Purpose of Mortality, the Creation of Reading Assignment No. 6 the Earth, and the Fall of Adam

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1 Purpose of Mortality, the Creation of Reading Assignment No. 6 the Earth, and the Fall of Adam Guiding Questions Has the Lord reveal all the purposes of mortality? What are five purposes of mortality as discussed in this reading assignment? Why is Zion the ultimate purpose of mortality? Why is it important to understand that Jesus Christ created the earth? What rights does that give Him? Who was this earth created for? What is the ultimate destiny of the earth? What was the condition of the earth after it was physically created? Introduction This reading assignment covers three topics of the thirteen topics to be covered in this course concerning the great plan of the Eternal God. The scriptures and teachings of latterday prophets teach much regarding all three of these. The following is not intended to teach all that has been revealed. Rather, focuses on this aspects crucial for the aim of this course. Please avoid the temptation to see the subject and say, I already know about these things; and then skim over the reading. Invite the Holy Ghost to guide you in this learning. Key Concepts and Teachings 1. The Purposes of Mortality Introduction The second estate is the physical estate where the eternal spirit takes on a physical, finite form. The Lord has revealed, in part, some of the purposes of mortality, but not all: Read D&C 101: What will be taught in that day? George Q. Cannon ( ) of the First Presidency God has placed us here upon the earth to accomplish important purposes. These purposes have been in part revealed unto us. Probably it is not possible for men and women in this mortal state of existence to comprehend all the designs of God connected with man s existence upon the earth; but much has been revealed upon this subject to us as a people. (Gospel Truth, 2 vols., compl. By Jerreld L. Newquist [1974], 1:11) There are at least five purposes that have been revealed. President Ezra Taft Benson briefly discussed four main reasons. And in a real way, all who come to mortality may experience these for essential purposes. The fifth purpose of mortality can only be fully achieved by those who have joined the Church or Kingdom of God. President Brigham Young will be our guide to this purpose. Four Main Purposes Ezra Taft Benson ( ) President Life has a fourfold purpose. First of all, we come to this mortal life to receive a physical, mortal body. Without a physical body man is limited in his progression and only with a spirit and a body united together permanently can man receive a fulness of joy; so we are living today part of eternity. We accepted that plan in the spirit world before we came here, and we rejoiced at the opportunity of coming here. Second, we came here to gain experience experience with a physical, mortal world. The third purpose of life is to give us an opportunity to prove ourselves (Abraham 3:25). To prove that even in the presence of evil and sin we can live a good life. To prove that in spite of temptation that we have the strength and the character to adhere to the principles of the gospel. And fourth, this life is intended to provide an opportunity to help our Father in Heaven with His great plan, and we do that through honorable parenthood. We cooperate with our Heavenly Father in helping to prepare tabernacles to house spirits of His children. So the matter of marriage, the home, and the family is a vital part of the plan of our Heavenly Father, and by keeping this fourfold purpose of life in mind constantly and carrying out these purposes to have a fulness of joy in mortal life, and we prepare ourselves for exaltation in the celestial kingdom where we will receive a fulness of joy. So the whole purpose of the Church is to help and assist us in carrying out these purposes in life. (The Teachings of Ezra Taft Benson [1988], 27-28) These four purposes might be said this way: we came to mortality to acquire a physical, mortal, natural man, body so that the other three purposes might be accomplished: So that we might gain experience by experience through opposites; So that we can prove our obedience to God in spite of the evil with which we are surrounded; So that we can have an experience like a workshop, or internship, or apprenticeship of Godhood through righteous parent where we stand as proxy s for Heavenly Father and Mother by bringing their spirit children into this mortal world through child bearing (something our Heavenly Parents cannot do since they are immortal) and then devote our time and energy in raising them righteously. Located at the end of this reading assignment is a section of Additional Teachings providing greater understanding

