Come, Follow Me: Scriptural Insights - Alma 39–42

He Is Risen, by Del Parson

This week's Come Follow Me study focuses on Alma 39–42. In these chapters, Alma teaches his son Corianton about the seriousness of sin, the reality of the resurrection, and the plan of salvation. Let's dive into some helpful insights backed by biblical and conference messages.

Also, take notes. This were my personal study that might also help you get some additional insights for this week's "Come, Follow Me" program. It's necessary to take everything on it while on teachings, as I have encourage as always, always let the Holy Spirit guides you thought out the lessons. Theses were just some guidelines but of course your own personal study and revelation is very much helpful and necessary in personal and group study or teachings. Now let's jump in -

Alma 39–42 Overview

• Alma 39: Alma reprimands Corianton for forsaking his missionary duties and committing serious sins.
• Alma 40: Alma explains the resurrection and the state of the soul between death and resurrection.
• Alma 41: Alma discusses restoration and how people will be judged.
• Alma 42: Alma teaches about justice, mercy, and the Atonement of Jesus Christ.

Biblical Support

Romans 3:23-24: “For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God; Being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus.”

• Just like Alma teaches Corianton, Paul reminds us that everyone has sins and shortcomings. It’s only through Jesus Christ's Atonement that we can be redeemed.

1 Corinthians 15:22: “For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ shall all be made alive.”

• This aligns with Alma's teachings in Alma 40 about the resurrection. Paul emphasizes that through Jesus Christ, everyone will be resurrected.

Conference Messages Support

• Elder D. Todd Christofferson's talk on “The Love of God” (October 2022): He discusses God's love and the necessity of Jesus Christ's atonement.

• This perfectly complements Alma 42, where Alma elaborates on justice, mercy, and how Christ's Atonement bridges the gap between sin and repentance.

Personal Application

As you study these chapters, think about how the principles of repentance, resurrection, and the Atonement apply to your life. Consider how you can better align your actions with Christ's teachings and find comfort in the plan of salvation.

Top Ten Thought-Provoking Questions and Insights

1. Alma 39:2-3 – Alma chastises Corianton for his sins and lack of dedication.
• Question: Why is it essential to stay focused and dedicated to the Lord’s work, even in challenging times?
• Conference Insight: President Nelson’s talk “Peacemakers Needed” (April 2023), emphasizes steadfastness and maintaining emotional control in serving others.
2. Alma 39:9 – Alma counsels Corianton to repent and forsake his sins.
• Question: How can we better recognize and forsake our own sins?
• Conference Insight: Elder Dale G. Renlund’s talk “Repenting and Returning” (October 2023) teaches the importance of true repentance and the blessings that come from turning back to God.
3. Alma 40:23 – Alma teaches about the resurrection and the reuniting of body and spirit.
• Question: How does the knowledge of resurrection impact your daily life and choices?
• Biblical Reference: 1 Corinthians 15:22 reassures that through Christ, everyone will be resurrected.
4. Alma 40:11-12 – Alma describes the state of souls between death and resurrection.
• Question: What comforts you about Alma's teachings on the spirit world?
• Conference Insight: President Dallin H. Oaks’ talk “The Great Plan” (April 2023) emphasizes the comfort that comes from understanding God’s plan of salvation.
5. Alma 41:3-4 – Alma speaks on the principle of restoration.
• Question: How does the principle of restoration influence your understanding of justice and fairness in God’s plan?
• Conference Insight: Elder Quentin L. Cook's talk “Just and True Are Thy Ways” (April 2023) focuses on divine justice and the necessity of restoration.
6. Alma 41:10-11 – Alma teaches that wickedness never was happiness.
• Question: How do you see this principle reflected in your own experiences or in the world around you?
• Conference Insight: Sister Sharon Eubank’s talk “By Union of Feeling We Obtain Power with God” (October 2023) discusses the true source of happiness and fulfillment.
7. Alma 42:15 – Alma explains the balance of justice and mercy through Jesus Christ’s Atonement.
• Question: How has understanding the balance between justice and mercy affected your relationship with the Savior?
• Conference Insight: Elder Jeffrey R. Holland's talk “The Laborers in the Vineyard” (April 2022) deeply explores the nuances of justice and mercy.
8. Alma 42:3-4 – Alma recounts the story of Adam and Eve and the fall.
• Question: How does understanding the Fall influence your perspective on life and the purpose of mortality?
• Biblical Reference: Romans 3:23-24 explains that all have sinned and redemption is through Christ, emphasizing the necessity and purpose of the Fall.
9. Alma 42:27 – Alma invites all to come unto Christ.
• Question: What does coming unto Christ mean to you personally, and how can you do this more fully?
• Conference Insight: Elder Dieter F. Uchtdorf's talk “Jesus Christ is the Strength of Youth” (October 2022) offers practical ways to draw nearer to Christ.
10. Alma 42:8 – Alma states that God’s plan allows repentance and the opportunity to return to Him.
• Question: How does the plan of salvation bring you hope and direction in your life?
• Conference Insight: Elder Ulisses Soares’ talk “In Awe of Christ and His Gospel” (April 2023) teaches about the hope and direction found in understanding the gospel.

