Mosiah 3:1–17

Salvation through Jesus Christ

Throughout history, angels have visited the earth to testify of Jesus Christ and declare “glad tidings of great joy” (Mosiah 3:3; Alma 13:22; Helaman 16:14). King Benjamin received such a visit. He shared with his people the angel’s testimony of Jesus Christ, the things the Savior would experience, and the truth that salvation comes only through the name of Christ. This lesson can help you understand the importance of what Jesus Christ did so that you can be saved.

Glad tidings of great joy

• Can you think of times when angels came to earth to testify of Jesus Christ?

One example is in Luke 2:10–12. Read these verses or watch the video “Shepherds Learn of the Birth of Christ” from time code 0:00 to 1:47, looking for what the angel said to announce the Savior’s birth. This video is available on ChurchofJesusChrist.org.

An angel also appeared to King Benjamin. Read Mosiah 3:3–4, looking for the similarities between what the angel told the shepherds and what the angel told King Benjamin.

• What do you know about Jesus Christ that would be considered “glad tidings of great joy”?

In his discourse to his people included in Mosiah 3:1–17, King Benjamin shared some of the angel’s message. This message addressed the life and mission of Jesus Christ, how they could receive joy, and what Jesus offers that no one else can.

The only name by which salvation comes

Read Mosiah 3:17, looking for what Jesus Christ offers.

• What truth can you identify from verse 17?

Read the following statement from Elder Neil L. Andersen of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles looking for what Jesus Christ saves us from:

Our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, through the incalculable gift of His Atonement, not only saves us from death and offers us, through repentance, forgiveness for our sins, but He also stands ready to save us from the sorrows and pains of our wounded souls. (Neil L. Andersen, “Wounded,” Ensign or Liahona, Nov. 2018, 85)

Think about what you need to be saved from. Are there sins you are striving to overcome? Are there sorrows or pains you are experiencing? As you study Mosiah 3, seek inspiration through the Holy Ghost to help you know how you can receive the salvation Jesus Christ offers.

Read Mosiah 3:5–10, looking for what Jesus Christ did so that you can be saved. Take time to read slowly and to ponder. Pondering is one way to invite the Holy Ghost to teach you. You may want to write down ideas and thoughts in your scriptures or study journal.

1. Answer two of the following questions:

   • What impressions did you have as you studied these verses?

   • What are some phrases in these verses that stand out to you?

   • What did you find that causes you to rejoice?

You may want to watch the video “Jesus Christ Suffered for Us,” available at ChurchofJesusChrist.org, looking for how various individuals were blessed through the Savior’s Atonement.

Read Mosiah 3:11–13, looking for what you need to do to receive joy and salvation through Jesus Christ. Read slowly and ponder these verses. The following questions can help you ponder.

2. Answer the following questions:

   • What have you learned or felt about Jesus Christ that motivates you to repent?

   • Why do you think the remission of sins brings joy?

Recall what you need to be saved from. Think about what you studied in Mosiah 3 and the impressions you received from the Spirit. Strive to exercise faith, to repent, and to believe in Christ so that you can receive the Savior’s help and the joy that comes from being forgiven.

Optional: Want to Learn More?

Mosiah 3:7. How much did Jesus Christ suffer so I could be saved?

Elder James E. Talmage (1862–1933) of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles taught:

He struggled and groaned under a burden such as no other being who has lived on earth might even conceive as possible. It was not physical pain, nor mental anguish alone, that caused Him to suffer such torture as to produce an extrusion of blood from every pore; but a spiritual agony of soul such as only God was capable of experiencing. … In that hour of anguish Christ met and overcame all the horrors that Satan, “the prince of this world” [John 14:30] could inflict. …

In some manner, actual and terribly real though to man incomprehensible, the Savior took upon Himself the burden of the sins of mankind from Adam to the end of the world. (James E. Talmage, Jesus the Christ, 3rd ed. [1916], 613)

Mosiah 3:8. Why was Jesus born of an immortal father and a mortal mother?

Elder Robert D. Hales (1932–2017) of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles shared:

Why could Jesus Christ, and only He, atone for the sins of the world?. …

Only Jesus Christ could make the atoning sacrifice—being born of a mortal mother, Mary, and having received the power of life from His Father (see John 5:26 ). Because of this power of life, He overcame death, the grave’s power was nullified, and He became our Savior and Mediator and the Master of the Resurrection—the means whereby salvation and immortality are given to us all. We will all be resurrected and become immortal because of the atoning sacrifice of Jesus Christ. (Robert D. Hales, “The Savior’s Atonement: Foundation of True Christianity,” Ensign, April 2017, 23)

What is the Savior’s role in repentance, and what is my role?

Elder Dieter F. Uchtdorf of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles taught:

It is not repentance per se that saves man. It is the blood of Jesus Christ that saves us. It is not by our sincere and honest change of behavior alone that we are saved, but “by grace that we are saved, after all we can do” (2 Nephi 25:23). True repentance, however, is the condition required so that God’s forgiveness can come into our lives. (Dieter F. Uchtdorf, “Point of Safe Return,” Ensign or Liahona, May 2007, 100)

How can I experience joy through repentance?

Elder Dale G. Renlund of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles taught:

I invite you to feel more joy in your life: joy in the knowledge that the Atonement of Jesus Christ is real; joy in the Savior’s ability, willingness, and desire to forgive; and joy in choosing to repent. Let us follow the instruction to “with joy … draw water out of the wells of salvation” [Isaiah 12:3]. May we choose to repent, forsake our sins, and turn our hearts and wills around to follow our Savior. (Dale G. Renlund, “Repentance: A Joyful Choice,” Ensign or Liahona, Nov. 2016, 124)