Post # 176 – Lesson # 2 -- The Plan of Salvation -- Preach My Gospel

Dear Family and Friends

In an earlier post I mentioned that I thought we should back it up a bit so that those of you out there in cyberspace who are studying the scriptures along with me might better understand what we are talking about during our study of the Book of Mormon😊 in that earlier post I went through the first lesson.

These lessons I am sharing with each one of you are coming from the Preach MY Gospel manual and the lessons that I am sharing from this book “contain the essential doctrine, principles, and commandments that we should study, believe, love, live and teach.” 

I believe this book was written primarily as a teaching tool for the missionaries of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. But we as members of the church are called by God to be member missionaries as well, right?  We are each one called to help the full-time missionaries😊

So, it is important for us as members to be sure that we each understand the essential doctrine, principles and commandments that we are to study, believe, love, live and share with those around us. Within these lessons are “what the living prophets and apostles have directed the missionaries and us as member missionaries😊to teach with those around us.

These lessons are organized so that the missionaries and the rest of us 😊can help others clearly understand the doctrine of Christ. The first lesson that I shared in Post # 165 was Lesson # 1: The Message of the Restoration of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. In today’s post I would like to share Lesson # 2: The Plan of Salvation😊

These are the lessons that the missionaries teach before a person is baptized into the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. So for those of you out there who are not members of our church here is an opportunity for you to learn about these lessons before you meet up with the missionaries😊Within these lessons the missionaries will ask you to make and keep certain commitments.

It is important for you to understand that in accepting these invitations from the missionaries to make and keep a commitment is a way to help to prepare you for baptism. It will help you each to make and keep covenants with the Lord as well😊This is just what I did with my daughter all those years ago.

The Plan of Salvation

If you are not a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day saints you may want to consider the qualifications for baptism taught in Doctrine and Covenants 20:37 

Doctrine and Covenants 20:37                       Doctrine and Covenants

37 And again, by way of commandment to the church concerning the manner of baptism—All those who humble themselves before God, and desire to be baptized, and come forth with broken hearts and contrite spirits, and witness before the church that they have truly repented of all their sins, and are willing to take upon them the name of Jesus Christ, having a determination to serve him to the end, and truly manifest by their works that they have received of the Spirit of Christ unto the remission of their sins, shall be received by baptism into his church.

Helping Others Learn About Jesus Christ

In helping others to learn about Jesus Christ and by inviting them to come unto Him we are in essence inviting them to be ‘saved and receive increased happiness, comfort, joy, and peace in this life.’ 

I believe that it is so very important to teach and share with others about the Savior, especially for those people who are like I was when those wonderful Sister Missionaries came knocking on my door all those years ago to teach my oldest daughter. 

It was all because I wanted to know just exactly what they were teaching my daughter, it has changed my life for the better and that is why I want to share it with each one of you😊

The Book of Mormon: Another Testament of Jesus Christ is designed to help all people know that “Jesus is the Christ, … manifesting himself unto all nations” (title page of the Book of Mormon). 

https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/scriptures/bofm/bofm-title?lang=eng

One of the most effective ways to teach and testify of the Savior is to read together from the Book of Mormon. Passages from other standard works can also be helpful.

So maybe you and your family members and friends might like to read together from the Book of Mormon and those passages from other of the standard works that you find listed in this lesson😊

Consider the suggestions listed below:

Title page and introduction

Make clear the purpose of the book.

https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/scriptures/bofm/introduction?lang=eng

1 Nephi 10–11	Lehi and Nephi testify of the Savior.
1 Nephi 19	Nephi recounts prophecies of the Savior’s ministry and Atonement.
2 Nephi 2	Lehi testifies of the Savior as Redeemer.
2 Nephi 9	Jacob testifies of the Atonement of Jesus Christ.
2 Nephi 31–33	Nephi teaches the doctrine of Christ.
Enos	Enos experiences the power of the Savior’s Atonement.
Mosiah 12–16	Abinadi gives his life in testifying of Jesus Christ.
Alma 5, 7	Alma testifies of the Savior.
Alma 17–22	Lamanites receive the testimony of Jesus Christ.
Alma 34	Amulek testifies of the Savior’s Atonement.
Alma 36	Alma experiences the power of the Atonement of Jesus Christ.
Alma 40–42	Alma testifies of the Resurrection and Atonement of Jesus Christ.
Helaman 5	Nephi and Lehi are instruments in God’s hands to witness of the Savior.
3 Nephi 9–10	The Savior invites people to come to Him.
3 Nephi 11–18	The Savior teaches the Nephites of the Father and of His doctrine.
Ether 3	The brother of Jared sees the Savior.
Ether 12	Ether and Moroni testify of the Savior and the power of His Atonement.
Moroni 7–8	Mormon teaches of the pure love of Christ and His Atonement.
Moroni 10	Moroni invites all to come unto Christ and be perfected in Him.
“The Living Christ”	Prophets and apostles testify of the Savior.

