1. How did humanity begin?

The origin of the human race is found in divine council: “Let Us make man” (Genesis 1:26). The plural “Us” refers to the Godhead — God, the Father, God, the Son, and God, the Holy Spirit (See Step 8, The Godhead). On the sixth day of Creation week (see Genesis 1 and 2), God sculpted the first man from the dust of the earth and breathed into his nostrils, the breath of life. Realizing man’s need for companionship, God put Adam to sleep, extracted one of his ribs, and made a woman. Both men and women were created in the image of God (Genesis 1:27), and both were given dominion over every living thing that moves on the earth.JTL13 2.1

Though many today believe that humans evolved from lower forms of animal life over time, this idea cannot be harmonized with the biblical record. That human beings have been subject to a process of degeneration is crucial to the nature of humanity (see: My Journey to Life: Step 12—The Creation). We are not just part of a cosmic machine; as individuals we were made in the image of God Himself. Even with our gradual decline, we are precious in His sight!JTL13 2.2