Study for January 12-18th

Published on January 12, 2026 at 4:00 AM

January 12–18: “In the Beginning God Created the Heaven and the Earth”  Genesis 1-2Moses 2-3 (Book of Moses), and Abraham 4-5 (Book of Abraham). These texts collectively emphasize God’s eternal plan and humanity’s divine purpose.  Genesis provides the foundational biblical account of creation and Adam and Eve’s fall. The Book of Moses adds details: God created the world through command, governed spirits before Adam’s creation, and made covenants with humans. It highlights premortal existence and God’s role as a personal, involved Creator.

The Book of Abraham includes Abraham’s vision of the cosmos, describing the premortal life of spirits and the eternal nature of God’s work. It underscores that humans are created in God’s image and will inherit eternal glory through faithfulness. The teachings integrate these narratives to affirm the preexistence of human spirits, the divine origin of human life, and the central role of covenants in God’s plan. Together, they present a cohesive theology of creation, emphasizing purpose, stewardship, and the potential for divine progression in Christ. These texts enrich the biblical account

Genesis 1–2; Moses 2–3; Abraham 4–5

Discovering Your Place in the Divine Story: A Journey Through

Imagine standing at the dawn of time, when darkness gave way to light, and the universe first whispered into existence. This is your story, young adult—a tale of purpose, woven into the very fabric of creation. In Genesis 1-2, you’re invited to see yourself as a cherished part of a grand, intentional design. On the first day, God spoke light into being, a symbol of hope piercing through emptiness. By the third day, lands rose, seas rolled, and plants burst forth, each element positioned with precision. Can you feel the rhythm? God’s creativity flows with order and care, a reminder that you are born into a world where every detail matters.

Then, on the sixth day, the climax arrives: humanity, made in God’s image. The first chapters of Genesis present a broad picture of the universe, but chapter 2 zooms in and gives a lot of detail. You are formed from dust, yet given a sacred breath—a blend of earth and divinity. Placed in Eden, you’re tasked not to dominate but to tend and cherish life, just as you are called to nurture relationships and passions today. When God creates Eve, it’s a celebration of companionship, a mirror for your need for connection and partnership.

And don’t overlook the seventh day. Rest isn’t an afterthought; it’s a sacred pause, a reminder that even in a world that demands constant motion, you are designed to breathe, reflect, and recharge.

Your life, like the creation story, is a blend of purpose and beauty. Just as God saw all He made and declared it “good,” you are a unique expression of that same love—called to steward your gifts, seek harmony, and embrace the rest that fuels your journey. Let the opening chapters of Genesis inspire you: the world didn’t accidentally exist, and neither did you. You are part of an ongoing story, where every choice matters, and your existence is a testament to the light that once pierced the dark. What will you create today?

When God began to create the heavens and the earth, the earth was complete chaos, and darkness covered the face of the deep, while a wind from God[b] swept over the face of the waters.

A Journey Through

 (click to read scriptures.)

You are at the edge of time, looking through Moses' eyes as God's voice turns the chaos into order—a bright dawn of purpose and design. In Moses 2–3, you witness the divine blueprint of life: the earth rising from waters, the stars kindled like sparks of hope, and Adam and Eve walking as tender, innocent souls in a garden untouched by sorrow. However, this story is not just about creation; it’s about courage. When Satan, cloaked in cunning, whispers doubts into Eve’s heart, you see the test of agency—a choice between fear and faith. Their decision to partake of the forbidden fruit, though painful, becomes the pivot of your eternal progress. The Fall, as it is called, is not a tale of failure but of beginning. It ushers in mortality, a sacred trial where you, too, will face trials, yet always with God’s promise echoing: through Christ, redemption is possible. You are reminded that growth blooms in the soil of challenge, and even when shadows fall, the light of mercy outshines the dark. As you walk your path, remember the story of Adam and Eve: every step and every fall is part of a bigger plan that leads to eternal life, not an end.

What the Vision Means for You

(click to read scriptures.)

Imagine stepping into a celestial auditorium where the whole universe is on display, and the very purpose of your existence is illuminated by divine light. In Abraham 4–5, the prophet is taken from his camp in the desert to a big, heavenly council. You see yourself standing beside him as an angelic messenger draws back a veil and reveals the premortal world: countless spirits gathered before God, each bearing a unique potential, each waiting for the chance to become a child of the Most High. This scene isn’t a distant myth; it’s a reminder that your life began long before your first breath, that you entered the world already equipped with purpose and promise.

The narrative then moves to the creation of the earth and the heavens. Abraham, guided by an unseen voice, watches the stars being placed, the planets spun into motion, and the very foundations of the world set in place. You are invited to picture the “great and spacious building” of the cosmos—a structure built not merely for beauty, but for the growth of souls. In this vision, the priesthood is shown to be a divine authority, a spiritual "key" that lets people act in line with God's plan. As you read, you can feel the weight of that authority settle over you, urging you to seek a personal relationship with the divine and to recognize that you, too, are a steward of the blessings God has bestowed.

