Some Important Principles, Doctrines, and Events
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God ended His work of creating the heaven and the earth and rested on the seventh day (see Moses 3:2). He blessed and sanctified the seventh day (see Moses 3:3; see also Exodus 20:8–11; JST, Mark 2:26–27).
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God created all things spiritually before they were naturally upon the face of the earth (see Moses 3chapter heading; Moses 3:5–7; see also D&C 29:31–32; Abraham 3:22–23).
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To be created “spiritually” appears to have at least two meanings: to be planned in advance, and to be formed as a living being with individual identity and a spirit body (see Moses 3:5–7; see also Moses 3:19; 6:51).
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Adam was the first spirit child of God to receive a body of flesh and bones upon this earth (see Moses 3:7; see also 1 Corinthians 15:45; 1 Nephi 5:11; D&C 27:11; Moses 1:34).
Suggestions for Teaching
Overview of Moses 3. Additional Insights into the Creation
Tell students that the Lord taught Moses about some of the details of the Creation. Assign groups of students to read and then report to the class what is taught in the verses from Moses 3cited below. Ask each group to write three questions that can be answered in the verses they study. Have them ask their questions and invite the class to discuss the answers:
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1.
Verses 4–7 (all things were created spiritually before they were naturally upon the face of the earth).
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2.
Verses 8–9 (the creation of Adam).
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3.
Verses 9–20 (life in the garden for Adam, before the creation of Eve).
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4.
Verses 21–23 (the creation of Eve).
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5.
Verses 24–25 (the marriage of Adam and Eve by God).
Moses 3:1–3. God Rested from His Labors
Invite students to read Moses 3:1–3and then tell what they think the word restmeans in these verses (see also the commentary for Moses 3:2–3in the student manual, p. 9). How can we apply this meaning to our Sabbath day observance?
Moses 3:5. Spirits and a Spiritual Creation
Review with students the statements by President Joseph Fielding Smith and by the First Presidency in the commentary for Moses 3:5in the student manual (p. 9). Ask students to suggest how this verse affects their views of chronological age and time. Ask how this verse affects their view of animal and plant life. Ask if they can suggest other implications of Moses 3:5. Help students understand how this verse might enlarge their views of the eternal plan of God (for example, mortal life is but a short segment of our actual life).
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