Go ahead and tell us your thoughts here. I can't extract specific answers from the text.
Maybe you can explain the dichotomy of the devil who shows up in the garden, Genesis 3, from the "morning star" that weakened the nations, Isaiah 14:12-15 and aspired to rise to heaven, from the one kicked out of heaven, Revelation 12:7-9.
I need semblance to draw a rational conclusion on what's happening with satan's tenure. Is this the nature of inequity, allowing the spirit of satan to continually spoil life?
Jesus calls the devil "the God of this world", 2 Corinthians 4:4. Does the devil's spirit reside on earth where he works his loom, or does he do so from heaven, or both? Has he already been kicked out of heaven, and Rev 12:7-9 is purely symbolic?
Today we face the same problems Adam and Eve faced in the garden, nothing has changed. I have a feeling you can shed light on this.
I see you have looked again but you are still missing the point. What you have posted started from verse 4, but to really get the full essence of the script, is to start from verse one and especially vs. 2 where it says, "and on the seventh day God ended HIS work." Then below, the Bible describes the process of creation including mankind.
So after the seventh day was expired, this is now the 8th day when the serpent was introduced and started its work of teaching the opposite of good. I'm asking you again as I asked you in the first post, where was God when this was taking place? Could Adam and Eve see God? It's very important to me if you will answer these 2 questions before we continue so I can evaluate who I'm posting to.
"These are the generations of the heavens and of the earth when they were created, in the day that the LORD God made the earth and the heavens, And every plant of the field before it was in the earth, and every herb of the field before it grew: for the LORD God had not caused it to rain upon the earth, and there was not a man to till the ground." Gen 2:4-5
If there were just 3 days, why would the text state, "and there was not a man to till the ground." Sometimes its weeks before I get out into my garden to till the ground. Why would it be of significance if no one was there for 3 days?
Furthermore, after observing and naming the animals, that includes observing that all the animals had mates, male and female and observing what the mating process resulted in, it was then that Adam realized that there had not been a mate in all of creation for him. It was after this process that God fashions Eve from Adam's rib. And Adam's response was, "This is now bone of my bones, and flesh of my flesh: she shall be called Woman, because she was taken out of Man," where "is now" is has the sense of "now, finally, at last" after all this time observing and naming the animals, I have found a mate. God said "IT IS NOT GOOD FOR THE MAN TO BE ALONE," because it was a significant period of time that he had been alone!
I agree that God planned the whole thing before the foundation of the world. He had cast out Lucifer, and those who agreed with him, to earth and then put man right in Lucifer's crosshairs. The Godhead had already planned redemption for Adam and his race.
Signs of a Gracious Loving God, to redeem enemies of God. That answers the original question.
Keeping Our Eyes On GodFree Will - In Reply on Genesis 3 - 3 years ago
We have need to always remember that God created us with free will.
There is Gods perfect will towards us; and then there is our human will. As long as we seek the perfect will of God (according to the Word of God), our lives are pleasant and full of peace.
When our eyes and ears stray over to the "voice of this world", is when we get out of step with the Perfect Will of God. We're told to keep our eyes on Him. Only read prophesy in the Bible.
There are so many voices in the world right now that are demanding attention and allegiance to their causes. That's how we are able to perceive that Gods End time purpose is advancing.
There's a scripture that says, "Awake Sleeper.."
The only way to know what is advancing is to study faithfully, Gods Word. Do the things the Lord says to do, to be ready for the next planet-wide event (Caught Up in the Clouds).
Some people try to downplay that reality. Don't be led astray. Read the parable Jesus taught about the TEN VIRGINS. Oil is the joy of the Spirit and Lanterns are the Light of Revelation given to us by Christ. No matter the spins people teach on scripture: you know yourself what it says and means for us today.
Never be afraid to speak up and warn some folk that have heard something different.
Jesus said to Be Looking For Him. Our hope keeps our view upward, like an eagle: instead of pointed at the dirt like prairie chickens. They don't see the Chicken hawk that is about to make a lunch out of them.
The way world governments and world politics are leaning, linking up, taking away our freedoms; forcing us to pay taxes for their ridiculous programs; is a thermometer to keep your eye on. Don't be fooled. Be ready to go WITH JESUS.
