The following summary of the events, doctrines, and principles students learned as they studied Alma 33–38 (unit 19) is not intended to be taught as part of your lesson. The lesson you teach concentrates on only a few of these doctrines and principles. Follow the promptings of the Holy Spirit as you consider the needs of your students.
Alma taught the Zoramites that we can worship God continually through prayer. Alma then taught that we receive Heavenly Father’s mercy, including forgiveness for our sins, because of the Atonement of Jesus Christ. Amulek taught the Zoramites that the infinite and eternal Atonement of Jesus Christ provides salvation for all mankind. Students also learned that in order to receive the full blessings of the Atonement, we must exercise faith unto repentance.
From Alma’s account of his conversion, students learned that sin can lead to pain and regret. In addition, they learned that if we exercise faith in the Atonement of Jesus Christ, then He will deliver us from the pain of our sins and fill us with joy. Like Alma, as we share the gospel with others, we can receive great joy.
Alma gave his son Helaman a charge to keep and preserve the sacred records. By studying Alma’s words, students learned that to bring about His eternal purposes, the Lord works by small and simple means. They also learned that if we obey the Lord’s commandments, we will prosper. Alma taught his son that we should learn in our youth to keep the commandments of God and that if we heed the words of Jesus Christ, they will direct us to receive eternal life.
As students studied Alma’s counsel to Shiblon, they learned that as we begin in our youth to be steady and faithful in keeping the commandments, we can bring great joy to our parents. Alma testified to his sons that if we bear all things with patience and trust in God, He will deliver us from trials, troubles, and afflictions and lift us up at the last day. Alma also testified that to receive a remission of our sins and find peace to our souls, we exercise faith in Jesus Christ and seek His mercy. Finally, students learned that developing righteous attributes prepares us to teach and serve others.
Introduction
Amulek taught the Zoramites that the Atonement is “infinite and eternal” (Alma 34:10). The students learned this truth in their weekly study, and this lesson will provide them with a further opportunity to understand and appreciate Jesus Christ’s Atonement.
Alma and Amulek teach the Zoramites about the Atonement of Jesus Christ
Ask: Why was Jesus Christ the only one who could atone for the sins of the world?
Remind students that, as part of their weekly assignments, they read Alma 34:10–14 and marked phrases that include the words infinite and eternal. Invite a student to read these verses aloud, and then ask students to share the phrases they identified.
Invite a student to read the following statement by President Russell M. Nelson of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles to help the class understand how the Atonement of Jesus Christ is infinite and eternal:
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President Russell M. Nelson
“His Atonement is infinite—without an end. It was also infinite in that all humankind would be saved from never-ending death. It was infinite in terms of His immense suffering. … It was infinite in scope—it was to be done once for all. And the mercy of the Atonement extends not only to an infinite number of people, but also to an infinite number of worlds created by Him. It was infinite beyond any human scale of measurement or mortal comprehension.
“Jesus was the only one who could offer such an infinite atonement, since He was born of a mortal mother and an immortal Father. Because of that unique birthright, Jesus was an infinite Being” (Russell M. Nelson, “The Atonement,” Ensign, Nov. 1996, 35).
Ask: How do Amulek’s teachings and this explanation from President Nelson help us understand why Jesus Christ was the only one who could atone for the sins of the world?
Have students summarize what they have learned so far from Alma 34 about the Atonement of Jesus Christ. Explain that an important principle we can learn from this section is that the infinite and eternal Atonement of Jesus Christ makes salvation possible for all mankind.
Write the following incomplete phrase on the board or on a piece of paper: Imagine life without …
Hold up an item that many young people value (such as a cell phone). Ask: What would life be like without this item?
Next, hold up a bottle or glass of water (or something else that is essential to sustain life). Ask: What would life be like without water?
After students have responded to these questions, complete the statement on the board: Imagine life without the Atonement of Jesus Christ.
Ask the following questions:
How do you imagine people look at life if they do not know of Jesus Christ or if they do not believe there is a God?
How do you imagine life would be different for you without the Atonement of Jesus Christ? (Give students a moment to ponder this question before asking for responses.)
Explain that Amulek taught the Zoramites that they needed to repent in order to bring the blessings of the Atonement into their lives (see Alma 34:15–17). Ask students if they have ever delayed repenting because they were afraid to confess their sins or were afraid they weren’t strong enough to change. Then ask: Why is it dangerous to delay repentance?
Invite a few students to read Alma 34:30–35 aloud. Ask the class to follow along, looking for what Amulek taught about why we should not delay our repentance. Then discuss these verses by asking the following questions:
Look at Alma 34:32. Why should we repent today? (As students answer, help them to understand the following principle: This life is the time for us to prepare to meet God.)
Look at Alma 34:33. What is the purpose of this life? What will happen to those who procrastinate repentance?
Look at Alma 34:31. What promise is given to those who repent now?
Read the following statement by President Boyd K. Packer (1924–2015) of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles:
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President Boyd K. Packer
“You need not know everything before the power of the Atonement will work for you. Have faith in Christ; it begins to work the day you ask!” (Boyd K. Packer, “Washed Clean,” Ensign, May 1997, 10.)
Ask: What does this statement by President Packer teach you? Why is it helpful to you?
Your students studied Alma’s counsel to his son Helaman, recorded in Alma 36, and learned about the joy that Alma felt as he sincerely repented of his sins. The students were asked to read Alma 36:19–22 and then write in their study journals what these verses taught them about the power of the Atonement (day 2, assignment 3). Invite a few students to share what they wrote.
Conclude with your testimony of the Atonement of Jesus Christ and the joy that comes from repentance.
Ask students to think about how a concerned and loving parent might correct a son or daughter who committed serious sexual transgressions. Explain that during the next week they will learn that Alma was faced with this situation and taught important truths to his son Corianton, who sinned while serving a mission.