He suffered and died to bring to pass our immortality and eternal life (see Moses 1:39). Jesus Christ is central to all parts of our Heavenly Father’s plan.
The Atonement of Jesus Christ provides for a resurrection, forgiveness of sin, and a judgment into a degree of glory (see 1 Corinthians 15:40–42 Revelation 20:12–13 2 Nephi 9:22 Alma 42:23). The Fall of Adam and Eve made it possible for us to be born of mortal parents, receive a physical body, and exercise agency in choosing between good and evil (see 2 Nephi 2:25–27). Accordingly, under the direction of the Father, Jesus Christ created the earth (see Hebrews 1:1–3). In our premortal existence as spirit children of Heavenly Father, we could not become fully like Him without the experience of living in mortality with a physical body.
Three vital elements that make the plan possible are the Creation, the Fall, and the Atonement. There are three stages of Heavenly Father’s plan: premortal, mortal, and postmortal. Jesus Christ and His atoning sacrifice are essential in this plan. This plan is often referred to as the plan of salvation, the plan of redemption, or the plan of happiness. He provided a plan whereby His children may become like Him and receive a fulness of joy. Heavenly Father desires a fulness of joy for all of His children.