Don't trust national news. Branch out: Epoch Times, Jerusalem Post. Check stories against scripture. Don't be lied to by media groups.
Yes Skip ,this is something that whenever i think about it my mind is genuinely boggled ! God knows and has always know everything about everyone ,when i really think about exactly what that means for me for you for everyone from everlasting to everlasting its awesome ! God is awesome ! God has already or is in the process of putting everyone exactly where they need to be to fulfill His purpose ,why do i ever worry about anything ?
I'm glad you admit that your statement is your belief and really it is. I like to keep my postings shot so as not to bore the reader/s.
Can you please look again and see that God told Adam to name the animals so as to put him to sleep in order to remove Adam's rib to make Eve. Also, the Bible states that everything, including Adam and Eve, were created in six (6) days. It was 6 evenings and mornings to show a 24 hour period.
God said "IT IS NOT GOOD FOR THE MAN TO BE ALONE." So Adam was never alone for a whole day. The whole story shows that God arranged the whole thing to go exactly the way it went. Where was God when the whole conversation between Eve and the serpent was taking place?
I'll wait for your answer in your next post so we can share our understanding of this very important topic in which there are so many misunderstandings. Please reply. God bless you
You asserted, "There is no way Adam could have had full knowledge of death because he was just 3 days old."
You cannot support this absurd allegation. Adam had 1) observed ALL the animals God had created and then he 2) named EACH animal according to the observations he had made.
I Believe this was most likely YEARS after his creation. He would have seen carnivorous animals, seen death both natural death and death by attack. When God said to him, in the day that thou eatest thereof thou shalt surely die, Adam knew what that meant after he spent time with God's creation.
This was a test. Didn't matter if Adam knew of the Tree of Life. He had ONE prohibition that he failed to keep over a relatively short period of time. So they both disregarded God's instructions and the world plunged into chaos.
Biblically the word circumcision has 2 meanings, 1-removal of foreskin and 2-of the heart. In number 1, God commanded this as a covenant to Abraham and his seed (a symbol of what is to come). In number 2, since Jesus' death, which fulfilled this law, it's no longer a physical covenant, but a spiritual covenant of the heart since no one can physically circumcise the heart. God bless you
What's an "HELP MEET." It's 2 words indicating 2 separate functions. 1 to help the man in his daily activities, and 2, to meet the man in intimacy and comfort.
It used to be that the man works the field while the woman takes care of the home and (or) children till he gets home. But now, since both the man and the woman are working the field, it's very difficult to live the original order of "help meet." God bless you
I want to just add a little comment here. The Adam and Eve story was not a test. Notice God did not mentioned the tree of life until Adam ate the fruit. In a test, one has to have knowledge of a subject in order to be tested on it. The subject here is death. There is no way Adam could have had full knowledge of death because he was just 3 days old. At this time Adam, Eve and the animals only know to obey God's command "not to eat," the fruit of that tree, and they all were in full compliance.
Now in chapter 3 we are introduced to a third character, the serpent, who I like to call "the teacher." When God created the evil spirit, it choose the serpent to go into. So it was the evil spirit in the serpent that was talking with Adam and Eve to do the act of sin. I have so much more to comment on this but I'll just conclude by saying, God creates everything for a purpose. The tree was for the purpose of giving the knowledge of evil then sin and finally the knowledge of death. So what happened in the garden of Eden was exactly what was supposed to be. There is a saying "IF THERE IS A POSSIBLE FOR SOMETHING TO GO WRONG, IT WILL GO WRONG." God bless you
Notice God did not mentioned to Adam the tree of life until after Adam ate of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil. And no, it was not the tree of wisdom. Wisdom is achieved through knowing good and evil, and understanding is to know the difference.
You can more understanding this if you realize that Adam and Eve were both void of understanding which can only be achieved by knowing that the opposite of good is evil. Did you know that there are good and evil spirits? And that God created them both? You can find this in ISAIAH 45:7. God is the creator of both things seen and unseen. He, God created evil. He did so for a purpose, to give us knowledge and understanding so we can be wise to know God. I can go on forever on this, but I don't want to bore you or anyone else, so I'll stop here. God bless you
Where is the tree of wisdom written about in The Scriptures?
