W. Cleon Skousen Insights

BYU Lecture #3: The Fall and Eviction from the Garden

Text: Genesis 3-4; Moses 4-5

Supplemental Text: The First 2,000 Years chapters 6-9

After Adam and Eve’s arrival in the Garden, the Fall became a tremendous challenge, as it is on every Earth created for mankind. Essential as the Fall is, our first parents were required to deliberately and voluntarily take that step to bring about mortality.

In this episode, Dr Skousen teaches a profound appreciation for the role of agency and the consequence of choice. Having chosen to disobey God, Adam and Eve are evicted from the Garden and begin human history at Adam-Ondi-Ahman. The Plan of Salvation takes on great significance as Christ and His sacrifice is introduced. This episode turns doctrine into living drama, inviting listeners to witness the human emotions, difficult decisions, and eternal consequences that affect you and your family today.

BYU Lecture #2 - The Creation; The Garden; Adam and Eve

Text: Genesis 1-2; Moses 2-3; Abraham 4-5

Supplemental Text: The First 2,000 Years - Chapters 3-5

In this 2nd University lecture, we learn that Moses has a second opportunity to inquire of the Lord. This time he learns the importance of the Human race. He is taught from "the beginning" which was actually the spiritual creation of the earth, followed by the temporal or physical creation. 

During the lecture, an old dramatized, and somewhat comedic, recording is played depicting Adam and Eve in the Garden. So where was the Garden of Eden? And what are the purposes of this earth life? These and other questions are discussed in this lesson.

 

Biblical Text: Moses 1 and Abraham 3

College Text: The First 2,000 Years chapters 1 and 2

W. Cleon Skousen narrates a series of lectures on the Old Testament that were recorded decades earlier at the university and recently recovered. He recounts his return to BYU at the request of President David O. McKay, and writing three Old Testament textbooks, namely The First 2,000 Years, The Third Thousand Years, and The Fourth Thousand Years. These works are available at bookstores or on his website skousenlibrary.com. Dr. Skousen brings the events and people of the Old Testament to life and relatable to us today. 

In this episode, listeners will learn key “hook” dates from Adam through Christ, lessons on the spirit vs. temporal creation accounts, Moses’ visions and prophetic experiences, and overviews of major prophets such as Enoch, Noah, Abraham, Moses, Isaiah, Jeremiah, Daniel, Ezekiel, Lehi, and others. He describes important timeline anchors to make it easier for the student to remember, and gives insights into early scriptural manuscripts and restored teachings—offering both historical context and doctrinal interpretation for students of the Old Testament.

In the great battle to take over the world, America is the number one target. Enemies of America, enemies of the Bible, enemies of goodness are almost always atheist, amoral, ruthless and power hungry.

Knowledge is the only defense against our enemy’s deception. We must do our own homework and research to discover truth. Communists lie, cheat, misrepresent and do whatever is in their power to promote their godless agenda. They feel threatened by religion and particularly the bible - the things they fear most. They openly admit that in the coming struggle, “ideas will be more important than atomic bombs.”

Messages from the Old Testament frighten communists. It strikes down their ideas and propaganda. This is why they devote their time, efforts, energy and resources to attack religion and the bible.

We must understand our own role and perspective in this fight. Not only must we stay in the fight and avoid getting discouraged, we must remember there is a greater intelligence who has a more vested interest in truth than we do. He has been in this fight longer than we have. He is the one who created this - the first free people in modern times. So when we feel discouraged and overwhelmed, we must remember, this cause is in the hands of someone more powerful and more capable than all of us combined. Therefore, we must go forward in faith and confidence to be worthy of the upcoming miracle of victory.

Narrated by the renowned Francis Urey and originally produced in the 1960s, this production unveils chapters of the historical account of the first Christmas that modern day pageants frequently omit.

Performed for a time at Temple Square in Salt Lake City, discover the story of Zacharias and his divine encounter with the angel Gabriel, leading to the miraculous birth of John the Baptist. Follow the journey of Mary, a Jewish princess, as she receives a celestial message and conceives Jesus, the Son of the Highest.

Experience the humble birth of Jesus in Bethlehem, the magnificent angelic visitations to shepherds, and the profound visit of the wise men. Learn about the perilous escape to Egypt and the fulfillment of ancient prophecies.

