The Forward Thrust: Finding Agency in the Story of the Fall

Sometimes, when we study the Book of Genesis, we get so focused on the weight of the transgression—the rebellion, the temptation, the consequences—that we forget to look up. We get stuck in the shadow, dwelling only on the 'downward' dimension of the Fall.

It's easy to view the Fall as simply a catastrophic failure, a point where everything went wrong. But as returned missionaries, as disciples who have seen the Savior’s grace work through every valley, we know better. We know that even in the deepest moments of darkness, the Lord is preparing a path forward.

I was reflecting recently on a lesson covering Genesis 3-4 and Moses 4-5. The depth of the material—from Lucifer's rebellion to Cain and Abel—is staggering. It’s a masterclass in agency, accountability, and the persistent, unfolding plan of salvation.

What struck me most, and what I wanted to share with my fellow rogue disciples, is the concept of the 'forward thrust.' As Orson F. Whitney once noted, the Fall had a twofold direction: downward, yes, but critically, also *forward*.

Agency: The Great Gift and the Great Test

The whole drama hinges on agency. Eve’s choice, while resulting in separation from the immediate presence of God, was an act of profound, courageous decision-making. It was a choice that, paradoxically, propelled humanity toward the very covenants and progressions that define our lives today. It was a choice that risked everything for the sake of a greater, more complex life—a life that required redemption.

This is such powerful material for our current mission prep. When we talk to investigators, they often bring us their deepest doubts, their biggest 'what ifs.' They are wrestling with the weight of their own choices, their own perceived failings. We can’t just offer platitudes; we have to guide them to the *forward* thrust of the gospel.

This week, as you study the Fall, I encourage you to look past the curses and the limitations. Ask yourself: What did this moment *enable*? What necessary step did this rebellion force the Lord to orchestrate next? It’s in that forward momentum—the promise of the Atonement, the establishment of the covenant path—that the true light shines.

If you’re looking for ways to deepen this study, I highly recommend checking out the Iron Rod resources on this topic. For those of us who are actively studying, the Book Club discussions in HolyPlaces are proving to be a wonderful place to wrestle with these deep theological questions alongside others.

If you're feeling the need to walk through some of the tough doctrinal questions that come up when discussing sin and agency, I’ve been using Davee lately. He’s fantastic at role-playing the investigator who asks, “But if God is all-powerful, why did He allow the Fall?” It keeps us sharp for our missionary discussions.

Remember, our core calling as disciples—whether we are in the MTC, in the field, or just at home—is to point people toward that forward progression. We are witnesses to a plan that is never truly derailed, only redirected toward the Savior.

For those of you who are feeling the weight of the work, I’ve linked a few resources below. And if you haven't already, check out the "Unshaken Saints" podcast—it’s a wonderful resource for keeping our testimonies strong!

Invitation: If you’re ready to dig deeper into scripture-discipleship, join a Bible Study Group this week. Let’s keep building up the body of Christ, one revelation at a time.