Lifespan

Unknown (approx. 4000 B.C.?). He lived to be 930 years old (Genesis 5:5).

Ministry

West of the Garden of Eden after the Fall and subsequent expulsion.

Preparation and Calling

Adam is the first man of the mortal family. He was involved with naming God’s creations, and was married to Eve while still in the Garden of Eden. Even though we speak of the “Fall” of Adam and Eve, their decision to become mortal and leave the Garden was the only way for mankind to progress.

Adam sought the Lord and received divine instruction on the teachings and ordinances that he was to provide to his children. From an angel, he learned of Jesus Christ and His eventual mission to atone for the sins of all mankind.

Adam is not only the first man but also one of the greatest to ever live. Some sacred texts indicate that he was also known as the Ancient of Days and as Michael the archangel spoken of in the Bible. In his premortal state, he helped Jesus Christ in creating the world. He led the supporters of God in the war in heaven against the forces of Lucifer, and will again lead those same forces at the end of the world when evil is vanquished for good.

Similarly, the Qu’ran teaches that Adam, not God, is Lucifer’s principle opponent, for when God asked the angels to name some of His creations, they were unable to. Adam, however, stepped forward and named them all successfully. One of those angels, Lucifer, refused to acknowledge Adam’s superior performance and openly rebelled. Other sources indicate that Adam led the forces of righteousness victoriously against Lucifer and his angels in a premortal conflict (Book of Moses 4; Revelation 12:4; Jude 1:6; Doctrine and Covenants 29:36, 76:26).

Interaction with God

In the Garden of Eden, Adam and Eve walked and talked with God openly. Following the Fall and subsequent expulsion from the Garden, the biblical record says little about their interaction with God. Certainly the Fall brought a separation between them, for the very notion of a fall is centered on the “fall” from the spiritual heights of God’s presence.

Other ancient sources provide more information about the relationship of God and His first prophet following the Fall. For example, the Apocalypse of Adam, found among the Nag Hammadi texts, is a record of a revelation brought to Adam by three heavenly messengers. The Book of Moses tells of an angel appearing to explain the reasons behind God’s requirement to offer sacrifices, namely, that “this thing is a similitude of the sacrifice of the Only Begotten of the Father.”

Although Adam proclaimed, “Again in the flesh I shall see God,” no record speaks of that experience, though writings do mention that he received visions, promptings and whisperings of the Spirit, and angelic visitations.

Social Situation

Adam and Eve were the first parents on the earth. As such, they learned God’s teachings and in turn taught them to their posterity, some of whom accepted those teachings and some of whom rejected them. Because of their unique position, they were in a position of learning everything new from divine sources, for there were no scriptural canons or historical precendents to rely on.

Key Teachings

Adam and Eve taught their children to love and obey God. They also in time taught them to repent, to work for their food and comfort, and to keep records.

Living with the Prophet

Adam learned that all his actions were a reflection of how he viewed God. How can you honor God through your actions, including honoring His Sabbath day?

Sources:

Apocalypse of Adam

Cave of Treasures

Life of Adam and Eve

Book of Moses

Fazlur Rahman, “Elements of Belief in the Qu’ran,” Literature of Belief, 1981, p. 83.