https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/manual/the-living-christ-the-testimony-of-the-apostles/the-living-christ-the-testimony-of-the-apostles?lang=eng

Premortal Life: God’s Purpose and Plan for Us

Many people wonder, “Where did we come from? Why are we here? Where are we going?” The plan of salvation gives us the answers to these questions.

Have you ever thought about these questions before? Do you have any answers to these questions?

God is the Father of our spirits. We are literally His children, and He loves us. We lived as spirit children of our Father in Heaven before we were born on this earth. 

We were not, however, like our Heavenly Father, nor could we ever become like Him and enjoy all the blessings that He enjoys without the experience of living in mortality with a physical body.



God’s whole purpose—His work and His glory—is to enable each of us to enjoy all His blessings. He has provided a perfect plan to accomplish His purpose. 

We understood and accepted this plan before we came to the earth. In the scriptures God’s plan is called a merciful plan, the plan of happiness, the plan of redemption, and the plan of salvation.

Jesus Christ is central to God’s plan. Through His Atonement, Jesus Christ fulfilled His Father’s purpose and made it possible for each of us to enjoy immortality and exaltation. Satan, or the devil, is an enemy to God’s plan.

Agency, or the ability to choose, is one of God’s greatest gifts to His children. Our eternal progression depends on how we use this gift. We must choose whether to follow Jesus Christ or follow Satan.

We are physically separated from God during life on earth, but He wants every one of His children to find peace in this life and a fulness of joy in His presence after this life. He wants us to become like Him.

Scripture Study

Children of God	God’s Purpose	Premortal Life
Doctrine and Covenants 93:29 Acts 17:29 Hebrews 12:9	Moses 1:39 John 17:3	Doctrine and Covenants 138:53–56 Moses 3:5 Abraham 3:22–26 Jeremiah 1:5 Topical Guide, “Man, Antemortal Existence of”

The Creation

Under the direction of the Father, Jesus Christ created the earth as a place for us to live and gain experience. 


In order to progress and become like God, each of us had to obtain a body and be tested during a time of probation on the earth. 

While on the earth we are out of God’s physical presence. We do not remember our premortal life. We must walk by faith rather than by sight.

Scripture Study

1 Nephi 17:36	Moses 2:1	JST, John 1:1–3
Alma 30:44	Moses 6:63	2 Corinthians 5:6–7
Doctrine and Covenants 88:41–47	Abraham 3:24–25

JST, John 1:1–3                   Joseph Smith Translation

1 In the beginning was the gospel preached through the Son. And the gospel was the word, and the word was with the Son, and the Son was with God, and the Son was of God.

2 The same was in the beginning with God.

3 All things were made by him; and without him was not anything made which was made.

Agency and the Fall of Adam and Eve

Adam and Eve were the first of God’s children to come to the earth. God created Adam and Eve and placed them in the Garden of Eden. 

Adam and Eve were created in God’s image, with bodies of flesh and bones. While Adam and Eve were in the garden, they were still in God’s presence and could have lived forever. They lived in innocence, and God provided for their needs.

In the Garden of Eden, God gave Adam and Eve their agency. He commanded them not to eat the forbidden fruit, or the fruit of the tree of knowledge of good and evil. 

Obeying this commandment meant that they could remain in the garden, but they could not progress by experiencing opposition in mortality. 

They could not know joy because they could not experience sorrow and pain.

Satan tempted Adam and Eve to eat the forbidden fruit, and they chose to do so. This was part of God’s plan. Because of this choice, they were cast from the garden and out of God’s physical presence. 

This event is called the Fall. Separation from God’s presence is spiritual death. Adam and Eve became mortal—subject to physical death, or separation of the body and spirit. They could now experience disease and all types of suffering. 

