LESSON 4 - Because of My Transgression My Eyes Are Opened

THE FALL OF ADAM

There are essentially three major modern Christian theories regarding the Fall of Adam and its relationship to the rest of mankind.

1) THE MYTH THEORY OF THE FALL, which proposes that the first few chapters of Genesis are a myth created to explain the problem of man’s corrupted state.

2) THE REALIST VIEW OF THE FALL, which implies that we were somehow all present with Adam and Eve in the garden, and participated with them in the choices that precipitated the Fall. Therefore, we are equally to blame and inherit the sin before we are born into mortality.

3) THE FEDERAL OR REPRESENTATIVE VIEW OF THE FALL, which teaches that Adam acted as a representative of the entire human race, and as a result, we are all afflicted with the effects of that Fall, including original sin.

When I look at these theories, their convoluted reasoning, and the scriptures that are twisted in an effort to buttress them, I am more thankful than ever for the clear understanding of the Fall of Adam as explained in modern-day revelation.

In particular, I appreciate the words of Jacob as found in 2 Nephi chapter 2, where he beautifully explains the necessity and logic of the Fall as an integral part of the plan of salvation, and how it is inextricably connected to the atonement of Jesus Christ.

22 And now, behold, if Adam had not transgressed he would not have fallen, but he would have remained in the garden of Eden. And all things which were created must have remained in the same state in which they were after they were created; and they must have remained forever, and had no end.

23 And they would have had no children; wherefore they would have remained in a state of innocence, having no joy, for they knew no misery; doing no good, for they knew no sin.

24 But behold, all things have been done in the wisdom of him who knoweth all things.

25 Adam fell that men might be; and men are, that they might have joy.

26 And the Messiah cometh in the fulness of time, that he may redeem the children of men from the fall. And because that they are redeemed from the fall they have become free forever, knowing good from evil; to act for themselves and not to be acted upon, save it be by the punishment of the law at the great and last day, according to the commandments which God hath given.

Because of the significance of the Fall of Adam, we can find traces of the story in many belief systems and mythologies from around the world. The one that I find most interesting, is one that we may not often consider as a parallel to the events in the Garden of Eden, and the subsequent explanation of the plan of salvation, and that is the myth of Pandora.

According to Hesiod, Pandora was the first woman, created out of the earth by Hephaestus upon instruction from Zeus. She is given a jar (not “box") which she is instructed not to open, but curiosity gets the better of her, she disobeys, and opens the jar. As a result, many evils are introduced into the world: disease, misery, plague, mischief, etc.; but once the jar is emptied of its evils, one thing remains behind and that is Hope. It is inferred that Hope alone is sufficient to counteract all the evils of mortal existence.

There are obvious parallels between this myth and our Latter-day understanding of Adam’s Fall. When Adam and Eve are at their lowest point, having realized what they have done, and having had the effects of their actions explained to them, they are given Hope. They are told that a Savior will be provided for them and for all mankind. Our Hope in this Savior alone is sufficient to allow us to overcome all the evils of this temporal existence.


GENESIS 3:1

This is a classic ploy used by the serpent in enticing Adam and Eve. Isn’t the Tree of Knowledge of Good and Evil one of God’s great creations. Doesn’t God want us to enjoy all of His creations? Why would he then forbid us to partake of it? There must be some sort of misunderstanding.

The same ploy is used on us today. Doesn’t God want us to enjoy all his creations? God would not restrict us from enjoying sex, natural drugs, or other sensual pleasures - these must be restrictions invented by man. If God created these things, they must be good and intended for our enjoyment.

The serpent is indeed the most “subtle of any beast of the field.”