“The Plan of Salvation—The Savior Is Central to the Father’s Plan,” Old Testament Seminary Student Manual (2026)
Welcome to the Old Testament: Lesson 2
The Plan of Salvation
The Savior Is Central to the Father’s Plan
Visit “Studying the Scriptures” to help prepare yourself spiritually to learn.
When was the last time you were excited? You don’t remember, but before you came to earth you were filled with excitement as you learned about Heavenly Father’s plan for us. You literally shouted for joy! (See Job 38:7.) Jehovah was chosen to be our Savior and Redeemer. He is the path that leads to Heavenly Father. As we follow Him, we become like Him. This lesson can help you understand Heavenly Father’s plan of salvation and the central role of Jesus Christ.
Study the Doctrine
Your friend Jonathan has a younger sister who has been sick in the hospital. One night, as the two of you are talking, Jonathan is discouraged. “I’m just not sure I understand the point of life. If we all end up dying in the end, why are we even here?”
Ponder the following questions while thinking about Jonathan’s situation and feelings:
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On a scale from 1 to 5 (1 being low, 5 being high), how confident are you in explaining Heavenly Father’s plan of salvation?
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How could knowing the role of Jesus Christ in God’s plan help Jonathan?
When going through experiences like Jonathan’s, it is helpful to turn to the Savior. In Jesus Christ, we can find peace and comfort in the situations we face.
President Dallin H. Oaks of the First Presidency explained the Savior’s role in Heavenly Father’s plan of salvation:
What has Jesus Christ done for each of us? He has done everything that is essential for our journey through mortality toward the destiny outlined in the plan of our Heavenly Father. … His Only Begotten Son, Jesus Christ, is the central figure. (“What Has Our Savior Done for Us?,” Liahona, May 2021, 75)
Look at the following image and think about how it supports what President Oaks taught.
In one or two sentences, summarize what President Oaks and the image are teaching. Record your sentences in your notebook.
Review the following study options. Complete one or more.
Option A
How do I explain Heavenly Father’s plan to others?
Have you ever tried to explain the plan of salvation?
Heavenly Father’s plan of salvation helps us answer the questions:
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Where did we come from?
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What is the purpose of life?
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What happens after we die?
As you study about Heavenly Father’s plan of salvation, look for the following:
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Truths that could help Jonathan
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Insights that can answer the questions listed above
Identify and tag the truths taught in each passage.
President Dieter F. Uchtdorf, then Second Counselor in the First Presidency, explained:
We do not know many details about life in that premortal sphere, but we do know some. …
Back in that first estate, you knew with absolute certainty that God existed because you saw and heard Him. You knew Jesus Christ, who would become the Lamb of God. You had faith in Him. …
… You had participated in the great heavenly councils and knew that your Savior and Redeemer, Jesus Christ, would provide a way for you to be cleansed from sin and rescued from physical death. (“Your Wonderful Journey Home,” Ensign or Liahona, May 2013, 126–127)
Elder Gary E. Stevenson of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles explained:
As a child of God, you came to earth to receive a physical body. With your body, you can choose to faithfully follow Jesus Christ. You can choose to obey God’s commandments, receive holy ordinances, and make and keep gospel covenants. Doing these things will prepare you to fulfill your divine destiny.
With this purpose clearly in mind, you can see the importance of taking the sacrament each week, studying the scriptures, praying daily, setting worthwhile goals, and serving others. These things help remind you of why you are really here, and they will help you to be worthy to receive the personal revelation that you need to be happy and remain on the covenant path. (“God’s Plan of Happiness and Your Divine Destiny,” For the Strength of Youth, Jan. 2022, 4)
Using what you learned about Heavenly Father’s plan, write a text message or email you could send to Jonathan. Include statements that can help Jonathan turn to Jesus Christ.
Option B
What is the role of Jesus Christ in Heavenly Father’s plan?
The Savior has the central role in each part of the Father’s plan.
Copy the following chart in your notebook or use the titles on the left to tag each passage. Read the verses, looking for truths about our Savior’s role in each part of the plan.
Create tags that support each role of the Savior, such as “Christ’s Premortal Role.” Tag the truths you find from each verse.
Heavenly Father’s plan and the role of Jesus Christ
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Christ’s Premortal Role | |
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Christ’s Role In Mortality | |
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Christ’s Role In the Postmortal Realms |
1 Corinthians 15:22; Mormon 3:20; Doctrine and Covenants 138:18–19 |
Select one of the truths you discovered. Share with a friend or family member how that truth could help a young adult deal with the challenges they face. If someone is not available to talk with, record your thoughts and plan a time when you can share.
Share Your Thoughts
Lesson Purpose: To help you understand Heavenly Father’s plan of salvation and the central role of Jesus Christ.
Share one or more of the following with your teacher or class:
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The text message or email that you wrote to Jonathan.
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One of the truths you discovered about the role of Jesus Christ in the Father’s plan and how it can help a young adult.
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Something specific you did to achieve the purpose of this lesson.
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Any questions this lesson raised for you. How will you try to find answers to your questions?