2 regarding each of these topics. They are not required reading for this assignment. Fifth Main Purpose The fifth purpose can only be achieved by those who have joined the Lord s kingdom or Church here on this earth. The fifth main purpose of coming to mortality is the building of Zion. This is the ultimate purpose of mortality (or the temporal existence of this earth which includes the Millennium see D&C 77:7). Recall that we are in an eternal progression by which we are passing through stages of existence. The premortal estate is where we learned of spiritual realities and prepared for the mortal estate. The mortal or temporal estate teaches us about physical realities and opposites and is to prepare us for the third estate, the eternal or resurrected estate. According to the goal of Heavenly Father s plan, the goal is for His children to reside in the celestial resurrected estate. To acquire that estate, we must keep celestial law of Zion. Those who attain a kingdom of glory must prepare themselves for that kingdom by living the laws of that kingdom. Read D&C 88:21-24 What is necessary to attain any kingdom of glory? Recall that D&C 76 described those in the celestial kingdom formed a divine community: Read D&C 76:54, What words are used to describe that community? That divine community called Zion was patterned after Enoch s Zion (see Moses 7:18-21) and will be discussed in a later reading assignment. Learning and obeying celestial law is the law by which Zion is achieved: Read D&C 105:5. [As we proceed in this course, we should always keep in mind that Zion and the kingdom of God are one in the same Read D&C 105:31-32] This earth will eventually become the celestial globe upon which the celestial kingdom will reside: Read 88:17-20 The celestial kingdom is not something that is granted to a person after enduring to the end in living the gospel. Rather, the celestial kingdom is something that we as members of God s kingdom on earth make for ourselves Zion! Brigham Young ( ) President Do we realize that if we enjoy a Zion in time or in eternity we must make it for ourselves? That all, who have a Zion in the eternities of the Gods, organized, framed, consolidated, and perfected it themselves, and consequently are entitled to enjoy it? (Teachings of Presidents of the Church: Brigham Young [1997], 112). Bruce R. McConkie ( ) Quorum of the Twelve Apostles Zion is what all people must become if they are to inherit the same eternal fulness enjoyed by those of old who attained such supreme spiritual heights. (A New Witness for the Articles of Faith [1985], 568) President Young taught that Zion begins when we start the process of becoming pure in heart. This begins through the first principles and ordinances of the gospel faith, repentance, baptism, and gift of the Holy Ghost. This is what is necessary to get on the strain and narrow path that leads to the Tree of Life in Lehi s Dream (see 1 Ne. 8:19-20 and 2 Ne. 31:17-18). Once on the path, two people a man and a woman then create a Zion community by entering into temple covenants and being sealed in the temple and raisie a family. President Young said: When we conclude to make a Zion we will make it, and this work commences in the heart of each person. When the father of a family wishes to make a Zion in his own house, he must take the lead in this good work, which it is impossible for him to do unless he himself possesses the spirit of Zion. Before he can produce the work of sanctification in his family, he must sanctify himself, and by this means God can help him to sanctify his family. (Teachings of Presidents of the Church: Brigham Young [1997], 112). A family is the basis of the community of Zion. President Spencer W. Kimball declared: The family is the basic unit of the kingdom of God on earth. ( Strengthening the Family Basic Unity of the Church, Ensign, May 1978, 45) Families come together to form a ward. Many wards form a stake a stake of Zion. Isaiah saw the latter-day Zion as a tent with curtains, ropes and stakes (Isaiah 54:2; 3 Ne. 22:2). Eventually this tent will spread over the whole world: Read D&C 65:2 Brigham Young ( ) President Zion will extend, eventually, all over this earth. There will be no nook or corner upon the earth but what will be in Zion. It will all be Zion. (Teachings of Presidents of the Church: Brigham Young [1997], 111). The great work of mortality then is to build Zion: Spencer W. Kimball ( ) President For many years we have been taught that one important end result of our labors, hopes, and aspirations in this work is the building of a Latter-day Zion, a Zion characterized by love, harmony, and peace a Zion in which the Lord s children are as one. The vision of what we are about and what should come of our labors must be kept uppermost in our