Seminary
2 Nephi 2:17–26: “Redeemed from the Fall”

“2 Nephi 2:17–26: ‘Redeemed from the Fall,’” Book of Mormon Teacher Manual (2024)

“2 Nephi 2:17–26: ‘Redeemed from the Fall,’” Book of Mormon Teacher Manual

2 Nephi 2:17–26

“Redeemed from the Fall’

Image
Leaving the Garden of Eden

Have you ever wondered how the choices Adam and Eve made thousands of years ago could still affect you? Lehi taught his children about the effects of the Fall of Adam and Eve and that with the Savior we can overcome all the challenges of mortality. This lesson can help you appreciate the Savior and His Atonement more as you understand the Fall of Adam and Eve.

Helping learners develop the ability to discuss gospel beliefs with others. Students increase their understanding when they explain the gospel. Create an environment where students feel comfortable sharing their understanding of gospel truths with others.

Student preparation: Consider inviting students to read the second article of faith and think about how they would explain it to someone else. They could also ask one or two people they trust to share with them their understanding of the second article of faith.

This preparation could be used at the beginning of the lesson or when students share what they know about the Fall of Adam and Eve.

Possible Learning Activities

Understanding leads to appreciation

Ponder the following questions:

  • On a scale of 1 to 10 (1 being “not at all” and 10 being “completely”), how much do you feel you understand and appreciate the Savior Jesus Christ and His sacrifice for you? Why?

Give students enough time to ponder the previous questions before moving on. Then invite them to share answers to the next question:

  • If someone asked you what they should do to understand and appreciate the Atonement of Jesus Christ, what would you say?

Elder Jeffrey R. Holland of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles pointed out one necessary step in better understanding the Savior’s Atonement. You may want to watch the video “Where Justice, Love, and Mercy Meet” from time code 6:51 to 7:26 or read the following statement:

Image
Elder Jeffrey R. Holland

The simple truth is that we cannot fully comprehend the Atonement and Resurrection of Christ and we will not adequately appreciate the unique purpose of His birth or His death … without understanding that there was an actual Adam and Eve who fell from an actual Eden, with all the consequences that fall carried with it. (Jeffrey R. Holland, “Where Justice, Love, and Mercy Meet,” Ensign or Liahona, May 2015, 105)

To help you evaluate how much you already know about the Fall of Adam and Eve, think about the following questions:

  • What is the Fall of Adam and Eve?

  • What effects did the Fall have on the world? on you?

  • How does the Fall fit into Heavenly Father’s plan of salvation?

  • How does the Fall help you understand and appreciate Jesus Christ and His sacrifice for you?

As you study, look for answers to these questions and ponder how understanding them may help you.

The effects of the Fall of Adam and Eve

The following paragraph is intended to help students understand what the Garden of Eden was like so they can more deeply understand the effects of the Fall. Consider inviting students to share what they know about these events, and fill in any important details.

As Lehi was preparing to die, he talked extensively to his son Jacob about the Fall of Adam and Eve. Adam, Eve, and all forms of life on earth existed in an immortal state, were not yet subject to death, and were in the presence of God. In that state, they could not become sick or die, and the garden provided food for them without their having to work to produce it. They also could not have a family. The Lord warned them that if they ate the fruit of the tree of knowledge of good and evil, they would eventually die (see Moses 3:16–17; Abraham 5:12–13). Adam and Eve’s decision to eat that fruit and the consequences for them and the rest of the world are known as the Fall.

Read 2 Nephi 2:19–23 and Alma 42:6–9, looking for consequences of the Fall. Consider marking what you find.

It might be helpful to have students collaborate in small groups or write a list on the board as a class.

It is important to understand that leaving the Garden of Eden meant Adam and Eve would be leaving the presence of God.

Consider inviting students to answer the following two questions in pairs or small groups. Explain that these questions are opinion questions, so students can share their thoughts freely and not worry about having a “right answer.”

  • How would you feel if you were Adam and Eve experiencing these consequences?

  • Do you think these effects are good, bad, or both? Why?

Read 2 Nephi 2:24–25, and think about how you would summarize these verses in your own words.

2 Nephi 2:25 is a doctrinal mastery passage. Consider marking doctrinal mastery passages in a distinctive way so you can locate them easily. You will have an opportunity in the next lesson to practice applying the doctrine taught in this passage to a question or situation.

Invite students to share how they would summarize the verses. Write any truths they mention on the board. The following is an example of one truth they might identify.

One truth Lehi taught was that the Fall was an essential part of Heavenly Father’s plan of happiness.

Take some time to reflect on why the Fall was an essential part of Heavenly Father’s plan as you read this statement by Elder Jeffrey R. Holland of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles:

Image
Elder Jeffrey R. Holland

The Fall was an essential part of Heavenly Father’s divine plan. Without it no mortal children would have been born to Adam and Eve, and there would have been no human family to experience opposition and growth, moral agency, and the joy of resurrection, redemption, and eternal life [see 2 Nephi 2:22–27; Moses 5:11]. (Jeffrey R. Holland, “The Atonement of Jesus Christ,” Ensign, Mar. 2008, 35)

  • Why was the Fall an essential part of Heavenly Father’s plan?

As part of this question, you may want to have students mark and discuss the phrase “men are, that they might have joy” in 2 Nephi 2:25. You could ask questions like the following:

Why is it important to understand that even as we face the consequences of the Fall, Heavenly Father still wants us to feel joy? What does this teach you about Him?

We still need help

Although the consequences of the Fall are part of our Heavenly Father’s plan and are intended to help us progress, we cannot feel true joy without divine help.

You may want to list the scriptures below on the board and have students study them silently and ponder them carefully.

Carefully read 2 Nephi 2:26, looking for how it will be possible to overcome the Fall’s effects and feel joy. Then read Moses 5:10–11, noticing what truths led Adam and Eve to rejoice.

  • What did you learn?

  • Why do you think Adam and Eve rejoiced after learning about the Fall and the Atonement of Jesus Christ?

After students share, they could revisit the four self-evaluation questions from the beginning of the lesson and see how well they can answer them now. If necessary, repeat any material in the lesson to help clarify their understanding. Another way to help students think about what they have learned in this lesson is to share the following scenario and invite students to share how they would respond.

Imagine that in a discussion with a friend, you notice that she does not appreciate the Savior or His Atonement.

  • What knowledge about the Fall of Adam and Eve could help her appreciate the Savior and His Atonement?

Consider bearing your testimony of the truths taught in this lesson.