Creation of the Earth and Man; Reading Assignment No. 8 and the Fall of ...

Creation of the Earth and Man; Reading Assignment No. 8 and the Fall of Adam

Introduction

As we have seen, "the great plan of the Eternal God" is built around three stages or estates of existence. The first estate prepares each spirit for the second estate. Likewise, the purpose of the second estate is to prepare Heavenly Father's children for third and final estate: the immortal estate.

The second estate centers on a fallen, mortal existence through which each of Heavenly Father's children must pass in order to progress to the third estate. Elder David A. Bednar of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles spoke of the importance of taking upon us physical bodies:

Our physical bodies make possible a breadth, a depth, and an intensity of experience that simply could not be obtained in our premortal existence. Thus, our relationships with other people, our capacity to recognize and act in accordance with truth, and our ability to obey the principles and ordinances of the gospel of Jesus Christ are amplified through our physical bodies. In the school of mortality, we experience tenderness, love, kindness, happiness, sorrow, disappointment, pain, and even the challenges of physical limitations in ways that prepare us for eternity. Simply stated, there are lessons we must learn and experiences we must have, as the scriptures describe, "according to the flesh" (1 Nephi 19:6; Alma 7:12?13).

("We Believe in Being Chaste," Ensign, May 2013,41-4)

The second estate is built upon three major components. President Russell M. Nelson explains:

The plan required the Creation, and that in turn required both the Fall and the Atonement. These are the three fundamental components of the plan. The creation of a paradisiacal planet came from God. Mortality and death came into the world through the Fall of Adam. Immortality and the possibility of eternal life were provided by the Atonement of Jesus Christ. The Creation, the Fall, and the Atonement were planned long before the actual work of the Creation began. ("The Creation," Ensign, May, 2000)

The focus of this reading assignment is on the first two components, the creation of the earth and man, and the fall of Adam. It is not our intent to study the process of the creation nor the events of the fall of Adam. These are subjects discussed in detail as part of the Old Testament and Pearl of Great Price courses. Rather, there are certain aspects of these events that are critical to the

objectives of this course.

Key Concepts and Teachings

The Creation of Earth and Man

There are certain fundamental principles belonging to the doctrine of the creation of this earth that are imperative to this course. These will be briefly mentioned.

1. All Things Were Created By Christ and For Christ.

Jesus Christ is the Firstborn of Heavenly Father which as the Apostle Paul clarifies means that He is "the firstborn of all creation" (Col. 1:15, including footnote 15d) and so was "appointed heir of all things" (Heb. 1:2).

As Firstborn, Christ is the executive and agent of the Father, as was told Moses: "worlds without number have I created; and I also created them for mine own purpose; and by the Son I created them, which is mine Only Begotten" (Moses 1:33).

Therefore, Paul asserted: "For by him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities." And then affirmed: "all things were created by him, and for him" (Col. 1:16).

As creator, all the earth, including everything that makes up the earth belong to Christ. That includes our physical bodies.

2. As Creator, Jesus Christ is the Rightful Ruler of the Earth. As just referenced by the Apostles Paul:"all things were created by him, and for him" (Col 1:16; emphasis added). Jesus Christ is both the rightful heir and ruler of the earth He created.

President John Taylor (1808-87) taught: ? The Scriptures ... represent Christ as being the rightful

heir, and inheritor of this world; they represent him as having come once to atone for the sins of the world; but that he will afterwards come as its ruler, judge, and king.

(Teachings of Presidents of the Church: John Taylor [2001], 222; emphasis added)

? Who made this earth? The Lord. Who sustains it? The Lord. Who feeds and clothes the millions of the human family that exist upon it, both Saint and sinner? The

Lord. Who upholds everything in the universe? The Lord. ... Who has given to man understanding? The Lord. Who has given to the gentile philosopher, machinist, etc., every particle of intelligence they have with regard to the electric telegraph, the power and application of steam to the wants of the human family and every kind of invention that has been brought to light during the last century? The Lord. ... Who has a right to rule the nations, to control kingdoms and govern all the people of the earth? (Teachings of Presidents

of the Church: John Taylor [2001], 221-2; emphasis added)

3. The Earth Was Created for Mankind. Though we have seen that Christ created this earth "by him and for him" (Col. 1:16), the earth was created for all Heavenly Father's children. The following teach this truth:

Read Abraham 3:24-25; D&C 49:15-17

Russell M. Nelson Quorum of the Twelve Apostles Grand as it is, planet Earth is part of something even

grander--that great plan of God. Simply summarized, the earth was created that families might be. Scripture explains that a husband and wife "shall be one flesh, and all this that the earth might answer the end of its creation" (D&C 49:16). ("Creation," Ensign, May 2000, 84-6)

Dieter F. Uchtdorf First Presidency The universe is so large, mysterious, and glorious that it

is incomprehensible to the human mind. "Worlds without number have I created," God said to Moses (Moses 1:33). ... Astronomers have attempted to count the number of stars in the universe. One group of scientists estimates that the number of stars within range of our telescopes is 10 times greater than all the grains of sand on the world's beaches and deserts. ...