minds as we learn and do our duty in the present implementation of welfare service. This applies equally to all Church activities. In the fifty-eighth section of the Doctrine and Covenants the Lord shares with us a glimpse of this Latter-day Zion: Ye cannot behold with your natural eyes, for the present time, the design of your God concerning those things which shall come hereafter, and the glory which shall follow after much tribulation.... Wherefore the day cometh that ye shall be crowned with much glory; the hour is not yet, but is nigh at hand. Behold, verily I say unto you, for this cause I have sent you.. that you might be honored in laying the foundation, and in bearing record of the land upon which the Zion of God shall stand (D&C 58:3-12) This day will come; it is our destiny to help bring it

3 about! Doesn t it motivate you to lengthen your stride and quicken your pace as you do your part in the great sanctifying work of the kingdom? It does me. It causes me to rejoice over the many opportunities for service and sacrifice afforded me and my family as we seek to do our part in establishing Zion. ( Becoming the Pure in Heart, Ensign, May 1978, 79-81) Brigham Young ( ) President The purpose of our life should be to build up the Zion of our God, to gather the House of Israel, bring in the fulness of the Gentiles, restore and bless the earth with our ability and make it as the Garden of Eden, store up treasures of knowledge and wisdom in our own understandings, purify our own hearts and prepare a people to meet the Lord when he comes. We have no business here other than to build up and establish the Zion of God. It must be done according to the will and law of God [see D&C 105:5], after that pattern and order by which Enoch built up and perfected the former-day Zion, which was taken away to heaven, hence the saying went abroad that Zion had fled [see Moses 7:69]. (Teachings of Presidents of the Church: Brigham Young [1997], ). 2.The Creation of the Earth The purposes of mortality were at the heart of the grand council held in the premortal realm. These were discussed in detail. Adam and Eve were sustained as acting for us to initiate mortality so that these purposes could be fulfilled. And Jesus Christ was sustained to redeem us from these fallen conditions. Consider the following quotations: Joseph Smith ( ) 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) 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 [ ], 1:121) After the plan was ratified, then it was time to create the physical earth. The scriptures provide two accounts regarding the creation of the earth. In Abraham 3:24-5:5 we find the divine council held in the premortal estate which includes the step by step plan of creating the earth. Then they put their plan into action. The second account is in Moses 2 where Moses records the vision of the creation of the earth. It is not the purpose of this course to explore those accounts as they are discussed in Old Testament and Pearl of Great Price courses. 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. To learn further about the creation of the earth see the suggested For Further Readings on the Daily Reading/Assignment Schedule. 1. The earth was created by Heavenly Father through Jesus Christ. This world was created by Jesus Christ and for Jesus Christ. This was discussed in an earlier assignment. The following are scriptural verification of this truth: Moses 1:32-33; 2:1 Hebrew 1:1-3 John 1:1-3 Colossians 1:15-16 Helaman 14:12 2. As Creator, Jesus Christ is the Rightful Ruler of the Earth We have referenced Colossians 1:16 and Hebrews 1:2 were it is made clear that all things were created by him, and for him. Christ is the rightful heir and ruler of the earth He created. John Taylor ( ) President 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. Earth 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 Heavenly Father s children. Read Abraham 3:24-25; D&C 49:15-16 Russell M. Nelson Quorum of the Twelve Apostles

4 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 It was noted earlier that this earth will become the celestial globe upon which the celestial kingdom shall reside (see D&C 88:17-20). Mark E. Petersen ( ) 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) 3. The Fall of Adam The fall of Adam initiates the purposes of our coming to mortality. Adam did only what he had to do. He partook of that fruit for one good reason, and that was to open the door to bring you and me and everyone else into this world, for Adam and Eve could have remained in the Garden of Eden; they could have been there to this day, if Eve hadn t done something. ( Adam s Role in Bringing Us Mortality, Ensign, Jan. 2006, 52-3) The story of the Fall is found in Moses 4. Like the creation, we will not