The Fall

1. The Fall
1. Sin vs. Transgression

i. “It was Eve who first transgressed the limits of Eden in order to initiate the conditions of mortality. Her act, whatever its nature, was formally a transgression but eternally a glorious necessity to open the doorway toward eternal life. Adam showed his wisdom by doing the same. … “… We celebrate Eve’s act and honor her wisdom and courage in the great episode called the Fall. … Elder Joseph Fielding Smith said: ‘I never speak of the part Eve took in this fall as a sin, nor do I accuse Adam of a sin. … This was a transgression of the law, but not a sin.’ … “This suggested contrast between a sin and a transgression reminds us of the careful wording in the second article of faith: “We believe that men will be punished for their own sins, and not for Adam’s transgression” (italics added). It also echoes a familiar distinction in the law. Some acts, like murder, are crimes because they are inherently wrong. Other acts, like operating without a license, are crimes only because they are legally prohibited. Under these distinctions, the act that produced the Fall was not a sin—inherently wrong—but a transgression—wrong because it was formally prohibited. These words are not always used to denote something different, but this distinction seems meaningful in the circumstances of the Fall” (Elder Dallin H. Oaks in Conference Report, Oct. 1993, 98; or Ensign, Nov. 1993, 73).

2. Results of the Fall

i. Beginning with Adam and Eve, the spirit children of God the Father are provided mortal tabernacles

ii. All mankind would experience physical and spiritual death

iii. Opposition is necessary for our growth – trial and tribulations in all things

iv. We have the capacity to choose good or evil and receive the blessings or consequences

v. The plan of redemption is revealed, which brings joy and eternal life if we follow it.

2. Atonement – must be taught together with the Fall
1. Moses 6:59
2. That by reason of transgression cometh the fall, which fall bringeth death, and inasmuch as ye were born into the world by water, and blood, and the spirit, which I have made, and so became of dust a living soul, even so ye must be born again into the kingdom of heaven, of water, and of the Spirit, and be cleansed by blood, even the blood of mine Only Begotten; that ye might be sanctified from all sin, and enjoy the words of eternal life in this world, and eternal life in the world to come, even immortal glory;
3. Rule Over Her
1. Moses 4:22
2. Thy desire shall be to thy husband, and he shall rule over thee.
3. President Spencer W. Kimball said: “I have a question about the word rule. It gives the wrong impression. I would prefer to use the word preside because that’s what he does. A righteous husband presides over his wife and family” (“The Blessings and Responsibilities of Womanhood,” Ensign, Mar. 1976, 72).
4. Obedience
1. Moses 5:5 - 6
2. 5 And he gave unto them commandments, that they should worship the Lord their God, and should offer the firstlings of their flocks, for an offering unto the Lord. And Adam was obedient unto the commandments of the Lord.
3. 6 And after many days an angel of the Lord appeared unto Adam, saying: Why dost thou offer sacrifices unto the Lord? And Adam said unto him: I know not, save the Lord commanded me.
4. The Prophet Joseph Smith said, “Whatever God requires is right, … although we may not see the reason thereof till long after the events transpire” (Teachings of the Prophet Joseph Smith, sel. Joseph Fielding Smith [1976], 256).
5. Find Joy in Trials
1. 2 Nephi 2:25
2. Adam fell that men might be; and men are, that they might have joy.
3. Moses 5:10 - 11
4. 10 And in that day Adam blessed God and was filled, and began to prophesy concerning all the families of the earth, saying: Blessed be the name of God, for because of my transgression my eyes are opened, and in this life I shall have joy, and again in the flesh I shall see God.
5. 11 And Eve, his wife, heard all these things and was glad, saying: Were it not for our transgression we never should have had seed, and never should have known good and evil, and the joy of our redemption, and the eternal life which God giveth unto all the obedient.
6. 3 John 1:4
7. I have no greater joy than to hear that my children walk in truth.
6. Teach Freely
1. Moses 6:57 - 58
2. 57 Wherefore teach it unto your children, that all men, everywhere, must repent, or they can in nowise inherit the kingdom of God . . .
3. 58 Therefore I give unto you a commandment, to teach these things freely unto your children
4. Freely from Noah Webster Dictionary 1828

i. Voluntarily

ii. Plentifully - in abundance

iii. Without scruple or reserve – with no doubt or hesitation

iv. Without impediment or hinderance – without the things of life getting in the way

v. Spontaneously – whenever there is a teaching moment

vi. Liberally; generously

vii. Gratuitously – free, with no claim of merit or compensation