Lesson 12 Class Preparation Material

Our Need for Spiritual Rebirth

Elder David A. Bednar of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles observed, “The Book of Mormon is our handbook of instructions as we travel the pathway from bad to good to better and strive to have our hearts changed” (“The Atonement and the Journey of Mortality,” Ensign, Apr. 2012, 40). In the Book of Mormon this change is described as spiritual rebirth, a change of heart, and conversion. As you study this material in preparation for class, consider how living the doctrine of Christ can help you to deepen your conversion and become more like Jesus Christ.

Section 1

How can living the doctrine of Christ deepen my conversion?

The following summary describes what happens when we become truly converted:

Conversion includes a change in behavior, but it goes beyond behavior; it is a change in our very nature. It is such a significant change that the Lord and His prophets refer to it as a rebirth, a change of heart, and a baptism of fire. (“Conversion,” Gospel Topics, topics.ChurchofJesusChrist.org)

For example, after Alma the Younger had been called to repentance by an angel, he suffered intense regret for his sins. As Alma suffered, he turned to the Lord for help, his sins were forgiven, and he experienced a spiritual rebirth (see Mosiah 27:11–23).

Study in Preparation for Class

Read Mosiah 27:25–26, looking for what the Lord taught Alma about the necessity of a spiritual rebirth.

Spiritual rebirth, or conversion, is not a passive event. “Conversion comes as a result of righteous efforts to follow the Savior. These efforts include exercising faith in Jesus Christ, repenting of sin, being baptized, receiving the gift of the Holy Ghost, and enduring to the end in faith [applying the doctrine of Christ]” (“Conversion,” Gospel Topics, topics.ChurchofJesusChrist.org).

The experience of King Benjamin’s people demonstrates how applying the doctrine of Christ leads to this spiritual rebirth and conversion to the Lord.

In his last sermon, King Benjamin taught that we are all “unprofitable servants” and are “eternally indebted” to God (Mosiah 2:21–25, 34). He then testified that we can be redeemed only through Jesus Christ. Overcome by this message, King Benjamin’s people fell to the earth in reverence and awe (see Mosiah 3:17–4:2).

Study in Preparation for Class

Read Mosiah 4:2–3, and look for how King Benjamin’s people applied the doctrine of Christ and what blessings they received.

We learn from Mosiah 4 that after his people received forgiveness for their sins, King Benjamin taught them to believe in God and live with faith so they could “always retain a remission of [their] sins” (verse 12). When he completed his sermon, King Benjamin wanted to know if the people believed what he had taught (see Mosiah 5:1).

Study in Preparation for Class

Read Mosiah 5:2–7, looking for what the Lord did for King Benjamin’s people as they applied the doctrine of Christ to their lives.

Elder D. Todd Christofferson of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles observed the following about spiritual rebirth:

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 [see Ezra Taft Benson, “A Mighty Change of Heart,” Ensign, Oct. 1989, 2–5]. 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.

… Let us worthily partake of the sacrament each week and continue to draw upon the Holy Spirit to root out the last vestiges of impurity within us. 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. (“Born Again,” Ensign or Liahona, May 2008, 78)

President Bonnie L. Oscarson, former General President of the Young Women, taught:

We all need to seek to have our hearts and very natures changed so that we no longer have a desire to follow the ways of the world but to please God. True conversion is a process that takes place over a period of time and involves a willingness to exercise faith. … It takes consistency and daily effort. (“Do I Believe?” Ensign or Liahona, May 2016, 88)

Record Your Thoughts

Consider watching the video “The People of King Benjamin Make a Covenant (Mosiah 5)” (3:41), and then record a personal commitment you can make to continue on the path of conversion.

Section 2

How can I show the Lord that I truly want to have a change of heart?

Consider what we can learn from the example of the Anti-Nephi-Lehies about being intentional in our efforts to obtain and maintain a mighty change of heart. These former Lamanites had been “a wild and a hardened and a ferocious people; a people who delighted in murdering the Nephites, and robbing and plundering them” (Alma 17:14). Yet, the Anti-Nephi-Lehies received the gospel of Jesus Christ when they were taught by Ammon and his brothers, and as many as “were converted unto the Lord, never did fall away” (Alma 23:6).

Study in Preparation for Class

Read Alma 24:9–11, 15, 19, looking for what the Anti-Nephi-Lehies did to strengthen their conversion to the Lord.

Commenting on the mighty change of heart this people experienced, Elder Bednar counseled:

To set aside cherished “weapons of rebellion” such as selfishness, pride, and disobedience requires more than merely believing and knowing. Conviction, humility, repentance, and submissiveness precede the abandonment of our weapons of rebellion. Do you and I still possess weapons of rebellion that keep us from becoming converted unto the Lord? If so, then we need to repent now. (“Converted unto the Lord,” Ensign or Liahona, Nov. 2012, 108–9)

Ponder in Preparation for Class

What “weapons of rebellion” might be keeping you from experiencing a change of heart?

Want More? (Optional)

What do I say to someone who asks, “Have you been saved?”

In the talk “Have You Been Saved?” (Ensign, May 1998, 55–57), President Dallin H. Oaks of the First Presidency explains six different meanings of the words saved and salvation.

Where can I read more about people in the Book of Mormon who experienced a deep and lasting conversion?

In 4 Nephi 1:1–18 we read about a group of people who experienced a deep and sustained conversion that led to nearly 200 years of peace.

What might spiritual rebirth and a mighty change of heart look like in our day?

In the video “A Change of Heart” (4:39) a young man shares how he was rescued from a life of sin and despair after his friend shared the gospel with him.

A man shares how he overcame his drug addiction and experienced a mighty change of heart in the video “Step 6: Change of Heart—Aram’s Story about Drug Addiction Recovery” (4:04).

What more can I do to preserve the mighty change of my heart?

In the talk “Unwavering Commitment to Jesus Christ” (Ensign or Liahona, Nov. 2019, 22–25), Elder Dale G. Renlund of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles discussed what it means to be converted to the Lord and be forever changed by His gospel.