Alma 40-42 The State of the Soul after Death

These chapters are a continuation of a discussion Alma had with his son, Corianton, a son who had broken important commandments while he served as a missionary. In these chapters we will see Alma give counsel concerning the resurrection, judgment, and the justice and mercy of God.

Alma 40:1-5 A Time Appointed to Rise from the Dead
Look over these verses and write a one-sentence summary of the doctrine Alma is teaching.

Alma 40:6-10 Time?
Compare how Alma uses the word “time” in verse 8 with the way he uses that same word in verses 9-10. Cross-reference: D&C 38:2; Moses 1:6.

Alma 40:11-22 The State of the Soul after Death and before the Resurrection
Find the words “happiness”, “misery”, and “resurrection”. What important principles does Alma teach Corianton concerning these matters? How is Alma attempting to help Corianton want to repent? What lesson is the Book of Mormon teaching parents on how to help their children to repent?

Alma 40:23-26 No Unclean Thing Can Inherit the Kingdom of God
Have students memorize Alma 40:23. Why would this verse give everyone hope? Have students memorize Alma 40:26. Why would this verse cause us to want to repent?

Alma 41:1-3 It Is Requisite?
What does the word “requisite” mean? Have students determine the definition of this word and substitute that definition into the verses as they re-read them.

Alma 41:4-7 Scripture Study
4 And if their (mankind’s) works are evil they (mankind’s evil works) shall be restored (returned, given back) unto them (mankind) for evil. Therefore (because whatever mankind has done will be returned to them), all things shall be restored to their proper order, every thing to its natural frame—mortality (that which can die) raised (resurrected) to immortality (that which cannot die), corruption (things which decay and grow old) to incorruption (things which never decay or grow old) —raised to endless happiness to inherit the kingdom of God, or to endless misery to inherit the kingdom of the devil, the one (the kingdom of God) on one hand, the other (the kingdom of the devil) on the other—
5 The one (the righteous) raised to happiness according to his desires of happiness, or good according to his desires of good; and the other (the wicked) to evil according to his desires of evil; for as he (the wicked) has desired to do evil all the day long even so shall he (the wicked) have his reward of evil when the night (the final judgment) cometh.
6 And so it is on the other hand. If he (the righteous) hath repented of his sins, and desired righteousness until the end of his days, even so he shall be rewarded unto righteousness.
7 These (persons who have repented of their sins and desired righteousness) are they that are redeemed of the Lord; yea, these are they that are taken out, that are delivered from that endless night of darkness (spirit prison [see Alma 40:13-14]); and thus they stand or fall; for behold, they are their own judges, whether to do good or do evil.

Notice that in verse 6 Alma speaks of the righteous as being those who have “repented of [their] sins”. Help students understand that all people commit sins, but that there is hope for those who repent. Cross-reference: Mosiah 5:2-5.

Alma 41:10 Memorization
Have students memorize this verse. Invite them to translate it into a more modern way of expressing the same thought. What evidence do they see around them that tells them the principle taught in this verse is true?

Alma 41:11 Say What?
In this verse there are idiomatic expressions that made sense to people who lived in the generation of Joseph Smith. They may not make sense today. For example, what is meant by “the gall of bitterness”? What is meant by the “bonds of iniquity”? Gall is a yellow or greenish colored fluid produced by the liver. It produces a very bitter aftertaste if it is swallowed. Bonds, in this context, are chords or ropes that are used to tie a person so he cannot move. Why are these words so helpful in describing those who are still “in a state of nature,” or in “a carnal state”? Cross-reference: Mosiah 3:19.

Alma 41:12-15 Restoration/Reward
Have students read these verses and ask them why they should treat those around them with respect and dignity rather than cruelty and rudeness.

Alma 42:1-10 The Fall of Man in the Plan of Happiness
In an effort to explain the perfect justice of God, Alma explains the Fall and why it took place as it did. Have students read Alma 42:2-4 and explain what the Lord did to ensure that mankind would have a “probationary time”. What caused man to become carnal, sensual and devilish? (See Alma 42:5-10.) Ask students why this event, the Fall of man, was a good thing. Cross-reference: Moses 1:39.

Alma 42:11-26 God Would Cease to be God?
Find the phrase “God would cease to be God” in verses 13, 22, 25. Have students find those things which, if God did them, He would cease to be God. List the characteristics found in these verses that make God the true and living God. Why is it important for each of us to develop the characteristics of justice and mercy?

Alma 42:26-31 Do Not Endeavor to Excuse Yourself
Have students read these verses as if they were written to them. For example, “If Dave (or John or Sally) has desired to do evil, and has not repented in his days, behold, evil shall be done unto him, according to the restoration of God” (Alma 42:28). Ask students what eternal blessings come to them if they repent. What happens to their souls if they do not repent? Cross-reference: D&C 18:10-15.