Creation

Under the direction of Heavenly Father, Jesus Christ created

the heavens and the earth (see Mosiah 3:8; Moses 2:1).

From scripture revealed through the Prophet Joseph Smith,

we know that in the work of the Creation, the Lord organized

elements that had already existed (see Abraham 3:24). He did

not create the world “out of nothing,” as some people believe.

The scriptures also teach that Adam was “the first man of

all men” (Moses 1:34). God created Adam and Eve in His own

image and in the image of His Only Begotten (see Moses

2:26–27).

The Creation is an integral part of Heavenly Father’s

plan of salvation. It gives each of us the opportunity to come

to the earth, where we receive a physical body and exercise

our agency. In the premortal Council of the Gods, the following

declaration was made: “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” (Abraham 3:24–25).

You are a spirit child of God, and your body is created in

His image. To show your gratitude for these blessings, you

can care for your body by obeying the Word of Wisdom and

other commandments relating to your spiritual and physical

health (see D&C 89; see also D&C 88:124). You can also

respect other people as children of God.

As a beneficiary of all the beauties of creation, you can

care for the earth and help preserve it for future generations.

Additional references: Genesis 1–2; Hebrews 1:1–2; 1 Nephi 17:36; D&C

38:1–3; 59:16–20; Moses 1–3; Abraham 4–5

See also God the Father; Jesus Christ; Plan of Salvation