In Acts chapter 26 Paul shares his witness of Christ’s suffering for our sakes and of the redemption that is promised through the Savior: “Christ should suffer…that he should be the first that should rise from the dead, and should shew light unto the people” (Acts 26:23). Speaking to his son Jacob, the Book of Mormon prophet Lehi conveys a similar message of hope, despite the Fall of Adam and Eve: “The Messiah cometh…that he may redeem the children of men from the fall” (2 Nephi 2:26).
Both Paul and Lehi saw the greater plan at play, one of growth and salvation, rather than supposing that the Fall was merely something to be overcome because of a mistake made in the Garden of Eden.
Ben Crowder’s illustration of the fruit from the Tree of Knowledge of Good and Evil highlights the isolation that Adam and Eve would have faced if they had chosen to stay in Eden. Despite its idyllic conditions, the Garden could not provide them the opportunities for spiritual and physical maturation that came because of their choice. Yes, that decision produced a need for a Savior, but that gift had already been promised to us in the Councils in Heaven; and the truth of His redeeming power has been proclaimed by prophets in every era.
-Lucy Lacanienta, Research Assistanthttp://book-of-mormon-art.local/catalog/that-men-might-be/