Genesis 3 (Moses 4): The Fall

"The Fall occurred when Adam and Eve partook of the fruit of the tree of knowledge of good and evil and were cast out of the Garden of Eden and the presence of God. As Adam and Eve’s children, we inherit the consequences of their decision, which include living in a world outside of God’s presence that is full of sin, trials, difficulties, and death. You will learn, however, that if Adam did not fall, we would never have been born and could never progress to receive the fulness of joy Heavenly Father offers His children." (Old Testament Student Study Guide) 

The fall was a necessary part of His eternal plan. Without it, we wouldn't be and we wouldn't have joy.

"Adam fell that men might be; and men are, that they might have joy." (2 Nephi 2:25)

“It was Eve who first transgressed the limits of Eden in order to initiate the conditions of mortality. Her act, whatever its nature, was formally a transgression but eternally a glorious necessity to open the doorway toward eternal life. Adam showed his wisdom by doing the same. …
“… We celebrate Eve’s act and honor her wisdom and courage in the great episode called the Fall. … Elder Joseph Fielding Smith said: ‘I never speak of the part Eve took in this fall as a sin, nor do I accuse Adam of a sin. … This was a transgression of the law, but not a sin.’ …" (Old Testament: Gospel Doctrine Teacher’s Manual, (2001), 12–16)

Throughout this chapter I can see many connections between Adam and Eve's time and todays world.

1. Satan's influence on the children of men and as well as the influence of friends:

The first gift that Adam and Eve received was agency: “Thou mayest choose for thyself, for it is given unto thee” (Moses 3:17).

"You have that same agency. Use it wisely to deny acting on any impure impulse or unholy temptation that may come into your mind. Just do not go there, and if you are already there, come back out of it. “Deny yourselves of all ungodliness” (Moroni 10:32)."

"The key word is discipline—self-discipline. The word discipline comes from the word disciple or follower. Be a disciple-follower of the Savior, and you will be safe.
"Guilt is spiritual pain. Do not suffer from chronic pain. Get rid of it. Be done with it. Repent and, if necessary, repent again and again and again and again until you—not the enemy—are in charge of you." (Boyd K Packer, How to Survive in Enemy Territory)

"But of the fruit of the tree which is in the midst of the garden, God hath said, Ye shall not eat of it, neither shall ye touch it, lest ye die.
"And the serpent said unto the woman, Ye shall not surely die:
"For God doth know that in the day ye eat thereof, then your eyes shall be opened, and ye shall be as gods, knowing good and evil." (Genesis 3:3-5)

"Lucifer in clever ways manipulates our choices, deceiving us about sin and consequences. He and his angels tempt us to be unworthy, even wicked. But he cannot—in all eternity he cannot, with all his power he cannot—completely destroy us, not without our own consent." (Boyd K Packer, Who is Jesus Christ?)

"And when the woman saw that the tree was good for food and that it was pleasant to the eyes, and a tree to be desired to make one wise, she took of the fruit thereof, and did eat, and gave also unto her husband with her; and he did eat."(Genesis 3:6) 

If we aren't strong enough to stand our ground and be firm in our standards, we will find ourselves easily being deceived by Satan. We must build a firm foundation and not give in to the evil that is all around us in this world.

2. Modesty...

When they partook of the fruit, they knew good from evil and knew they were naked. They became ashamed and made clothing to cover themselves. In todays world people are doing just the opposite. I am disgusted by some of the apparel our society thinks to be ok. If you are going to buy a dress, buy the whole dress, not just half a dress. Cover up! You can still dress modestly and by stylish!

"Your body is sacred. Respect it and do not defile it in any way. Through your dress and appearance, you can show that you know how precious your body is. You can show that you are a disciple of Jesus Christ and that you love Him.
"Prophets of God have continually counseled His children to dress modestly. When you are well groomed and modestly dressed, you invite the companionship of the Spirit and you can be a good influence on others. Your dress and grooming influence the way you and others act." (Dress and Appearance, For the Strength of Youth)

"And the eyes of them both were opened, and they knew that they were naked; and they sewed fig leaves together, and made themselves aprons. 

"Unto Adam also and to his wife did the Lord God make coats of skins, and clothed them. (Genesis 3:7,21)

King Benjamin told us how we might change our natures from a natural man to a spiritual man: “For the natural man is an enemy to God, and has been from the fall of Adam, and will be, forever and ever, unless he yields to the enticings of the Holy Spirit, and putteth off the natural man and becometh a saint through the atonement of Christ the Lord, and becometh as a child, submissive, meek, humble, patient, full of love, willing to submit to all things which the Lord seeth fit to inflict upon him, even as a child doth submit to his father” (Mosiah 3:19; emphasis added).

-Sarah M.