discuss the story of the Fall, that handled well in Old Testament, Book of Mormon, Doctrine and Covenants, and Pearl of Great Price courses. Our purpose is to review the results of the Fall. 1. The Fall of Adam Brought About the Mortal Creation of the Earth. A. When the creation of the earth was complete, the earth was in a spiritual state physical but not mortal. The account of the placing of all life upon the earth, up and until the fall of Adam, is an account, in a sense, of the spiritual creation of all of these, but it was also a physical creation. When the Lord said he would create Adam, he had no reference to the creation of his spirit for that had taken place ages and ages before when he was in the world of spirits and known as Michael. Adam's body was created from the dust of the earth, but at that time it was a spiritual earth, Adam had a spiritual body until mortality came upon him through the violation of the law under which he was living, but he also had a physical body of flesh and bones. Now what is a spiritual body? It is one that is quickened by spirit and not by blood. Our Father in heaven and our Savior and all those who have passed through the resurrection have physical bodies of flesh and bones, but their bodies are quickened by spirit and not by blood, hence they are spiritual bodies and not blood bodies. The immortal body is quickened by spirit, but the mortal body is quickened by blood. (Doctrines of Salvation, 3 vols., [ ], 1:76) B. A Significant Change Was Needed. Russell M. Nelson Quorum of the Twelve Apostles 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. ( The Atonement, Ensign, Nov. 1996, 33)

5 C. The Fall Brought About the Mortal Creation Joseph Smith ( ) President Adam was made to open the way of the world. (Teachings of the Prophet Joseph Smith [1976],. 12) When Adam was placed in the Garden of Eden, he was in the presence of God our Eternal Father. He talked with the Father and the Father with him. But something happened, and it had to happen.... Adam came here to bring mortality upon the earth, and that resulted in the shutting out from the presence of the Eternal Father of both Adam and Eve and their posterity. ( Adam s Role in Bringing Us Mortality, Ensign, Jan. 2006,52-3) Russell M. Nelson Quorum of the Twelve Apostles 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) 2. The Results of the Fall 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: 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, 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 Harold B. Lee ( ) 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) 3. The School of Mortality Begun by Means of the Fall 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) Additional Teachings Concerning the Purposes of Mortality Not Required Reading The following are additional teachings from the scripture and prophets and apostles that give greater understanding to the four purposes of mortality stated by President Benson: Mortal Body David A. Bednar of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles 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

6 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). (From We Believe in Being Chaste, Ensign, May 2013,41-4) Spirits do not have power to procreate. The power to begat offspring is given man during mortal probation. Boyd K. Packer ( ) Quorum of the Twelve Apostles There was provided in our bodies and this is sacred a power of creation, a light, so to speak, that has the power to kindle other lights. This gift was to be used only within the sacred bonds of marriage. Through the exercise of this power of creation, a mortal body may be conceived, a spirit enter into it, and a new soul [be] born into this life. This power is good. It can create and sustain family life, and it is in family life that we find the fountains of happiness. It is given to virtually every individual who is born into mortality. It is a sacred and significant power. The power of creation or may we say procreation is not just an incidental part of the plan: it is essential to it. Without it the plan could not proceed.... It is the very key to happiness. ( Why Stay Morally Clean, Ensign, Jul. 1995, 102; emphasis added) Gain Experience With a Physical, Fallen World Lehi taught that a main purpose of mortality was to experience opposites: Read 2 Ne. 2: We often misunderstand the full meaning of Lehi s use of the word opposition. Though it is true the word can mean The act of opposing and yes, we are in a battle of opposing forces while in mortality yet, Lehi s primary meaning is Situation so as to front something else such as the opposition of two mountains (1828 American Dictionary of the English Language). Lehi is saying that everything has its opposite such as bitter and sweet, or