Genesis 1–2; Moses 2–3; Abraham 4–5: Lesson 9

Genesis 1:28–31; 2:1–25

“The Family Is Central to the Creator’s Plan”

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

After the creation of Adam and Eve, Heavenly Father joined them together in marriage. He commanded them to multiply and replenish the earth and to cleave to one another. This lesson can help you understand the central role of marriage and family in Heavenly Father’s plan.

Study the Scriptures

How would you complete the following statements?

• is central to succeeding in school because .

• is a central part of a happy life because .

• plays a central role in my life because .

Now read the first paragraph of “The Family: A Proclamation to the World” and fill in the following blanks.

• is central to .

We, the First Presidency and the Council of the Twelve Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, solemnly proclaim that marriage between a man and a woman is ordained of God and that the family is central to the Creator’s plan for the eternal destiny of His children. (“The Family: A Proclamation to the World,” Gospel Library)

Why do you think marriage and family play such important roles in Heavenly Father’s plan of salvation? In what ways can you see Satan working to attack marriages and families in our day?

God’s prophets have always taught the ideal for family life. This includes a father and mother leading a family according to gospel principles. However, in mortality, circumstances often make living the ideal impossible. The General Handbook teaches:

God’s promise of eternal life includes eternal marriage, children, and all other blessings of an eternal family. This promise applies to those who are not currently married or are without family in the Church. These blessings are assured to all who strive to live as disciples of Jesus Christ. (General Handbook: Serving in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 2.1, Gospel Library)

Study the following passages on the central role of marriage and family in God’s plan. Tag all or part of each passage as “marriage.” As you notice other truths, consider adding tags such as “creation” or “children.”

Understanding difficult terms. The following explanations can be useful as you study:

1. The phrase help meet in Genesis 2:18 refers to “a helper suited to, worthy of, or corresponding to” Adam (see footnote 18b).

2. The account of God creating Eve from Adam’s rib in Genesis 2:21–22 is symbolic and represents the equal partnership between husband and wife. (see Russell M. Nelson, “Lessons from Eve,” Ensign, Nov. 1987, 87)

• Genesis 1:27–28 (God’s commandment to Adam and Eve to multiply and replenish the earth)

• Genesis 2:18, 21–23 (Creation of Eve)

• Genesis 2:24 (Commandment for Adam and Eve to be one)

• Doctrine and Covenants 49:15–17 (Revelation to Joseph Smith on the importance of marriage)

Genesis 2:24 is a doctrinal mastery passage. Consider tagging doctrinal mastery passages with the topic they teach so you can find them easily later. Memorize the reference and key scripture phrase, “A man … shall cleave unto his wife: and they shall be one.” To memorize the reference, draw icons for each word or phrase. Then use the icons to practice reciting the passage.

If available, you may want to watch the video “Renaissance of Marriage” (2:36) to help you better understand the doctrine of marriage.

Review the following study options. Complete one or more.

Option A

How can I explain the value of marriage and family?

In one of Elizabeth’s school classes, a discussion took place about marriage and family. Elizabeth shared some of her views about marriage being between a man and a woman and the importance of married couples having children. Many of Elizabeth’s classmates shared opinions that were very different from hers. After class, a classmate approaches her. “I don’t mean to be rude,” she says. “But, seriously, don’t you think your views on marriage are a little outdated?”

Using what you have learned today, write a response in your notebook that Elizabeth could share with her classmate. Include the following in your response:

1. An explanation about why marriage and family are important to Heavenly Father and His plan of salvation

2. One or more teachings from the scriptures or Church leaders

Option B

Why are marriage and family central to God’s plan?

Imagine that your bishop or branch president has asked you to speak on the topic “Why marriage and family are central to God’s plan.”

Write the talk in your notebook using the verses you’ve studied today.

In addition to the scriptures, consider teachings from modern prophets. For example, President Russell M. Nelson taught:

Grand as it is, planet Earth is part of something even grander—that great plan of God. Simply summarized, the earth was created that families might be. Scripture explains that a husband and wife “shall be one flesh, and all this that the earth might answer the end of its creation” [Doctrine and Covenants 49:16]. (“The Creation,” Ensign, May 2000, 85)

You may want to search for other scriptures or quotes about family in Gospel Library or in your index, topical guide, or footnotes.

Share Your Thoughts

Lesson Purpose: To help you understand the central role of marriage and family in Heavenly Father’s plan.

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

• Your response to the case study about Elizabeth.

• The talk you wrote (you can share a written version or an audio or video recording).

• 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?