This presentation not only relates the historical and scriptural details of the Nativity but also reflects on the broader purpose of the Savior's mission. As you listen, let the spirit of peace and goodwill fill your heart, and share this uplifting message with your loved ones, as you experience the Real Story of Christmas.

The beauty of the Gospel of Jesus Christ comes alive in the Old Testament. The backbone of learning the Gospel in the Old Testament begins with a historical understanding, which W. Cleon Skousen lays out masterfully by helping the student learn the easy hook dates of critical learning. Weaving these hook dates among the major players in the Old Testament pulls together the storyline and fasinating tapestry of God's master plan for all His children.  

From Adam to the Great Flood, to Abraham, Joseph and Moses, you will learn how to remember who, when and what each of these prophetic leaders did, promoting and testifying of Jesus Christ and the Plan of Salvation for all mankind. You will discover the linage of Abraham traced through the ages and into our present day, along with the promise of Abraham and the responsibilities of Priesthood leadership residing on his descendants today.

God is the same and ever-present today, yesterday and forever, demonstrating His unchanging power and love through Old Testament times, and continuing through your lifetime today and the lives of your posterity in the  tomorrows to come.

The Christmas Story as only W. Cleon Skousen can tell so beautifully and personally. Experience the birth of Christ as a living, human story from the hush of a temple’s incense in Jerusalem to the bright surprise of angelic visitations, weaving the lives of Zechariah, Elizabeth, Mary, and Joseph into a vivid journey toward Bethlehem.

Witness the shock of sudden revelation, the breaking and healing of Joseph's heart, the humble stable, the wonder of shepherds under a bursting sky, and the quiet courage of a family pursued by a jealous king — all brought to life with intimate details and the music of the season.

More than history, this episode becomes a reflection on sacrifice and mercy, drawing threads from scripture and memory into a narrative that invites listeners to experience the birth of our Savior, the Christ child.

The Old Testament prophets saw our day, prior to Christ's return, and describe these events for our learning and preparation. 

Section 137 – Given on January 21, 1836 in Kirtland, Ohio.

Historical Background: The Kirtland temple was nearing completion. In preparation for its dedication, Joseph Smith, along with other leaders of the church in Kirtland and Missouri, gathered in the upper-west room of the temple. A spiritual manifestation was received by Joseph and an extract of the vision is contained in Section 137 which was added to the Doctrine and Covenants in 1981.

• Recap: Joseph sees the Celestial Kingdom and the throne of God. He also sees his brother Alvin who died 6 years previously. All those who die without a knowledge of the gospel, who would have accepted it, and all those children who die prior to the age of accountability, qualify for the Celestial Kingdom.

Section 138 – Revelation to Joseph F. Smith on October 3, 1918 in Salt Lake City, Utah.

Historical Background: 1918 was the final year in the life of Joseph F. Smith and was one of heartache and sorrow. His eldest son, apostle Hyrum Mack Smith, had a bright future as a leader of the church. But in January, 1918, he died suddenly from a ruptured appendix. Two of his daughters-in-law also died that year, leaving orphaned children. World War I was coming to a close with the miseries of post-war realities, along with a global pandemic of the Spanish Flu. Joseph F. Smith was also gravely ill and would die 6 weeks following the October, 1918 general conference. On the night before this conference, he received a magnificent revelation which he dictated to his son, Joseph Fielding Smith, shortly afterwards. It was then shared and accepted as revelation by the First Presidency and Quorum of the Twelve. This revelation was added to the Doctrine and Covenants in the 1981 edition.

• Recap: The prophet ponders the New Testament messages of Peter regarding the spirits of the dead.  Suddenly his eyes are opened and he sees the hosts of the dead in the spirit world at the time of Christ's death. The righteous dead were filled with joy, anticipating the appearance of Christ after his crucifixion. Joseph sees the Spirit of Christ who appears to the righteous dead and delivers them from captivity. Christ organizes messengers to go among the wicked spirits to preach the light of the gospel. This faithful army of missionaries includes Adam, Able, Noah and all the great prophets, the righteous elders, and the glorious mother Eve with all her righteous daughters.  Those spirits who accept the gospel from these messengers can be redeemed through faith on Christ, repentance, and vicarious baptism and vicarious laying of hands for the gift of the Holy Ghost. After they have paid the penalty of their sins and are washed clean, they will receive a  reward according to their works.

Section 135 - Historical Background: John Taylor and Willard Richards were witnesses to the murder of Joseph and Hyrum Smith. John Taylor was shot several times and fell to the floor but saved his life by rolling under the bed. He was assigned to write the official declaration of the church concerning the assassination.

