Seminary: 70 Alma 41

Background: Alma continues his discussion of the resurrection and afterlife with Corianton.


Write: Restoration

What does Restoration mean: (the act of restoring; renewal, revival, or reestablishment)

Can a broken table be restored to a chair?

Why not?

Alma 41:1-2

What form of restoration is mentioned in this scripture?

How is the resurrection an example of restoration?

Alma 41:3

What two things are we judged by? (works and desires of our hearts)

Moroni 7:8

What benefit is there for someone to give when they do not want to give?

Alma 41:5-6

What is restored or brought back to us at the judgment?

What does receiving happiness for a life of righteousness illustrate about the judgment?

What are some examples of gospel principles that may be more difficult for some people to live than for others?

How does knowing we will be judged according to the desires of our hearts as well as our actions make you feel about the final judgment?

Elder Dallin H. Oaks:

“Just as we will be accountable for our evil desires, we will also be rewarded for our righteous desire as a substitute for actions that are genuinely impossible. My father-in-law was fond of expressing his version of this principle. When someone wanted to do something for him but was prevented by circumstances, he would say: ‘Thank you. I will take the good will for the deed.’

“This is the principle that blessed Abraham for his willingness to sacrifice his son Isaac. The Lord stopped him at the last instant (see genesis 22:11-12), but his willingness to follow the Lord’s command ‘was accounted unto him for righteousness’ (D&C 132:36).

“This principle means that when we have done all that we can, our desires will carry us the rest of the way. It also means that if our desires are right, we can be forgiven for the unintended errors or mistakes we will inevitably make as we try to carry those desires into effect. What a comfort for our feelings of inadequacy!”
(Pure in Heart [1988], 59).

Video: Elder Richard G. Scott, “Wickedness Never Was Happiness”

Alma 41:10

What is Elder Scott and Alma telling us?

Joy comes from keeping the commandments of the Lord. Glory comes from continuing to keep the commandments of the Lord for the rest of your life?