Abraham 3; Moses 4:1-4 The Pre-Mortal Existence of Mankind
Notes and Teachings
All non-scriptural quotes are highlighted in blue.
Introduction make my rulers; for he stood among those that were This lessons focuses on teachings regarding the pre- spirits, and he saw that they were good.” (Abraham mortal existence of man as found in Abraham and 3:22) Moses. The doctrine of premortality is essential to In the words of the Prophet Joseph Smith: maintaining a proper perspective of mortal life. Elder “God himself, finding he was in the midst of spirits and Neal A. Maxwell (1926-2004), member of the Quorum of glory, because he was more intelligent, saw proper to the Twelve Apostles, taught that institute laws whereby the rest could have privilege to advance like himself.” [Teachings of the Prophet Joseph the adversary relentlessly uses the absence or Smith, sel. Joseph Fielding Smith, (1976), p. 354] disbelief of this doctrine to shrink man’s perspective. We know little more than this of what our conditions One-dimensional man with only a one-dimensional was then. Nor does it serve useful purpose to speculate view of the world will surely focus upon the cares of or wrest the scriptures seeking after mysteries. (Mine the world, yielding to the things of the moment. Errand from the Lord: Selections from the Sermons and Writings of Boyd K. Packer [2008], pp 7-8; emphasis added) (“Premortality, a Glorious Reality,” Ensign, Nov. 1985, p.17). The teachings found in Abraham 3 and Moses 4 are Though we lack full understanding of the pre-mortal crucial. These verses speak of (1) the growth and realm of mankind, the scriptures gives us certain vital development of God’s spirit offspring, (2) a council that information that is essential to understand. President was held regarding the creation of the earth, and (3) a Boyd K. Packer of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles war! observed: Abraham 3 introduces us to all three of these important teachings. Joseph Fielding McConkie, Professor of No more profound truth has been conveyed to us in the Religion at Brigham Young University, describes the Restoration than the knowledge of our premortal layout of this chapter in these words: existence. No other church knows or teaches this truth. The doctrine is give only in outline form, but salient facts No teaching device is used more effectively or are repeated often enough in the revelations to assure us frequently in the scriptures to expand understanding of certain fundamental truths. than "likening" the principle being taught to something The facts are these. already understood by those being instructed. This is We lived in the presence of God our Eternal Father what is taking place in Abraham 3. The chapter divides prior to our mortal birth. itself into very natural parts: the first seventeen verses We use such words as omnipotent and omniscient to deal with planets and their relationship one to another; describe Him and feel them inadequate. Should not the the last eleven verses speak of pre-earth spirits and word God be enough? Does it not bespeak such glory their relationships one to another. At first glance, it may that without the presence of priesthood power of appear that Abraham is dealing with two separate ideas, godliness, mortal man could not behold His face and each deserving a chapter of its own. A more careful live? reading, however, reveals that the second part of the He is Elohim our father. The familiar word father chapter is a deliberate restatement of the first. Each reverently spoken does not demean him but greatly lifts principle describing the relationship of one star or planet us up. to another proves to be equally descriptive of the nature The scriptures teach us that we are His offspring, His and relationship of pre-earth spirits one to another. The children. revelation on planets ends in the eighteenth verse And they further teach intelligence, or spirit, has where the revelation on pre-earth spirits begins. The existed from all eternity. We know also that we were two parts of the revelation are welded at that point with individuals. We are told more than once in the the words "as, also," which is simply to say what is true revelations that we were clothed in a spirit body. We of the stars is "also" true of the spirits. (“The Heavens know no more than that the spirit body was created in Testify of Christ,” in Studies in Scripture, Vol. 2: The Pearl of Great the image of our Father. Price, ed.s Robert L. Millet and Kent P. Jackson [1998], 240) The most fundamental of all endowments given to us is agency. To repeat, the few crucial facts we know about our status in premortal life: “man was also in the Abraham 3:2-5. Christ and Kolob beginning with God.” We lived in the presence of God our Eternal Father; we are His offspring. Intelligence, Abraham learned of premortality through an object or spirit, was organized as spirit bodies before the lesson. The object from which the lessons were derived world was. We were endowed with agency. Authority was a vision of the universe, which was used as a type had been conferred and leaders chosen. and shadow of Christ and the premortal spirits. Abraham From the scriptures: was first shown many great (large) stars with one star, “God saw these souls that they were good, and he Kolob, being “nearest unto the throne of God” (Abraham stood in the midst of them, and he said: These I will 3:2). Joseph Fielding McConkie offered the following observations regarding the symbolism of Kolob: "many great ones . . . near unto" Kolob (Christ) (v. 2). 