good and evil. Howard W. Hunter ( ) President There is purpose in man s sojourn in mortality. He is placed here for a definite reason, in accordance with God s great plan. We read in Genesis the story of the creation: And the Lord God said, Behold, the man is become as one of us, to know good and evil.... (Gen. 3:22) To learn the difference between good and evil is one of the great purposes for man to have mortal life, yet he is given his freedom of choice with the promise of eternal blessings if he obeys the laws of God. (Conference Report, Oct. 1969, 112; emphasis added) First Presidency Statement: Joseph F. Smith, Anthon H. Lund, Charles W. Penrose God, doubtless, could avert war, prevent crime, destroy poverty, chase away darkness, overcome error, and make all things bright, beautiful and joyful. But this would involve the destruction of a vital and fundamental attribute in man -- the right of agency. It is for the benefit of His sons and daughters that they become acquainted with evil as well as good, with darkness as well as light, with error as well as truth, and with the results of the infraction of eternal laws. Therefore he has permitted the evils which have been brought about by the acts of His creatures, but will control their ultimate results for His own glory and the progress and exaltation of His sons and daughters, when they have learned obedience by the things they suffer. The contrasts experienced in this world of mingled sorrow and joy are educational in their nature, and will be the means of raising humanity to a full appreciation of all that is right and true and good. The foreknowledge of God does not imply His action in bringing about that which He foresees, nor make Him responsible in any degree for that which man does or refuses to do. The comprehension of this principle makes clear many questions that puzzle the uninformed as to the works and power of Deity. (Messages of the First Presidency 6 vols. [ ], 4: ) George Q. Cannon ( ) First Presidency In our pre-existent state, in our spiritual existence, I do not know how extensive our knowledge of good and evil was. That is not fully revealed. But this I do know, that when we come to earth and become clothed with mortality we do arrive at a knowledge of good and evil, and that knowledge prepares us for that future existence which we will have in the eternal worlds; it will enable us to enter upon a career that is never ending, that will continue onward and upward throughout all the ages of eternity. It is for this purpose that we are here. God has given unto us this probation for the express purpose of obtaining a knowledge of good and evil of understanding evil and being able to overcome the evil and by overcoming it receive the exaltation and glory that He has in store for us. (Gospel Truths, 2 vols. comp. Jerrald L. Newquist, [1974], 1:16-17) Neal A. Maxwell ( ) Quorum of the Twelve Apostles There is an opposition in all things" (2 Nephi 2:11). All facts are demonstrated by "their opposites," said Brigham Young. He further counseled, "We find ourselves surrounded in this mortality by an almost endless combination of opposites, through which we must pass to gain experience and information to fit us for an eternal progression. (That Ye May Bellieve [1992], 104) Read D&C 29:39. What is the purpose of eating the forbidden fruit? James E. Talmage ( ) Quorum of the Twelve Apostles) A knowledge of good and evil is essential to the advancement that God has made possible for His children to achieve; and this knowledge can be best gained by actual experience, with the contrasts of good and its opposite plainly discernible. Therefore has man been placed upon earth subject to the influence of good and wicked powers, with a knowledge of the conditions surrounding him, and the heaven-born right to choose for himself. (Articles of Faith [1978], 53-4) Mortality is a Time of Testing Ezra Taft Benson ( ) President The great test of life is obedience to God. We will prove

7 them herewith, said the Lord, to see if they will do all things whatsoever the Lord their God shall command them (Abraham 3:25). The great task of life is to learn the will of the Lord and then do it. ("The Great Commandment--Love the Lord,"Ensign, May 1988, 4) George Q. Cannon ( ) of the First Presidency We have got to be watchful, for I tell you God has sent us here to test us and to prove us. We were true in keeping our first estate. The people that are here today stood loyally by God and by Jesus, and they did not flinch. If you had flinched then, you would not be here with the Priesthood upon you. The evidence that you were loyal, that you were true and that you did not waver is to be found in the fact that you have received the Gospel and the everlasting Priesthood. Now you are in your second