Alma 41: "Wickedness Never Was Happiness"

Book of Mormon Student Study Guide, (2000), 128–129

Have you ever wondered why some people seem to avoid the consequences of having done something wrong? Alma explained to his son Corianton about what happens to those who think that there is happiness in wickedness. As you read Alma 41, notice its teachings about a final judgment, about the principle of restoration, and that in the Resurrection everyone will receive again the characteristics and attributes they acquired in mortality.
Christ dividing righteous from wicked

Understanding the Scriptures

Alma 41

Wrested (v. 1)Distorted, twisted or changed the meaning of
Requisite (vv. 2–3)Required
Unalterable (v. 8)Unchangeable
Carnal (vv. 11, 13)Earthly, mortal
Justifieth (v. 15)Forgives

Alma 41:2—What Is the “Plan of Restoration”?

The word restoration means to bring back to a former condition. Alma 40:1–41:2 describes the plan of restoration as the Resurrection, when the spirit and the body are brought back together again. An additional meaning is given in Alma 41:3–15. The plan of restoration also includes the final judgment, when we receive a reward according to what we did in mortality. President Joseph Fielding Smith taught: “There is a divine law of compensation. Mortality is therefore a testing ground. Men are to be judged by their deeds, and there is a reward or punishment for the deeds done in the mortal body. There is no partiality in the kingdom of God. What the individual receives is what he merits” (Answers to Gospel Questions, 5:16). In a very real sense, what we become in eternity is determined by our conduct and desires in mortality (see D&C 88:21–32).

Alma 41:11—“Gall of Bitterness”

See “Understanding the Scriptures” for Alma 36:18 (p. 125).

Studying the Scriptures

Do activities A and B as you study Alma 41.

Activity A iconAnswer a Question

Read Alma 41:1–6 and write answers for any two of the following questions on the plan of restoration:

  1. 1.

    In these verses the word restoration sometimes refers to resurrection. Explain other ways restoration is used here.

  2. 2.

    How is the plan of restoration just and fair?

  3. 3.

    What happens to the wicked, according to the judgments of God?

  4. 4.

    According to Mosiah 4:30, by what aspects of our lives shall we be judged?

Activity B Scripture Mastery iconScripture Mastery—Alma 41:10

Ezra Taft Benson

President Ezra Taft Benson said: “You cannot do wrong and feel right. It is impossible!” (“To ‘the Rising Generation,’” New Era, June 1986, 5). Use Alma 41:3–10 to help you answer the following questions:

  1. 1.

    Why is President Benson’s statement true both in this life and the life to come?

  2. 2.

    Why is wickedness never happiness? Why do we become happier as we try to follow the example and teachings of Jesus Christ?