They had moral agency or the ability to choose between good and evil. This made it possible for them to learn and progress. 

It also made it possible for them to make wrong choices and to sin. In addition, they could now have children, so the rest of God’s spirit children could come to earth, obtain physical bodies, and be tested. Only in this way could God’s children progress and become like Him.

Teaching About the Fall

God chose two of His children, Adam and Eve, to become the first parents on earth. After their transgression they were subject to both sin and death. By themselves they could not return to live with Heavenly Father. 

The Lord spoke to Adam and taught him the plan of salvation and redemption through the Lord Jesus Christ. By following that plan, Adam and his family could have joy in this life and return to live with God (see Alma 18:36; 22:12–14).

Scripture Study

These scriptures references in this lesson are found in the Book of Mormon, the Pearl of Great Price and the Old Testament. If you do not have your own scriptures you can request a Boom of Mormon and a Bible here: 

https://www.comeuntochrist.org/beliefs/book-of-mormon/book-of-mormon-request  

https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/scriptures/pgp/introduction?lang=eng https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/scriptures/ot?lang=eng

In the Garden	The Fall
2 Nephi 2 Moses 2:26–31 Moses 3:15–17 Moses 5:11 Genesis 1:26–31 Genesis 2:15–17	2 Nephi 2:25 Alma 12:22–34 Moses 4 Moses 5:10–12 Genesis 3

Our Life on Earth

Life on earth is an opportunity and a blessing. Our purpose in this life is to have joy and prepare to return to God’s presence.

In mortality we live in a condition where we are subject to both physical and spiritual death. God has a perfect, glorified, immortal body of flesh and bones. 

To become like God and return to His presence, we too must have a perfect, immortal body of flesh and bones.

 However, because of the Fall of Adam and Eve, every person on earth has an imperfect, mortal body and will eventually die.

If not for the Savior Jesus Christ, death would end all hope for a future existence with Heavenly Father.

Along with physical death, sin is a major obstacle that keeps us from becoming like our Father in Heaven and returning to His presence

. In our mortal condition we often yield to temptation, break God’s commandments, and sin. 

During our life on earth each of us makes mistakes. Although it sometimes appears otherwise, sin always leads to unhappiness. Sin causes feelings of guilt and shame. 

Because of our sins, we are unable to return to live with Heavenly Father unless we are first forgiven and cleansed.

While we are in mortality, we have experiences that bring us happiness. We also have experiences that bring us pain and sorrow, some of which is caused by the sinful acts of others. 

These experiences provide us opportunities to learn and to grow, to distinguish good from evil, and to make choices. 

God influences us to do good; Satan tempts us to commit sin. As with physical death, we cannot overcome the effects of sin by ourselves. We are helpless without the Atonement of Jesus Christ.

Scripture Study

Probation or Testing Period	Choice	Good and Evil	Sin	The Unclean Cannot Be with God
2 Nephi 2:21 2 Nephi 9:27 Mosiah 3:19 Alma 12:21–24 Alma 34:31–35 Alma 42:2–10 Abraham 3:25–26	2 Nephi 2:26–29 Joshua 24:15 For the Strength of Youth, “Agency and Accountability”	Moroni 7:12–19	Romans 3:23 1 John 1:8–10 1 John 3:4	1 Nephi 10:20–21 Alma 41:10–11 3 Nephi 27:19 Moses 6:57

The Atonement of Jesus Christ

Before the world was organized, our Heavenly Father chose Jesus Christ to be our Savior and Redeemer. The atoning sacrifice of Jesus Christ made it possible for us to overcome the effects of the Fall. All of the prophets since the world began have testified of Jesus Christ as our Redeemer.

We will all suffer physical death, but Jesus Christ overcame the obstacle of physical death for us. When He died on the cross, His spirit became separated from His body. On the third day, His spirit and His body were reunited eternally, never to be separated again. He appeared to many people, showing them that He had an immortal body of flesh and bone. 

The reuniting of body and spirit is called resurrection and is a gift promised to each of us. 

Because of the Resurrection of Jesus Christ, we will all be resurrected regardless of whether we have done good or evil in this life. We will have a perfect, immortal body of flesh and bones that will never again be subject to disease, pain, or death.

The Resurrection makes it possible to return to God’s presence to be judged but does not guarantee that we will be able to live in His presence. To receive that blessing, we must also be cleansed from sin.

