Understanding the Scriptures
Alma 13
| Cite your minds forward (v. 1) | Ask you to think about the beginning |
| Foreknowledge of God, foreknowledge of all things (vv. 3, 7) | God’s ability to know the future in advance |
| Sanctified (v. 11) | Made clean from sin |
| Garments were washed white (v. 11) | Sins were forgiven |
| Abhorrence (v. 12) | Hatred |
| Fruit meet for (v. 13) | Good works that satisfy the requirements of |
| Type (v. 16) | Symbol, likeness |
| Waxed (v. 17) | Become |
| Wrest (v. 20) | Distort, twist the meaning of |
Alma 13:1–18—“The Holy Order of God”
The phrase “holy order of God,” or a form of it, appears often in Alma 13. It refers to the Melchizedek Priesthood. Before Melchizedek’s day that priesthood “was called the Holy Priesthood, after the Order of the Son of God.
“But out of respect or reverence to the name of the Supreme Being, to avoid the too frequent repetition of his name, they, the church, in ancient days, called that priesthood after Melchizedek, or the Melchizedek Priesthood” (D&C 107:3–4).
Studying the Scriptures
Do activity A and activity B or C as you study Alma 13.
Explain What It Means
As you read Alma 13:1–6, summarize the message in your own words.
Interview a Priesthood Holder
Read Alma 13:7–13 with someone who holds the Melchizedek Priesthood. Ask the following questions and write his responses:
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1.
In your opinion, what is the most important doctrine taught in these verses?
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2.
Why do you think it is a privilege to hold the Melchizedek Priesthood?
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3.
What do you think it would be like if all priesthood holders matched the description in verse 12?
Introduce a Church Leader
You have been asked to introduce Melchizedek as a fireside speaker. Use Alma 13:14–19 to gather some facts to use in your introduction. Write down what you would say to introduce this great man.
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