Doctrinal Mastery: 2 Nephi 2:25

Do you think you could describe what an elephant or a gorilla is without using its name? To practice explaining things to others, think of how you would describe these animals.

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African elephant

Some parts of Heavenly Father’s plan can be difficult to explain, including the Fall of Adam and Eve. In a previous lesson, you studied about the Fall. Read 2 Nephi 2:25, thinking about what you learned. Recall that the Fall was an essential part of Heavenly Father’s plan of happiness.

Write down how you would explain the Fall of Adam and Eve to an eight-year-old and why the Fall is important to understand.

Practice memorizing the doctrinal mastery passage. One way to practice memorizing it is to divide the scripture reference and key scripture phrase into the following five segments:

• 2 Nephi 2:25

• “Adam fell

• that men might be;

• and men are,

• that they might have joy.”

Write these segments on a piece of paper, and repeat each segment as you point to it. Then erase or cover words or phrases while repeating the scripture. Continue until everything has been erased and you can repeat the scripture reference and key scripture phrase from memory.

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icon, record

1. On a blank sheet of paper, without looking at any notes, try writing all three principles of acquiring spiritual knowledge.

   Leave sufficient space in between each principle for additional notes. You will add notes to this page throughout the remainder of the lesson.

   • How well did you remember the principles of acquiring spiritual knowledge?

If you need help remembering these principles, refer to the Doctrinal Mastery Core Document (2023).

Use these principles in the following scenario:

While learning about the Fall of Adam and Eve in his Sunday School class, Gideon is surprised to hear his teacher say that the Fall is an essential part of Heavenly Father’s plan of salvation. He begins thinking of all the negative things that can happen because of the Fall—sin, death, sickness, disability, mental illness, trials, and many more. He realizes that the things he complains about the most are often consequences of the Fall. He wonders how the Fall could possibly be something that Heavenly Father would have wanted to happen.

• How would you use the principles of acquiring spiritual knowledge and the doctrine of the Fall to help address Gideon’s concern?

Review paragraphs 11–12 in the “Acquiring Spiritual Knowledge” section of the Doctrinal Mastery Core Document.

• How might you use this principle to address Gideon’s concern?

Review paragraphs 8–10 in the “Acquiring Spiritual Knowledge” section of the Doctrinal Mastery Core Document.

• How might you use this principle to address Gideon’s concern?

Review paragraphs 5–7 in the “Acquiring Spiritual Knowledge” section of the Doctrinal Mastery Core Document.

• How might you use this principle to address Gideon’s concern?