The Plan of Salvation (Ascent only)
What is God's plan for me? What does the Book of Mormon add to my understanding of the Plan?
Read the following quotes and scriptures to prepare for class.
Elder Talmage described the difference between pleasure and happiness:
“The present is an age of pleasure-seeking, and men are losing their sanity in the mad rush for sensations that do but excite and disappoint. …
“Happiness includes all that is really desirable and of true worth in pleasure, and much beside. …
“Happiness leaves no bad after-taste, it is followed by no depressing reaction; it calls for no repentance, brings no regret, entails no remorse; pleasure too often makes necessary repentance, contrition, and suffering” (James E. Talmage, Improvement Era, Dec. 1913, 172–73).
Elder Dallin H. Oaks of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles:
“Joy is the ultimate sensation of well-being. It comes from being complete and in harmony with our Creator and his eternal laws. …
“… Despite all we can do, we cannot have a fulness of joy in this world or through our own efforts. (See D&C 101:36.) Only in Christ can our joy be full” (Dallin H. Oaks, “Joy and Mercy,” Ensign, Nov. 1991, 73–74).
Use the following scriptures to answer these questions:
What state would we be in if there were no Jesus Christ and no Atonement?
- 2 Nephi 9:6–9
- Mosiah 16:6–7
- Alma 41:10–11 What consequence will we experience if we choose to sin?
- Alma 42:11–14