Lesson Notes

In the scriptures we have three major accounts of the Creation. They are found in Genesis, Moses and Abraham. Since Moses was the author of Genesis the accounts in Genesis and Moses are similar with more information given in Genesis. Abraham's account differs slightly. Elder Bruce R. McConkie stated, "The Mosaic accounts set forth the temporal or physical creation, the actual organization of element or matter into tangible form. They are not accounts of the spirit creation. Abraham gives a blueprint as it were of the Creation. He tells the plans of the holy beings who wrought the creative work...Then he says they performed as they had planned, which means we can, by merely changing the verb tenses and without doing violence to the sense and meaning, also consider the Abrahamic account as one of the actual creation. (McConkie, 1982) The scriptures tell us, "I, the Lord God, created all things, of which I have spoken spiritually, before they were naturally upon the face of the earth." (Moses 3:7) Every living thing, both plant and animal, that is found on the earth was created and lived as a spirit prior to its appearance on earth.

When It was time for us to leave that spirit work and enter mortality a place was prepared for us. By the power of the Priesthood, which is the power and authority to act in God's name, Jesus Christ created this earth and everything in it. It was ordered and organized and then the work commenced. There were seven periods of creation, all under the direction of our Heavenly Father. Existent matter was organized and formed into this earth. Atmosphere was formed that would support life. Dry land was separated from water and plants were placed. The Sun, Moon and Stars were put in place and started their rotation and orbit. Sea animals birds, and fish were formed. Land animals were created and put in their place. All with the power to multiply after their own kind. The animals are obedient to the commands and directions that God gave to them. Finally God created Man, his finest creation. Man was created in the image of God and was placed on the earth and given dominion over all the animals on earth. Then God rested from all his labors.

Just as all matter and the elements were obedient to God in the formation of the earth, we should be obedient to all the commands of God. When we consider all the creations, we begin to understand what wise, powerful, and loving beings Jesus Christ and our Heavenly Father are. They have shown great love for us by providing for all of our needs. Plant life and animal life were made to give us joy. "Men are that they might have joy." (2 Nephi 2:25)

NEXT WEEK: "The Love of God" President Uchtdorf October General Conference address. Saturday AM session. Nov. Ensign page 76