Lesson 5 Teacher Material: The Fall of Adam and Eve and the Gift of Agency
“Lesson 5 Teacher Material: The Fall of Adam and Eve and the Gift of Agency,” Teachings and Doctrine of the Book of Mormon Teacher Material (2021)
“Lesson 5 Teacher Material,” Teachings and Doctrine of the Book of Mormon Teacher Material
Lesson 5 Teacher Material
The Fall of Adam and Eve and the Gift of Agency
The prophet Lehi taught that the Fall of Adam and Eve brought about God’s eternal purposes for His children (see 2 Nephi 2:15–25). In this lesson students will have the opportunity to explain how the Fall of Adam and Eve, agency, and the Atonement of Jesus Christ are essential to Heavenly Father’s plan of redemption. Students will also consider what they can do to better use their agency to become more like Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ.
Suggestions for Teaching
Lehi teaches his son Jacob about the effects of the Fall.
Point out that the class is starting a new unit about Heavenly Father’s plan of redemption. It might be helpful to explain that of the many names given to Heavenly Father’s plan, one of the most common names used in the Book of Mormon is “the plan of redemption” (see, for example, Jacob 6:8; Alma 12:30, 32–33; 34:31).
Display the following statement, and invite students to evaluate it based on the teachings of the Book of Mormon: The Fall of Adam and Eve was a tragic mistake or accident that was contrary to God’s plan.
After students share their insights, display the following truth: The Fall of Adam and Eve is an essential part of Heavenly Father’s plan for His children.
To deepen students’ understanding of this truth, write the following incomplete statements on the board (include plenty of space between the sentences):
If Adam and Eve had not eaten the fruit, …
Because they ate the fruit, …
Invite students to review 2 Nephi 2:19–25 and identify consequences or effects of the Fall that they can use to complete each statement. Ask students to report what they found. List their responses on the board under each phrase.
Display and read the following statement by Elder Orson F. Whitney of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles:
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Elder Orson F. Whitney
Adam’s fall was a step downward, but it was also a step forward—a step in the eternal march of human progress. (In Conference Report, Apr. 1908, 90)
How was the Fall both “a step downward” and “a step forward” in our spiritual progression? (As part of your discussion, you might invite students to review the statements by Elder Bruce C. Hafen and Elder Jeffrey R. Holland in section 1 of the preparation material and to share what stood out to them.)
How does understanding the Fall help you see that even the challenges of mortality are part of Heavenly Father’s plan?
How do the conditions brought about by the Fall allow us the opportunity to progress spiritually and have joy? (See 2 Nephi 2:25.)
As part of your discussion, consider displaying the following statement by President Russell M. Nelson and inviting a student to read it aloud:
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President Russell M. Nelson
Clearly, Lehi knew opposition, anxiety, heartache, pain, disappointment, and sorrow. Yet he declared boldly and without reservation a principle as revealed by the Lord: “Men are, that they might have joy” [2 Nephi 2:25]. Imagine! Of all the words he could have used to describe the nature and purpose of our lives here in mortality, he chose the word joy!
Life is filled with detours and dead ends, trials and challenges of every kind. Each of us has likely had times when distress, anguish, and despair almost consumed us. Yet we are here to have joy?
Invite students to silently identify a specific challenge they face. Display the following question, and ask students to ponder their answer to this question and to record their thoughts. (As appropriate, invite one or two students to share what they have written. Remind students that they should not share experiences that are too personal or private.)
How can understanding the purposes of the Fall help me to see this experience as an opportunity for spiritual progress and joy?
Lehi teaches that we are free to choose liberty and eternal life through Jesus Christ.
Display the following statement by President Russell M. Nelson: “[The Fall] activated two closely coupled additional gifts from God, nearly as precious as life itself—agency and accountability” (“Constancy amid Change,” Ensign, Nov. 1993, 34).
What are some of the conditions Lehi identified that make agency and accountability possible? (If necessary, invite students to review section 2 of the preparation material. You might ask students to briefly explain why each of these conditions is necessary for agency to exist.)
Read 2 Nephi 2:26–29 together, looking for further ways in which our agency is affected by the Savior’s Atonement and His redeeming us from the effects of the Fall. Principles students may identify from this passage could include the following: The Savior’s redeeming sacrifice allows us the freedom to choose eternal life. Heavenly Father’s plan provides the necessary conditions for us to choose liberty and eternal life through Jesus Christ or to choose captivity and death through the devil.
Improving Our Teaching and Learning
Encourage students to take righteous action. Elder David A. Bednar of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles taught, “True faith is focused in and on the Lord Jesus Christ and always leads to righteous action” (“Ask in Faith,” Ensign or Liahona, May 2008, 95). As you teach, provide students meaningful opportunities to ponder how they can act in faith and apply what they are learning. As you consistently encourage students to ponder and apply what they are learning, you can help them increase their capacity to take righteous action.
Consider which of the following questions might help your students best understand agency and decide for themselves what righteous actions they should be taking in their lives. (You might choose one of the following sets of questions and encourage students to record their thoughts and impressions.)
What do you think it means that we became “free forever … to act for [our]selves and not to be acted upon, save it be by the punishment of the law at the great and last day”? (2 Nephi 2:26). What is something you feel inspired to do so you can take righteous action today?
What are some examples of small choices you make each day that can have a long-term impact? What type of daily choices will help you come closer to Jesus Christ and eternal life? What are some current choices you are making that may be preventing or decreasing your spiritual growth or opportunities?
After sufficient time, invite any students who would like to share their thoughts or testimony to do so. Explain to students that they should not share anything too personal or talk about specific sins they may have committed. Encourage students to act on what they have written and pondered today. Testify of the principles in the lesson and the Lord’s desire to help students navigate their life choices.
For Next Time
Point out that during the next class we will be discussing the Atonement of Jesus Christ. Encourage students to carefully study the preparation material and to ponder why the Book of Mormon describes the Atonement of Jesus Christ as infinite and eternal (see 2 Nephi 9:7; Alma 34:10).