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Lds Beliefs Adam Eve - Mormon Doctrine Studies - Posted: 18th Jun, 2005 - 8:59pm
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LDS Beliefs About Adam - & Eve
In another thread, the question was posed: "Where was Adam before God put him in the Garden of Eden?"
According to modern-day revelation and scripture, Adam was (Is) Michael, the archangel, a special servant to God and Jesus Christ. (D&C 107:54) Michael lived with them in the pre-mortal existence (As did we all in our spirit form before we were born) in what most of us (Christians and other faiths) call heaven.
QUOTE The Prophet taught that during this period of the spirit existence Adam received the priesthood: "He obtained the First Presidency, and held the keys of it from generation to generation. He obtained it in the Creation, before the world was formed" (Teachings of the Prophet Joseph Smith, comp. Joseph Fielding Smith [1979], 157). He was chosen to be the head of the mortal family and was instructed in his role as our earthly progenitor (See Teachings, 158)
These sources reveal that Adam and Eve were taught the gospel long before they were in Eden. Indeed, life before Eden was obviously a time of preparation for their important ministry. In the premortal realm, Adam was known as Michael 1 and led "The faithful angels of heaven against Lucifer. As a result, Lucifer was cast out of heaven to the earth (See Rev. 12:7-9). Mark E. Petersen, "Adam, the Archangel," Ensign, Nov. 1980, 16
These sources reveal that Adam and Eve were taught the gospel long before they were in Eden. Indeed, life before Eden was obviously a time of preparation for their important ministry. In the premortal realm, Adam was known as Michael 1 and led "The faithful angels of heaven against Lucifer. As a result, Lucifer was cast out of heaven to the earth (See Rev. 12:7-9). Mark E. Petersen, "Adam, the Archangel," Ensign, Nov. 1980, 16
We also believe that Michael assisted Christ with creating the world:
QUOTE Michael was directly involved in the preparation of the physical world in which he and his posterity would undergo a mortal probation. Elder Bruce R. McConkie of the Quorum of the Twelve wrote: "Christ and Mary, Adam and Eve, Abraham and Sarah, and a host of mighty men and equally glorious women comprised that group of 'the noble and great ones," to whom the Lord Jesus said: "We will go down, for there is space there, and we will take of these materials, and we will make an earth whereon these may dwell." (Abr. 3:22-24; emphasis added.) Robert L. Millet, "The Man Adam," Ensign, Jan. 1994, 8
These articles from the Ensign magazine, and plenty more information, can be found at Source 1 in the Gospel Library.
"D&C" = the book of Doctrine and Covenants
"Abr" = The Book of Abraham ( in the Pearl of Great Price)
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Eve and Adam Beliefs LDS
Another point is that by taking the fruit of the tree of knowledge, Adam was breaking a dietary law, thus causing his body to become corruptible. This puts a whole new spin on the nature of his transgression, removing it from a deep moral sin into a simple eating habit - so to speak.
LDS Beliefs About Adam - & Eve Studies Doctrine Mormon
A key difference between LDS beliefs and most other Christian churches is how we view Adam and Eve. Most other christians view Adam and Eve as having let us down by committing the sin of eating the forbidden fruit. They believe we would be so much better off if Adam and Eve had not trangressed in such a manner.
However, from the LDS perspective, this sin was necessary for man's progression. Since we came here to be tested and tried, it was necessary for good and bad to be available as choices. We needed to become mortal as part of this transition and this didn't happen until Adam and Eve ate of the fruit.
Post Date: 14th Jun, 2005 - 8:00pm / Post ID: #
Eve and Adam Beliefs LDS
It seems unfair that Adam and Eve should have been punished so severely for something that was necessary. Did they have any choice in the matter? Did they know it was necessary? Did God want them to do what they did, therefore, even though he told them not to?
Why did we have to become mortal to be tested and tried? Surely, Michael, Gabriel, Lucifer and the other angels were tested in the war of angels (sorry, I can't remember the correct terminology.)
Did Adam know that he was/had been an archangel. And if so, did he really get ticked off about being made a man?
And I don't understand why the Bible doesn't tell us all this - that Adam is really Michael, etc.
Genesis specifically says "And the LORD God formed man of the dust of the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and man became a living soul."
