Premortal Life

In the Premortal Existence, we lived as spirit children in God's presence. Throughout our premortal life, we developed our identity and increased our spiritual capabilities. We grew in intelligence and learned to love the truth, and prepared to come to the earth, where we could continue to progress.

Spirit World

Before we were born, we lived as spirit children, in the presence of our Heavenly Father.  Heavenly Father had a plan for us, which was prepared from the foundation of the world[4]. So He held a council, called the Council of Heaven, and presented His plan of happiness to all of us.  The plan required a Savior - someone to take upon the sins of the world.  Lucifer, or Satan, offered to be that savior, but only if Heavenly Father would give him all the glory.  He said, "I will redeem all mankind, that one soul shall not be lost, and surely I will do it; wherefore give me thine honor"[2].  However, Jesus Christ, the Firstborn of the Father, offered to take upon the sins of the world, and let Heavenly Father have all the glory[1]. This caused a war in heaven, during which satan rebelled against God, and sought to destroy the agency of man[5]. Satan persuaded one third of the hosts of Heaven turn away from the Father.  They were cut off from the presence of God and denied the blessing of reciving a physical body. Two thirds of the hosts of Heaven decided to follow Christ and Heavenly Father's plan, and were permitted to come to the earth to experience mortality and progress toward eternal life[3].

1. Moses 4:2
2. Moses 4:1
3. Alma 13:3
4. Alma 22:13
5. 2 Nephi 2:17-18

Agency

Agency is essential to the plan of salvation. In order for us to experience joy, which is God's purpose, there needs to be an opposition in all things[4].  Our Heavenly Father gave us agency, which is the ability to choose and act for yourself[2]. We had our agency even in the premortal existence. In the premortal Council in Heaven, we chose to exercise our agency by following our Heavenly Father's plan. While those who did not come to earth to obtain a mortal body exercised their agency by choosing to follow Satan[5]. Agency is one of God's greatest gifts to His children. With our given agency, we are free to choose eternal life through Jesus Christ, or captivity through Satan[1]. Satan wants to destroy our agency and make us as miserable as he is[3]. 

1. 2 Nephi 2:27
2. 2 Nephi 2:15-16
3. Moses 4:3
4. 2 Nephi 2:11
5. D&C 29:36

  

The Creation

Under the direction of Heavenly Father, Jesus Christ created the heavens and the earth[2].  The earth was designed as a place for us to live and gain experience[1]. In order to progress and become like God, we had to obtain a physical body and be tested during a time of probation on the earth.  So God created Adam, the first man of all men[4], and Adam and Eve were created in His own image. So man was created, after the image of God[3]. The Creation is a key part of Heavenly Father's plan for us.  It gives each of us the opportunity to come to the earth to receive a physical body and exercise our given agency.  In the Council of Heaven, Jesus Christ said to those that were with Him, "We will go down, for there is space there, and we will take of these materials, and we will make an earth whereon these may dwell; and we will prove them herewith, to see if they will do all things whatsoever the Lord their God shall command them"[5]. While on the earth we are out of God's physical presence.  We do not remember our premortal life.  We must go by faith.

1. 1 Nephi 17:36
2. Mosiah 3:8
3. Mosiah 7:27
4. Moses 1:34
5. Abraham 3:24-25