The last part of Abraham 5 talks about a promise of covenant: families being sealed, marriage lasting forever, and the blessings that come from being obedient. This is where the story becomes profoundly personal. You are told that the same covenant that sealed Abraham’s lineage is available to you today—if you choose faith, if you choose to align your will with God’s. The inspirational pulse of these chapters is a call to action: to see yourself as an heir of Abraham’s legacy, to recognize that the same celestial vision that enlightened him can illuminate your path. Every decision you make, every sacrifice you endure, is part of that grand, divine tapestry.

So, when you close the book, let the vision stay with you. Let it remind you that you are not a random footnote in history but a central character in an eternal story—one that began before time and stretches far beyond your mortal days. Embrace the promise, step into the priesthood of purpose, and let the light of Abraham’s revelation guide you toward a life of meaning, courage, and everlasting joy.


1. What do Genesis 1‑2 teach about how the world began?

Genesis 1 describes the six‑day creation pattern: God brings light, sky, land, vegetation, celestial bodies, animals, and finally humanity (Adam and Eve) into existence, declaring each work “good.” Genesis 2 zooms in on the creation of humanity: God forms Adam from the dust, places him in the Garden of Eden, creates Eve from Adam’s rib, and gives them the command to steward the garden and avoid the “tree of the knowledge of good and evil.” The two chapters together emphasize that God is the intentional, powerful creator of everything and that humans have a special, responsible role in the world.


2. Who is “Moses” in the Pearl of Great Price, and what is covered in chapters 2‑3?

The Book of Moses is a modern revelation given to Joseph Smith (founder of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter‑day Saints). Chapter 2 expands on the creation narrative, adding details such as the “intelligences” that existed before the world, the premortal council where God (the Father) created a “plan of salvation,” and the role of Jesus Christ as the “firstborn of the Father” who assisted in creation. Chapter 3 tells how Satan, originally a noble spirit, rebelled against God, was cast out, and then tempted Adam and Eve, leading to the “Fall.” These chapters deepen the Genesis account by explaining the pre‑earth conditions, the purpose of mortality, and the origin of opposition.


3. What is the significance of Abraham 4‑5 in the Pearl of Great Price?

The Book of Abraham is another LDS scripture translated from Egyptian papyri. Chapter 4 records Abraham’s vision of the premortal council, the creation of the world, and the “great and spacious building” where the “princes of the earth” gathered—symbols of the pride‑filled, worldly system. Chapter 5 recounts Abraham’s personal conversion: his rejection of idolatry, his covenant with God, and the promise that his descendants would become a great nation. These chapters underline themes of personal revelation, covenant relationship, and the contrast between divine truth and worldly deception.


4. How do these three sets of scriptures complement each other?

1. Creation focus: Genesis provides a broad, narrative overview; Moses adds doctrinal background (intelligences, pre‑earth council) and explains why mortality is necessary; Abraham provides a prophetic, symbolic view of the pre‑earth gathering and the early covenant with God.
2. Fall and opposition: Genesis mentions the command and the eventual transgression; Moses describes Satan’s rebellion and the precise nature of the “forbidden fruit”; Abraham visualizes the “great and spacious building,” representing the worldly forces that oppose God’s plan.
3. Human purpose: All three emphasize that people are created with divine potential, are to steward creation, and are invited into a covenant relationship that leads to eternal progression. Together they give a fuller picture of God’s plan from pre-creation to the covenantal promises made to Abraham’s lineage.

5. What are some practical ways a beginner can study these chapters?

1. Read side‑by‑side: Open a Bible (Genesis 1‑2) and the Pearl of Great Price (Moses 2‑3; Abraham 4‑5) and read a short passage from each, noting similarities and differences.
2. Use study aids: Look for beginner‑friendly commentaries (e.g., “Bible Handbook” for Genesis, “Gospel Topics” articles for Moses & Abraham) that explain key terms like “intelligences,” “council,” and “great and spacious building.”
3. Ask “why” questions: Why did God create light first? Why is the “Fall” necessary? Why does Abraham reject idols? Write down your thoughts and compare them with study notes.
4. Apply the teachings: Reflect on stewardship (Genesis), personal revelation & resisting pride (Moses), and covenant‑making (Abraham). Try to set a small, concrete goal (e.g., caring for a plant, praying for guidance, or honoring a family promise).

 

Quick Takeaway:

Genesis 1‑2 gives the foundational story of creation and humanity’s divine mandate.
Moses 2‑3 expands the narrative with pre‑earth councils, the purpose of mortality, and the origin of opposition.
Abraham 4‑5 highlights prophetic vision, covenant promises, and the contrast between divine truth and worldly pride.

Happy studying!

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Comments

Rhonda
a day ago

You have done an excellent job. I really like the idea of putting all the creation versions side by side. Having a deeper look at the creation, including our premarital existence helps to understand our current existence. We truly do believe we are children of a loving, REAL Heavenly Father who had a plan all along..