Nothing about Michael or angels. In fact, it says man became a living soul. He wasn't alive until that moment (or wasn't a soul, which I guess is the same thing, unless you argue that angels don't have souls.)
Even the Book of Mormon, which mentions Adam in several places, does not mention Michael by name, and certainly not in the context of Adam and Michael as the same being.
Where does this idea that Adam was/is Michael come from?
Eve and Adam Beliefs LDS
| QUOTE |
| Where does this idea that Adam was/is Michael come from? |
From our dear Prophet and founder Joseph Smith. I think is in 1842 (I could be a bit wrong in the exact date) he received the visit of Adam or Michael and by revelation he was told that Adam and Michael the Archangel are in fact the same individual.
There are also a couple of LDS scriptures that confirmed this. One is in Doctrine and Covenants 107: 54 "And the Lord appeared unto them, and they rose up and blessed Adam, and called him Michael, the prince, the archangel."
And the other one is in Doctrine and Covenants 128: 21 "And again, the voice of God in the chamber of old aFather Whitmer, in Fayette, Seneca county, and at sundry times, and in divers places through all the travels and tribulations of this Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints! And the voice of Michael, the archangel; the voice of Gabriel, and of Raphael, and of divers angels, from Michael or Adam down to the present time, all declaring their edispensation, their rights, their fkeys, their honors, their majesty and glory, and the power of their priesthood; giving line upon line, precept upon precept; here a little, and there a little; giving us consolation by holding forth that which is to come, confirming our hope!"
Hope it helps.
LDS Beliefs About Adam - & Eve
| QUOTE |
| It seems unfair that Adam and Eve should have been punished so severely for something that was necessary. Did they have any choice in the matter? Did they know it was necessary? Did God want them to do what they did, therefore, even though he told them not to? |
I don't see it as such a severe punishment. They were forced to live life like we do. I don't think life is so bad, do you?
As far as having choice, they did have a choice, but Heavenly Father also knew what choice they would make. That is why they were chosen (one reason anyway). This doesn't mean they had no choice. I knew when my son was young that if I offered him $1 today or $5 in two days, he would take the $1 today. Did that mean he had not choice? Of course not, but I still knew what he would do.
| QUOTE |
| Did they know it was necessary? Did God want them to do what they did, therefore, even though he told them not to? Why did we have to become mortal to be tested and tried? Surely, Michael, Gabriel, Lucifer and the other angels were tested in the war of angels (sorry, I can't remember the correct terminology.) Why did we have to become mortal to be tested and tried? |
They had no memory of their pre-existance so they did not know it was necessary or not necessary. However, since they ate from tree of knowledge, it was definately necessary. Otherwise how could they come to know what was a good choice or a bad choice? If you don't know right from wrong, how can you be held accountable? If you don't have an understanding of good and bad, right or wrong, how can you be tested to see what you will do when faced with such decisions?
I do believe it was part of the plan for them to do what they did. I believe it is what Heavenly Father wanted, but I think is was necessary for it to happen in this way as a choice to disobey so that it could be an example of consequences for choices made. Also, so that everything would be just from that point forward.
Edited: funbikerchick on 14th Jun, 2005 - 9:49pmPost Date: 14th Jun, 2005 - 11:07pm / Post ID: #
LDS Beliefs Adam & Eve
I was interested to see your reference to Prophet Joseph Smith. I had only heard about him in vague terms before, but I looked him up and read a little of his biography.