2. These stars were the "governing ones" (v. 3). The leading role in the vision of the planets obviously 3. All stars are to sustain or be governed by "the great one" goes to Kolob. We can summarize what we learn (v. 3). Each ruling star has a "set time" for its revolutions. about Kolob from the text and Facsimile #2 as follows: 4. The star with the longer "set time" rules above the star with the lesser "set time" (vv. 4-7). 5. Anytime there is a star with a set time that has another star above it, then there will be another "planet whose 1. "The name of the great one is Kolob, because it is near reckoning of time shall be longer still" (v. 8). That is, for every unto [God]" (v. 3). star there is a greater star until we come to Kolob (Christ), for 2. Kolob is "after the manner" or in the likeness of the Kolob (Christ) "is set nigh unto the throne of God, to govern Lord (v. 4). all those planets which belong to the same order" (v. 9). 3. Kolob is the "first creation" (v. 2; Fac. 2:1). 6. To Abraham the Lord said: "It is given unto thee to know 4. Kolob is the "nearest unto the throne of God" (v. 2; Fac. the set time of all the stars that are set to give light, until thou 2:1). come near unto the throne of God" (v. 10). 5. Kolob is "first in government" (Fac. 2:1) and is "to govern all those which belong to the same order" (v. 3). Now note what Abraham is taught concerning the 6. Kolob holds "the key of power" (Fac. 2:2). 7. There are "many great ones" near Kolob; these are the pre-earth spirits: governing ones (vv. 2-3). 8. Kolob is the source of light for others (Fac. 2:5). 1. Abraham was shown that among the great hosts of 9. "Kolob is the greatest of all the Kokaubeam [stars] . . . pre-earth spirits many had–through "exceeding faith and because it is nearest unto [God]" (v. 16). good works" (Alma 13:3)–merited the designation "noble and great" (v. 22). The reader is now invited to compare the 2. Of these "noble and great" spirits the Lord said, "These I will make my rulers" (v. 23). characteristics of Kolob with scriptural descriptions of 3. Those spirits who rebelled at the choice of Christ as their Christ: Redeemer were cast out (vv. 27-28). 4. All prophets of God were subject to the discipline of the 1. The name of the Savior is "the Great I Am" (D&C 29:1). house of God. None knew this principle better than Abraham. 2. Christ is in the "brightness" of God's "glory, and the 5. Abraham was also told that whenever there were two express image of his person" (Heb. 1:3). spirits, one more intelligent than the other, "then there shall 3. "I was in the beginning with the Father," Christ said, be another more intelligent than they" (v. 19). "and am the Firstborn" (D&C 93:21). 6. Though it is not recorded for us, Abraham undoubtedly 4. Christ is described as being "in the bosom of the had revealed to him some knowledge of the destiny and Father" (D&C 76:25). mission of his fellow prophets. Such experiences were 5. Christ has promised, "I will be your ruler when I come" common to the ancient seers. (D&C 41:4). Prophesying of his coming, Isaiah said, "the government shall be upon his shoulder" (Isa. 9:6). He is Recognizing the relationship between Kolob and "Lord of lords, and Kings of kings" (Rev. 17:14). Christ and between the stars and the spirits gives 6. It is Christ who holds the keys of all power. All who hold keys in the kingdom of God here on earth received them purpose to this revelation. A revelation on astronomy under his direction (D&C 132:45), and an accounting of how pales in importance to a revelation setting forth the all keys and authority have been used will yet be made to order and nature of the kingdom of God. Abraham was him (see Dan. 7:9-14). the head of a dispensation, the man through whom all 7. Joseph and Hyrum Smith, along with Brigham Young, peoples of the earth in that day were to receive the John Taylor, and Wilford Woodruff, are specifically saving principles of the gospel. One cannot reject a mentioned as being "among the noble and great ones who prophet–let alone the prophet chosen to stand at the were chosen in the beginning to be rulers in the Church of head of one's dispensation–and expect to stand God" (D&C 138:55). approved of God. The message and the messenger are 8. Christ is the source of "light which is in all things, which inseparable; one cannot have the one without the other. giveth life to all things, which is the law by which all things are governed" (D&C 88:13). When the Lord said to Abraham, "I show these things 9. Christ was the greatest of all the pre-earth spirits. He is unto thee before ye go into Egypt, that ye may declare described as being "like unto God" (Abr. 3:24). all these words" (v. 15), did the Lord have in mind that Abraham be a visiting professor of astronomy, or a Kolob in this revelation is an obvious symbol or witness of Christ? Surely it is of lesser importance what representation of Christ. (“The