The Creation (GP 5)

Gospel Principles Lesson 5

We lived in heaven as the spirit children of heavenly parents (with both a Heavenly Father and a Heavenly Mother). We grew in God's presence for a long time. We realized that God had a perfected, resurrected body of flesh and bone and that we had only spirit bodies at that time. (See Doctrine and Covenants 130:22; This scripture was written after the resurrection of Jesus as well.) So when our Heavenly Father presented His Plan for us to leave heaven for a while so that we could continue our journey to become more like Him through gaining a physical body and through being faithful to His commandments, we shouted for joy. (See Job 38:7) We loved our heavenly parents very much, and we were eager to be given the opportunity to become like them. Leaving their presence for a time (so that we could walk by faith), gaining a physical body, and being tested (so that we could show our obedience) were necessary steps in the Plan. God prepared a new home where we would live as mortals for a time, so that we could have the necessary experiences and prepare to become like Him. We call our new home Earth.

Heavenly Father gave Jesus directions in creating or organizing this new world. Jesus created many other worlds besides this one as well. Jesus followed Heavenly Father's directions and created the world through the power of the Priesthood. (See Moses 1:33) Both Joseph Smith and Oliver Cowdery also added their witness that Jesus created the worlds and that we are God's children, because they beheld it in vision. (See Doctrine and Covenants 76:24)

All things were created spiritually before they were created physically, including the earth on which we now live. Plants, animals, and people were all created spiritually before they were created physically. (See Moses 3:5) When Jesus was ready to physically create the earth, he said to those who accompanied Him, "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." (See Abraham 3:24-25)

Since Jesus created the earth under Heavenly Father's direction, both Heavenly Father and Jesus are called the Creator, in much the same way as a master craftsman and a foreman can take credit for the construction of a building. 

So Jesus formed and organized the earth. "He divided light from darkness to make day and night. He formed the sun, moon, and stars. He divided the waters from the dry land to make seas, rivers, and lakes. He made the earth beautiful and productive. He made grass, trees, flowers, and other plants of all kinds. These plants contained seeds from which new plants could grow. Then He created the animals—fish, cattle, insects, and birds of all kinds. These animals had the ability to reproduce their own kind." (See Gospel Principles Lesson 5) 

The final and greatest creation of all was mankind. Now our spirits would receive bodies of flesh and blood so that we could live on the earth that was created for us. (See Moses 2:26) Adam and Eve were the first people created on this earth, and they were given bodies that looked like our heavenly parents. (See Genesis 1:27) God knew that all of his creations were good, and He rested for a season.

We live in a beautiful and glorious world. Think about the wonders that you see every day. The sun gives us both warmth and light. The rain cleanses the earth and causes the plants to grow. Think about being outside, enjoying a walk, seeing the colors, and listening to the birds singing. Think about spending time with family and friends, talking, laughing, and living. Think about what a great gift it is to have your body, and focus on all the wonderful things that it can do. What a blessing it is to be able to work, play, and rest. Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ have shown great love for us in providing us with this beautiful world. What wisdom and order they have shown in their perfect planning for a suitable home for us.

All things were created for us--for our progression and enjoyment. Both plants and animals were also created to bring us joy. (See Doctrine and Covenants 59:18-19) Heavenly Father is aware of us; he knows and loves all of His creations. (See Moses 1:35) Since we are His sons and daughters, His love for us is great; it is powerful and real.