“Lesson 21: The Plan of Salvation (Part 1),” Old Testament Seminary Student Material (2018)
“Lesson 21: The Plan of Salvation (Part 1)”
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.
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.
Why is life so hard sometimes?
Yes
No
Can I really see people I love again, even though they have died?
Yes
No
Does God care about me?
Yes
No
Is this life all there is?
Yes
No
What is my role in life, and how do I live up to that role?
Yes
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.)
“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”?
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.
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?
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.