God gave Adam ONE commandment. "And the LORD God commanded the man, saying, Of every tree of the garden thou mayest freely eat: But of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, thou shalt not eat of it: for in the day that thou eatest thereof thou shalt surely die." Gen 2:16-17
From this point in time until now, we are faced with this fundamental question, "Will I CHOOSE to believe God?"
Our natural inclination is to ACT as if we do NOT believe God. And this is exactly what happened. God wants people who will believe Him, no matter what! Adam failed the test and the rest of The Bible contains examples of a few people believing God and God's Mercy and Grace being extended to those who believe, because we ALL believe imperfectly.
"For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved. He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God."Joh 3:16-18
"For if, when we were enemies, we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son, much more, being reconciled, we shall be saved by his life." Rom 5:10
Names and Places of Hell on Genesis 3 - 3 years ago
Some believe that while Jesus' body was in the tomb, His spirit was in hell.Scripture doesn't support that position when it is taken in context and we look at the meaning of the word "hell." In the Old Testament, the place of the dead or the place of departed souls was called "SHEOL." It was to this place that all souls of the dead went to await resurrection.
In the New Testament, we find the story of Lazarus and the rich man who both died and went to Hades ( Luke 16:19-31). The KJV translates the Greek word "hades" as hell but most other translations use the Greek word. HADES had two separated parts: Those who died in faith believing in God's promise waited for the resurrection in Abraham's Bosom. Those who died spiritually separated from God wait in torment for the resurrection unto death, eternal separation from God. The rich man was on the torment side and Lazarus was in ABRAHAMS BOSOM which was called "PARADISE" by the LORD Jesus Christ himself when He addressed the thief who found faith the day Jesus was crucified ( Luke 23:42-43)
For if God spared not the angels that sinned, but cast them down to hell, and delivered them into chains of darkness, to be reserved unto judgment" ( 2 Peter 2:4). The word translated "HELL" here is not the Greek word "HADES" but is the Greek word "TARTARUS" meaning ABYSS or the lowest regions. This could very well be the "gulf" that was fixed between the PLACE OF TORMENT and Abraham's Bosom ( Luke 16:26).
Wherefore He saith, When He ascended up on high, He led captivity captive, and gave gifts unto men. (Now that He ascended, what is it but that He also descended first into the lower parts of the earth? He that descended is the same also that ascended up far above all heavens, that He might fulfill all things" ( Ephesians 4:8-10). Leading captivity captive seems to refer to Jesus taking all those that waited in Paradise, to heaven to be with Him. The descending into the "lower parts" then refers to Jesus declaring Victory.
There were three members of Herod's family were fixed prominently in the life of Jesus.
Herod the Great was the king when Jesus was born. When he died, Herod Archelaus ruled in his place. Herod Antipas ruled Galilee during the time of Jesus' public ministry. He was the one who had John the Baptist executed.
Comment by Mishael: In the Bible circumcision was the sign of being in covenant with God. In the New Testament Paul had to teach that circumcision was now in the heart. (Stoned many times for that). A new and better Covenant was secured by Jesus on the Cross; ratified by His own blood.
OLD TESTAMENT
Genesis 17:10
This is my COVENANT which ye shall keep, between me and you and thy seed after thee; Every man child among you shall be circumcised.
Genesis 17:11
And ye shall circumcise the flesh of your foreskin; and it shall be a token of the COVENANT betwixt me and you.
Genesis 17:12
And he that is eight days old shall be circumcised among you, every man child in your generations, he that is born in the house, or bought with money of any stranger, which is not of thy seed.
Genesis 17:13
He that is born in thy house, and he that is bought with thy money, must needs be circumcised: and my covenant shall be in your flesh for an everlasting covenant.
Deuteronomy 10:16
Circumcise therefore the foreskin of your HEART and be no more stiffnecked.
NEW TESTAMENT
Acts 7:51
Ye stiffnecked and uncircumcised in HEART AND EARS, you do always resist the Holy Ghost: as your fathers did, so do you (now).
Gifts of the Holy Spirit or Praying in the Spirit on Genesis 3 - 3 years ago
Seems that in recent days, there had been a lot of comment concerning speaking in tongues. 1 Corinthians chapter 14 has the greatest amount of information there.
