Lesson 21

The Plan of Salvation (Part 1)

Prepare to Learn

Prepare your mind and heart to be taught by the Holy Ghost. You will be ready to learn when your mind is alert and when your attention is focused on the learning experience. Show your willingness to be taught by the Spirit.

Begin your study with prayer.

How has a knowledge of Heavenly Father’s plan blessed your life? Watch this video to find out how the plan of salvation answers life’s important questions.

Survey

What are some circumstances that lead people to ask questions about life’s purpose and meaning?

In this survey, select yes or no to indicate if someone has asked you these questions or if you have thought about similar questions yourself.

1. Why is life so hard sometimes?

   1. Yes

   2. No

2. Can I really see people I love again, even though they have died?

   1. Yes

   2. No

3. Does God care about me?

   1. Yes

   2. No

4. Is this life all there is?

   1. Yes

   2. No

5. What is my role in life, and how do I live up to that role?

   1. Yes

   2. No

Answers to Life’s Important Questions

Where can we find the answers to life’s most important questions?

President Dieter F. Uchtdorf, formerly of the First Presidency, answered this question. (It might be helpful for you to know that the word pundit refers to a person who is considered to be an expert in his or her field of study.)

President Dieter F. Uchtdorf, formerly of the First Presidency, answered this question. (It might be helpful for you to know that the word pundit refers to a person who is considered to be an expert in his or her field of study.)

You can read the text for this video here: “O How Great the Plan of Our God!” Ensign or Liahona, Nov. 2016, 21.

“I believe every human being carries in his or her heart some form of fundamental questions regarding life itself. Where did I come from? Why am I here? What will happen after I die?

“These kinds of questions have been asked by mortals since the dawn of time. Philosophers, scholars, and pundits have spent their lives and fortunes seeking for answers.

“I am grateful that the restored gospel of Jesus Christ has answers to the most complex questions in life. These answers are taught in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. They are true, plain, straightforward, and easy to understand. They are inspired” (Dieter F. Uchtdorf, “O How Great the Plan of Our God!” Ensign or Liahona, Nov. 2016, 21).

Why do you think President Uchtdorf described the answers that are found in the restored gospel to life’s “complex questions” as “true, plain, straightforward, and easy to understand”?

The Plan of Salvation

Read paragraphs 2.1–2.3 of doctrinal topic 2, “The Plan of Salvation,” in the Doctrinal Mastery Core Document. Look for words and phrases that could help answer questions such as those listed in the survey. Consider marking these words and phrases.

Important Truths

Let’s review the questions in the survey:

Why is life so hard sometimes?

Can I really see people I love again, even though they have died?

Does God care about me?

Is this life all there is?

What is my role in life, and how do I live up to that role?

1. Answer the following questions:

• What words or phrases did you find in paragraphs 2.1–2.3 that could help answer at least one of the questions in the survey?

• What other important truths stood out to you in these paragraphs?

• How does knowing that God has designed a plan for His children help you and others continue acting in faith when questions like those in the survey arise?

Premortal Life

Read paragraphs 2.4–2.5 under the heading “Premortal Life” in doctrinal topic 2. Consider marking a phrase or sentence that stands out to you.

Why does this phrase or sentence matter to you?

How could this truth help you understand your divine identity and worth?

The Creation

Read paragraphs 2.6–2.7 under the heading “The Creation” in doctrinal topic 2, looking for truths about the Creation.

What truths about the Creation are important to you? Why?

How do these truths strengthen your faith in Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ?

The Fall

Read paragraphs 2.8–2.12 under the heading “The Fall” in doctrinal topic 2. Consider marking words and phrases that you feel are important.

Why are these words and phrases meaningful to you?

Mortal Life

Read paragraphs 2.13–2.14 under the heading “Mortal Life” in doctrinal topic 2. Look for teachings about mortal life.

2. Answer the following questions:

• What teachings about mortal life stood out to you?

• Why are these truths significant to you?

• What do these truths inspire you to do?

Life after Death

Read paragraphs 2.15–2.19 under the heading “Life after Death” in doctrinal topic 2. Consider marking words and phrases that you feel are important.

How does understanding these truths strengthen your love for Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ?

“True, Plain, Straightforward”

You may remember that President Uchtdorf said that the answers to life’s “complex questions” are “true, plain, straightforward, and easy to understand. They are inspired” (“O How Great the Plan of Our God!” 21).

3. Complete the following:

• Make a list of the teachings you read today about the plan of salvation that are “true, plain, straightforward, … easy to understand[, and] inspired.”

• Answer this question: How can your confidence in these truths help you continue acting in faith when you are seeking answers to life’s “complex questions”?

A Question to Consider—What Have You Learned?

Seek an opportunity to share with your families and friends what you know and have learned about the plan of salvation.