Class 3 – Jesus Christ as the Creator and Covenant Maker
Suggested Pre-Class Readings
This class covers two separate time periods–the creation of the world and the time of Abraham, and has two sets of readings.
The first set of readings for this class focuses on the creation of the world.
Read the following verses and look for how Jesus Christ was central even in the premortal life: Abraham 3:22-28, 3 Nephi 9:15.
Compare Genesis 1:1 and John 1:1-3. What key phrase is in each passage? What message do you think John is trying to emphasize by his use of Genesis 1:1?
What do the following verses teach about the creation of the world? Ephesians 3:9, Mosiah 3:8.
With the foregoing context in mind, read Moses chapters 2-4, and 5:1-11. What lessons do you learn from the creation of the earth and the fall of Adam and Eve?
You might be interested in this reading from Elder David A. Bednar in which he highlights a powerful principle from Christ’s creation, or this video, in which Elder Dieter F. Uchtdorf highlights another important principle we can learn from the creation.
The second set of readings for this class focuses on Christ and Abraham.
What did Abraham know about Jesus Christ? Read Helaman 8:13-19 and John 8:56.
Remember, as discussed in a previous class, in the Old Testament we frequently read about the LORD, which, when spelled in ALL CAPS in the King James Version, means it has been translated from the Hebrew word, “YHWH,” or “Jehovah” (also transliterated as “Yahweh”). The Old Testament itself does not identify Jesus Christ as Jehovah. However, restoration scripture is very clear. How does Doctrine and Covenants 110:2-4 show that Jesus Christ is Jehovah? With this context in mind, remember that when you read the word “LORD” in the Old Testament it is referring to Jesus Christ. (Optional: the New Testament uses the Old Testament also shows Jesus Christ as Jehovah (compare Isaiah 40:3 with John 1:19-30).
An important part of this class is discussing the Abrahamic Covenant. To learn more about this covenant, please read Genesis 17:1-8, 1 Nephi 22:7-12, Abraham 2:9-11. What does Nephi add to our understanding of the Genesis account? What does the Book of Abraham add that Genesis and 1 Nephi do not include?
Finally, read this article by President Russell M. Nelson and highlight teachings and promises about the Abrahamic Covenant that stand out to you. If you’d like to read another article on the Abrahamic Covenant, here’s a good one.
Questions to focus on
Be able to identify and explain verses that teach about how the Savior’s atoning mission was prepared from the very beginning.
What does Christ as the Creator teach us about the Sabbath? How does this relate to other teachings Jesus has given us on this topic?
What does Christ as the Creator teach us about spiritual creation? How could this relate to our lives today?
What does Christ as the Creator teach us about marriage? How does this relate to other teachings Jesus has given us on this topic?
How does Paul relate Christ’s death on the cross to marriage?
Be able to explain the Doctrine-Principle-Application framework, and use it to show how principles and applications could flow from the doctrine that Jesus Christ created the earth. Be able to do this both with examples used in class, and your own ideas.
Be able to place Abraham into an approximate chronological context with Adam, Noah, Jared (tower of Babel), Isaac, Jacob, and Joseph.
Be able to summarize both the blessings and responsibilities associated with the Abrahamic Covenant.
Optional Post-Class Readings
David A. Bednar, “Doctrines, Principles, and Applications” This is Chapter 4 from Elder Bednar’s book, Increase in Learning. It discusses this issue in great depth and is a valuable read. Buy the book or read for free with the Deseret Bookshelf app subscription.
In the video I quote from Timothy and Kathy Keller’s book, The Meaning of Marriage. I highly recommend this book! If you’re not ready to get the book, here’s a video Timothy Keller made summarizing the book.
Acknowledgements
Insights, conversations with, and resources from many individuals helped in the creation of this class. These include Dr. Barbara Morgan, Dr. Hank Smith, Dr. Matthew Grey, and Dr. Frank Judd. Writings from John Meier were also influential.