“Fundamental to a man’s understanding about his identity and purpose upon this planet is to know that God has a plan of salvation also called a plan of happiness, a plan of mercy, etc. (Alma 24:14; 42:8; 42:15).”
—Neal A. Maxwell, But For a Small Moment [Salt Lake City: Bookcraft, 1986], 62.
OVERVIEW:
Four questions or concerns troubled Corianton and were partially responsible for his diversion from the true path. His lack of understanding may have weakened his ability to resist temptation, and may also have increased his dependence on his own strength and wisdom (see Alma 39:4).
Corianton apparently never asked these questions, nevertheless his father knew them. They are reported in these words of Alma:
- “Behold you marvel why these things [the coming of and the ministry of Christ] should be known so long beforehand” (Alma 39:17)
- “Thy mind is worried concerning the resurrection of the dead.” (Alma 40:1)
- “And now, my son, I have somewhat to say concerning the restoration of which has been spoken; for behold, some have wrested the scriptures, and have gone far astray because of this thing. And I perceive that thy mind has been worried also concerning this thing. But behold, I will explain it unto thee . . . (Alma 41:1, emphasis added)
- “And now, my son, I perceive there is somewhat more which doth worry your mind, which ye cannot understand–which is concerning the justice of God in the punishment of the sinner; for ye do try to suppose that it is injustice that the sinner should be consigned to a state of misery.” (Alma 42:1)
Alma’s responses to these concerns form the outline for these chapters.
Synopsis of the chapters:
- Alma 40:1–23. Alma teaches Corianton about death and resurrection.
- Alma 40:24–26; Alma 41. Alma teaches Corianton that after we are resurrected, the righteous will be restored to happiness and the wicked will be restored to misery.
- Alma 42. Alma teaches Corianton about justice and mercy in the great plan of happiness.
Additional reading: Doctrine and Covenants D&C 138.
Here is the handout for this week’s lesson: Book of Mormon Lesson 30.
A study of this lesson will help us gain a greater understanding of life after death and the mercy that is available to us through the Atonement of Jesus Christ.
pax vobiscum
Filed under: Gospel Doctrine Tagged: | Christianity, Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Gospel Doctrine, LDS, Mormon, Religion