Heavens Testify of Christ,” in the Egyptians knew about the revolutions of planets if Studies in Scripture, Vol. 2: The Pearl of Great Price. Ed.s Robert they had no idea of how they are to receive a remission L. Millet and Kent P. Jackson [1998], 240-241) of sins or become citizens in the kingdom of God. Yet, as is often the case, the great difficulty in missionary Abraham 3:2-18. Stars and Spirits work is simply getting people to listen to the message. And what better way to captivate the attention of the Egyptians than to first teach them of Kolob and the Abraham was also shown both stars and spirits in the stars, and then having done so to say, "Now, behind all vision. Joseph Fielding McConkie has noted the that I have taught you about heavenly bodies there following similarities between them: stands an even greater truth, a truth through which you become the inheritors of endless blessings-this is the The stars or planets in Abraham 3, with their various truth about God and his eternal plan for the salvation of rotations, provide a natural parallel with the "noble and all his children." (“The Heavens Testify of Christ,” in Studies in great ones" described in the latter part of the chapter. Scripture, Vol. 2: The Pearl of Great Price. Ed.s Robert L. Millet and W e can summarize this likeness as follows Kent P. Jackson [1998], 241-243) concerning the nature and order of the planets: 1. "The stars . . . were very great" (v. 2). There were Abraham 3:19. “I am more intelligent than they world of sin and wickedness” (Conference Report, October 1945, all.” 46). Again, he observed: “Between the extremes of the “noble and the great” spirits, whom God would make His Of this verse, President J. Reuben Clark, Jr. (1871- rulers (see Abraham 3:22-23), and the disobedient and 1961), member of the First Presdiency, said: “Now, I am the rebellious, who were cast out with Satan, there were not going to try to tell you what that principle means, or obviously many spirits with varying degrees of where it leads; all I want to get out of that is that here are faithfulness” (The Teachings of Harold B. Lee. Ed. Clyde Williams three intelligences, spirits, and that they are not equal, [1996], 23). even the two are unequal. There is the one, there is the second more intelligent than the first, and there is the Abraham 3:23. Foreordination third more intelligent than the other two.” (Conference Report, October 1956, 83). Abraham learned that many were foreordained in the What did this inequality consist of? Elder John A. premortal existence to fulfill particular assignments in Widtsoe (1872-1952) of the Quorum of the Twelve mortality. What is the doctrine of foreordination? From Apostles offers this answer: True to the Faith, a gospel reference guide produced by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, we learn The beings in the "spirit world"– whence humanity the following: “In the premortal spirit world, God appointed comes–are alike in that they possess the right of free certain spirits to fulfill specific missions during their mortal agency; they are unlike in that they do not choose, nor lives. This is called foreordination.” We also learn that have they chosen, alike. Consequently, the inhabitants “Foreordination does not guarantee that individuals will of the spirit world, as in our world, with the same receive certain callings or responsibilities. Such beginnings and opportunities, differ in the degree or opportunities come in this life as a result of the righteous stage of their development. There is therefore in the exercise of agency, just as foreordination came as a result spirit world as on earth a gradation among individuals of righteousness in the premortal existence.” Though all in knowledge and power from the lowest to the highest, leaders of the Church were foreordained to their callings, from the least advanced to the God who represents all “The doctrine of foreordination applies to all members of knowledge, power, and good. Those who lag behind in the Church, not just to the Savior and His prophets. the march towards progression are not necessarily Before the creation of the earth, faithful women were evil. They are chiefly enemies to themselves as they given certain responsibilities and faithful men were loiter along the highway of eternity, though they do foreordained to certain priesthood duties. Although you do hinder the purposes of the Lord who seeks the ultimate not remember that time, you surely agreed to fulfill salvation of all His children. (Evidences and Reconciliations significant tasks in the service of your Father. As you [1960], .208) prove yourself worthy, you will be given opportunities to fulfill the assignments you then received” (“Foreordination,” Abraham 3:22. The Progress and Development in True to the Faith [2004], 69–70). of Spirits The term foreordination seems to apply to priesthood callings alone. Elder Neal A. Maxwell spoke of women as In the vision, Abraham was shown “the intelligences being foredisignated: “Premortality is not a relaxing that were organized before the world was.” He saw that doctrine. For each of us, there are choices to be made, the progression and development of the spirits divided incessant and difficult chores to