In my experience, the Holy Spirit is the Giver of His gifts. He decides, not us. praying in the spirit is different. Sometimes described in groanings that issue from your innermost being. You can Search that word in the Search Box.
Your rational (sometimes carnal mind) doesn't understand the language. However, your born again) spirit does. Emotions are comforted and peace comes to you. Your prayer time flows when you are calm. You hear the Holy Spirits replies to questions. That may not occur if you constrain your time to a half hour or less. Sitting quietly waiting for His word, takes longer usually. Don't be composing a grocery list etc
Psalm 100:4. "Enter His courts with thanksgiving and praise." Try singing a favorite hymn.
Listen for that still, small voice. Malachi 3:16-18
And then you will desire those moments with the Lord.
Truly if your house is overflowing with children, their friends, pets... you may have to sneak out to the car to be edified in your being.
The gifts of Tongues and the gift of Prophesy work together. An utterance will be Confirmed from the mouths or 2 or 3 people with the gift of prophesy to speak it out in English or in your language. That's how it works usually. Date and write it down.
I am going to add; the voice of the Holy Spirit singing, will capture your heart forever.
In 1 John 2:18-19, he writes, "Little children, it is the last hour; and according as you heard that antichrist is coming, even now many antichrists have come; from this we know that it is the last hour. They went out from us, but they were not of us; for if they were of us, they would have continued with us; but they went out, in order that they might be made manifest that they were not all of us."
John is stating that those who are of the antichrist came out from the Christian fellowship. He teaches that the reason they chased after false doctrine and a false spirit, not staying with the fellowship of believers, is because they were never truly believers.
Sadly, the same is true today. There are many in our churches professing to be Christians, but who have no desire to hear or obey the truth of God's Word. Indeed, many so-called church leaders are not even teaching the Word of God from their pulpits, because they don't want to lose the numbers of people attending their services.
But the truth from God's Word still differentiates those who are truly saved from those who are just talking and acting like Christians, being devoid of the indwelling Spirit of Christ.
This is what the Bible teaches about salvation. The change in emphasis from salvation by God to salvation by man is part of the apostasy of the last days. Jesus said believers would be known by their fruits, not by their human works ( Matthew 7:16).
Sorry this was long but I wanted to explain why I believe salvation is permanent, cannot be lost!
He also said, in Matthew 7:21-23, "Not everyone saying to me, 'Lord, Lord' will enter into the kingdom of heaven; but the one doing the will of my Father who is in heaven. Many will say to me in that day, 'Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name? And in your name did we not cast out demons? And in your name did many works of power?' And then I will confess to them, 'I never knew you; depart from me, the ones working lawlessness."
John also states in John 10:27-29, "My sheep hear my voice and I know them; and they follow me. And I give to them eternal life; and they will never perish forever and not anyone will seize them from out of my hand. My Father who has given them to me is greater than all, and no one is able to seize them from out of the hand of my Father."
Jude states in his doxology in verse 24, "But to the one being able to keep you without stumbling and to set you before His glory blameless in exultation."
Paul in his writings emphasized the keeping power of God's Spirit in Ephesians 1:13-14: "In whom also after having heard the Word of truth, the gospel of your salvation, in whom also, after having believed, you were sealed with the Holy Spirit of promise, who is the guarantee of our inheritance, for redemption of the possession, for the praise of His glory."
He states again in Ephesians 4:30, "And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God in whom you were sealed for the day of redemption." Probably one of the most powerful Scriptures of God's keeping power is Romans 8:38-39: "For I am persuaded that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor rulers, nor powers, nor any thing which has come, nor things coming, nor height, nor depth, nor any other created thing will be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord."
The only way a person can be saved is by a spiritual birth from God; and the only way a person can keep his salvation is through the keeping power of God.
Many scriptures were written to show believers that some among them, who professed to be Christians, were actually not saved. John wrote I John so those who were saved would know that they have eternal life ( 1 John 5:13). In this letter, he listed many evidences, so that salvation could be proven among genuine believers.
These scriptures show that believers cannot be taken away from Christ by the flesh, because the Spirit of God is dwelling within to prevent that from happening.
Jesus Himself said, as recorded in John 6:37, "All that the Father gives to me will come to me; and the one coming to me I will never cast out." He goes on to say, in John 6:39, "And this is the will of the Father who has sent me, in order that of all which he has given to me I should lose nothing, but should raise it up in the last day."
