03 - Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden

Genesis 2:1-3 describes the completion of the heavens and the earth, and God resting on the seventh day.
The term "rest" doesn't imply inactivity, but a refreshing change.
In scriptures, "rest" can also symbolize entering into the Lord's rest, or the celestial kingdom (Doctrine and Covenants 84:24).
God's work and glory involve creating and bringing to pass immortality and eternal life.

There are three creations associated with the earth:
- Spirit Creation: An initial creation that is not detailed in the scriptures, though alluded to in Moses 3:5.
- Spiritual (Non-Mortal) Creation: A creation where things are created spiritually before being naturally on the earth. Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden existed in this state, with tangible, physical bodies but in a non-mortal condition.
- Mortal Creation: Introduced by the Fall, bringing mortality to the earth and its inhabitants.
A fourth phase of creation will occur at the Resurrection, leading to an immortal creation and the celestialization of the earth.

Genesis 2:9 highlights that one purpose of creation is to fulfill our aesthetic sense, alongside practical needs.
The beauty of nature enriches and fulfills human life.
Psalms (e.g., Psalms 29) exemplify praising God for the beauty and majesty of creation.
Doctrine and Covenants 59:17-19 states that the good things of the earth are made to please the eye, gladden the heart, and strengthen the body and soul.

Genesis 2:18-25 discusses the creation of woman and the relationship between man and woman.
God recognizes that it's not good for man to be alone and creates a help meet
Before creating Eve, God brings animals to Adam to see if they are a suitable match.
The creation of woman from Adam's rib signifies equality, compatibility, and complementarity.
The Hebrew word for "cleave" suggests a tight, inseparable relationship, prioritizing the bond between husband and wife above all others.

A priesthood holder should accept his wife as an equal partner in the leadership of the home, involving her fully in all decisions.
While the husband presides, it should be with shared responsibility, considering his wife's feelings and counsel.
Operating independently of his wife constitutes unrighteous dominion.

The concept of becoming "one flesh" emphasizes the truth that the unit of exaltation is a husband and wife.
Exaltation requires commitment to the Lord and the Atonement.
Sexual relations within marriage are a sacred expression of this oneness, while sexual immorality shatters covenants.

President Joseph Fielding Smith taught that God the Father performed the marriage of Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden.
Since they were immortal at the time, this first marriage was eternal, setting the pattern for eternal marriage.

Satan appears to Adam and Eve and seeks to destroy God's plan. (Pearl of Great Price Chapter 4)
He puts his intent into the heart of the serpent, seeking to beguile Eve, but is playing into God's plan by providing essential opposition.
Satan mixes truth with falsehood, promising that they will be as gods, knowing good and evil.

Satan uses the serpent as a symbol to give validity to his temptations.
The serpent is also a symbol for Christ, as seen in the story of the brazen serpent (Numbers 21:4-9).
In ancient times, the serpent was a symbol of royalty, kingship, and messianic power.
Satan attempts to usurp the authority of Christ by promising things only the Messiah can offer.

The Fall is a fundamentally important and necessary element of God's plan.
Adam and Eve introduce mortality into the world, enabling the exercise of agency and progression.
Through their actions, they move the creation from a spiritual, physical state to a fallen, mortal world.
The Fall allows for testing, trying, and sifting, enabling individuals to act as agents and fulfill God's purposes.
Adam and Eve should be viewed as noble parents who made a difficult but necessary choice.
Adam and Eve understood the blessings that would come from their choice to bring mortality into the world (Moses 5).

Adam prophesies concerning all the families of the earth, rejoicing that his eyes are opened and that he will have joy and see God.
Eve expresses gladness that, were it not for their transgression, they never should have had seed, known good and evil, or experienced the joy of redemption and eternal life.

The Atonement of Jesus Christ overcomes the effects of the Fall.
Individuals are not held accountable for Adam's transgressions, but are responsible for their own sins.
Gratitude should be felt for Adam and Eve's choices, which allow for mortality and progression.