Zeezrom
Understanding the Scriptures
Alma 12
| Consciousness (v. 1) | Knowledge, recollection |
| Spake on this wise (v. 2) | Spoke in this way |
| Subtle, subtlety (v. 4) | Clever, sly, cunning |
| Revile (v. 4) | Criticize, insult |
| Snare (v. 6) | Trap |
| Laid (v. 9) | Put |
| Impart (v. 9) | Give |
| Heed and diligence (v. 9) | Obedience and faithfulness |
| Fain be glad if (v. 14) | Wish, be willing |
| Cherubim (v. 21) | A kind of angelic being |
| Void (v. 23) | Useless |
| Probationary state, preparatory state (vv. 24, 26) | Time of testing |
| From the foundation of the world (v. 25) | In the premortal life |
| Remission (v. 34) | Forgiveness |
| Provoketh, provocation, provoke (vv. 36–37) | Provide a reason for another person to be angry; the “first provocation” can refer to the Fall of mankind or to the time when the children of Israel murmured and chose wickedness after being delivered by the Lord from Egypt (see footnote 36c). |
Alma 12:9–10—How Can I Come to “Know the Mysteries of God”?
Modern revelation clarifies that we progress step by step. We receive more light and truth as we keep God’s commandments and live true to the light and truth we already have. (See D&C 84:44–47; 93:20, 27–28.)
Alma 12:16–18, 32—What Is the Second Death?
Elder Boyd K. Packer, a member of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, explained: “The Atonement was absolutely essential for men to cleanse themselves from sin and overcome the second death, which is the spiritual death, which is separation from our Father in Heaven. For the scriptures tell us, seven times they tell us, that no unclean thing may enter the presence of God” (in Conference Report, Apr. 1988, 82; or Ensign, May 1988, 70; see also number 5 in the “Understanding the Scriptures” section for Alma 5:9, p. 101).
Studying the Scriptures
Do two of the following activities (A–C) as you study Alma 12.
Define a Term
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1.
Read Alma 12:6 and list three phrases that identify Satan’s intentions.
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2.
For each phrase you listed, write down one method Satan uses to drag youth down today.
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3.
Study Alma 12:9–11 and write a definition for the term “chains of hell.”
Write a Talk
Imagine being assigned to speak in sacrament meeting on the subject “The Final Judgment.” Write a short talk using Alma 12:12–18 as your reference. Use at least two quotations from those verses.
An Upward Fall
Read Alma 12:19–27 and answer the following questions:
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1.
What happened when Adam partook of the forbidden fruit?
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2.
What would have happened if Adam had partaken of the tree of life after he had partaken of the forbidden fruit? (see v. 23).
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3.
Why is a “probationary state” necessary before our resurrection and judgment? (see Alma 42:4–5).
