Our First Estate: The Doctrine of Man's Pre-Mortal Existence

"Since the time of Adam, man has pondered the question, 'Where did I come from?' His search for an answer has led in many directions: through the words of the prophets, the imaginations of the poets and the skepticism of the agnostics. In OUR FIRST ESTATE, it is the intent of the author to provide an answer that is found in the teachings of modern day prophets of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Through the use of the scriptures and the inspired statements of general authorities and other students of the scriptures, Elder Brough presents a logical and penetrating discussion of our pre-mortal existence and our relationship to our Heavenly Father. This book gives a sequence of events in the happenings of our pre-mortal existence from the organization of intelligences and spirit children, the war in heaven, and the creation of the earth, to the placing of Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden. The author explains the effects these occurrences have on our lives. The author also helps the reader to have a clearer understanding of the relationship of our Father in Heaven as the literal father of our spirits and the role we play in the heavenly family. OUR FIRST ESTATE discusses such topics as the evidence and importance of our pre-mortal existence, the development of our spirits in the pre-mortal era, Christ as the firstborn of our Father in Heaven, the veil of mortal forgetfulness, and the transition of Adam and Eve from immortality to mortality. Elder Brough has once again shown his ability for precise research in the compilation of material contained in this book. There are 176 pages of explanation to inquiries that are as timely today as when they were first asked ages ago."