Gospel Doctrine Commentary
Lesson No. Twenty-Three

The Plan of Salvation Answers Today's Difficult Questions

The inspired pattern we are to use in teaching the gospel is set forth in Alma 12 – In August 2003 when I became an adjunct professor of religion teaching a weekly Book of Mormon class at BYU, Elder Boyd K. Packer gave a most remarkable sermon at a seminar for Church Education System instructors.  He said his favorite scripture changes but then it was Alma 12:32.  This was because he had received a greater understanding of how to teach the gospel.  He repeated the first part of that verse three times with increasing emphasis:  “Therefore God gave unto them (Adam and Eve) commandments after having made known unto them the plan of redemption.”  He explained that the divine pattern we should follow is to first teach the plan of salvation and then commit people to keep the commandments. 

This is the pattern used by effective missionaries.  They first teach the basics of the plan of salvation, and if the investigator accepts the idea that there is a plan and a purpose for this life, they immediately begin to ask for commitments to live the commandments.  With our children we begin by teaching the basics of the plan of salvation, and then we teach them commandments like being honest, etc.  This is the pattern our Heavenly Father used to teach the plan of salvation to Adam and Eve. (See Alma 12:32) It is the pattern used in the temple where the plan of salvation is taught and then we are put under covenant to keep the commandments.

Teaching the plan of salvation has a more powerful effect on behavior than anything else – “Now as the preaching of the word had a tendency to lead the people to do that which was just – yea, it had had a more powerful effect upon the minds of the people than the sword, or anything else, which had happened unto them – therefore Alma thought it was expedient that they should try the virtue of the word of God” (Alma 31:5; a definition of the word “virtue” is power).

Elder Boyd K. Packer further explained:  “True doctrine, understood, changes attitudes and behavior.  The study of the doctrines of the gospel will improve behavior quicker than a study of behavior will improve behavior.”  To overcome any addictions or other challenges study the plan of salvation.  This is far more effective than studying the addiction or problem alone.

The plan of salvation answers the difficult question of modern society, and it is the basis for The Family – A Proclamation to the World – Most of the difficult questions of today cannot be answered without some knowledge of the plan of salvation.  The Proclamation on the Family is based on the plan of salvation and addresses many pressing issues of today: 

  • Marriage – “Marriage between a man and a woman is ordained of God”
  • Family – “The family is central to the Creator’s plan for the eternal destiny of His children”
  • Human dignity – All mankind “is a beloved spirit son or daughter of heavenly parents”
  • Gender – “Gender is an essential characteristic of individual premortal, mortal, and eternal identity and purpose”
  • Procreation – “God’s commandment for His children to multiply and replenish the earth remains in force
  • Chastity – “God has commanded that the sacred powers of procreation are to be employed only between man and woman, lawfully wedded as husband and wife”
  • Abortion – “We affirm the sanctity of life and of its importance in God’s eternal plan”
  • Children – “Parents have a sacred duty to rear their children in love and righteousness”
  • Fathers –  “By divine design, fathers are to preside over their families in love and righteousness and are responsible to provide the necessities of life and protection for their families”
  • Mothers – “Mothers are primarily responsible for the nurture of their children”
  • Abuse and neglect – “We warn that individuals who violate covenants of chastity, who abuse spouse of offspring, or who fail to fulfill family responsibilities will one day stand accountable before God”
  • Disintegration of the family – Further, we warn that the disintegration of the family will bring upon individuals, communities, and nations the calamities foretold by ancient and modern prophets”

Teaching the plan of salvation gives reason to keep the commandments and to follow the counsel of our prophets – Missionaries teach the plan of salvation and then invite investigators to keep commandments.  The temple teaches more about the plan of salvation, and we covenant to keep the commandments.

If we first understand the plan of salvation and our potential for exaltation our motivation, reason, and desire to keep the commandments will increase.  The more we know about the plan of salvation the greater is our desire to keep the commandments and to stay in harmony with the Lord and His Church.