| Message Edited! Edited by LDS_forever: Mike, your question about Joseph Smith is offtopic since the thread is about LDS beliefs about Adam and Eve. Please make a search to see if you find a thread that deals specifically with Joseph Smith within this board, otherwise, just start a new topic about it. Thanks. |
Edited: LDS_forever on 15th Jun, 2005 - 2:21pmPost Date: 18th Jun, 2005 - 8:59pm / Post ID: #
LDS Beliefs Adam & Eve Mormon Doctrine Studies
| QUOTE |
| ...the question was posed: "Where was Adam before God put him in the Garden of Eden?" |
Quotes from the Official Publications of the Church--Brigham Young:
| QUOTE |
| "Now hear it, O inhabitants of the earth, Jew and Gentile, Saint and sinner! When our Father Adam came into the Garden of Eden, he came into it with a Celestial Body, and brought Eve, one of his wives, with him...He is our Father and our God, and the only God with whom we have to do. Every man upon the earth, professing Christians or non-professing, must hear it, and will know it sooner or later...Now, let all who may hear these doctrines, pause before they make light of them, or treat them with indifference, for they will prove their salvation or damnation." Journal of Discourses; Vol 1, p.50. Eliza R. Snow: "When Brigham Young proclaimed to the nations that Adam was our Father and God, and Eve, his partner, the Mother of a world--both in a mortal and a Celestial sense--he made the most important revelation ever oracled to the race since the days of Adam, himself." Women of Mormendom; p. 196-7. The Ultimatum of Human Life Eliza R. Snow Adam, your God, like you on earth, has been Subject to sorrow in a world of sin: Through long gradation He arose to be Clothed with the Godhead's might and majesty. And What to him in his probative sphere, Whether a Bishop, Deacon, Priest or Seer? Whate"er his offices and callings were, He magnified them with assiduous care: By his obedience he obtained the place Of God and Father of this human race. Obedience will the same bright garland weave, As it has done for your great Mother, Eve, For all her daughters on the Earth, who will All my requirements sacredly fulfill. And what to Eve, though in her mortal life, She"d been the first, the tenth, or fiftieth wife? Whether by fools, considered small, or great? "Twas all the same with her--she"d prove her worth-- She's now the Goddess and Queen of Earth. Joseph Smith Taught the Principle: "Adam is Michael the Archangel the Father of Jesus Christ, and is our God, and Joseph Smith taught this principle." Journal of Wilford Woodruff; Dec 16, 1857. "...Brother Pratt also thought that Adam was made of the dust of the earth, could not believe that Adam was our God or the Father of Jesus Christ. President young said that he was, that He came from another world, and made this, and brought Eve with him, partook of the fruits of the earth, begat children and they were earthly and had mortal bodies. And if we were faithful we should become Gods as he was. He told Brother Pratt to lay aside his philosophical reasoning, and get revelation from God to govern him and enlighten his mind more, and it would be a great blessing to lay aside his books and go into the canyons as some of the rest of us were doing..." Journal of Wilford Woodfruff; Sept 17, 1854. "He (Brigham Young) said that our God was Father Adam. He was the Father of the Saviour Jesus Christ. Our God was no more or less than Adam, Michael the Archangel. Journal of Wilford Woodruff; Feb. 19, 1854. "I tell you more, Adam is the Father of our spirits. He had lived upon an earth; He did abide his creation, and did honor to his calling and Priesthood, and obeyed His master or Lord, and probably many of his wives did the same and they lived, and died upon an earth and then were resurrected again to immortality and eternal life." Brigham Young; 24th Semi-annual Conference. Oct 8, 1854. "Father Adam's oldest Son (Jesus the Saviour) who is the heir of the family is Father Adam's first begotten in the Spirit World, who according to the flesh is the Only Begotten as it is written." L. John Nuttal Journal; 1834-1905 vol. 1, Feb. 7, 1877. "The Adam-God doctrine as taught by President Brigham Young further states that Jesus, the Son of Mary in mortality, was also the mortal son of Adam. Which means that after having lived for approximately one thousand years on this earth as a mortal man, Adam in a translated state visited Mary, she conceived and brought forth Jesus..." Harold E. Singer. The Adam-God Doctrine; BYU; Provo, Ut, 1972. p. 18. Prophecy in Bible of Adam's Return: "I beheld til the thrones were cast down, and the Ancient of Days did sit, whose garment was white as snow, and the hair of his head like the pure wool: His throne was like the fiery flame, and wheels as burning fire. A fiery stream issued and came forth from before him: thousand thousands ministered unto him, and ten thousand stood before him: the judgment was set, and the books were opened." Daniel 7:9,10.? |
I must bear testimony that I know the above doctrine is true, no matter how controversial it may be. Adam indeed came into the Garden with a celestial (resurrected from an older earth) body, but not before he had begotten all the spirits to be born into mortality on this earth. He is our Father and our God as testified by Brigham Young, Eliza R. Snow and many others.
TOPIC: LDS Beliefs About Adam - & Eve