Creation
Overview
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.
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).
Related Topics
Scriptures
Scripture References
Scripture Study Resources
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Topical Guide, “Creation,” “God, Creator”
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Guide to the Scriptures, “Create, Creation”
Messages from Church Leaders
Videos
“Culminating Act of All Creation”
“The Creation”
“God’s Greatest Creation”
Learning Resources
General Resources
Patricia T. Holland, “Filling the Measure of Your Creation,” BYU Speeches
George S. Tate, “Obedience, Creation, and Freedom,” BYU Speeches
“The Antemortal Godship of Christ,” Jesus the Christ, chapter 4
Church Magazines
Keith Meservy, “Four Accounts of the Creation,” Ensign, January 1986
Mark J. Nielsen, “The Wonder of the Creation,” Ensign, March 2004
Diane L. Mangum, “Heavenly Father and Jehovah Created the World,” Friend, February 2010
Joshua Larson, “The Measure of Our Creation,” Ensign, January 2014
“The Earth Was Created for Heavenly Father’s Children,” Friend, February 2013
Christy Monson, “Bobby’s Creation,” Friend, May 1986
Study Manuals
Teachings of Presidents of the Church
Stories
Teaching Resources
Teaching Outlines
Stories and Activities for Teaching Children
“Creation,” Lesson Helps for Teaching Children