be done, ironies and God’s offspring into those who had become “noble and adversities to be experienced, time to be well spent, great” while others were less valiant (Abraham 3:22). talents and gifts to be well employed. Just because we President Howard W. Hunter (1907-1995) taught that were chosen “there and then,” surely does not mean we “Our spirits were begotten by God and have had an can be indifferent “here and now.” Whether foreordination extensive period of growth and development in the spirit for men, or foredesignation for women, those called and prepared must also prove “chosen, and faithful” world, where we came to know God and to comprehend (“Premortality, a Glorious Reality,” Ensign, Nov. 1985, 17; emphasis the nature of spiritual realities” (The Teachings of Howard W. added). Hunter [1997], 12). Elder M. Russell Ballard of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles described life in the premortal realm:”Life in our Abraham 3:24-28. The Council Concerning heavenly home was a little different from life on earth, as Mortality we weren't subject to the frailties and challenges of mortality. But we were still very much involved with Abraham was shown a council that was held regarding learning and growing, maturing and developing; and we man’s mortal experience. President Ezra Taft Benson had meaningful association with one another. We had (1899-1994) gave us this description of the council: the opportunity in our premortal existence to make decisions and choices, and some of us proved to be The council was called so that every man and woman better at that than others” (Our Search for Happiness [1993] , could sustain the provisions of the Father’s plan, which 70). required that all people obtain mortal bodies, be tried President Harold B. Lee (1899-1973) spoke of and proven in all things, and have opportunity to choose inequality of progress made by God’s spirit offspring: “In of their own free will to obey the laws and ordinances the spirit world there were some who were valiant–more essential to their exaltation. valiant than others–in choosing to do good, and thus they Because a fallen condition was an essential part of became the noble and great ones of whom the Lord said, this plan, an infinite, eternal sacrifice was also required ‘These I will make my rulers’ (Abraham 3:23), and so in to redeem us from this state. We are all familiar with the this earth, coming through a chosen lineage, those noble facts: how Lucifer – a personage of prominence – and great ones are expected, as members of the Church sought to amend the plan, while Jehovah sustained the and kingdom of God in every age, to be rulers of the plan. The central issue in that council, then, was: Shall the children of God have untrammeled agency to Now with the decree issued that he should redeem and choose the course they should follow, whether good or save mankind, that his atonement would enable men to evil, or shall they be coerced and forced to be become like their Father and God, and that the obedient? Christ and all who followed Him stood for the purposes of the Eternal Elohim should be brought to former proposition–freedom of choice; Satan stood for pass in full. (The Promised Messiah [1981], 48-52) the latter–coercion and force. Because Satan and those who stood with him would not accept the vote of the council, but rose up in rebellion, they were cast Moses 4:1-4. The Fall of Satan and the War in down to the earth, where they have continued to foster Heaven the same plan. The war that began in heaven is not yet over. The conflict continues on the battlefield of Abraham reported that after the Savior was chosen, mortality. And one of Lucifer’s primary strategies has “the second was angry, and kept not his first estate; and, been to restrict our agency through the power of at that day, many followed after him” (Abraham 3:28). earthly governments. Proof of this is found in the long Moses was shown the fall of Satan declaring that “Satan history of humanity. (Teachings of Ezra Taft Benson [1983], 23- rebelled” against the Father and the Son “and sought to 24) destroy the agency of man” (Moses 4:1-4). Joseph Smith and Sidney Rigdon saw of vision of the fall of Satan in There is a persistent belief among some members of February of 1832: the Church that two plans were presented in the council–one by Christ and the other by Satan. And that And this we saw also, and bear record, that an angel after “the war in heaven” Christ’s plan was chosen or of God who was in authority in the presence of God, adopted by the Father. This is false! Elder Bruce R. who rebelled against the Only Begotten Son whom the McConkie stated: “God ordained the plan. He Father loved and who was in the bosom of the Father, established it. It is his plan. It was not adopted by the was thrust down from the presence of God and the Son, Father following one suggestion coming from Christ and And was called Perdition, for the heavens wept over another originating with Lucifer. The Father is the author him–he was Lucifer, a son of the morning. And we of the plan of salvation, a plan that he created so that beheld, and lo, he is fallen! is fallen, even a son of the Christ, his Firstborn, plus all the rest of his spirit children