The Plan of Salvation Lesson 1

Devotional Hymn: Prayer: Thought:

Our Heavenly Father’s Purpose Read Moses 1:39, looking for what Heavenly Father stated is the purpose of His work.

Our Heavenly Father’s Purpose Read Moses 1:39, looking for what Heavenly Father stated is the purpose of His work. The purpose of Heavenly Father’s plan is to provide a way for us to receive immortality and eternal life.

Our Heavenly Father’s Purpose Read Moses 1:39, looking for what Heavenly Father stated is the purpose of His work. The purpose of Heavenly Father’s plan is to provide a way for us to receive immortality and eternal life. What is the difference between immortality and eternal life?

Immortality and Eternal Life Immortality is living forever in a resurrected state; through the Atonement of Jesus Christ, everyone will receive this gift. Eternal life, or exaltation, is living in God’s presence forever with our families; this gift is also available through the Atonement of Jesus Christ, but only to those who obey the laws and ordinances of the gospel.

Elder Bruce R. McConkie “God’s life is eternal life; eternal life is God’s life —the expressions are synonymous” (Mormon Doctrine, 2nd ed. [1966], 237).

Elder Bruce R. McConkie “God’s life is eternal life; eternal life is God’s life —the expressions are synonymous” (Mormon Doctrine, 2nd ed. [1966], 237). What are some of the blessings given to those who receive eternal life?

The Plan of Salvation In our pre-earth life, we lived as spirits in the presence of our Heavenly Father. There we learned about Heavenly Father’s plan for our happiness and how following that plan would help us fulfill His purposes for us (see D&C 138:55–56; Abraham 3:22–28).

Our Pre-Earth Life How were we different from our Heavenly Father in the pre-earth life?

Our Pre-Earth Life How were we different from our Heavenly Father in the pre-earth life? In the pre-earth life, what did Heavenly Father present to us to help us receive immortality and eternal life?

Our Mortal Experience The word mortality refers to our life on earth.

Our Mortal Experience The word mortality refers to our life on earth. Why did we need to leave God’s presence in order to become more like Him?

President Spencer W. Kimball “God has given us a plan. He has sent us all to earth to obtain bodies and to gain experience and growth” (The Teachings of Spencer W. Kimball, ed. Edward L. Kimball [1982], 25).

Why Did We Need This Experience? According to President Kimball, what are some reasons God has sent us to the earth?

Why Did We Need This Experience? According to President Kimball, what are some reasons God has sent us to the earth? God has sent us to the earth to obtain bodies and to gain experience and growth.

Why Did We Need This Experience? According to President Kimball, what are some reasons God has sent us to the earth? God has sent us to the earth to obtain bodies and to gain experience and growth. What role do the challenges of temptation, sickness, sorrow, pain, discouragement, disability, and other mortal difficulties play in our efforts to receive eternal life?

Obstacles to Our Eternal Life Read Doctrine and Covenants 20:19–20 and identify obstacles that can prevent us from receiving eternal life.

Obstacles to Our Eternal Life Read Doctrine and Covenants 20:19–20 and identify obstacles that can prevent us from receiving eternal life. Sin prevents us from becoming like Heavenly Father and returning to live with Him.

Obstacles to Our Eternal Life Read Doctrine and Covenants 20:19–20 and identify obstacles that can prevent us from receiving eternal life. Sin prevents us from becoming like Heavenly Father and returning to live with Him. Read 1 Nephi 10:21, Moses 6:57, and Alma 41:10–11, looking for reasons why sin prevents us from becoming like Heavenly Father and receiving eternal life.

The Tragic Consequences of Sin According to 1 Nephi 10:21, Moses 6:57, and Alma 41:10–11, why does sin prevent us from becoming like Heavenly Father and receiving eternal life?

The Tragic Consequences of Sin According to 1 Nephi 10:21, Moses 6:57, and Alma 41:10–11, why does sin prevent us from becoming like Heavenly Father and receiving eternal life? No unclean thing can dwell in the presence of God.

The Tragic Consequences of Sin According to 1 Nephi 10:21, Moses 6:57, and Alma 41:10–11, why does sin prevent us from becoming like Heavenly Father and receiving eternal life? No unclean thing can dwell in the presence of God. Read Doctrine and Covenants 76:40–42 and identify what Heavenly Father provided so we can overcome sin.

The Tragic Consequences of Sin According to 1 Nephi 10:21, Moses 6:57, and Alma 41:10–11, why does sin prevent us from becoming like Heavenly Father and receiving eternal life? No unclean thing can dwell in the presence of God. Read Doctrine and Covenants 76:40–42 and identify what Heavenly Father provided so we can overcome sin. Jesus Christ suffered and was crucified for the sins of all people.

The Plan of Salvation

Overcoming the Effects of Sin What do the events depicted in the pictures on the previous slide have to do with our ability to overcome the effects of sin?

