adam’s obedience preceded his understanding

Adam’s obedience preceded his understanding and prepared him to receive the sacred knowledge that he was participating in a sacred symbol of the Atonement of Jesus Christ. Our humble obedience will, likewise, pave the way for our spiritual discernment of God’s ways and His divine purpose for each of us. Reaching to elevate our obedience brings us closer to our Savior, Jesus Christ, because obedience to His laws and commandments is effectually reaching out to Him.

Additionally, our fidelity to the knowledge and wisdom we have already inherited through our faithful adherence to gospel principles and sacred covenants is crucial preparation for our readiness to receive and be stewards of communications from the Holy Spirit.

Tracy Y. Browning

"Seeking Answers to Spiritual Questions" General Conference October 2024

how merciful the Lord hath been

A similar principle is beautifully taught in Moroni 10:3–5. We often shorthand these verses to teach that through sincere prayer, we can learn whether the Book of Mormon is true. But this shorthand can neglect the important role of mercy. Listen to how Moroni begins his exhortation: “I would exhort you that when ye shall read these things, … that ye would remember how merciful the Lord hath been unto the children of men, from the creation of Adam even down until the time that ye shall receive these things, and ponder it in your hearts.”

Moroni urges us not only to read these things—the records he was about to seal up—but also to ponder in our hearts what the Book of Mormon reveals about “how merciful the Lord hath been unto the children of men.” It is pondering upon the Lord’s mercy that prepares us to “ask God, the Eternal Father, in the name of Christ, if these things are not true.”

As we ponder on the Book of Mormon, we might ask: Is it really true, as Alma taught, that God’s plan of mercy assures that every person who ever lived on this earth will be resurrected and that they will “be restored to their … perfect frame”? Is Amulek right—can the Savior’s mercy satisfy all the bitterly real demands of justice that we would otherwise be obligated to pay and instead “[encircle us] in the arms of safety”?

Is it true, as Alma testified, that Christ suffered not only for our sins but for our “pains and afflictions” so that He could “know … how to succor his people according to their infirmities”? Is the Lord really so merciful, as King Benjamin taught, that as a free gift, He atoned “for the sins of those … who have died not knowing the will of God concerning them, or who have ignorantly sinned”?

Is it true, as Lehi said, that “Adam fell that men might be; and men are, that they might have joy”? And is it really true, as Abinadi testified, quoting Isaiah, that Jesus Christ was “wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities; the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed”?

In sum, is the Father’s plan as taught in the Book of Mormon really this merciful? I testify that it is and that the peace-giving and hopeful teachings of mercy in the Book of Mormon are true.

Still, I imagine that some may be struggling, despite your faithful reading and prayers, to realize Moroni’s promise that Heavenly Father “will manifest the truth of it unto you, by the power of the Holy Ghost.” I know this struggle because I felt it, many years ago, when my own first couple of reads of the Book of Mormon did not yield an immediate and clear answer to my prayers.

If you are struggling, may I invite you to follow Moroni’s counsel to ponder on the many ways the Book of Mormon teaches “how merciful the Lord hath been [to] the children of men”? Based on my experience, I hope that when you do, the peace of the Holy Ghost can enter your heart and you can know, believe, and feel that the Book of Mormon and the plan of mercy it teaches are true.

James R. Rasband

"The Plan of Mercy", General Conference April 2025

Once, and this is a simple example, I was in charge of our stake play. As with all things theatrical, time was pressed, rehearsals tense, and resources inadequate. We were to have our final run-through at the stake center, but lines got crossed and a stake leadership meeting began gathering in the chapel. Suddenly we were told we would have to move, but final run-throughs really need to happen on the actual stage. I could feel the morale of my troupe flagging as they felt all their time and effort was being disrupted and disrespected. The stake leaders wanted an inspirational play, but insisted on taking the room on dress rehearsal night? 

I had been studying about God and paradox, and to look for Him when two contradictory or seeming opposed ideas presented themselves as truth, like faith and works, or "don't eat the fruit" and "multiply and replenish the earth." In this very concrete situation, I said a little prayer and then stood back to see what God would do. I believed God thought both were important, and a way would be shown to transcend. It was.

The actors dispersed to side rooms to run through music numbers while the priesthood session used the needed larger chapel to begin. Then the leaders dispersed to the smaller rooms for sessions, and the actors returned to the main stage. It was simple, yet when folks were at loggerheads with tempers rising and both insisting they needed the larger rooms, the solution could not be seen. 

It was a wonderful object lesson for me. The rooms, the time frames, were always there, but hidden by our pride, no one saw them. Yet, with just a little softening, just a little nod that both needs were legitimate, an answer was easily found. 

I pondered that in my heart. The visual was of myself as a pin dot on the earth, limited in what I could see and God looking down on the pin dot that was earth ion the universe, seeing all. From God's viewpoint, human contradictions were often resolved just by telescoping out. God transcends paradoxes. 

Shari Siebers Crall

Living on the Inside of the Edge by Christian Kimball. Common Consent Press. 2023. p. 287, 288

where art thou?

Adam, where art thou? Does God not know? On the contrary, only he knows. In my weakness I lose my bearings. Like a child wandering in a forest I follow the whims of the monument and forget the way. I am too caught up by my surroundings to follow the path. Not until a Father’s voice calls do I wonder where I am. How shall I answer? I am here? But where is here? So helpless am I that I cannot say. But deep within I hear his voice and tremble, for finally there are just two places, with him or without him, and just two ways, toward him or not toward him.

The Lord’s Question: Thoughts on the Life of Response by Dennis Rasmussen. Brigham Young University Press. April 1985. Chapter One, “Where Art Thou?” p.4, 5

The world was all before them, where to choose
Their place of rest, and Providence their guide;
They, hand in hand, with wandering steps and slow,
Through Eden took their solitary way.

John Milton. Paradise Lost. 343 as found in Tad R. Callister, The Infinite Atonement. 2000. p.34