The effort to destroy the Prophet came from two directions: One was from the apostate conspirators within the church, the other was from the gentile mobs outside the church. Once the United States President refused to help the saints, the governors of Missouri and Illinois were emboldened to work together to destroy Joseph Smith. After a failed attempt to kidnap Joseph back to Missouri, Joseph learned that about 200 apostates in Nauvoo conspired together to deliver Joseph to the authorities. This mutiny was led by William Law, second councilor in the First Presidency. They aroused the surrounding communities by publishing outlandish lies in a local paper called the Expositor. Feeling justified by these lies, the Expositor was destroyed by the saints, which further enraged the mobs and conspirators of violating free speech.

Joseph and Hyrum fled Nauvoo with the intent of going into the West, but after Governor Ford of Illinois promised to secure the safety of Joseph while sorting out the charges, and promising to actually stay with Joseph in Carthage, Joseph consented to return, even though he knew he was going “like a lamb to the slaughter.”

The governor hired the Carthage Greys to guard Joseph even though most of the soldiers were made up of the very mob that wanted to kill him. Then, breaking his promise, Governor Ford left Joseph and Hyrum in the hands of the Greys and fled for Nauvoo.

Seeing the obvious setup, the jailor moved his family out of the jail and allowed Joseph and Hyrum to use his bedroom on the upper floor.

Around 5:00 PM, about 100 members of the mob rushed past the “guards” and into the jail, stormed up the stairs and tried to force their way through the bedroom door. A bullet fired at the door penetrated into the face of Hyrum who immediately dropped. Willard Richards, John Taylor and Joseph pressed against the door and struck down the gun barrels forced through the small door opening, with bullets pouring into the room from every direction.

Joseph knew the mob wouldn’t be satisfied until he was dead. Realizing that he might save the lives of his friends, Joseph turned from the door and sprang to the window. He was shot in the back twice from the door and one in the chest from outside. Joseph fell lifeless from the second floor window and struck the cobblestone below. Making certain of his death, four of the mob propped Joseph’s body against the well, raised their rifles and shot Joseph point-blank into his chest. Then someone shouted “Here come the Mormons!” and the entire mob fled like cowards back into the woods.

• Recap: Joseph and Hyrum Smith were martyred to seal their testimony of the Book of Mormon and the Doctrine and Covenants. Joseph Smith has done more, save Jesus Christ only, for the salvation of men, than any other man. Joseph died innocent and was murdered in cold blood. Just prior to the rushing assassins, Joseph read Ether 12:36-38. The restoration of the Church of Jesus Christ cost the best blood of the nineteenth century. The innocent blood of Joseph and Hyrum will mingle with the blood of all martyrs of ancient times that John saw, and will cry unto the Lord of Hosts until he avenges that blood on the earth.

Section 136 - Historical Background: Within 2 years of the murder of Joseph Smith, the saints knew they would suffer the same fate unless they fled to the west. For many years, the leaders of the church had known that eventually the body of the church would have to make a massive migration to the Rocky Mountains. Practically while fleeing the city, the final finishing touch was completed on their beautiful Nauvoo Temple. Over the next few weeks, as mobs grew restless to drive the saints out, over 5,300 saints, at the risk of their lives, delayed their flight in order to receive their temple endowments. Then, amidst the mobbing, burning and violence of the mobs, the remaining saints crossed the Mississippi River in the freezing winter and into the savagery of the unconquered West. Near what is now Omaha Nebraska, a temporary station was established called Winter Quarters. It was here that Brigham Young received the following revelation.

Recap: The saints are to be organized in companies, as ancient Israel was organized, in 100’s, fifties, and tens, and covenant among themselves and God to obey the commandments. Each company is to prepare themselves for the westward journey, taking a share of the poor and widows. The leading company will cut roads and plant crops on their way for the benefit of those companies who will follow. The Lord assures the saints that their enemies cannot stop them. Just as the Lord saved the Israelites from the Egyptians, so he will save his people in this dispensation. Be honest with one another, be good stewards, be of good cheer with dancing and singing. In times of sorrow, pray unto the Lord. The saints are to be tried to prepare themselves to be faithful for the glory of God. It was needful that Joseph be killed to seal his testimony with his blood. Be faithful, for the kingdom of God has been restored unto you.