The first of God's children to come to earth, Adam and Eve were placed in the Garden of Eden, were created in God’s image, with bodies of flesh and bones, and enjoyed direct, physical interaction with God’s. In the Garden, their innocence and dependence could have lasted forever. However, like all humans on this earth, God gave them agency. (2 Nephi 2:26-29) Commanded not to eat the fruit of the tree of knowledge of good and evil, their obedience allowed them to remain in the garden without growth, opposition, or progression. (Genesis 2:15-17)
Satan was there and successfully tempted Adam and Eve to eat the fruit. (Genesis 3) Part of God’s plan, this choice caused their expulsion from the garden and consequently separation from God’s physical presence known as the Fall. (Alma 22:12-14) Adam and Eve experienced spiritual death or physical separation from God. They became mortal; death, illness, sadness, suffering, and other trials now were possible. (1 John 1:8-10)
But, their agency allowed them to choose between good and evil, learn and progress, make right or wrong choices, and to sin as well as the wonderful joy and blessing of parenthood. (Alma 42:2-10) The choice to bear children allows God’s spirit children to come to earth, obtain physical bodies, and be similarly tested. (2 Nephi 2:23) In the garden, their state of innocence was entirely complete; they could have had children but would not have had children. After being cast out, God's children could now progress and become like Him. (Alma 12:21-24) Nevertheless, they needed a Redeemer, which I'll talk about tomorrow.