God sent His Beloved Son, Jesus Christ, to overcome the obstacle of sin in addition to the obstacle of physical death. We are not responsible for the Fall of Adam and Eve, but we are responsible for our own sins. God cannot look on sin with any degree of allowance, and sin prevents us from living in His presence. 

Only through the Savior’s grace and mercy can we become clean from sin so that we can live with God again. This is possible through exercising faith in Jesus Christ, repenting, being baptized, receiving the gift of the Holy Ghost, and enduring to the end.

To fulfill the plan of salvation, Christ paid the penalty for our sins. He alone was able to do that. He was called and prepared in the premortal life. He was the literal Son of God in the flesh. He was sinless and completely obedient to His Father. 

Though tempted, He never gave in to temptation. When the Father asked His Beloved Son to pay the price of the world’s sins, Jesus was prepared and willing. 

The Savior’s Atonement included His suffering in the Garden of Gethsemane and His suffering and death on the cross, and it ended with His Resurrection. 



Though He suffered beyond comprehension—so much so that He bled from every pore and asked whether it were possible that this burden be lifted from Him—He submitted to the Father’s will in a supreme expression of love for His Father and for us. 



This triumph of Jesus Christ over spiritual death by His suffering and over physical death by His Resurrection is called the Atonement of Jesus Christ.

Christ promises to forgive our sins on the condition that we accept Him by exercising faith in Him, repenting, receiving baptism by immersion and the laying on of hands for the gift of the Holy Ghost, and striving faithfully to keep His commandments to the end of our lives. 

Through continuing repentance, we may obtain forgiveness and be cleansed of our sins by the power of the Holy Ghost. We are relieved of the burden of guilt and shame, and through Jesus Christ we become worthy to return to the presence of God.

As we rely on the Atonement of Jesus Christ, He can help us endure our trials, sicknesses, and pain. We can be filled with joy, peace, and consolation. All that is unfair about life can be made right through the Atonement of Jesus Christ.

In paying the penalty for our sins, Jesus did not, however, eliminate our personal responsibility. We must show that we accept Him and that we will follow His commandments. 

Only through the gift of the Savior’s Atonement can we return to live with God.

Scripture Study

Resurrection	The Savior’s Atonement	The Gospel of Jesus Christ—The Way
2 Nephi 9:6–7 Alma 11:42–45 Alma 40:23 Helaman 14:15–19 Doctrine and Covenants 88:27–32 Luke 24:1–10, 36–39 1 Corinthians 15:20–23 JST, 1 Corinthians 15:40 1 Corinthians 15:41–42 Topical Guide, “Resurrection” Bible Dictionary, “Death,” “Resurrection”	2 Nephi 2:6–8 Alma 7:11–13 Alma 34:8–10 Doctrine and Covenants 19:15–19 Doctrine and Covenants 45:3–5 John 3:16–17 1 John 1:7 Bible Dictionary, “Atonement”	2 Nephi 9:1–24 2 Nephi 31 Alma 11:40 3 Nephi 11:31–41 3 Nephi 27 Moroni 7:27–28

The Spirit World

Even though Christ conquered physical death, all people must die, for death is part of the process by which we are transformed from mortality to immortality. At death our spirits go to the spirit world. Death does not change our personality or our desires for good or evil.

Those who chose to obey God in this life live in a state of happiness, peace, and rest from troubles and care. Those who chose not to obey in this life and did not repent live in a state of unhappiness.

In the spirit world the gospel is preached to those who did not obey the gospel or have the opportunity to hear it while on earth. We remain in the spirit world until we are resurrected.

Scripture Study

Gospel Preached to the Dead	Death and the Spirit World
Doctrine and Covenants 138 1 Peter 3:19–20 1 Peter 4:6	Alma 34:34 Alma 40:11–14 Ecclesiastes 12:7

The Resurrection, Salvation, and Exaltation

When our bodies and spirits are reunited through the Resurrection, we will be brought into God’s presence to be judged. 

We will remember perfectly our righteousness and our guilt. If we have repented, we will receive mercy. We will be rewarded according to our works and our desires.

Salvation

Through the Savior’s Atonement and Resurrection all people will be saved, or gain salvation, from physical death. They will be resurrected and become immortal—that is, they will live forever.

