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Creation

Under the direction of Heavenly Father, Jesus Christ created the heavens and the earth (see Mosiah 3:8; Moses 2:1). From scripture revealed through the Prophet Joseph Smith, we know that in the work of the Creation, the Lord organized elements that had already existed (see Abraham 3:24). He did not create the world "out of nothing," as some people believe.

Additional Information

The scriptures also teach that Adam was "the first man of all men" (Moses 1:34). God created Adam and Eve in His own image and in the image of His Only Begotten (see Moses 2:26–27).

The Creation is an integral part of Heavenly Father's plan of salvation. It gives each of us the opportunity to come to the earth, where we receive a physical body and exercise our agency. In the premortal Council of the Gods, the following declaration was made: "We will go down, for there is space there, and we will take of these materials, and we will make an earth whereon these may dwell; and we will prove them herewith, to see if they will do all things whatsoever the Lord their God shall command them" (Abraham 3:24–25).

See also God the Father; Jesus Christ; Plan of Salvation

—See True to the Faith (2004), 44–45

 

Scripture References

Genesis 1–2; Hebrews 1:1–2; 1 Nephi 17:36; D&C 38:1–3; 59:16–20; Moses 1–3; Abraham 4–5

Church Magazine Articles

  • "The Atonement"

    Russell M. Nelson, Ensign, Nov. 1996, 33–36
    The purposes of the Creation, the Fall, and the Atonement all converge on the sacred work done in temples of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

  • "Four Accounts of the Creation"

    Keith Meservy, Ensign, Jan. 1986, 50–53
    Each of these four accounts offers valuable insight into the process and purposes of the Creation.

  • "Christ and the Creation"

    Bruce R. McConkie, Tambuli, Sept. 1983, 21–33; or Ensign, June 1982, 9–15
    An understanding of the doctrine of creation is essential to salvation.

  • "The Wonder of the Creation"

    Mark J. Nielsen, Ensign, Mar. 2004, 60–65
    The very creation of the earth is a manifestation of God's love for us.

  • "Gospel Classics: The Origin of Man"

    Ensign, Feb. 2002, 26–30
    In 1909, amid controversy and questions about the Creation and the theory of evolution, the First Presidency issued this article, which expresses the Church's doctrinal position.

  • "The Creation"

    Russell M. Nelson, Liahona, July 2000, 102–5; or Ensign, May 2000, 84–86
    Grand as it is, planet Earth is part of something even grander—that great plan of God. Simply summarized, the earth was created that families might be.

  • " 'In the Beginning': A Latter-day Perspective"

    Robert J. Woodford, Ensign, Jan. 1998, 12–19
    Modern revelation through the Prophet Joseph Smith clarifies the events described in Genesis 1–3, putting them into perspective.

Additional Online Materials