ brings to pass the resurrection of all men—The righteous dead go to paradise and the wicked to outer darkness to await the day of their resurrection—All things will be restored to their proper and perfect frame in the Resurrection. About 74 B.C.
Make a list of the truth you find in Alma 40-41 concerning the spirit world, resurrection, and judgment.
Vs 2 Jesus Christ will be the first to be resurrected.
Vs 3 Jesus will bring to pass the resurrection of the dead.
Vs 4 All were be resurrected at God’s appointed time. Every mortal person will be resurrected.
Vs 6 There is a space of time between death and resurrection (even if it’s the twinkling of an eye.)
Vs 7 It doesn’t matter if all are resurrected at the same time or different times.
Vs 8 Alma prayed to know what happens to us between death and the resurrection.
11 Now, concerning the state of the soul between death and the resurrection—Behold, it has been made known unto me by an angel, that the spirits of all men, as soon as they are departed from this mortal body, yea, the spirits of all men, whether they be good or evil, are taken home to that God who gave them life.
12 And then shall it come to pass, that the spirits of those who are righteous are received into a state of happiness, which is called paradise, a state of rest, a state of peace, where they shall rest from all their troubles and from all care, and sorrow.
Vs 11-12 After death, righteous persons are taken home to God, and they enter into a state of peace and rest.
Vs 18 At Christ’s resurrection, (afterwards) righteous people from Adam down to the time of Christ (those who had died), were resurrected.
Vs 19 Alma thought that all those who died before Christ’s resurrection would themselves be resurrected before those born after Jesus Christ. (Not sure about this one.)
20 Now, my son, I do not say that their resurrection cometh at the resurrection of Christ; but behold, I give it as my opinion, that the souls and the bodies are reunited, of the righteous, at the resurrection of Christ, and his ascension into heaven. (This I agree with.)
Vs 23-25 Our resurrection will be glorious.
Alma had not received the latter-day revelation that we have. People are still being taught the gospel in the Spirit World and given the chance for repentance and progression there. I found this sustaining and comforting.
https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/scriptures/bofm/alma/41?lang=eng
In the Resurrection men come forth to a state of endless happiness or endless misery—Wickedness never was happiness—Carnal men are without God in the world—Every person receives again in the Restoration the characteristics and attributes acquired in mortality. About 74 B.C.
Make a list of the truth you find in Alma 40-41 concerning the spirit world, resurrection, and judgment.
Vs 2-7 We shall obtain again our bodies in the resurrection. If the desires of our hearts have been good, if we have repented of our sins and sought to live righteously, we will have good restored to us again and be saved in the kingdom of God.
Vs 8 In life or in death, we will have the opportunity to accept the gospel of Jesus Christ and follow Him. We need to live the best we can here according to the light that we have already received. The atonement of Jesus Christ has paved the way for all of us, if we choose to love and follow Him.
Vs 9 Learn from your past mistakes, resolve not to do them again, and move forward with the help of the Holy Ghost.
Vs 10 If you choose wickedness, you will feel miserable
among those who choose righteousness.
“Wickedness never was happiness.”
13 O, my son, this is not the case; but the meaning of the word restoration is to bring back again evil for evil, or carnal for carnal, or devilish for devilish—good for that which is good; righteous for that which is righteous; just for that which is just; merciful for that which is merciful.
14 Therefore, my son, see that you are merciful unto your brethren; deal justly, judge righteously, and do good continually; and if ye do all these things then shall ye receive your reward; yea, ye shall have mercy restored unto you again; ye shall have justice restored unto you again; ye shall have a righteous judgment restored unto you again; and ye shall have good rewarded unto you again.
15 For that which ye do send out shall return unto you again, and be restored; therefore, the word restoration more fully condemneth the sinner, and justifieth him not at all.
Vs 15 Restoration means to restore things to the same likeness. If you live the golden rule, if you love God with all your heart and love your neighbor as yourself, if you are in the service of your God, it will be well with you.
https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/scriptures/bofm/alma/42?lang=eng
Mortality is a probationary time to enable man to repent
and serve God—The Fall brought temporal and spiritual death upon all
mankind—Redemption comes through repentance—God Himself atones for the sins of
the world—Mercy is for those who repent—All others are subject to God’s
justice—Mercy comes because of the Atonement—Only the truly penitent are saved.
About 74 B.C.
15 And now, the plan of mercy could not be brought about except an atonement should be made; therefore God himself atoneth for the sins of the world, to bring about the plan of mercy, to appease the demands of justice, that God might be a perfect, just God, and a merciful God also.
16 Now, repentance could not come unto men except there were a punishment, which also was eternal as the life of the soul should be, affixed opposite to the plan of happiness, which was as eternal also as the life of the soul.
Vs 17-18 Along with the atonement of Jesus Christ, we can be saved through faith and obedience as we repent and make covenants with Him. The gift of agency is an important gift in the plan of salvation; with it comes accountability for our actions.
Vs 22 -28 We indeed can be saved by odedience to the laws and ordinances of the gospel, through the atonement of Jesus Christ.
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