Immortality is a free, or unconditional, gift to all people, whether they are righteous or wicked.

People may also be saved, or gain salvation, from individual spiritual death through the Atonement of Jesus Christ, by their faith in Him, by living in obedience to the laws and ordinances of His gospel, and by serving Him.

Eternal life and exaltation are not the same as immortality.

President Russell M. Nelson taught, “In God’s eternal plan, salvation is an individual matter; exaltation is a family matter” (“Salvation and Exaltation,” Ensign or Liahona, May 2008, 10).

Exaltation

Exaltation, or celestial glory, is the highest state of happiness and glory in the celestial kingdom. Exaltation is a conditional gift. 

President Nelson has taught, “Those qualifying conditions include faith in the Lord, repentance, baptism, receiving the Holy Ghost, and remaining faithful to the ordinances and covenants of the temple” (“Salvation and Exaltation,” 9). Exaltation means living with God forever in eternal families. It is to know God and Jesus Christ and to experience the life They enjoy.

Resurrection and Reincarnation

Some people may confuse the doctrine of Resurrection with the concept of reincarnation. The human teaching of reincarnation, that we are born into the world again in a different form, is not true or scriptural. 

The doctrine of Resurrection involves receiving an eternal reward of an immortal body of flesh and bone. This is true doctrine.

 It is very important that we each understand clearly the doctrine of the Resurrection.

Judgment and Kingdoms of Glory

During our mortal lives we make choices regarding good and evil. God rewards us according to our works and desires. Because God rewards everyone according to their desires and their deeds done on earth, there are different kingdoms of glory to which we may be assigned after the Judgment.

Celestial Kingdom

Those who have repented of their sins, received the ordinances of the gospel, and kept the associated covenants will be cleansed by the Atonement of Christ. 

They will be saved in the celestial kingdom 
(see Doctrine and Covenants 137:10). 



Doctrine and Covenants 137:10       Doctrine and Covenants

10 And I also beheld that all children who die before they arrive at the years of accountability are saved in the celestial kingdom of heaven.

In the scriptures this kingdom is compared to the glory or brightness of the sun.

The celestial kingdom has three heavens or degrees (see Doctrine and Covenants 131:1), and only those who have an eternal marriage, sealed by the Holy Spirit, can enter into the highest, which is exaltation (see Doctrine and Covenants 131:2). 

They will live in God’s presence, become like Him, and receive a fulness of joy.

Doctrine and Covenants 131:1                         Doctrine and Covenants

1 In the celestial glory there are three heavens or degrees;

Doctrine and Covenants 131:2                     Doctrine and Covenants

2 And in order to obtain the highest, a man must enter into this order of the priesthood [meaning the new and everlasting covenant of marriage];

Those in the celestial kingdom who do not have an eternal marriage can enter into another “heaven” or “degree” 

in the celestial kingdom, but in that place they are ministering angels who “remain separately and singly, without exaltation, in their saved condition, … angels of God forever and ever” (Doctrine and Covenants 132:17; see also Doctrine and Covenants 131:4; Russell M. Nelson, “Celestial 

Marriage,” Ensign or Liahona, Nov. 2008, 92).

Terrestrial Kingdom

People who do not accept the fulness of the gospel of Jesus Christ in this life or in the world to come but live honorable lives will receive a place in the terrestrial kingdom. This kingdom is compared to the glory of the moon (see Doctrine and Covenants 76:71–80).

Telestial Kingdom

Those who continued in their sins and did not repent in this life or accept the gospel in the world to come will receive their reward in the lowest kingdom, which is called the telestial kingdom. 

This kingdom is compared to the glory of the stars (see Doctrine and Covenants 76:81–86).

Scripture Study

Resurrection and Restoration	Judgment	Kingdoms of Glory	Eternal Life
2 Nephi 9:14–15 Jacob 6:8–9 Alma 42:13–15, 22–23	2 Nephi 28:23 Mosiah 3:23–25 Alma 5:15–21 Alma 12:12–14 Doctrine and Covenants 132:12; 137:9 John 5:22	3 Nephi 28:10 Doctrine and Covenants 76: Introduction Doctrine and Covenants 76 Doctrine and Covenants 137 Matthew 5:48 JST, 1 Corinthians 15:40 1 Corinthians 15:41–42	2 Nephi 31:17–21 Doctrine and Covenants 14:7 Doctrine and Covenants 29:43–44 Doctrine and Covenants 45:8 Doctrine and Covenants 93:19 John 3:16 John 17:3

Scripture Study, Church Attendance, and Prayer

I want you to know how important I believe Scripture study, church attendance, and prayer are for you and your family members and friends. 