This My Son (Alma and Corianton)
by Young, Elspeth

Practical and Straightforward Case Study.

Becoming like Alma

In regards to Corianton's separation of Standards and Gospel teachings.

1. How did Alma made an attempt to approach his child to learn and to change from wrong doing to righteousness?
2. How did Alma received a strength to face his challenges about his family matter that eventually lead him to teach his Child in his unrighteous deeds?
3. How can we, following Alma's example, face the trials and challenges of life, particularly family matters, in a positive and constructive manner? How can we draw strength from our faith, personal experiences, and the principles taught in the scriptures to navigate these difficulties effectively?

Scriptural Reference that might help you with some answers -

Answer #1) Alma's Approach to his Son with this principles that he has in mind.

• Direct and Honest: Alma was direct but loving. He didn’t shy away from addressing Corianton's sins directly, particularly his immorality (Alma 39:1-5). The honesty likely helped Corianton understand the severity of his actions.
• Encouraging Repentance: Alma emphasized the importance and possibility of repentance. He didn’t just focus on Corianton’s mistakes but also on the path to change (Alma 39:9-14).
• Teaching Doctrine: Alma explained the doctrines of the resurrection and the plan of salvation. He wanted Corianton to understand why his actions were wrong and the eternal implications (Alma 40-41).
• Testimony of Christ: Alma bore a powerful testimony of Jesus Christ and His atonement. He taught that Christ’s atonement makes repentance and forgiveness possible (Alma 42:22-23).
• Personal Experience: Alma shared his own conversion story, reminding Corianton that he himself had also sinned grievously but was able to repent and change (Alma 36).

Answer #2) As for Alma’s strength to face these challenges, it's pretty clear he relied heavily on his faith and past experiences. Here are a couple of key sources of his strength:

