What a blessing it is to have rich historical and doctrinal insights about Adam and Eve carefully compiled and documented! In addition to the Biblical account in Genesis, Latter-day Saints can learn much more about Adam, the Creation, and related pre- and post-creation happenings from the books of Moses and Abraham in the Pearl of Great Price. Also, from the Book of Mormon; The Doctrine and Covenants; and other passages in the Old and New Testaments. This book, ADAM, links many dozens of these meaningful scriptures into a complete but concise, well-documented whole.
There are numerous historical, doctrinal, and geographical insights woven through this book’s accounts of events in the lives of Adam and Eve. These insights are pertinent and significant. One thing is sure—if you read this book carefully, you’ll be sure to think some intriguing new thoughts. Enjoy them!
For instance, on the introductory page “About the Book of Genesis,” it’s pointed out that the word genesis is a Greek word that means “origin” or “beginning.” Then there’s a list of 15 new items including.
· The beginning of tribes, races, and nations
· The beginning of literacy: reading and writing
· The beginning of genealogical records
· The beginning of commerce and trade
· The beginning of priesthood ordinations and lines of authority, and
· The beginning of personal accountability for sin
The scriptures related to Adam explain that this earth’s creation first took place under directions from “the Gods,” in seven “times” or “days.” But those seven periods then were repeated. The first series was a spirit-world planning trial run (described in Genesis chapter 1). Then, there was the world’s actual, physical creation (described in Genesis chapter 2).
Obviously, there was a pre-planned order of “beginning” events. For instance, the lovely “Garden of Eden” was in place before the Gods created this earth’s first man and woman, so the newly formed couple didn’t have to do any “house-hunting.” And the book cites the first basic instructions that were given to them. They were (1) to have lots of children (be fruitful, multiply), (2) to replenish and subdue the earth, and then (3) to govern and rule over all the earth and every living thing in and on it.
This book, ADAM, cites scriptural information revealing that this planet was created far away near a planet named Kolob. Then, this planet was somehow moved through the vastness of heavenly spaces to its present location in the interplanetary realms.
In ADAM the “fall” of Adam and Eve is treated with care, including doctrinal explanations from various scriptural sources. Also, though it is unknown to the world at large, It is shown that forgiveness was granted to Adam and Eve while they were still in the Garden of Eden. Also, while Adam was still in the Garden, important priesthood keys were conveyed to him.
Included in ADAM is detailed information showing the lineal descendants of Adam and Eve, followed by a listing of 17 revelations and experiences granted to Adam. That list is supplemented with a list of 34 key doctrinal statements and principles that those revelations contained.
Of high significance is a summary statement made by the Prophet Joseph Smith to the Quorum of the Twelve on July 2, 1839. In it, he set forth the high authority and eternal significance of the callings and responsibilities Adam held and still holds. The Prophet Joseph said:
The priesthood was first given to Adam; he obtained the First Presidency, and held the keys of it from generation to generation. He obtained it in the Creation, before the world was formed, as in Genesis 26, 27, 28. He had dominion given him over every living creature. He is Michael the Archangel, spoken of in the Scriptures. Then to Noah, who is Gabriel; he stands next in authority to Adam in the Priesthood: he was called of God to this office and was the father of the living in his day, and to him was given dominion. These men held keys first on earth, and then in heaven. (History of the Church, vol. 3, p. 386)
One of the most significant events in Adam’s life was the family reunion he hosted in the valley of Adam-ondi-Ahman, three years before his death. During that gathering, “the Lord appeared unto them, and they rose up and blessed Adam, and called him Michael, the prince, the archangel. And the Lord administered comfort unto Adam, and said unto him: I have set thee to be at the head; a multitude of nations shall come of thee, and thou art a prince over them forever.”
One of the most significant revelations in Latter-day Saint history is the Vision of the Redemption of the Deadgranted to LDS President Joseph F. Smith. In that vision, he saw that Jesus, between the time of his death and resurrection, went into the Spirit World. While there he met with long-deceased major prophets and assigned them to manage the teaching of the gospel there in the Spirit World. President Smith recorded that “Among the great and mighty ones who were assembled in this vast congregation of the righteous were Father Adam, the Ancient of Days and father of all, and our glorious Mother Eve, with many of her faithful daughters who had lived through the ages and worshipped the true and living God.” (D&C 138:38-39, 49)
Finally, we know that Adam is the Ancient of Days. The prophet Daniel recorded in a vision his view of a time still future: “I saw in the night visions, and behold, one like the Son of man came with the clouds of heaven, and came to the Ancient of days, and they brought him near before him. And there was given him dominion, and glory, and a kingdom, that all people, nations, and languages, should serve him; his dominion is an everlasting dominion, which shall not pass away, and his kingdom that which shall not be destroyed.”
There are a lot of explanations in ADAM concerning that prophecy made by the prophet Daniel—you’ll want to read them to understand the prophecy correctly!
So, you’re invited to read ADAM: The Archangel Michael, The Prince of All, The Ancient of Days, The Father of All Mankind.
It’s inexpensive, downloadable, immediately available at LDSHorizonPublishers.com,
and filled with intriguing details that will strengthen both your understanding and your testimony. Order it today!