By praying every day – at least morning and night and studying the scriptures every day, [especially the Book of Mormon] and attending your church meetings you will feel closer to God. 😊😊😊


These things can help you to feel the love of God all around you and you can recognize the truth of all things through the witness of the Holy Ghost.

When I am teaching my students how to pray, I use the following formula:

1.     Address your Heavenly Father – Dear Heavenly Father

2.    Thank Him for your blessings – every good thing comes from God!

3.    Ask Him for what you need

4.    Close your prayers by saying:” In the name of Jesus Christ, Amen.

Remember that it is through prayer that you can talk with your Heavenly Father.  

I know that whenever I say my prayers consistently and with true sincerity and with real intent, I know that my Heavenly Father answers my prayers. 

And when I study the scriptures every day, [especially the Book of Mormon], I have further evidence that my Heavenly Father answers my prayers and gives guidance to my life😊

I know that He will answer the prayers of you and your family members and your friends. I have found that often times it is during a sacrament meeting or another class while I am attending church that I realize that my Heavenly Father has answered yet another prayer😊 through a lesson given or an experience that is shared or a message from someone in the foyer or hallway of the church on my way to class😊

Remember that it is very important for you and your family members and friends to pray, study your scriptures, and attend church with consistency. 😊 It is also very important to act on any impressions or feelings that you and your family members and friends get when they pray, study their scriptures, and attend church. I know that when I act on the promptings, impressions, or feelings that I get from the Holy Ghost my Heavenly father will send more to me through the Holy Ghost.

It’s like when you have a job, your employment, whatever that may be? So, you have your job and you want to move up to the next level to earn more money. Do you think you will move up and gain that raise if you are not consistently doing the work required for the promotion? I’m sorry but I think not! 😊

I mean it could happen but it usually doesn’t😊 if you want to move up, get a promotion, and a pay raise, you usually will need to show your boss that you are serious about it and that you will continue to do what is required for you to do to gain that promotion, position, and pay raise😊 you do not get it by dropping the ball on an assignment [or not acting on what you are told].

If your boss gives you more responsibility and you don’t keep up with those responsibilities then you probably will not be given more responsibilities that would be involved in a new position, right? 

In the same way, when the Holy Ghost whispers to us or sends us promptings, feelings, or impressions and we do not act on what we are given then He will be less likely to send us more☹

I know that the Lord will lead and guide us and answer our prayers through the Holy Ghost, through messages in our scripture studying, talks in church, as well as through other people. 

At least that is the way He has answered my prayers. 

That is why it is so very important for you and your family members and friends to pray, study your scriptures [especially the Book of Mormon], and attend church.

All of these things should be key items in your lives. Things that you should be or want to be doing regularly and consistently😊

If you have not made these things a practice I know that if you will do each of these things regularly and consistently you too will find that your Heavenly Father will answer your prayers and guide your lives and He will help you to know the truth of all things through the gift of the Holy Ghost😊.

If you are like me and are sometimes wondering if an impression or a feeling you have received comes from your Heavenly Father or if it your own thoughts and feelings, please remember that all good things come from God! So, if it is a good thing just do it! 😊😊😊 It doesn’t matter if you think it may only be your own thoughts and feelings! If it is good, it comes from God!!

The following section of some more key definitions comes to you directly from the Preach My Gospel manual:

Key Definitions

Following are terms that are frequently not understood. Make sure you explain them clearly and find out if those you are teaching understand.

·                     Atonement of Jesus Christ: As used in the scriptures, to atone is to suffer the penalty for an act of sin, thereby removing the effects of sin from the repentant sinners and allowing them to be reconciled to God. Jesus Christ suffered in Gethsemane and on the cross. He was the only one capable of making a perfect Atonement for all mankind. He suffered the penalty for our sins in Gethsemane and died on the cross. He took upon Himself the pains, sicknesses, temptations, afflictions, and infirmities of us all (see Alma 7:11–12).