• Prayer and Revelation: Alma had a strong relationship with the Lord and often received guidance through prayer and revelation. This ongoing communication with God likely helped prepare him to address Corianton’s mistakes.
• Alma 8:10: "Nevertheless Alma labored much in the spirit, wrestling with God in mighty prayer, that he would pour out his Spirit upon the people who were in the city; that he would also grant that he might baptize them unto repentance."
• This verse shows Alma’s dedication to prayer, which would have given him strength in all his endeavors, including dealing with family issues.
• Past Experience: Alma’s own dramatic conversion gave him personal insight and empathy. He knew firsthand the power of repentance and the atonement, which strengthened him in guiding his son.
• Alma 36:12-20: In Alma’s own words, he recounts his conversion experience and describes both his intense suffering and subsequent joy upon repenting and receiving forgiveness.
• Alma 36:20: "And oh, what joy, and what marvelous light I did behold; yea, my soul was filled with joy as exceeding as was my pain!"
• His personal transformation would have given him the empathy and strength to help his son.
• Scriptures and Prophecies: Alma’s teaching was deeply rooted in the scriptures and the words of the prophets. This adherence to divine teachings provided a strong foundation.
• Alma 5:45-46: "And this is not all. Do ye not suppose that I know of these things myself? Behold, I testify unto you that I do know that these things whereof I have spoken are true. And how do ye suppose that I know of their surety? Behold, I say unto you they are made known unto me by the Holy Spirit of God. Behold, I have fasted and prayed many days that I might know these things of myself. And now I do know of myself that they are true; for the Lord God hath made them manifest unto me by his Holy Spirit."
• Alma’s reliance on the Spirit and the scriptures show that he was deeply rooted in divine guidance, providing him the strength to lead and counsel his children.
• Lastly, his Faith in Jesus Christ:
• Alma 36:17-18: "And it came to pass that as I was thus racked with torment, while I was harrowed up by the memory of my many sins, behold, I remembered also to have heard my father prophesy unto the people concerning the coming of one Jesus Christ, a Son of God, to atone for the sins of the world. Now, as my mind caught hold upon this thought, I cried within my heart: O Jesus, thou Son of God, have mercy on me, who am in the gall of bitterness, and am encircled about by the everlasting chains of death."
• His faith in Jesus Christ and his personal experience with the Savior’s forgiving power were central to his strength.

Becoming like Corianton

Although Alma's message to his son Corianton might highlight some of his shortcomings and potentially impact how others view him, there are also moments where Corianton positively responded to his father's counsel. Let's explore these moments and address some related questions. Here we go -

1. As the son of a known and chosen spiritual leader, how did Corianton respond to his father’s Counsel?
2. How did Corianton's commitment and humility help him to choose the right path and follow his father’s counsel?
3. Similarly, how can we, like Corianton, make a commitment to humility and be receptive to correction from our parents or leaders who are trying to guide us through our failures and shortcomings?

Answer #1) Corianton's Response to Alma's Plea

• Repentance: By the time we read Alma 43:1, we understand that Corianton indeed made corrections to his behavior. He served diligently in the ministry after his father's counsel.
• Dedication to Service: Alma 63:10 He continued to serve as a missionary. This commitment to the work of the Lord post-rebuke indicates that he chose to align his actions with his father's righteous teachings.

Answer #2) Corianton's Commitment and Humility

• Alma 49:30: This later scripture suggests Corianton’s commitment and future righteousness: > "Thus they were prepared, yea, a body of their strongest men, with their swords and their slings, to defend their brethren."
• This indicates that Corianton, like others, likely aligned himself with his father's teachings and became a part of the Nephite defense, showing commitment and humility in service.

Answers #3) Our Commitment and Humility

• Proverbs 3:11-12 "My son, despise not the chastening of the Lord; neither be weary of his correction: For whom the Lord loveth he correcteth; even as a father the son in whom he delighteth."
• This verse helps us understand that correction from our parents or leaders is a sign of love, and accepting it leads to growth.
• Hebrews 12:9-10 "Furthermore we have had fathers of our flesh which corrected us, and we gave them reverence: shall we not much rather be in subjection unto the Father of spirits, and live? For they verily for a few days chastened us after their own pleasure; but he for our profit, that we might be partakers of his holiness."

This scripture emphasizes humility and accepting correction as vital for spiritual growth. It's not just about parent-child relationships but also applies to counseling within Church membership and leadership. The importance of humility and a willingness to change were the core themes in Alma's counsel to Corianton.

When Alma addressed Corianton's missteps, he highlighted how essential it is to be open to guidance and correction. This same principle can be applied broadly across our interactions, reflecting an attitude of learning and growth. As Gordon B. Hinckley once said, “I believe that if we will walk in obedience to the commandments of God, if we will follow the counsel of the priesthood, he will open a way even where there appears to be no way.”

This means recognizing our mistakes and being open to the instructions we receive from leaders and fellow members, can help us become better followers of Christ. Just as Alma advised Corianton to repent and change his ways, we too should embrace this mindset in all aspects of our lives—allowing ourselves to be molded and improved through humility and the acceptance of divine and inspired correction.