11/06/2025
In these troubling times, knowledge of Michael is a tremendous comfort…
Michael: The Archangel and Adam
Michael is one of the most significant figures in LDS theology, representing a profound continuity between the premortal, mortal, and postmortal realms. In Latter-day Saint understanding, Michael is the premortal name of Adam—the first man, the Ancient of Days, and the archangel who led God's armies in the War in Heaven. [CITE: Michael - Guide to the Scriptures]
The Premortal Michael: Archangel and Leader
In Hebrew, the name Michael means "Who is like God?"—a question that underscores his role as a defender of divine truth and authority. Before the creation of the earth, Michael held a position of extraordinary authority in the premortal realm, second only to Jesus Christ. The scriptures describe him as "one of the chief princes" (Daniel 10:13) and "the archangel" (Jude 1:9), indicating his preeminent status among God's spirit children.
Revelation 12:7 And there was war in heaven : Michael and his angels fought against the dragon; and the dragon fought and his angels,
This verse reveals Michael's pivotal role in the War in Heaven, where he commanded the righteous hosts against Lucifer's rebellion. This premortal conflict established the fundamental pattern of opposition between good and evil that would continue throughout mortality. [CITE: Adam, the Archangel - Bruce R. McConkie, October 1980]
Michael's Role in Creation
Latter-day revelation indicates that Michael participated in the creation of the earth under the direction of Jesus Christ. As Elder Bruce R. McConkie taught, Adam "helped create the earth—a glorious, superb individual." [CITE: The Choice That Began Mortality - Ensign, January 2002] This creative role demonstrates Michael's intimate knowledge of God's plan and his preparation for the unique mission he would fulfill as the first mortal.
The Mortal Adam: First Man and Patriarch
When Michael entered mortality, he became Adam—the first man, placed in the Garden of Eden with his wife Eve. The transition from Michael to Adam represents not a diminishment but a fulfillment of divine purpose. As the first mortal, Adam inaugurated the conditions necessary for all of God's children to experience mortality, exercise agency, and progress toward exaltation.
The scriptures refer to Adam as the "Ancient of Days" (Daniel 7:9, 13, 22), a title that emphasizes his primacy and patriarchal authority over the human family. The Doctrine and Covenants clarifies this connection:
"Three years previous to the death of Adam, he called Seth, Enos, Cainan, Mahalaleel, Jared, Enoch, and Methuselah, who were all high priests, with the residue of his posterity who were righteous, into the valley of Adam-ondi-Ahman, and there bestowed upon them his last blessing. And the Lord appeared unto them, and they rose up and blessed Adam, and called him Michael, the prince, the archangel." (D&C 107:53-54)
This passage reveals that even in mortality, Adam retained his identity as Michael and his authority as the archangel—a prince among God's children. [CITE: Michael - Bible Dictionary]
Michael's Continuing Ministry
Michael's role extends beyond his mortal life. The scriptures indicate he continues to serve in positions of authority and will play a crucial role in the last days:
Daniel 12:1 And at that time shall Michael stand up, the great prince which standeth for the children of thy people: and there shall be a time of trouble, such as never was since there was a nation even to that same time: and at that time thy people shall be delivered, every one that shall be found written in the book.
This prophecy suggests that Michael will "stand up" as a protector and deliverer during the tribulations preceding Christ's Second Coming. His role as "the great prince which standeth for the children of thy people" indicates his continuing stewardship over the human family.
Michael's Authority in the Restoration
In the latter-day restoration of priesthood keys, Michael played a significant role. The Doctrine and Covenants records that on September 21, 1823, the angel Moroni declared to Joseph Smith that various ancient prophets would restore priesthood keys, and that "Michael, or Adam, the father of all, the prince of all, the ancient of days" would be among them (D&C 128:21). This restoration of keys demonstrates Michael's continuing authority and his integral role in preparing the earth for Christ's millennial reign.
Theological Significance
The identity of Michael as Adam carries profound theological implications. It demonstrates that:
Premortal preparation matters: Michael's premortal faithfulness and leadership qualified him for his unique mortal mission
Mortality is purposeful: Even the greatest among God's spirit children needed mortal experience to progress
Identity transcends mortality: Adam remained Michael; his essential nature and authority continued through the veil
Patriarchal order is eternal: Michael/Adam's role as father and patriarch extends from premortal councils to millennial glory
Michael in Scriptural Context
Beyond the passages already cited, Michael appears in several other scriptural contexts that illuminate his character and mission. In Jude 1:9, we read of Michael contending with the devil over the body of Moses—an episode that demonstrates both his authority and his deference to divine power ("The Lord rebuke thee"). In Daniel 10:13, 21, Michael is described as "one of the chief princes" who assists in heavenly conflicts, reinforcing his role as a warrior for righteousness.
These scriptural glimpses, combined with latter-day revelation, present Michael as a figure of unparalleled significance: the first among mortals, a leader in premortal realms, a participant in creation, and a continuing force for righteousness who will stand at the head of the human family when Christ returns in glory. [CITE: Adam - Bible Dictionary]