morning! (D&C 76:25-27) might be saved” (The Promised Messiah [1978], 48-52). In fact, as President John Taylor (1808-1887) declared, “the President John Taylor said the following regarding proposition of Lucifer was an act of rebellion” (Mediation Abraham 3:24-26 and Moses 4:1-4: and Atonement [1882], 98). From the above we gather: First, that the proposition Abraham 3:27-28. “Whom shall I send?” of Lucifer was an act of rebellion “against me”–God. Second, that God had already decreed that man The Father’s plan required man to come to a fallen, should have his free agency, and this agency had been mortal condition. In order to save mankind from this given to him by the Lord, as it is said, “which I, the Lord fallen condition, it was necessary to send a savior to the God, had given him.” mortal world. In the council, Abraham heard the Father Third, that Lucifer coveted and asked for a power ask, “Whom shall I send?” (Abraham 3:27). There were which was the prerogative of the Almighty and alone two responses. Elder Bruce R. McConkie discussed belonged to God; and which He called “mine own what happened: power.” Fourth, that for this rebellion Lucifer was cast out and Two spirits of renown, two men of power and became Satan. influence, two whose voices had been heard by all the Fifth, that the power by which he was cast out, was by hosts of heaven, stepped forth to answer the Father’s a certain power of Priesthood which had been conferred call, “Whom shall I send?” (Abr. 3:27.) One was Christ, by God on His Only Begotten; for he said, “By the power the other Lucifer. Our Lord said: “Father, thy will be of mine Only Begotten I caused that he should be cast done, and the glory be thine forever.” (Moses 4:2.) down.” That is: ‘Father, I accept all of the terms and conditions Sixth, the being cast down and becoming Satan, of thy plan. I will do thy will. I will go down as thy Son, “even the devil, the father of lied,” his office was to the Only Begotten in the flesh. With thy help I will atone deceive and to blind men; as it is stated, “to deceive, for the sins of the world, and will ascribe the honor and and to blind men, and to lead them captive at his will, the glory unto thee in all things.’ even as many as would not hearken unto my voice.” Lucifer said: “Behold, here am I, send me, I will be (Mediation and Atonement [1882], 93-98) thy son, and I will redeem all mankind, that one soul shall not be lost, and surely I will do it; wherefore give me thine honor.” (Moses 4:1.) That is: ‘I reject thy plan. I am willing to be thy Son and atone for the sins of the world, but in return let me take thy place and sit upon thy throne. Yea, “I will ascend into heaven, I will exalt my throne above the stars of God; . . . I will be like the most High.”(Isa. 14:13-14.)
The Father said: “I will send the first.” (Abraham 3:27)
From the beginning the destined Deliverer had adopted, advocated, and sponsored the Father’s plan. Additional Notes and Teachings
Abraham 3:1. What is the Urim and Thummim? If the Lord declares that intelligence, something which we do not fully understand, was co-eternal with The Encyclopedia of Mormonism gives this explanation him and always existed, there is no argument that we of a Urim and Thummim: can or should present to contradict it. Why he cannot create intelligence is simply because intelligence, like The Urim and Thummim is mentioned in the Bible time and space, always existed, and therefore did not and, with added details about its use and significance, have to be created. However, intelligences spoken of in latter-day scriptures. It is an instrument prepared by in the Book of Abraham were created, for these are God through which revelation may be received. spirit children of God, begotten sons. (Answers to Gospel Abraham learned about the universe through the Urim Questions, 5 Vols. [1963], 3:125) and Thummim (Abr. 3:1-4). The Prophet Joseph Smith "through the medium of the Urim and Some of our writers have endeavored to explain what Thummimtranslated the [Book of Mormon] by the gift an intelligence is, but to do so is futile, for we have and power of God" (HC 4:537; D&C 10:1; JS-H 1:62). never been given any insight into this matter beyond Servants of God who are allowed to use the Urim and what the Lord has fragmentarily revealed. We know, Thummim have been known as seers (Mosiah 8:13), however, that there is something called intelligence among whom were Abraham, Moses, the brother of which always existed. It is the real eternal part of man, Jared, Mosiah 2, Alma 1, Helaman 1, Moroni 2, and which was not created nor made. This intelligence Joseph Smith. combined with the spirit constitutes a spiritual identity In Antiquity at least two different Urim and Thummim or individual. (Answers to Gospel Questions, 5 Vols. [1963], existed, and possibly three. Chronologically, the brother 4:127) of Jared received the first known one (D&C 17:1). This