·                     Exaltation: To become like our Father in Heaven and live in His presence as members of His family. President Nelson has taught, “To be exalted—or to gain exaltation—refers to the highest state of happiness and glory in the celestial realm” (“Salvation and Exaltation,” 8). Exaltation comes through the Atonement of Christ and through obedience to all the laws and ordinances of the gospel.

·                     Fall (of Adam and Eve): When Adam and Eve ate the forbidden fruit, they became mortal—that is, subject to sin and death. Adam became the “first flesh” upon the earth (Moses 3:7). Latter-day revelation makes clear that the Fall is a blessing and that Adam and Eve should be honored as the first parents of all mankind.

·                     Immortality: The condition of living forever in a resurrected state, not subject to physical death.

·                     Judgment: God, through Jesus Christ, will judge us individually to determine the eternal glory we will receive. This judgment will be based on our obedience to God’s commandments, including our acceptance of the atoning sacrifice of Jesus Christ. We will receive our eternal reward based on whether our works and desires have been good or evil.

·                     Mortality: The time from birth until physical death.

·                     Physical death: Separation of our spirit, which lives forever and cannot die, from our physical body.

·                     Premortal life (premortal existence; pre-earth life): As spirit children of our Father in Heaven, we lived in His presence before we were born on this earth. In premortal life we did not have physical bodies.

·                     Redemption: To deliver, to purchase, or to ransom, such as to free a person from bondage by payment. Redemption refers to the Atonement of Jesus Christ and to deliverance from sin. Jesus’s Atonement redeems all mankind from physical death. Through His Atonement, those who have faith in Him and repent are also redeemed from spiritual death.

·                     Resurrection: The reuniting of the spirit body with the physical body of flesh and bones after death. After resurrection, the spirit and body will never again be separated, and the person is immortal. Every person born on earth will be resurrected because Jesus Christ overcame death.

·                     Salvation: To be saved from physical and spiritual death. “We believe that men will be punished for their own sins, and not for Adam’s transgression; … that through the Atonement of Christ, all mankind may be saved, by obedience to the laws and ordinances of the Gospel” (Articles of Faith 1:2–3). All people will be saved from physical death, or resurrected, by the grace of God, through the death and Resurrection of Jesus Christ. This is an unconditional gift from the Savior to all human beings, regardless of the choices they make during this life. Salvation from spiritual death (sin) is conditional. 

President Russell M. Nelson taught, “People may also be saved from individual spiritual death through the Atonement of Jesus Christ, by their faith in Him, by living in obedience to the laws and ordinances of His gospel, and by serving Him” (“Salvation and Exaltation,” 8).

·                     Spiritual death: Separation from God and His influences; to die as to things pertaining to righteousness. Spiritual death was introduced into the world by the Fall of Adam and Eve (see Alma 42:6–7). Mortals with sinful thoughts, words, and works are spiritually dead while still alive on earth (see 2 Nephi 9:39). 

Through the Atonement of Jesus Christ, men and women can become clean from sin and overcome spiritual death as they repent and live the principles and ordinances of the gospel (see Articles of Faith 1:2–3).

I don’t know about you, but I just looked up to find that we are at the end of our lesson for today😊 

I hope that these definitions are helpful to you and your family members. I also hope that you can add these definitions to those from lesson #1 in this series of lessons from the Preach My Gospel manual, the first lesson was in Post # 165 if you haven’t had the chance to read through it.

I have tried to include mist of the material covered in each lesson😊 so that you have plenty of material to share, study and discuss with your family members and friends😊 

I hope and pray that each of you are doing and feeling well on this wintry day. We had another day of snow to remind us that spring is not quite here yet😊 I don’t think spring is too far off though we may have a few more storms to get through before it is finally here😊

Remember who you are!!! You are amazing!!! You are of divine lineage, you have a Father in Heaven who knows each one of you personally, who loved you, and knows of your great potential !!! Have you ever thought about your eternal potential? Or maybe as a parent or grandparent, have you ever thought of the eternal potential of your children or grandchildren?? 

How can you be a good example for your family members and friends?

How can you influence each of your family members and friends to follow the example of Jesus Christ? In what ways can you help your family members and friends to learn more about Jesus Christ and all that He has done for each one of them? 

Just a few questions for each one of you to think about and ponder for a bit😊 I guess I will quit my rambling for now. Until my next post, please be sure that you include your family members and friends in making it a good week😊😊😊 I can already tell that it’s going to be amazing!!!