Alma 12-14

Alma 12-14 Study Guide – to be discussed January 31
Day 1: Read Alma 12:1-11; D&C 10:22-27; 1 Corinthians 13:2; BD entry, “Mystery”; D&C 84:44-47, D&C 93:20, 27-28
1. Read D&C 10:22-27 with Alma 12:4-6. What do we know about Satan’s plan? What is his motivation? How can we guard against it?



2. What changed Zeezrom’s heart? What did Alma teach about the relationship between soft hearts and knowing the “mysteries of God” (See also 1 Cor. 13:2.)



3. Read the Bible Dictionary entry, “Mystery” (p.736 in the Bible Appendix). What did Alma mean by “the mysteries of God”? (See also D&C 84:44-47; D&C 93:20, 27-28.)



Day 2: Read Alma 12:12-24; D&C 88:15; Alma 40:26; Alma 42:4-5
4. In answer to Zeezrom’s newly-sincere question (v.8), Alma taught concerning the state of the hard-hearted at the time of final judgment and resurrection. What will we all acknowledge when we stand before God? Why?



5. Was Antionah familiar with the teachings on the brass plates of Laban? How do we know this? Read D&C 88:15 for the meaning of “soul” as used in this chapter.


BONUS: What is the Second Death? (See also Alma 40:26)


6. What principle of the gospel did Alma use to explain why Adam and Eve were barred from the tree of life? According to Alma’s explanation, what is the purpose of this life? (See also Alma 42:4-5.)



Day 3: Read Alma 12:25-37; D&C 84:19-25; Hebrews 3:7-13, 4:1-3
7. List promises to those who “hardeneth not” their hearts.



8. How and why does God converse with men? From Alma 12:32, which came first, knowledge of the plan of salvation or the first commandments?



9. Read D&C 84:19-25; Hebrews 3:7-13 and 4:1-3. Underline each place in Alma12 where you find mention of “the rest of the Lord.” What does it mean to “enter into the rest of the Lord”?




Day 4: Read Alma 13:1-13; Romans 8:1-5; Moses 6:59-62; Hebrews 13:12
10. From Alma 13:1-2, give two reasons the Lord ordains high priests among His people.



11. Is the priesthood an exclusive club? Why or why not? List the criteria for ordinations outlined by Alma.



12. Read Romans 8:1-5, Moses 6:59-62; Hebrews 13:12. What does it mean to be sanctified? By what means are we sanctified?



Day 5: Read Alma 13:14-31; JST Genesis 14:25-40; D&C 84:14, D&C 107:1-4
13. Who was Melchizedek? (See also Bible Dictionary entry “Melchizedek,” p. 730 in the Bible Appendix.) Over what land was he king? What happened when he exercised his mighty faith?



14. Why did Alma command the people to repent speedily?



15. From Alma 13:27-29, list things we can do to access the power of the atonement and be exalted.



Day 6: Read Alma 14:1-17
16. Alma’s speech divided his listeners into two distinct camps. What was each group moved to do?



17. What do you think caused Zeezrom’s “mighty change of heart”? How was his honesty rewarded?


18. Why did the Lord constrain Alma from exercising his priesthood in order to save the righteous women and children from death by fire?



Day 7: Read Alma 14:18-29; Matthew 27:11-14; Review Alma 1:12-16
19. Why do you think Alma and Amulek said nothing to the chief judge and all the lawyers, judges, priests and teachers of Nehor? List abuses against Alma and Amulek.



20. What was the final result of the hard-heartedness in Ammonihah?


21. Why do you think the people fled from Alma and Amulek instead of following them?