Lesson 6 Teacher Material

The Infinite Atonement of Jesus Christ

The Book of Mormon is a powerful witness of Jesus Christ and the redemption that comes through Him. This lesson will help students explain how we are redeemed from the Fall through Jesus Christ and His Atonement. Students will also determine what they can do to rely more on the Savior to help them overcome their own natural man or woman inclinations.

Suggestions for Teaching

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Communicate student learning outcomes. Learning outcomes are statements that describe the knowledge and skills students should develop during a learning experience. Consider sharing with students the intended outcomes listed in the introduction of each lesson. These stated outcomes can help teachers and students assess together the success of their study and discussions.

Book of Mormon prophets testify of the need for the Atonement of Jesus Christ.

Display the following incomplete question: What would my life be like without …?

To help students consider ways they could complete the question, display a few different pictures or words. Invite students to briefly discuss with a partner how they would answer the question for each item or idea. You could use the accompanying pictures or some you choose yourself. Ensure that the final picture is a representation of Jesus Christ’s atoning sacrifice so students can discuss what their lives would be like without Jesus Christ and His Atonement.

young woman holding phone

young women laughing

parents and baby laughing

Christ in Gethsemane, by Harry Anderson

Write the following incomplete statement on the board: Without the Savior and His Atonement, we would …

Remind students that Jacob and Amulek delivered important sermons about the Atonement of Jesus Christ. Ask students to review 2 Nephi 9:6–10 and Alma 34:9, looking for phrases they can use to complete the statement on the board.

• What are some phrases from these passages that we can use to complete the statement on the board? (As students share different ways to complete the statement, record their answers below it on the board. Students may identify a truth similar to this one: Without the Savior and His Atonement, we would unavoidably perish. Other truths they might identify include the following: Without the Savior and His Atonement, we would be cut off from the presence of the Lord, rise no more, become subject to the devil, become like the devil, remain in misery, and be subject to the awful monster of death and hell. Invite students to explain what they think these phrases mean.)

• What is the “awful monster” Jacob described in 2 Nephi 9:10? Why is it so awful? (As needed, help students understand why a permanent physical and spiritual death would keep us from becoming like Heavenly Father. Note that spiritual death results from both the Fall and our personal disobedience. [See “Death, Spiritual” and “Death, Physical,” Gospel Topics, topics.ChurchofJesusChrist.org.])

• How does recognizing the effects of the Fall help us understand why we need Jesus Christ?

Read 2 Nephi 9:11–12, 19–22 together, and invite students to look for the ways Jesus Christ redeems us from “this awful monster” (verse 10) of death and hell.

• How does Jesus Christ provide us an escape from “this awful monster” of death and hell?

• How do you feel about the Savior, knowing that He is both willing and able to deliver you from death and hell?

Remind students that Jacob and Amulek both described the need for an “infinite” atonement or sacrifice to be made (see 2 Nephi 9:7; Alma 34:10). Invite students to review the statements by President Russell M. Nelson and President Tad R. Callister in section 1 of the preparation material, looking for the ways the Savior’s Atonement is infinite.

• Why do you think it is important to understand that the Savior’s Atonement is infinite?

• How does knowing that the Savior’s Atonement is infinite affect the way you understand and respond to your own struggles and concerns?

• What could you do to show the Lord that you believe His infinite Atonement can help and save you? (Consider giving students time to record their thoughts.)

King Benjamin teaches his people that they can put off the natural man or woman through Jesus Christ’s Atonement.

Display the following statement: “The natural man is an enemy to God, and has been from the fall of Adam” (Mosiah 3:19). Remind students that King Benjamin taught this truth.

• How would you explain what the “natural man” is to someone unfamiliar with this term? (You might encourage students to review the statement by Elder David A. Bednar in section 2 of the preparation material.)

Read Mosiah 3:19 as a class, and invite students to look for what King Benjamin taught his people about overcoming the natural man.

• What principle can we learn from King Benjamin’s teachings that can help us overcome the natural man or woman in us? (Students might identify a truth similar to the following: As we yield to the enticings of the Holy Spirit, Jesus Christ will help us put off the natural man or woman and become saints through His Atonement.)

To help students deepen their understanding of this principle, consider asking one or more of the following questions according to students’ needs:

• What does it mean to you to “[yield] to the enticings of the Holy Spirit”? How has the Holy Ghost helped you overcome the tendencies of the natural man or woman?

• Why can putting off the natural man or woman happen only as we rely on Jesus Christ and His Atonement?

• How has relying on the Savior’s Atonement helped you in your efforts to become a saint—a sanctified and Christlike person?

• How can the teachings in Mosiah 3:19 bring us hope and strength when we feel like we cannot control or overcome the appetites and impulses of the natural man or woman?

Consider inviting students to think about an area of their life where they might struggle with the appetites, desires, or impulses of the natural man or woman. Display the following questions, and invite students to ponder and record their thoughts and impressions:

• What may be preventing me from yielding to the Holy Spirit?

• Which of the Christlike attributes described in Mosiah 3:19 do I need to develop more fully?

• What actions will I take so I can receive greater help from the Savior as I strive to develop this Christlike attribute?

Close by sharing your testimony that Jesus Christ has redeemed us from the Fall and can redeem us from our personal sins and transform us to become more like Him and our Heavenly Father.

For Next Time

Invite students to think about a physical, mental, emotional, or spiritual struggle they may be experiencing. Encourage them as they study the preparation material for the next class to consider how Jesus Christ can help them with their struggle.