Alma 13-16

Boyd K Packer observed that "there is no way to make sense out of life without a knowledge of the doctrine of premortal life.  The idea that mortal birth is the beginning is preposterous. There is no way to explain life if you believe that ... when we understand the doctrine of premortal life, then things fit together and make sense." (Conference, October 1983) 

Starting with Alma 13, this scripture block contains many hints and insights as to our premortal identity and character.   Expanding on the first two verses, President Kimball taught "In the world before we came here, faithful women were given certain assignments while faithful men were foreordained to certain priesthood tasks.  While we do not now remember the particulars, this does not alter the glorious reality of what we once agreed to. You are accountable for those things which long ago were expected of you just as are those we sustain as prophets and apostles." 

Moving onto the concept of premortal agency and its impact on our choices in mortality, Joseph Fielding Smith noted that our Father "knew not only what each of us could do, but also what each of us would do when put to the test and when responsibility was given us." 

During our lesson we considered the great privilege of being part of the house of Israel - noting Romans chapters 9 - 11 which give more detail of that doctrine.  A rough calculation of current world population vs current church membership shows that we, as Latter-day Saints, make up .02% of the worlds population - a privileged minority indeed!

Journal what it means to you to be a part of the house of Israel?  What impact does it have to read Alma 13 and realise that those are attributes you possessed in the premortal world? What are the implications of those statements on who we should be as followers of Christ in mortality?