Alma 34 9 10 Doctrinal Mastery My heart

Alma 34: 9 -10 Doctrinal Mastery

“My heart sank during a recent meeting with wonderful Latter-day Saints. The question was asked, “Who desires to live with Heavenly Father again? ” Every hand went up. The next question was “Who has confidence you’ll succeed? ” Sadly and surprisingly, most hands went down. “When we perceive a gap between who we are now and who we desire to become, many of us are tempted to choose to lose faith and hope. ” (Randall K. Bennett, “Your Next Step, ” Ensign or Liahona, Nov. 2015, 69) If you would have been in the meeting described earlier, would you have kept your hand up or lowered it in response to the second question? Think about why you would have done that. How do you feel about your ability to return and live with Heavenly Father?

Read Alma 34: 9– 10 and note any words, phrases, or teachings that stand out or impress you. In these verses, the word expedient means “necessary. ” What important truths can we identify from these verses? In order for mankind to be saved, there must be an atonement made, an infinite and eternal sacrifice.

Elder Dieter F. Uchtdorf, of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles explained the purpose of the Atonement of Jesus Christ: “[The gospel] is the good news that Jesus Christ has made a perfect Atonement for mankind. It is the message of love, hope, and mercy that there is a reconciliation of man with God. Sin is the willful transgression of divine law. The Atonement of Jesus Christ is the gift of God to His children to correct and overcome the consequences of sin. ” (Dieter F. Uchtdorf, “Point of Safe Return, ” Ensign or Liahona, May 2007, 99) (Answer one of the following) § In your own words, how would you explain what the Atonement of Jesus Christ is and why we need it? § What blessings have you experienced because of Jesus Christ’s Atonement? § How do you feel about the Savior as you ponder His willingness to help you?

What words did Amulek use as recorded in Alma 34: 9– 10 to describe the sacrifice necessary for our salvation? What do the words infinite and eternal mean? Why did the Savior’s Atonement need to be an infinite and eternal sacrifice? “His Atonement is infinite—without an end. It was also infinite in that all humankind would be saved from never-ending death. It was infinite in terms of His immense suffering. … It was infinite in scope —it was to be done once for all. And the mercy of the Atonement extends not only to an infinite number of people, but also to an infinite number of worlds created by Him. It was infinite beyond any human scale of measurement or mortal comprehension. “Jesus was the only one who could offer such an infinite atonement, since He was born of a mortal mother and an immortal Father. Because of that unique birthright, Jesus was an infinite Being. ” (Russell M. Nelson, “The Atonement, ” Ensign, Nov. 1996, 35) (Answer one of the following) • What did you learn from President Nelson’s statement? What questions do you have? • Why was Jesus Christ the only one who could atone for the sins of the world?

Read the following statement by former Sunday School General President Tad R. Callister. Consider if you have ever heard statements that express a similar idea. On occasion, I have met with good Saints who have had trouble forgiving themselves, who have innocently but incorrectly placed limits on the Savior’s redemptive powers. Unwittingly, they have converted an infinite Atonement to a finite one that somehow falls short of their particular sin or weakness. But it is an infinite Atonement because it encompasses and circumscribes every sin and weakness, as well as every abuse or pain caused by others. (Tad R. Callister, “The Atonement of Jesus Christ, ” Ensign or Liahona, May 2019, 85– 86) (Answer one of the following) • What do you find most meaningful about what Brother Callister taught? Why? • How could better understanding the infinite and eternal nature of the Atonement of Jesus Christ strengthen your hope that you can obtain eternal life? • Do you believe the Atonement of Jesus Christ can save all humankind—including yourself—from their sins?

In order to truly MASTER the DOCTRINE, it is important to learn how to teach it to others. Consider the following scenario: Celia has been your friend and neighbor since you were young. You have enjoyed many Church meetings, conferences, and activities together. In recent months, however, Celia has been coming to these activities less and less. One day when you are talking to Celia she doesn’t share many details but she tells you that things have changed and that she’s not the same as she was back when she was attending more often. She lets you know that she feels bad about some choices she has made and doesn’t feel like she is worthy to be a part of the Church anymore. Ponder what you would say to your friend Celia.

Write what you might say to a friend in Celia’s situation. Be sure to include what you have learned from Alma 34: 9– 10 in your plan. Include the following: • Encouragement you would give • Questions you would ask to better understand Celia’s concern • Truths you know about Heavenly Father and His plan that may help in Celia’s situation • Ideas of how you might be able to encourage Celia to act in faith and specific invitations you could extend to her) • Your plans for how to follow up with Celia *If you need additional information to help you, you can read paragraphs 13– 17 in the Doctrinal Mastery Core Document, looking for principles related to helping others acquire spiritual knowledge. (hint- Doctrinal Mastery Core Document is found in the front of your seminary journal)

Write the following key phrase and reference five times in your study journal: there must be an atonement made, … an infinite and eternal sacrifice Alma 34: 9– 10 After you have finished, read them over several times until you feel you will be able to remember them.