Seminary
2 Nephi 2:17–26: “Redeemed from the Fall”

“2 Nephi 2:17–26: ‘Redeemed from the Fall,’” Book of Mormon Student Manual (2024)

“2 Nephi 2:17–26: ‘Redeemed from the Fall,’” Book of Mormon Student Manual

2 Nephi 2:17–26

“Redeemed from the Fall’

Leaving the Garden of Eden

Have you ever wondered how the choices Adam and Eve made thousands of years ago could still affect you? Lehi taught his children about the effects of the Fall of Adam and Eve and that with the Savior we can overcome all the challenges of mortality. This lesson can help you appreciate the Savior and His Atonement more as you understand the Fall of Adam and Eve.

Understanding leads to appreciation

Ponder the following questions:

  • On a scale of 1 to 10 (1 being “not at all” and 10 being “completely”), how much do you feel you understand and appreciate the Savior Jesus Christ and His sacrifice for you? Why?

  • If someone asked you what they should do to understand and appreciate the Atonement of Jesus Christ, what would you say?

Elder Jeffrey R. Holland of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles pointed out one necessary step in better understanding the Savior’s Atonement. You may want to watch the video “Where Justice, Love, and Mercy Meet” from time code 6:51 to 7:26 or read the following statement:

17:14
Elder Jeffrey R. Holland

The simple truth is that we cannot fully comprehend the Atonement and Resurrection of Christ and we will not adequately appreciate the unique purpose of His birth or His death … without understanding that there was an actual Adam and Eve who fell from an actual Eden, with all the consequences that fall carried with it. (Jeffrey R. Holland, “Where Justice, Love, and Mercy Meet,” Ensign or Liahona, May 2015, 105)

To help you evaluate how much you already know about the Fall of Adam and Eve, think about the following questions:

  • What is the Fall of Adam and Eve?

  • What effects did the Fall have on the world? on you?

  • How does the Fall fit into Heavenly Father’s plan of salvation?

  • How does the Fall help you understand and appreciate Jesus Christ and His sacrifice for you?

As you study, look for answers to these questions and ponder how understanding them may help you.

The effects of the Fall of Adam and Eve

As Lehi was preparing to die, he talked extensively to his son Jacob about the Fall of Adam and Eve. Adam, Eve, and all forms of life on earth existed in an immortal state, were not yet subject to death, and were in the presence of God. In that state, they could not become sick or die, and the garden provided food for them without their having to work to produce it. They also could not have a family. The Lord warned them that if they ate the fruit of the tree of knowledge of good and evil, they would eventually die (see Moses 3:16–17; Abraham 5:12–13). Adam and Eve’s decision to eat that fruit and the consequences for them and the rest of the world are known as the Fall.

Read 2 Nephi 2:19–23 and Alma 42:6–9, looking for consequences of the Fall. Consider marking what you find.

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  1. Complete the following in your study journal:

    Make a list of the consequences of the Fall.

It is important to understand that leaving the Garden of Eden meant Adam and Eve would be leaving the presence of God.

  • How would you feel if you were Adam and Eve experiencing these consequences?

  • Do you think these effects are good, bad, or both? Why?

Read 2 Nephi 2:24–25, and think about how you would summarize these verses in your own words.

icon, record2 Nephi 2:25 is a doctrinal mastery passage. Consider marking doctrinal mastery passages in a distinctive way so you can locate them easily. You will have an opportunity in the next lesson to practice applying the doctrine taught in this passage to a question or situation.

One truth Lehi taught was that the Fall was an essential part of Heavenly Father’s plan of happiness.

Take some time to reflect on why the Fall was an essential part of Heavenly Father’s plan as you read this statement by Elder Jeffrey R. Holland of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles:

Elder Jeffrey R. Holland

The Fall was an essential part of Heavenly Father’s divine plan. Without it no mortal children would have been born to Adam and Eve, and there would have been no human family to experience opposition and growth, moral agency, and the joy of resurrection, redemption, and eternal life [see 2 Nephi 2:22–27; Moses 5:11]. (Jeffrey R. Holland, “The Atonement of Jesus Christ,” Ensign, Mar. 2008, 35)

  • Why was the Fall an essential part of Heavenly Father’s plan?

We still need help

Although the consequences of the Fall are part of our Heavenly Father’s plan and are intended to help us progress, we cannot feel true joy without divine help.

Carefully read 2 Nephi 2:26, looking for how it will be possible to overcome the Fall’s effects and feel joy. Then read Moses 5:10–11, noticing what truths led Adam and Eve to rejoice.

  • What did you learn?

  • Why do you think Adam and Eve rejoiced after learning about the Fall and the Atonement of Jesus Christ?

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  1. Complete the following:

    Imagine that in a discussion with a friend, you notice that she does not appreciate the Savior or His Atonement.

    • What knowledge about the Fall of Adam and Eve could help her appreciate the Savior and His Atonement?