The fall of Adam was necessary event
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"The `fall' of Adam and Eve is one of the most misunderstood events that has been recorded in the scriptures," wrote Daniel H. Ludlow in A Companion to Your Study of the Old Testament. "Most Christians have been taught that the fall was an evil, unnecessary act, and Adam and Eve became eternally damned because of their actions.
Dr. Ludlow explained that a correct concept is that the fall was necessary in order for "men to be." A major purpose of man's existence is for him to have joy, which was not possible for Adam and Eve to have before the fall, as indicated in 2 Ne. 2:22-23: "And now, behold, if Adam had not transgressed he would not have fallen . . . and they [Adam and Eve] would have had no children; wherefore they would have remained in a state of innocence, having no joy, for they knew no misery; doing no good, for they knew no sin."
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Articles on this page may be used in conjunction with the Sunday School Gospel Doctrine course of study.
Information compiled by Gerry Avant
Sources: A Companion to Your Study of the Old Testament, by Daniel H. Ludlow; Studies in Scripture, Vol. 3 - The Old Testament, edited by Kent P. Jackson and Robert L. Millet; October 1978 and October 1978 general conference reports.
