Lessons on the Plan of Salvation
Lesson No. Four

The Creation and Fall - Real Events Described Both Literally and Symbolically

Real events are described using symbols and metaphors – It is important to understand that the creation, the fall, and the atonement were real events that are described both literally and symbolically.  The following examples illustrate this principal: 

The Creation, Fall, and Atonement. Compilation featuring a photograph of the Eagle nebula via nasa.gov, The Expulsion of Adam and Eve from Paradise by Benjamin West, and Christ in the Garden of Gethsemane by Heinrich Hofmann. From www.bookofmormoncentral.com.

  • Eve being created from Adam’s rib is a metaphor which teaches beautiful doctrine – The following quote was recommended by President Thomas S. Monson as a timeless pattern for marriage:  “The woman was made out of a rib of the side of Adam; not out of his head to rule over him, nor out of his feet to be trampled upon by him, but out of his side to be equal with him, under his arm to be protected, and near his heart to be beloved.”
  • The tree of life represents immortality and eternal life.  (See 1 Nephi 15:36) 
  • The tree of knowledge of good and evil represents mortality and all that pertains to it.
  • Partaking of the fruit represents the choice to experience the tests and growth of mortality.
  • Cherubim and a flaming sword – Adam was prevented from partaking of the tree of life or he would have lived forever [in his sins] …having no space for repentance” (Alma 42:5).  Mortality is a necessary “probationary state; a time to prepare to meet God” (Alma 12:24).
  • The serpent is symbolic of Satan – Whether there was an actual serpent in the garden is not as important as knowing that Satan is real.  Many in our day do not believe in the devil or hell (see 2 Nephi 28:22), and therefore, according to the law of opposites, they do not believe in God or in heaven either.  Satan tempted Adam and Eve, and it is Satan who tempts us.  Satan can have no power over us that we don’t give him. 
  • The “coats of skins” given to Adam and Eve were real but had a symbolic meaning – After Adam and Eve had eaten of the forbidden fruit, but before they were expelled from the garden, they were taught the law of sacrifice.  Animals were slain that Adam and Eve might be clothed in “coats of skins” (Moses 4:27).  Adam and Eve were taught about sacrifice, and that the shedding of the animals’ blood was in similitude of the atoning blood of Jesus Christ (Moses 5:7).  Thus, the garments given to Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden were to serve as a constant reminder that through the atoning blood of Christ they could be protected from all the negative effects of a fallen world.

Elohim, Jehovah, and Michael are real, and their work is the greatest of all eternal truths

  • Elohim is the Father of our spirits and is ultimately the Creator of all things.  He is perfect in His love for his children.  The greatest manifestation of His love is His gift to us of eternal life through the atonement of Jesus Christ.   (See 1 Nephi 15:36)
  • Jehovah is the Lord Jesus Christ who worked out an infinite and eternal atonement – He acted under the Father’s direction in the creation of the earth.   He is the First-Born spirit child of the Father, and His Only Begotten Son in the flesh.
  • Michael participated in the creation of the earth, and is Adam who brought about the fall – Michael is a spirit son of the great Elohim.  He led the armies of righteousness in the war in heaven.  He was “the first man of all men” (Moses 1:34).  

Testimony – These doctrines concerning Elohim, Jehovah, and Michael are real, prefect, and eternal.  They form the foundation of the Father’s plan of salvation for his children.