“Alma 13: ‘That Ye May Enter into That Rest,’” Book of Mormon Student Manual (2024)
“Alma 13,” Book of Mormon Student Manual
Alma 13
“That Ye May Enter into That Rest”
In this life, we have many cares and troubles. The Lord is there to help us and desires that we enter into His rest. Alma explained that the Lord ordained high priests to teach the commandments and perform ordinances so the people could enter into the rest of the Lord. This lesson can help you understand what it means to enter into the rest of the Lord and how you can do so.
The rest of the Lord
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When is a time you have benefited from rest?
The scriptures often speak of the Lord’s rest. The Lord’s rest refers to “the fulness of his glory” (Doctrine and Covenants 84:24). The Lord’s rest also refers to “the enjoyment of peace and freedom from worry and turmoil. The Lord has promised such rest to His faithful followers during this life. He has also prepared a place of rest for them in the next life” (Guide to the Scriptures, “Rest,” scriptures.ChurchofJesusChrist.org).
To have peace and freedom from worry and turmoil does not mean life will be free of trials. Read Matthew 11:28–30, looking for what the Lord teaches about His rest during the difficulties of life.
Think about your current circumstances.
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How could you benefit from experiencing the Lord’s rest?
Alma invited the people of Ammonihah to repent and not harden their hearts so they could be forgiven and enter into the rest of the Lord (see Alma 12:33–37). As you study Alma 13, look for what the Lord has provided to help you enter into His rest in this life and in the life to come.
Priesthood leaders help us enter into the Lord’s rest
The people of Ammonihah considered themselves to be “after the order and faith of Nehor” (Alma 14:16). Because of this, they believed they could be saved without the Atonement of Jesus Christ, and they replaced the priesthood with a false order Alma called “priestcraft” (see Alma 1:3–4, 12, 16). To correct their false beliefs, Alma taught them how “the Lord God ordained priests, after his holy order” (Alma 13:1).
Read Alma 13:1–2, 6, looking for why the Lord ordains priesthood leaders.
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What are some reasons why the Lord calls priesthood leaders?
From these verses, we learn that the Savior calls priesthood leaders to help us look to Him for redemption and to teach His commandments so we can enter into His rest.
Elder Dale G. Renlund of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles taught:
Because of His atoning sacrifice, Jesus Christ has the power and authority to redeem all mankind. To make His atoning power accessible, He has delegated a portion of His power and authority to men on earth. This delegated power and authority is called priesthood. (Dale G. Renlund, “The Priesthood and the Savior’s Atoning Power,” Ensign or Liahona, Nov. 2017, 64)
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What does this quote help you understand about why God continues to call people to hold the priesthood in our day?
The high priests Alma spoke of were “called and prepared from the foundation of the world … on account of their exceeding faith and good works” (Alma 13:3). At the same time, others “would reject the Spirit of God on account of the hardness of their hearts” (Alma 13:4).
Other Church leaders, such as Relief Society, Young Women, and Sunday School leaders, serve with delegated priesthood authority. Serving alongside priesthood leaders, they help guide individuals and families to come unto Christ.
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What are some ways Church leaders help us look to Jesus Christ and enter into His rest?
Priesthood ordinances help us enter into the Lord’s rest
Alma referenced the righteous examples of the high priests and how they “were sanctified” (Alma 13:11) and “made pure and entered into the rest of the Lord their God” (Alma 13:12). Alma then specifically referenced Melchizedek as an example of a righteous priesthood leader. Note that Melchizedek’s people initially were wicked like the people of Ammonihah (see Alma 8:9; 13:17).
Read Alma 13:14–19, looking for how Melchizedek served his people.
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What similarities do you notice between Melchizedek and Jesus Christ?
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According to verse 16, what is one purpose of priesthood ordinances?
From verse 16 we learn that priesthood ordinances help us look to Jesus Christ for a remission of sins so we can enter into His rest.
President Russell M. Nelson taught how some priesthood ordinances help us look to Jesus Christ. Watch the video “The Atonement” from time code 13:22 to 13:51, available at ChurchofJesusChrist.org, or read the text below.
Essential ordinances of the gospel symbolize the Atonement. Baptism by immersion is symbolic of the death, burial, and Resurrection of the Redeemer. Partaking of the sacrament renews baptismal covenants and also renews our memory of the Savior’s broken flesh and of the blood He shed for us. Ordinances of the temple symbolize our reconciliation with the Lord and seal families together forever. (Russell M. Nelson, “The Atonement,” Ensign, Nov. 1996, 35)
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What did you learn from President Nelson about priesthood ordinances?
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When have you felt close to the Savior by participating in a priesthood ordinance?
That ye may enter into His rest
Like the priests described in Alma 13:1–19, Alma diligently sought to help the people prepare to enter into the Lord’s rest. He reminded them that the Lord would soon come (see Alma 13:21–26). Alma desired with “great anxiety even unto pain, that they would hearken unto [his] words” (Alma 13:27).
Read Alma 13:27–30, looking for what Alma invited the people to do.
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Which of Alma’s invitations (pick a specific invitation) do you think can help us enter into the Lord’s rest?
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What have you learned from Alma 13 that could help you in your life right now?
Seek the guidance of the Holy Ghost to know what you can do to apply what you have learned to enter into the rest of the Lord.