Doctrinal Mastery: Helaman 5:12

“It Is upon the Rock of Our Redeemer … That Ye Must Build Your Foundation”

In your study of Helaman 5:1–13, you learned how building your foundation on Jesus Christ can help you withstand the devil’s mighty storms (see Helaman 5:12). This lesson can help you memorize the doctrinal mastery reference and key scripture phrase for Helaman 5:12, explain the doctrine taught in this passage, and apply principles of acquiring spiritual knowledge in real-life situations.

Memorize and explain

In the previous lesson, you learned the following truths: Jesus Christ is our sure foundation and if we build our foundation on Jesus Christ, the devil will have no power over us. The doctrinal mastery key scripture phrase for Helaman 5:12 is “It is upon the rock of our Redeemer … that ye must build your foundation.”

Use your own memorization technique or one of the following ideas to help you memorize the scripture reference and key scripture phrase.

Find a small rock with enough room to write “Helaman 5:12” on it. Cut out a strip of paper and write the key scripture phrase for Helaman 5:12, “It is upon the rock of our Redeemer … that ye must build your foundation.” Attach the strip of paper to the rock using tape, glue, or a rubber band. Recite the scripture reference and key scripture phrase a few times until you have them memorized.

For another way to help you memorize, draw a picture of a rock with a person standing on it. Inside the rock, write Helaman 5:12, and underneath write the key scripture phrase several times until you have it memorized.

1.  Complete the following:

   Imagine that the Church’s For the Strength of Youth magazine asked for ideas from youth around the world concerning the doctrine taught in Helaman 5:12. In three to four sentences, create a submission that explains the following:

   • How Jesus Christ is like “a sure foundation”

   • How building our spiritual foundation on “the rock of our Redeemer” can protect us from the devil’s “mighty winds” and “hail”

   Consider sharing what you write with a friend or family member. You could also post your thoughts on social media with a hashtag like #surefoundation or #strivetobe.

Practice application

Briefly review paragraphs 5–12 in the “Acquiring Spiritual Knowledge” section of the Doctrinal Mastery Core Document (2023).

Your friend Matilda has recently felt overwhelmed by negative information she’s heard about the Church. A friend from Matilda’s former neighborhood sent her some materials that attack Church doctrine and criticize the prophet. Her uncle recently left the Church because he does not agree with certain Church policies. Matilda wants to remain faithful but is beginning to wonder if she has the strength. One day while walking home from school, Matilda shares her feelings with you and asks for advice.

Use the principles of acquiring spiritual knowledge and the doctrine taught in Helaman 5:12 to help Matilda remain faithful to her testimony.

Act in faith

• What are two or three righteous actions Matilda could take to rely on the Savior and strengthen her spiritual foundation during this difficult time? What difference could these actions make for her?

• What lessons have you learned in the past about exercising faith in Jesus Christ that might be helpful to Matilda?

Eternal perspective

Help Matilda consider her challenge with an eternal perspective by examining the teachings of the Savior.

• What are some of the Savior’s teachings you could share with Matilda to help her look at her concerns from an eternal perspective? (Consider scripture passages like the following: John 6:66–69; Hebrews 10:32–36; 2 Nephi 31:20; Doctrine and Covenants 58:2–4.)

• How could these teachings help Matilda view her concerns from an eternal perspective?

• How could the doctrine taught in Helaman 5:12 help Matilda view her concerns from an eternal perspective?

2.  Complete the following:

   Write a brief message to Matilda as if you were sending her a text. Include insights gained from your study and pondering, and encourage her to faithfully carry on.

Divinely appointed sources

Matilda asks you what she can do when presented with questions about the Church to which she does not know the answers. Ponder what you could share with her from following teachings of President Russell M. Nelson.

Choose to believe in Jesus Christ. If you have doubts about God the Father and His Beloved Son or the validity of the Restoration or the veracity of Joseph Smith’s divine calling as a prophet, choose to believe [see 2 Nephi 33:10–11] and stay faithful. Take your questions to the Lord and to other faithful sources. Study with the desire to believe rather than with the hope that you can find a flaw in the fabric of a prophet’s life or a discrepancy in the scriptures. Stop increasing your doubts by rehearsing them with other doubters. Allow the Lord to lead you on your journey of spiritual discovery. (Russell M. Nelson, “Christ Is Risen; Faith in Him Will Move Mountains,” Liahona, May 2021, 103)

3.  Answer the following questions:

   • How do you think President Nelson’s counsel could help Matilda?

   • What are some other faithful sources Matilda could turn to for answers?

After you have had several discussions with Matilda concerning her faith and testimony, she expresses her gratitude to you for helping her stand fast in her faith in Jesus Christ.

Think about your own challenges, including any of Satan’s temptations that may currently “beat upon you” (Helaman 5:12). Choose one you would like help with from the Lord, and write it at the top of a page in your study journal. Write the three principles of acquiring spiritual knowledge, and record how you can apply those principles to your own situation.