estate, and you are going to be tested again. Will you be true and loyal to God with the curtain drawn between you and Him, shut out from His presence, and in the midst of darkness and temptation, with Satan and his invisible hosts all around you, bringing all manner of evil influences to bear upon you? The men and the women that will be loyal under these circumstances God will exalt, because it will be the highest test to which they can be subjected. (Gospel Truth [1974], 1:7) Richard G. Scott ( ) Quorum of the Twelve Apostles Mortal life is a proving ground. God said, We will make an earth whereon these may dwell; And we will prove them herewith, to see if they will do all things whatsoever the Lord their God shall command them. (see Abr. 3:24 26 [Abraham 3:24 26].) Our proving grounds vary. Some of us are born with physical limitations; others are lonely or do not enjoy good health. Some are challenged by economic conditions, the lack of good parental example, or a myriad of other things that test our mettle. While much of the pain and sorrow we endure is the result of our own stubborn acts of disobedience, many of the things that appear to be obstacles in our path are used by a loving Creator for our own personal growth. Life never was intended to be easy. Rather, it is a period of proving and growth. It is interwoven with difficulties, challenges, and burdens. We are immersed in a sea of persistent, worldly pressures that could destroy our happiness. Yet these very forces, if squarely faced, provide opportunity for tremendous personal growth and development. The conquering of adversity produces strength of character, forges self-confidence, engenders self-respect, and assures success in righteous endeavor. One who exercises free agency by faith grows from challenges, is purified by sorrow, and lives at peace. In contrast, one who frantically seeks to satisfy appetite and worldly desire is driven in a downward spiral to tragic depths. Temptation is the motivating influence in his exercise of free agency. ("The Plan of Happiness and Exaltation," Ensign, Nov. 1981, 11) was said: The Lord has told us that it is the duty of every husband and wife to obey the command given to Adam to multiply and replenish the earth, so that the legions of choice spirits waiting for their tabernacles of flesh may come here and move forward under God s great design to become perfect souls, for without these fleshly tabernacles they cannot progress to their God-planned destiny. Thus, every husband and wife should become a father and mother in Israel to children born under the holy, eternal covenant. By bringing these choice spirits to earth, each father and each mother assume towards the tabernacled spirit and towards the Lord Himself by having taken advantage of the opportunity He offered, an obligation of the most sacred kind, because the fate of that spirit in the eternities to come, the blessings or punishments which shall await it in the hereafter, depend, in great part, upon the care, the teachings, the training which the parents shall give to that spirit. No parent can escape that obligation and that responsibility, and for the proper meeting thereof, the Lord will hold us to a strict accountability. No loftier duty than this can be assumed by mortals. (Conference Report, October 1942, 12-3; emphasis added) The Family: A Proclamation to the World (The First Presidency and Council of the Twelve Apostles) We, the First Presidency and the Council of the Twelve Apostles of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, solemnly proclaim that marriage between a man and a woman is ordained of God and that the family is central to the Creator s plan for the eternal destiny of his children... The First Commandment that God gave to Adam and Eve pertained to their potential for parenthood as husband and wife. We declare that God s commandment for His children to multiply and replenish the earth remains in force. We further declare that God has commanded that the sacred powers of procreation are to be employed only between man and woman, lawfully wedded as husband and wife. We declare the means by which mortal life is created to be divinely appointed. We affirm the sanctity of life and of its importance in God s eternal plan.... The family is ordained of God. Marriage between man and woman is essential to His eternal plan. Children are entitled to birth within the bonds of matrimony, and to be reared by a father and a mother who honor marital vows with complete fidelity. (Ensign, 1995, 102) Marriage Parenthood First Presidency Statement (Heber J. Grant, President) In the October, 1942 General Conference, J. Reuben Clark, Jr. read a message from the First Presidency to the general Church membership. Under the title of PARENTHOOD, the following