Lesson 10 Class Preparation Material

Repentance and Forgiveness

Repentance is part of the doctrine of Jesus Christ. It is His gift to those who desire to change and to be cleansed from sin. Can you remember how you felt when you sincerely apologized for and repented of something in the past? Elder Richard G. Scott of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles taught, “Remember, repentance is not punishment. It is the hope-filled path to a more glorious future” (“Personal Strength through the Atonement of Jesus Christ,” Ensign or Liahona, Nov. 2013, 84). As you study in preparation for class, ponder how the Savior’s gift of repentance and forgiveness allows you to learn, grow, and become more like Him.

Section 1

How can I truly repent and receive the Lord’s forgiveness for my sins?

Alma the Younger did not believe the teachings of his father, Alma the Elder. Along with the sons of King Mosiah, Alma the Younger actively tried to destroy the Savior’s Church. As they were engaged in this evil work, an angel of the Lord appeared to them and warned Alma to stop what he was doing or he would be “cast off” (Mosiah 27:16). Overwhelmed by this experience, Alma could not speak or move. The sons of Mosiah carried Alma the Younger to his father and explained what had happened. (See Mosiah 27:8–20.)

Study in Preparation for Class

Read about Alma the Younger’s experience in Mosiah 27:35 and Alma 36:12–13, 17–21, 24. As you read, consider marking or making a list of principles about repentance and forgiveness taught in these passages. Be prepared to share these principles in class. Remember that Alma’s experience is more dramatic than what most of us go through when we repent. However, we can still learn powerful principles from these accounts.

Elder Jeffrey R. Holland of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles observed the following about the Lord’s pivotal role in our repentance:

Christ is the power behind all repentance. … Alma had been touched by the teaching of his father, but it is particularly important that the prophecy he remembered was one regarding “the coming of one Jesus Christ, a Son of God, to atone for the sins of the world.” (Alma 36:17.) That is the name and that is the message that every person must hear. … Whatever other prayers we offer, whatever other needs we have, all somehow depends on that plea: “O Jesus, thou Son of God, have mercy on me.” He is prepared to provide that mercy. He paid with his very life in order to give it. (However Long and Hard the Road [1985], 85)

Ponder in Preparation for Class

Select one of the following questions that you would like to learn how to answer better:

• What does it really mean to repent? I’ve gone through the steps, but I don’t feel any different.

• How can I find the strength to truly change? I’m discouraged because I try really hard to do better, but I just keep making the same mistakes.

• Why should I even try to repent? My sins are so bad that I can’t be forgiven.

Ponder Alma’s experience and other accounts from the Book of Mormon that could help answer the question you chose. Come to class prepared to share the principles and passages you think will best address this question.

Section 2

How is offering the Lord a broken heart and a contrite spirit part of sincere repentance?

The Nephites lived the law of Moses until shortly before Jesus Christ personally appeared to them. As part of the law of Moses, the Savior commanded His people to offer animal sacrifices as a symbol of the atoning sacrifice He would make.

Study in Preparation for Class

When the Savior spoke to the Nephites who survived the destruction that accompanied His death, He announced that He would no longer accept animal sacrifices. Read 3 Nephi 9:19–20, looking for the new sacrifice the Savior required of His people.

Elder Bruce D. Porter of the Seventy explained the meaning of the phrase “a broken heart and a contrite spirit” (3 Nephi 9:20):

When we sin and desire forgiveness, a broken heart and a contrite spirit mean to experience “godly sorrow [that] worketh repentance” (2 Corinthians 7:10). This comes when our desire to be cleansed from sin is so consuming that our hearts ache with sorrow and we yearn to feel at peace with our Father in Heaven. Those who have a broken heart and a contrite spirit are willing to do anything and everything that God asks of them, without resistance or resentment. We cease doing things our way and learn to do them God’s way instead. In such a condition of submissiveness, the Atonement can take effect and true repentance can occur. (“A Broken Heart and a Contrite Spirit,” Ensign or Liahona, Nov. 2007, 32)

Ponder in Preparation for Class

What can you do to show the Lord your sincere desire to offer Him a broken heart and a contrite spirit?

Section 3

Why is the Savior so willing to forgive me of my sins?

During the reign of King Mosiah, “many of the rising generation” (Mosiah 26:1) persuaded members of the Church to commit serious sins. Uncertain how to address this situation, Alma the Elder turned to the Lord for guidance.

Study in Preparation for Class

Read Mosiah 26:22, 30, looking for what Alma the Elder learned about the Lord’s willingness to forgive.

Elder Dale G. Renlund of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles taught:

Jesus Christ can forgive because He paid the price for our sins [see Isaiah 53:5].

Our Redeemer chooses to forgive because of His incomparable compassion, mercy, and love.

Our Savior wants to forgive because this is one of His divine attributes.

And, like the Good Shepherd He is, He is joyful when we choose to repent [see Luke 15:4–7; Doctrine and Covenants 18:10–13]. (“Repentance: A Joyful Choice,” Ensign or Liahona, Nov. 2016, 123; italics added)

Elder Neil L. Andersen of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles has also reassured:

I am amazed at the Savior’s encircling arms of mercy and love for the repentant, no matter how selfish the forsaken sin. I testify that the Savior is able and eager to forgive our sins. (“Repent … That I May Heal You,” Ensign or Liahona, Nov. 2009, 40)

Ponder in Preparation for Class

How can believing and accepting that Jesus Christ is willing, able, and eager to forgive your sins and remove your guilt affect your approach to repentance?

Want More? (Optional)

What else can I learn from people in the Book of Mormon who repented and were forgiven?

Read the following passages to learn more about people in the Book of Mormon who repented of sins, received forgiveness, or forgave others:

• Nephi forgives Laman and Lemuel (see 1 Nephi 7:16–21).

• Enos struggles to receive forgiveness (see Enos 1:1–8).

• King Benjamin’s people receive forgiveness (see Mosiah 4:1–3).

• Zeezrom is forgiven for his many sins and is healed (see Alma 15:1–11).

• King Lamoni’s father forsakes his sins (see Alma 22:15–27).

• Hundreds of Lamanites heed the call to repent (see Helaman 5:20–52).

Can I ever be forgiven if I repeatedly fall into the same sins?

In the video “The Savior Wants to Forgive” (5:50), a former drug addict and convict describes how the Savior repeatedly forgave him, even after he had returned to former sins but then continued his efforts to repent.

What sins need to be confessed to a bishop?

In “Why and What Do I Need to Confess to My Bishop?” (New Era, Oct. 2013, 28–30), Elder C. Scott Grow of the Seventy teaches about a bishop’s role in the repentance process.

What should I do if I struggle with forgiving myself?

In the article “Forgiving Oneself” (Ensign, Mar. 2007, 30–33), Elder D. Chad Richardson, a former Area Seventy, discusses what it means to forgive ourselves.