Genesis 5, Moses 6 Study Guide -- "Teach These Things Freely"

Genesis 5 in the Bible reads as a genealogy -- a list of names and ages from Adam to Noah. But Moses 6, the restored version, transforms this chapter into one of the most doctrinally rich passages in all of scripture. Where Genesis gives names, Moses gives sermons, ordinances, and prophecy.

Moses 6 reveals that Adam was baptized, received the Holy Ghost, and was taught the plan of salvation in full. This matters because it demonstrates that the gospel is not a New Testament invention -- it is eternal. The same faith, repentance, baptism, and gift of the Holy Ghost that missionaries teach today was taught by Adam to his own children.

The chapter also introduces Enoch's call to prophetic ministry. Enoch's response -- "Why is it that I have found favor in thy sight, and am but a lad, and all the people hate me; for I am slow of speech" (Moses 6:31) -- mirrors Moses's own reluctance and every prophet who has felt inadequate before God's calling. The pattern is consistent: God calls the unlikely and makes them sufficient.

The Hebrew name "Enoch" (Chanokh) means "dedicated" or "initiated." This is fitting -- Enoch was initiated into sacred knowledge and then dedicated his life to building Zion. His very name prophesied his mission.

One of the most powerful verses in Moses 6 is God's declaration: "Behold, I am God; Man of Holiness is my name" (Moses 6:57). This restored name of God is found nowhere in the Bible. It reframes our understanding of deity -- holiness is not an attribute God possesses, it is who He is.

Study questions: What does it mean that the gospel was taught "from the beginning"? How does Enoch's self-doubt relate to your own callings? What does the name "Man of Holiness" teach about the nature of God?