And while we may look at the vast expanse of the universe and say, "What is man in comparison to the glory of creation?" God Himself said we are the reason He created the universe! His work and glory--the purpose for this magnificent universe--is to save and exalt mankind (Moses 1:38-39). In other words, the vast expanse of eternity, the glories and mysteries of infinite space and time are all built for the benefit of ordinary mortals like you and me. Our Heavenly Father created the universe that we might reach our potential as His sons and daughters.

This is a paradox of man: compared to God, man is nothing; yet we are everything to God. While against the backdrop of infinite creation we may appear to be nothing, we have a spark of eternal fire burning within our breast. We have the incomprehensible promise of exaltation--worlds without end--within our grasp. And it is God's great desire to help us reach it. ("You Matter to Him,"

Ensign, Nov. 2011, 19-20)

4. The Earth is to Become the Celestial World. This earth will become the celestial globe upon which the celestial kingdom shall reside (see D&C 88:17-20). The following confirm this truth:

Melvin J. Ballard () Quorum of the Twelve Apostles

The earth itself has to undergo the process of redemption, it has to obey the law, as the prophet said it would, and it will eventually become a celestial earth, the home of celestial beings. (Conference Report, October 1912, 106)

Mark E. Petersen (1904-84) Quorum of the Twelve Apostles

This earth was not designed merely as a home for mortals, however. Not at all. It has a greater destiny than that. This earth will not remain in its present condition. It is to become immortal. It will pass through a refining process by which it will become a celestial globe and be like a Urim and Thummim in the skies. (See D&C 130:9.) That will require further acts of divine creation, and, of course, ordinary common sense tells us that no spontaneous accident could produce a change like that.

The Savior will reside here when the earth is celestialized, and His Father will visit it from time to time. It then will be the eternal home of those who achieve celestial glory in the kingdom of God.

Such is the final destiny of the earth. Such was the purpose God had in mind in creating it, for He planned it so in the beginning. ("Creator and Savior," Ensign, May 1983, 63)

The Fall of Adam

Though the story of this fall is not our concern in this course,

1. The Fall of Adam Was a Planned Event. that would bring about the mortality of th earth. This was discussed in the premortal council. The following testify of this:

Joseph Smith (1805-44) President At the first organization in heaven we were all present

and saw the Savior chosen and appointed and the plan of salvation made, and we sanctioned it. (Teachings of Presidents

of the Church: Joseph Smith [2007], 209)

D. Todd Christofferson Quorum of the Twelve Apostles Adam and Eve acted for all who had chosen to

participate in the Father's great plan of happiness. Their Fall created the conditions needed for our physical birth and for mortal experience and learning outside the presence of God. ("Why Marriage, Why Family," Ensign, May

2015, 51)

Dallin H. Oaks Quorum of the Twelve Apostles This would be a planned offense, a formality to serve an

eternal purpose. (Ensign, Nov. 1993, 73)

Joseph Fielding Smith (1876-1972) President The plan of salvation, or code of laws, which is known

as the gospel of Jesus Christ, was adopted in the heavens, before the foundation of the world was laid. It was appointed there that Adam, our father, should come to this earth and stand at the head of the whole human family, It was a part of this great plan, that he should partake of the forbidden fruit and fall, thus bringing suffering and death into the world, even for the ultimate good of his children.

(Doctrines of Salvation, 3 vols., ed. Bruce R. McConkie [1954-56], 1:121)

2. The fall of Adam Brought About the Mortal Creation or Conditions of the Earth.

When the creation of the earth was complete, the earth was in a "spiritual" state?a physical but immortal.

