Lessons on the Book of Mormon 2020
Lesson No. Twenty-Nine
The Law of Consequences - Alma 41-42
Understanding the law of consequences motivates us to repent – We know, as the Book of Mormon teaches, that in the latter-days many people will believe in “false and vain and foolish doctrines.” Specifically, they believe that God will excuse sin or that “he will justify in committing a little sin” (2 Nephi 28:7-9). In the latter-days we also learn from the Book of Mormon that teaching accountability and repentance will “stir [people] up to anger against that which is good” (2 Nephi 28:19-20).
We now see anger against that which is good throughout society. Therefore, it is our responsibility to do as Alma did and teach our children the law of consequences. The law of consequences is that we have the ability or agency to choose good or evil, and because choices have consequences, we will experience the consequences and be held accountable for our choices. (See Alma 41 - 42).
Understanding the plan of restoration motivates us to repent – Alma explained the plan of restoration to his son Corianton: “And it is requisite (consistent) with the justice of God that men should be judged according to their works; and if their works were good in this life, and the desires of their hearts were good, that they should also, at the last day be restored unto that which is good” (Alma 41:1-3).
However, if “he has desired to do evil all the day long even so shall he have his reward of evil when the night cometh…and thus they stand or fall; for behold, they are their own judges, whether to do good or do evil…Do not suppose, because it has been spoken concerning restoration, that ye shall be restored from sin to happiness. Behold, I say unto you, wickedness never was happiness” (Alma 41:5, 7, 10).
Agency and accountability are fundamental to the plan of restoration and the law of consequences – Agency and accountability, which the Lord refers to as “just and holy principles” (D&C 101:77-78), go together and cannot be separated. Because men have agency to act for themselves, and because “the spirit of Christ (a conscience) is given to every man that he may know good from evil” (Moroni 7:16), therefore, men are held accountable and will be “judged according to their works…and the desires of their hearts…” (Alma 41:3).
Agency and accountability are what separates mankind from animals. We can repent and change. Animals do not have agency, and cannot change their nature, and therefore are not accountable.
Agency and accountability and the law of consequences is emphasized by the First Presidency in For the Strength of Youth– “Heavenly Father has given you agency, the ability to choose right from wrong and to act for yourself. Next to the bestowal of life itself, the right to direct your life is one of God’s greatest gifts to you. While here on earth, you are being proven to see if you will use your agency to show your love for God by keeping His commandments. The Holy Ghost can guide you in using your agency righteously.
“You are responsible for the choices you make. God is mindful of you and will help you make good choices, even if your family and friends use their agency in ways that are not right. Have the moral courage to stand firm in obeying God’s will, even if you have to stand alone. As you do this, you set an example for others to follow.
“While you are free to choose your course of action, you are not free to choose the consequences. Whether for good or bad, consequences follow as a natural result of the choices you make. Some sinful behavior may bring temporary, worldly pleasure, but such choices delay your progress and lead to heartache and misery. Righteous choices lead to lasting happiness and eternal life. Remember, true freedom comes from using your agency to choose obedience; loss of freedom comes from choosing disobedience.
“You are also responsible for developing the talents and abilities Heavenly Father has given you. You are accountable to Him for what you do with your talents and how you spend your time. Choose to do many good things of your own free will" (For the Strength of Youth, Agency and Accountability).
This pamphlet, For the Strength of Youth, is addressed to the youth of the Church but it applies to everyone. It could well be called For the Strength of You.