Overcoming the Effects of Sin What do the events depicted in the pictures on the previous slide have to do with our ability to overcome the effects of sin? Read Doctrine and Covenants 76:50–53 and Doctrine and Covenants 58:42–43, looking for what the Savior asks us to do to receive the cleansing power of His atoning sacrifice.

Overcoming the Effects of Sin What do the events depicted in the pictures on the previous slide have to do with our ability to overcome the effects of sin? Read Doctrine and Covenants 76:50–53 and Doctrine and Covenants 58:42–43, looking for what the Savior asks us to do to receive the cleansing power of His atoning sacrifice. What must we do to come unto Jesus Christ and receive the blessings of His atoning sacrifice? 

What Must We Do? Some things we can do include demonstrating faith in Jesus Christ, repenting, being baptized, receiving the Holy Ghost, enduring in faith, keeping covenants, and obeying the commandments.

What Must We Do? Some things we can do include demonstrating faith in Jesus Christ, repenting, being baptized, receiving the Holy Ghost, enduring in faith, keeping covenants, and obeying the commandments. If we are obedient to the principles and ordinances of the gospel, we can overcome sin through the Atonement of Jesus Christ.

Honoring Our Baptismal Covenant When we make and keep the baptismal covenant, we are mercifully forgiven of our sins if we repent. In addition, through the gift of the Holy Ghost, we have daily access to help along the path toward eternal life.

Honoring Our Baptismal Covenant When we make and keep the baptismal covenant, we are mercifully forgiven of our sins if we repent. In addition, through the gift of the Holy Ghost, we have daily access to help along the path toward eternal life. How has God helped you through the Holy Ghost in your daily efforts to live the gospel?

Honoring Our Baptismal Covenant When we make and keep the baptismal covenant, we are mercifully forgiven of our sins if we repent. In addition, through the gift of the Holy Ghost, we have daily access to help along the path toward eternal life. How has God helped you through the Holy Ghost in your daily efforts to live the gospel? In addition to sin, there is a second obstacle that must be overcome in order for us to receive eternal life. Can you identify this obstacle?

What Happens After We Die? What happens to our spirits and bodies after we die?

What Happens After We Die? What happens to our spirits and bodies after we die? Read Doctrine and Covenants 93:33–34 and Doctrine and Covenants 130:22.

What Happens After We Die? What happens to our spirits and bodies after we die? Read Doctrine and Covenants 93:33–34 and Doctrine and Covenants 130:22. How would permanent separation of our spirits and bodies be an obstacle to becoming like God?

What Happens After We Die? What happens to our spirits and bodies after we die? Read Doctrine and Covenants 93:33–34 and Doctrine and Covenants 130:22. How would permanent separation of our spirits and bodies be an obstacle to becoming like God? We cannot be like Heavenly Father without a body of flesh and bones.

Overcoming Our Physical Death Read Alma 11:42–44 and identify what Jesus Christ did so we can overcome the obstacle of physical death.

Overcoming Our Physical Death Read Alma 11:42–44 and identify what Jesus Christ did so we can overcome the obstacle of physical death. Because of the Resurrection of Jesus Christ, all mankind will be resurrected and will live forever.

Overcoming Our Physical Death Read Alma 11:42–44 and identify what Jesus Christ did so we can overcome the obstacle of physical death. Because of the Resurrection of Jesus Christ, all mankind will be resurrected and will live forever. Read Doctrine and Covenants 138:14–17.

Overcoming Our Physical Death Read Alma 11:42–44 and identify what Jesus Christ did so we can overcome the obstacle of physical death. Because of the Resurrection of Jesus Christ, all mankind will be resurrected and will live forever. Read Doctrine and Covenants 138:14–17. How can the “hope of a glorious resurrection” bring joy to you and your family?

The Plan of Salvation

Your Immortality and Eternal Life Immortality is a gift that all people will receive. Eternal life, however, is the Lord’s gift only to those who obey the laws and ordinances of His gospel.

Your Immortality and Eternal Life Immortality is a gift that all people will receive. Eternal life, however, is the Lord’s gift only to those who obey the laws and ordinances of His gospel. What have you learned about Heavenly Father’s plan for our happiness?

Your Immortality and Eternal Life Immortality is a gift that all people will receive. Eternal life, however, is the Lord’s gift only to those who obey the laws and ordinances of His gospel. What have you learned about Heavenly Father’s plan for our happiness? Look for an opportunity to teach the plan of happiness to a family member or friend.

Your Immortality and Eternal Life Immortality is a gift that all people will receive. Eternal life, however, is the Lord’s gift only to those who obey the laws and ordinances of His gospel. What have you learned about Heavenly Father’s plan for our happiness? Look for an opportunity to teach the plan of happiness to a family member or friend. In your study of the Doctrine and Covenants, you will learn many more truths related to the plan of happiness. This lesson has presented only a brief overview.