same set came into the hands of Mosiah 2 and other Book of Mormon prophets, subsequently being Man is the Offspring of God the Father deposited with the gold plates (JS-H 1:35). The fate of the second set, given to Abraham (Abr. 3:1), remains • Apostle Paul unknown. Unless Abraham's Urim and Thummim had For in him we live, and move, and have our being; as been passed down, Moses received a third set certain also of your own poets have said, For we are mentioned first in Exodus 28:30. The Urim noted in 1 also his offspring. Forasmuch then as we are the Samuel 28:6, probably an abbreviated form of Urim offspring of God, we ought not to think that the and Thummim, was most likely the one possessed by Godhead is like unto gold, or silver, or stone, graven by Moses (cf. Num. 27:18-21). What happened to this one art and man's device. (Acts 17:28-29). is also unknown, though certainly by postexilic times the Urim and Thummim were no longer extant (Ezra Furthermore we have had fathers of our flesh which 2:63; Neh. 7:65). corrected us, and we gave them reverence: shall we Joseph Smith described the Urim and Thummim as not much rather be in subjection unto the Father of "two transparent stones set in the rim of a [silver] bow spirits, and live? (Hebrew 12:9). fastened to a breast plate" (HC 4:537; JS-H 1:35). Biblical evidence allows no conclusive description, • except that it was placed in a breastplate over the heart (Ex. 28:30; Lev. 8:8). Urim and Thummim is the transliteration of two Hebrew words meaning, respectively, "light(s)" and "wholeness(es)" or "perfection(s)." W hile it is usually assumed that the -im ending on both words represents the Hebrew masculine plural suffix, other explanations are possible. (Encyclopedia of Mormonism, 4 vols. Ed. Daniel H. Ludlow [1992], 4:1499-1500)
The following are teachings regarding various aspects of the Premortal Existence of Man.
The Intelligent State of Man
•Doctrine and Covenants Man was also in the beginning with God. Intelligence, or the light of truth, was not created nor made, neither indeed can be .... For man is spirit. The elements are eternal, and spirit and element inseparably connected, receive a fulness of joy; and when separated, man cannot receive a fulness of joy. (D. & C. 93:29, 33-34)
• President Joseph Fielding Smith (1876-1972): President Marion G. Romney (1897-1988) of the First origin and come to us from mortal elements. Our spirits Presidency: were begotten by God and have had an extensive In origin, man is a son of God. The spirits of men “are period of growth and development in the spirit world, begotten sons and daughters unto God” (D&C 76:24). where we came to know God and to comprehend the Through that birth process, self-existing intelligence nature of spiritual realities. Some of our Father’s sons was organized into individual spirit beings. (“The Worth of developed spiritual talents to a marked degree, and they Souls,” Ensign, Nov. 1978, 14) were foreordained to spiritual callings in mortality whereby their talents would be utilized to administer •First Presidency Statement - 1909 (Joseph F. Smith, salvation to our Father’s children. (The Teachings of Howard John R. Winder, Anthon H. Lund): W. Hunter [1997], 12) The doctrine of the pre-existence, revealed so plainly, particularly in latter days, pours a wonderful flood of • Elder M. Russell Ballard of the Quorum of the Twelve light upon the otherwise mysterious problem of man’s Apostles: origin. It shows that man, as a spirit, was begotten and Before the world was created, we all lived as the spirit born of heavenly parents, and reared to maturity in the children of our Heavenly Father. Through a natural eternal mansions of the Father, prior to coming upon process of inheritance we received in embryo the traits the earth in a temporal body to undergo an experience and attributes of our Heavenly Father. W e are His spirit in mortality. It teaches that all men existed in the spirit children. Some of what our Eternal Father is, we have before any man existed in the flesh, and that all who inherited. What he has become we may become. (For have inhabited the earth since Adam have taken bodies scriptural enlightenment on this important concept, and become souls in like manner. (“The Origin of Man,” please see Acts 17:29 and Romans 8:16.) Ensign, Feb 2002, 26; also Messages of the First Presidency, 6 Life in our heavenly home was a little different from Vols. [1971], 4:.205-206) life on earth, as we weren't subject to the frailties and
challenges of mortality. But we were still very much The Divine Potential of Man involved with learning and growing, maturing and developing; and we had meaningful association with • First Presidency Statement (Joseph F. Smith) one another. We had the opportunity in our premortal Man is the child of God, formed in the divine image existence to make decisions and choices, and some of and endowed with divine attributes, and even as the us proved to be better at that than others. ... infant son of an earthly father and mother is capable in Our Heavenly Parents' love and concern for us due time of becoming a man, so the undeveloped continues to this very moment. In our wonderful, offspring of celestial parentage is capable, by pre-earth home we had the opportunity to learn many experience through ages and aeons, of evolving into a eternal truths. Our Heavenly Father wanted us to God. (“Origin of Man,” Messages of the First Presidency, 6 Vols. develop every godly quality, for He knew that although [1971], 4:205-206) each of us is unique, we all have within