Come Follow Me LDS - Genesis 1-2, Creation Pt 1

Creation Story Insights

Introduction to the Creation Story

• The discussion begins with an overview of the Old Testament's creation story, emphasizing its connection to Moses 1 and Abraham 3 as precursors.

• It is highlighted that Genesis 1 should not be viewed in isolation; rather, it continues a vision established by earlier prophets.

Contextualizing the Creation Narrative

• Understanding Moses 1 and Abraham 3 is crucial for grasping the themes and principles that will appear in the creation narrative.

• In Moses 1:40, God instructs Moses about writing down His words regarding Earth, establishing a divine blueprint for creation.

Pre-Mortal Council and Its Significance

• Abraham 3 recounts a pre-mortal council where decisions were made about sending individuals to Earth, illustrating a cosmic battle between good and evil.

• This narrative sets up the context for understanding the subsequent creation story as part of an ongoing spiritual conflict.

Vision vs. Historical Account

• The speaker stresses that the creation story should be interpreted as a vision rather than a historical account, which can be challenging due to traditional perspectives.

• The text serves temple liturgy purposes, indicating its role in spiritual ascension experiences within religious practices.

Hierarchical Structure in Creation

• The concept of hierarchy is emphasized throughout Abraham 3, showcasing order from one level of existence to another (e.g., planets and spirits).

• Light symbolizes divine communication flowing through this hierarchical structure, representing God's word and priesthood authority.

Genesis Overview

Misinterpretation of Genesis 1:1

• Genesis 1:1 is described as potentially misleading without proper context; it should invoke thoughts about pre-mortal councils rather than merely being seen as a historical beginning.

Separation and Covenant Themes

• The separation between heaven and earth introduces key covenant concepts—initially separating before ultimately reconciling strengthens relationships with God.

• This process reflects broader themes within salvation history where fall leads to separation but also paves the way for atonement through returning to God.

Understanding the Creation Process

The Concept of Higher and Lower Laws

• The discussion begins with the idea that despite humanity's fall, God moves toward us through His condescension, representing a higher law (heaven) versus a lower law (earth).

• Heaven is likened to the Melchizedek priesthood, while earth represents the Aaronic or carnal priesthood, emphasizing their roles as separate laws.

Differences in Scriptural Accounts

• A notable difference in Moses 2 compared to Genesis is highlighted; it starts with "the Lord spake unto Moses," indicating divine communication.

• The narrative describes how Moses received the higher law on Sinai but returned with the Aaronic law after Israel's rejection of the former.

Creation Through Divine Word

• Emphasis is placed on creation occurring through God's word ("dbr"), which signifies authority and power in establishing existence.

• The phrase "I am the beginning and the end" reinforces God's eternal nature and creative authority over all things.

Hierarchical Structure in Creation

• In Abraham 4, a plural form ("let us go down") indicates a collaborative divine effort in creation, involving multiple heavenly beings.

• This hierarchical structure is essential for understanding how creation unfolds; it reflects an organized process rather than random occurrence.

Organization of Heavens and Earth

• The gods are described as organizing and forming heaven and earth, countering notions of creation ex nihilo (creation out of nothing).

• The importance of organization suggests that elements are eternal and must be arranged rather than created from nothing.

Temple Imagery Related to Creation

• The temple serves as a microcosm reflecting the creation account; its architecture mirrors divine order during creation.

• Aspects like levels within temples correspond to different stages or realms established during creation, reinforcing spiritual significance.

Initial Conditions Before Creation

• Moses 2 describes initial chaos: "the earth was without form and void," indicating darkness before light was introduced.

• Light emerges as a crucial element from Christ’s hierarchical structure, symbolizing knowledge dispelling darkness.

Creation Principles and Spiritual Insights

The Division of Light and Darkness

• The concept of division is introduced, emphasizing the importance of order and covenant in creation. God separates light from darkness, illustrating a fundamental principle that recurs throughout scriptural accounts.

• In verse 5, God names the light "day" and the darkness "night," showcasing the power of divine communication as creation unfolds through God's word.

Understanding Time in Creation

• The discussion highlights differing interpretations of creation timelines, contrasting young earth beliefs with Latter-day Saint perspectives on time as represented in scripture.

• The notion that a day could represent a longer period (e.g., a thousand years) is explored, suggesting flexibility in understanding divine time versus human time.

Higher Law vs. Lower Law Language

• Emphasis is placed on interpreting creation narratives through spiritual language rather than scientific reasoning. This higher law perspective encourages deeper truths beyond mere historical accounts.

Principles of Organization and Creation

• As Moses 2 continues, God commands the creation of a firmament to divide waters, reinforcing themes of organization and division essential for both cosmic order and personal growth.

• The act of creating oneself through agency is likened to divine creation principles; individuals are encouraged to reflect on how they organize their lives according to these spiritual truths.

Symbolism in Creation Days

• Day two's focus on the firmament can be linked to temple imagery, where it symbolizes separation between sacred spaces. This connection invites contemplation on hierarchical structures within divine realms.