Mosiah 27:24–37

“Born of God”

The repentance of Alma the Younger and the sons of Mosiah can give hope to anyone who wonders if it is possible to change. The Savior helped these young men, who were described as “the very vilest of sinners” (Mosiah 28:4), to be changed “to a state of righteousness” (Mosiah 27:25). This lesson can help you repent and show faith that the Savior can change your heart.

Change

Try to think of things in nature that change so drastically that it almost seems impossible that it is the same thing. One example is shown in the following picture.

How might our spiritual progression be compared to a caterpillar becoming a butterfly?
How has God made it possible for us to change and become like Him?

Think for a moment about your progress in becoming more like God. Is there something about yourself that you would like to change or improve? What obstacles might you face in making these desired changes?

Today you will study a miraculous change that the Savior made in some young men’s lives. As you study, listen for the promptings of the Spirit about how the Savior can help you change as well.

Alma the Younger and the sons of Mosiah

Recall that the first part of Mosiah 27 contains an account of God answering Alma’s prayers. God sent an angel to convince Alma the Younger and the sons of King Mosiah of the error of their ways. Alma the Younger could not speak or move for days after this event (see Mosiah 27:19, 23). During that time, he experienced indescribable anguish for his sins. When he could finally speak again, he described what the Lord had done for him.

Write “Change is possible through Jesus Christ” at the top of a piece of paper. Then draw two vertical lines to divide the paper into three equal columns. Label the left column “before,” the middle column “Jesus Christ’s role,” and the right column “after.”

Read Mosiah 27:8–10; 28:4 to review what Alma the Younger and Mosiah’s sons were like earlier in their lives. Write descriptions of them in the “before” column on your paper.

Now read Mosiah 27:32–37, and write descriptions of who they became in the “after” column.

Pause for a minute to reflect on the change you have seen in someone who has repented with faith in the Savior. (You might even think of yourself.) Add descriptions to your columns of what they (or you) were like before and after this change.

Read Mosiah 27:23–26, looking for phrases that describe the change necessary for us to become like the Savior. It may be helpful to know that the word carnal (verse 25) can mean worldly or sensual, and the phrase “becoming [God’s] sons and daughters” (verse 25) can refer to those who “inherit the kingdom of God” (verse 26).

In the “Jesus Christ’s role” column of your paper, write phrases that stood out to you. Take a moment to ponder what they mean. If necessary, look up any words you would like to understand better in the Topical Guide or Guide to the Scriptures.

One truth taught in these verses is all mankind needs to be changed through the Atonement of Jesus Christ.

Change is a process, not an event

Elder Neil L. Andersen of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles taught:

While for some the process of repentance can happen dramatically, as it did for Alma, this is more the exception than the rule. Most of us move step by step, inch by inch toward more goodness, more exactness in our covenants, more service and commitment. (Neil L. Andersen, The Divine Gift of Forgiveness [2019], 11)

Why is Elder Andersen’s statement important to remember?

Take some time to list some actions we can take to repent and gradually be changed by the Lord. (For ideas, reread Elder Andersen’s statement above and consider reading some of the following verses: Mosiah 26:29; 27:35; Alma 36:18; 3 Nephi 9:22; Doctrine and Covenants 6:9; 58:42–43).

Answer the following questions:
- What can we do to turn to the Lord and repent?
- How do you think these efforts can help us be gradually changed through the Savior?

Watch the video “The Hope of God’s Light” (6:46), looking for how the Savior helped someone change “step by step, inch by inch toward more goodness.”

6:46

Take a moment to ponder how this lesson applies to you. Record your thoughts about the following questions in your study journal:

What are the gradual changes the Savior has already helped you make? How do you feel about your efforts and the Lord’s help?
What is the next step you feel the Lord would have you take to repent and continue to change through Him?
What are the obstacles you might face in this process, and how can you turn to the Lord to help you overcome them?

Optional: Want to Learn More?

Why have I not seen miraculous changes like Alma the Younger’s in my life?

Elder D. Todd Christofferson of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles explained:

You may ask, Why doesn’t this mighty change happen more quickly with me? You should remember that the remarkable examples of King Benjamin’s people, Alma, and some others in scripture are just that—remarkable and not typical. For most of us, the changes are more gradual and occur over time. Being born again, unlike our physical birth, is more a process than an event. And engaging in that process is the central purpose of mortality.

… I testify that as you continue in the path of spiritual rebirth, the atoning grace of Jesus Christ will take away your sins and the stain of those sins in you, temptations will lose their appeal, and through Christ you will become holy, as He and our Father are holy. (D. Todd Christofferson, “Born Again,” Ensign or Liahona, May 2008, 78)

Since God is so loving, why do we need to repent and change?

Elder Jeffrey R. Holland of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles taught:

“Come as you are,” a loving Father says to each of us, but He adds, “Don’t plan to stay as you are.” We smile and remember that God is determined to make of us more than we thought we could be. (Jeffrey R. Holland, “Songs Sung and Unsung,” Ensign or Liahona, May 2017, 51)