Russell M. Nelson Quorum of the Twelve Apostles

("The Atonement," Ensign, Nov. 1996, 33)

The Creation culminated with Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden. They were created in the image of God, with bodies of flesh and bone. (They were created as amortal beings--"without mortality"--not at that time subject to death..) Created in the image of God and not yet mortal, they could not grow old and die (see Alma 12:21?23). "And they would have had no children" (2 Ne. 2:23) nor experienced the trials of life. . . The creation of Adam and Eve was a paradisiacal creation, one that required a significant change before they could fulfill the commandment to have children (see Gen. 1:28; Moses 2:28) and thus provide earthly bodies for premortal spirit sons and daughters of God.

That brings us to the Fall. The Fall of Adam (and Eve) constituted the mortal creation and brought about the required changes in their bodies, including the circulation of blood and other modifications as well. They were now able to have children. They and their posterity also became subject to injury, disease, and death. ("The Atonement,"

Ensign, Nov. 1996, 33)

3. The Change that Came upon Mankind

A. The Scriptures list a number of results the come upon all mankind as a result of the Fall:

C D&C 29:40; Mosiah 16:3?Man "became subject to the will of the devil."

? Moses 6:48-49; D&C 29:41; Al. 42:7, 9; Hel. 14:16?Man became spiritually dead, meaning they were eternally cut off from the presence of God.

? Al. 42:7, 9; Hel. 14:16?Man became subject to physical or temporal death.

? 1 Ne. 10:5-6; 2 Ne. 2:5; Mosiah 16:4; Al. 12:26; 22:14; 34:9; 42:6?Mankind were in an endlessly "lost and fallen" state.

? Moses 6:48-49; Mosiah 16:4; Al. 42:10?Mankind became carnal, sensual, devlish, knowing evil from good.

? Moses 6:48-49; Al. 12:26?Mankind became subject to "misery and woe.

? Ether 3:2?Natures have become evil continually

B. The Fall of Adam Effected Great Change Upon the Earth

The earth suffered great change as a result of the fall of Adam. The following quotation from President Lee

looks at all that changed. Some of what he said has already been said, yet, this statement brings a holistic view to the consequences of the Fall.

Harold B. Lee (1899-1973) President Adam and Eve ... exercised their agency and of their own volition had partaken of the fruit, of which they were commanded not to eat; thus they had become subject to the law of Satan. In that disobedience, God was now free to visit upon them a judgment. They were to learn that besides God being a merciful Father, he is also a just Father, and when they broke the law they were subject to the receiving of a penalty and so they were cast out of that beautiful garden. They were visited by all the vicissitudes to which mortals from that time since have been heir. They were to learn that by their disobedience they received the penalty of a just judgment. They were forced to earn their bread by the sweat of their brow, for now they had become mortals. ... Pain, misery, death, all now came in their wake, but with that pain, quite like our own experiences from that time to this, there came knowledge and understanding that could never have been gained except by pain. ... ... Besides the Fall having had to do with Adam and Eve, causing a change to come over them, that change affected all human nature, all of the natural creations, all of the creation of animals, plants--all kinds of life were changed. The earth itself became subject to death. ... How it took place no one can explain, and anyone who would attempt to make an explanation would be going far beyond anything the Lord has told us. But a change was wrought over the whole face of the creation, which up to that time had not been subject to death. From that time henceforth all in nature was in a state of gradual dissolution until mortal death was to come, after which there would be required a restoration in a resurrected state.

(Teachings of Presidents of the Church: Harold B.Lee [2000], 20-21)

5. The Fall Began the School of Mortality

Joseph Fielding Smith (1876-1972) President Well, that was what the Lord expected Adam to do,

because that opened the door to mortality; and we came here into this mortal world to receive a training in mortality that we could not get anywhere else or in any other way. We came here into this world to partake of all the vicissitudes, to receive the lessons that we receive in mortality from or in a mortal world. And so we become subject to pain, to sickness. . . .We are in school, the mortal school, to gain the experiences, the training, the joys, and the sufferings that we partake of, that we might be educated in all these things and be prepared, if we are faithful and true to the commandments of the Lord, to become sons and daughters of God, joint heirs with Jesus Christ; and in His presence to go on to a fulness and a continuation of the seeds forever, and perhaps through our faithfulness to have the opportunity of building worlds and peopling them.

We are in the mortal life to get an experience, a training, that we couldn't get any other way. And in order [for us]

to become gods, it is necessary for us to know something about pain, about sickness, and about the other things that we partake of in this school of mortality.

So don't let us, brethren and sisters, complain about Adam and wish he hadn't done something that he did. I want to thank him. . ("Adam's Role in Bringing Us Mortality,"

Ensign, Jan. 2006)

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