us the seeds of godhood. Indeed, we yearned to be like Him. But He • President Lorenzo Snow (1814-1901) understood that we could only progress to a certain We were born in the image of God our Father; He point without the wisdom of experience through begot us like unto Himself. There is the nature of deity mortality, including the trials and temptations that come in the composition of our spiritual organization; in our to all of us as a direct result of our physical bodies. spiritual birth our Father transmitted to us the Therefore our Father's plan was created to help us capabilities, powers and faculties which He Himself reach our full potential. It would be difficult and possessed -- as much so as the child on its mother’s sometimes painful-for Him, perhaps, as well as for us. bosom possesses, although in an undeveloped state, But He knew it was the only way His children could grow the faculties, powers, and susceptibilities of its parent. and improve. (Our Search for Happiness [1993], 70) (Teachings of Lorenzo Snow [1984], 4) • Bruce R. McConkie (1915-1985) of the Quorum of the • President Ezra Taft Benson (1883-1975) Twelve Apostles: As God’s offspring, we have His attributes in us. We No two persons are born with the same talents and are gods in embryo, and thus have an unlimited capacities; no two are rooted in the same soil of potential for progress and attainment. (Teachings of Ezra circumstances; each is unique. The cares of this world, Taft Benson [1988], 21) gold and honor and power and renown, the lusts of the flesh the chains of past sins and a thousand other • Elder M. Russell Ballard of the Quorum of the Twelve thing–all exert their influence upon us. But in the final Apostles: sense the answer stems back to premortality. We all Before the world was created, we all lived as the lived as spirit beings, as children of the Eternal Father, spirit children of our Heavenly Father. Through a for an infinitely long period of time in the premortal natural process of inheritance we received in embryo existence. There we developed talents, gifts, and the traits and attributes of our Heavenly Father. We are aptitudes; there our capacities and abilities took form; His spirit children. Some of what our Eternal Father is, there, by obedience to law, we were endowed with the we have inherited. What he has become we may power, in one degree or another, to believe the truth and become. (Our Search for Happiness [1993], 70) follow the promptings of the Spirit. And the talent of greatest worth was that of spirituality, for it enables us to hearken to the Holy Spirit and accept that gospel Progress and Development of Spirits which prepares us for eternal life. Men are not born equal. They enter this life with the • President Howard W. Hunter (1907-1995) talents and capacities developed in pre-existence. ... While on earth, we are dual beings comprised of a And as it is with the prophets, so is it with all the physical body and a spirit. Our bodies are of recent chosen seed. “God’s elect,” as Paul calls them a plan or commandment that had not been given; for (Romans 8:33), are especially endowed at birth with rebellion signifies a violation of law, command, or spiritual talents. It is easier for them to believe the authority; and he was cast out of heaven because of the gospel than it is for the generality of mankind. Every rebellion. living soul comes into this world with sufficient talent to This rebellion could not have existed without a free believe and be saved, but the Lord’s sheep, as a agency; for without a free agency they would all have reward for their devotion when they dwelt in his been compelled to do the will of the Father. But having presence, enjoy greater spiritual endowments than their the free agency, they used it; and Lucifer and a third fellows. (A New Witness for the Articles of Faith [1985], 34) part of the angels were cast out because they rebelled and used this agency in opposition to their Heavenly The Grand Council and War in Heaven Father. And not only because they rebelled, but because, as stated, “they sought to destroy the agency • President John Taylor (1808-1887) of man,” and their agency would have been used in [President Taylor’s original long paragraphs have opposition to the interest, happiness and eternal been divided into shorter paragraphs for easier exaltation of mankind, which were proposed to be reading.] accomplished through the atonement and redemption It is evident that at that council certain plans had provided by Jesus Christ. [Quotes D&C 29:36-39; been proposed and discussed, and that after a full 76:25-28). discussion of those principles, and the declaration of There are other questions mixed up with this rebellion the Father’s will pertaining to His design, Lucifer came besides those above referred to, and those questions before the Father, with a plan of his own, saying, are directly connected with the atonement. “Behold I, send me, I will be thy Son, and I will redeem In the event of man having his free will and being all mankind, that one soul shall not be lost, and surely subject to the power of temptation, the weakness of the I will do it; wherefore, give me thine honor.” But Jesus, flesh, the allurements of the world, and the