Moses 1; Abraham 3: Lesson 3

Abraham 3

The Premortal Life

Visit “Studying the Scriptures” to help prepare yourself spiritually to learn.

In a vision, Jehovah (Jesus Christ) showed Abraham our existence as spirits “before the world was” (see Abraham 3:22–28). Who were we before? How can knowing more about our premortal existence help us now? This lesson can help you understand how a knowledge of the premortal life in Heavenly Father’s plan can help you in your life.

Study the Scriptures

What are some of the things you know about your premortal life?

Read the brief overview about our premortality. Look for truths about our purpose and how this knowledge can help you.

Premortality refers to our life before we were born on this earth. …

Throughout our premortal life, we developed our identity and increased our spiritual capabilities. Blessed with the gift of agency, we made important decisions, such as the decision to follow Heavenly Father’s plan. These decisions affected our life then and now. We grew in intelligence and learned to love the truth, and we prepared to come to the earth, where we could continue to progress. (Topics and Questions, “Premortality,” Gospel Library)

Respond to the following questions in your notebook:

• How can knowledge about the premortal life help you now?

• How can we continue learning “to love the truth”?

Abraham recorded an experience that can help us understand more about the premortal life. Abraham was born about 2,000 years before the birth of Jesus Christ. He recorded a few details of his life along with visions he received from God that can be found in the book of Abraham. This record originated from scrolls of papyrus discovered in Egypt and purchased by members of the Church. This record was then revealed to the Prophet Joseph Smith by the gift and power of God. You can learn more in Church History Topics, “Book of Abraham Translation.”

Read Abraham 3:11–12, 21, and mark truths you learn about Jesus Christ. Make a note in your scriptures responding to the following questions.

• How might understanding these truths about Jesus Christ influence you now?

• How have you witnessed or experienced these truths about the Savior in your life?

After learning of the premortal greatness of Jesus Christ (see Abraham 3:16–21), Abraham also learned about our premortal existence. Read Abraham 3:22–23, looking for what Abraham learned in his vision about premortal life. It may be helpful to know that “intelligences” in these verses refer to premortal spirits. Consider tagging this passage with a “premortal life” tag in your scriptures.

Abraham 3:22–23 is a doctrinal mastery passage. Consider tagging doctrinal mastery passages with the topic they teach so you can find them easily later. To help you memorize, consider repeating three times, out loud, the reference and key scripture phrase “As spirits we ‘were organized before the world was.’”

Create a note next to Abraham 3:22–23 that includes the following truth: God chose His noble and great spirit children to become rulers before they were born. This is often referred to as foreordination. In your note, include your response to the following questions.

• What do you think Abraham may have learned or understood better because of this experience?

• How do you think the world’s definition of “noble and great” would be different than the Lord’s?

In a worldwide devotional, President Russell M. Nelson spoke of one way the truth taught in Abraham 3 applies to you.

You are among the best the Lord has ever sent to this world. You have the capacity to be smarter and wiser and have more impact on the world than any previous generation! ( “Hope of Israel” [worldwide youth devotional, June 3, 2018], Gospel Library)

The Lord knows you from your premortal life and has confidence in you. Reflect on what you are already doing and what you might start doing to “have more impact on the world.”

Review the following study options. Complete one or more.

Option A

How can a knowledge of my premortal life bring me closer to Christ?

Imagine that someone in your class is unsure how Abraham 3:22–23 applies to them.

Prepare the following in your notebook:

• A summary of what Abraham 3:22–23 and President Nelson taught

• Ideas for how you or other youth could affect others for good or bring them closer to Jesus Christ

• How you feel your understanding of the premortal life can help you in your life

Option B

How can I share what I am learning?

Read the following attitudes and ponder why some people may think and feel this way.

Person #1: I’m not sure why I’m here. I don’t really know if there is a greater purpose to it.

Person #2: I’m alive to have fun. I just make the most of life and enjoy myself.

Prepare two or more statements of truth about the premortal life that you could share with these individuals. Include how knowing these truths has helped you. Then, using what you have learned and prepared, ask a friend or family member to role-play with them as Person #1 or Person #2. Consider sharing your testimony of the truths in this lesson. If someone isn’t available, record your thoughts and plan a time to role-play.

Share Your Thoughts

Lesson Purpose: To help you understand how a knowledge of the premortal life in Heavenly Father’s plan can help you in your life.

Share one or more of the following with your teacher or class:

• What you learned about the premortal life that can help you come closer to the Savior.

• The statements of truth and testimony you prepared for the role-play.

• Something specific you did to achieve the purpose of this lesson.

• Any questions this lesson raised for you. How will you try to find answers to your questions?