powers of on hearing this statement made by Lucifer, said darkness, it was known that he must necessarily fall, “Father, they will be done, and the glory be thine and being fallen, it would be impossible for him to forever.” redeem himself, and that, according to an eternal law of From these remarks made by the well beloved Son, justice, it would require an infinite, expiatory atonement we should naturally infer that in the discussion of this to redeem man, to save him from the effects and ruin subject the Father had made known His will and of the Fall, and to place him in a condition where he developed His plan and design pertaining to these could again reinstated in the favor of God, according to matter, and all that His well beloved Son wanted to do the eternal laws of justice and mercy; and find his way was to carry out the will of His Father, as it would back to the presence of the Father. Satan (it is appear had been before expressed. He also wished possible) being opposed to the will of his Father, wished the glory to be given to His Father, who, as God the to avoid the responsibilities of this position, and rather Father, and the originator and designer of the plan, had than assume the consequences of the acceptance of a right to all the honor an glory. But Lucifer wanted to the plan of the Father, he would deprive man of his free introduce a plan contrary to the will of his Father, and agency, and render it impossible for him to obtain that then wanted His honor, and said: “I will save every soul exaltation which God designed. of man, wherefore give me thine honor.” He wanted to It would further seem probable that he refused to take go contrary to the will of his Father, and the position of redeemer, and assume all the presumptuously sought to deprive man of his free consequences associated therewith, but he did agency, thus making him a serf, and placing him in a propose, as stated before, to take another plan and position in which it was impossible for him to obtain that deprive man of his agency, and he probably intended to exaltation which God designed should be man’s, make men atone for their own acts by an act of through obedience to the law which He had suggested; coercion, and the shedding of their own blood as an and again, Lucifer wanted the honor and power of his atonement for their sins; therefore, he says, “I will Father, to enable him to carry out principles which were redeem all mankind, that one soul shall not be lost; and contrary to the Father’s wish. surely I will do it; wherefore, give me thine honor.” His And further, in regard to agency; if man had not had plan, however, was rejected as contrary to the counsel his agency, or if he had been deprived of his agency, of God, his Father, The well beloved Son than he could not have been tempted of the devil, or of any addressed the Father, and instead of proposing to carry other power; for if they will of God prevailed, and was out any plan of his own, knowing what His Father’s will carried out without man’s action or agency, it would was, said, “Thy will be done;” `I will carry out thy plans have been impossible for him to have done anything and thy designs, and, as man will fall, I will offer myself wrong, for he would have been deprived of the power as an atonement according to thy will, O God. Neither of doing that wrong. This was the position that Satan do I wish the honor, but thine be the glory;’” and a desired to place not only the spirits in the heavens, but covenant was entered into between Him and His Father, also mankind upon the earth. And Satan said, “Surely in which He agreed to atone for the sins of the world; I will save every one of them, wherefore, give me thine and He thus, as stated, became the Lamb slain from honor.” before the foundation of the world. But God’s plan was different from this, and, as stated [Quotes Abraham 3:24-26 and Moses 4:1-4] above, had been decided upon in the Councils of From the above we gather: First, that the proposition heaven; and the Father had made a decree as to how of Lucifer was an act of rebellion “against me”–God. these things should be done; and that both the Second, that God had already decreed that man inhabitants of heaven and the inhabitants of the earth should have his free agency, and this agency had been should have their free agency. It was against this that given to him by the Lord, as it is said, “which I, the Lord Lucifer rebelled; and he could not have rebelled against God, had given him.” Third, that Lucifer coveted and asked for a power which was the prerogative of the Almighty and alone belonged to God; and which He called “mine own power.” Fourth, that for this rebellion Lucifer was cast out and became Satan. Fifth, that the power by which he was cast out, was by a certain power of Priesthood which had been conferred by God on His Only Begotten; for he said, “By the power of mine Only Begotten I caused that he should be cast down.” Sixth, the being cast down and becoming Satan, “even the devil, the father of lied,” his office was to deceive and to blind men; as it is stated, “to deceive, and to blind men, and to lead them captive at his will, even as many as would not hearken unto my voice.” (Mediation and Atonement [1882], 93-98)