Also, in His prayer to the Father, as recorded in John 17:11-12, Jesus said, "And now I am no more in the world, but these are in the world, and I am coming to you. Holy Father, keep through your own name those whom you have given to me, in order that they may be one, as we are. When I was with them in the world, I was keeping them in your name; the ones who you have given to me I kept, and none of them perished, except the son of perdition; in order that the Scripture might be fulfilled."
I emphasize the permanency of salvation because the bible teaches that God is the one who saves and He does so from out of His mercy. According to Paul, in Ephesians 2:8, grace, faith, and salvation are gifted from God.
John says, in John 1:13, believers "were born, not from blood, nor from the will of the flesh, nor from the will of man, but from God." Therefore, according to Scripture, a human being cannot save him/herself.
We also know from Scripture that no one can keep himself saved. John teaches, in 1 John 5:18 (as recorded in the oldest Greek manuscripts), "We know that everyone who has been born from God does not practice sin; but the one who has been born from God, God is keeping him and the evil one does not touch him."
In the early Church, the requirement for salvation was the presence of God's Spirit dwelling within a person. Paul instructed, in Romans 8:9, "Now if anyone does not have the Spirit of Christ, this one is not of Him." In Romans 8:14, he wrote, "For as many as are being led by the Spirit of God, these are the sons of God."
And again, in Romans 8:16, he instructs that "The Spirit itself bears witness with our spirit, that we are children of God." Also, in 2 Corinthians 13:5, Paul challenged the church at Corinth: "Examine yourselves, if you are in the faith; prove your own selves, or do you not know your own selves, that Jesus Christ is in you, except you are reprobates?"
John, writing in 1 John 3:24 supported this same understanding: "And in this we know that He abides in us, from the Spirit whom He has given to us."
He repeats this same truth, although worded somewhat differently, in 1 John 4:13, "In this we know that we dwell in Him, and He in us, because He has given to us of His Spirit."
From the preceding scriptures, we see that salvation happens only when God's Spirit enters and remains in a person's spirit, thereby causing spiritual birth. Nothing in the Bible teaches that salvation is accomplished by the repetition of the Sinner's Prayer or through the performance of any other kind of human formula.
In addition to teaching that God is the sole source of salvation, the Bible also teaches that every saved person is kept by the power of God. Peter writes, in 1 Peter 1:5, that believers are, "The ones who are being kept in the power of God through faith for salvation ready to be revealed in the last time."
Paul writes on the same subject, in Galatians 5:17, "For the flesh lusts against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh; and these are opposing to one another; in order that you should not do what you want."
Go ahead and tell us your thoughts here. I can't extract specific answers from the text.
Maybe you can explain the dichotomy of the devil who shows up in the garden, Genesis 3, from the "morning star" that weakened the nations, Isaiah 14:12-15 and aspired to rise to heaven, from the one kicked out of heaven, Revelation 12:7-9.
I need semblance to draw a rational conclusion on what's happening with satan's tenure. Is this the nature of inequity, allowing the spirit of satan to continually spoil life?
Jesus calls the devil "the God of this world", 2 Corinthians 4:4. Does the devil's spirit reside on earth where he works his loom, or does he do so from heaven, or both? Has he already been kicked out of heaven, and Rev 12:7-9 is purely symbolic?
Today we face the same problems Adam and Eve faced in the garden, nothing has changed. I have a feeling you can shed light on this.
God is spirit. The Holy Spirit is spirit. Jesus had not been born of woman yet. (Pre-incarnate)
His name is The WORD.
John 1:1-5, 2 Timothy 3:16
Hope this helps.
I see you have looked again but you are still missing the point. What you have posted started from verse 4, but to really get the full essence of the script, is to start from verse one and especially vs. 2 where it says, "and on the seventh day God ended HIS work." Then below, the Bible describes the process of creation including mankind.
So after the seventh day was expired, this is now the 8th day when the serpent was introduced and started its work of teaching the opposite of good. I'm asking you again as I asked you in the first post, where was God when this was taking place? Could Adam and Eve see God? It's very important to me if you will answer these 2 questions before we continue so I can evaluate who I'm posting to.
Remember SKIP, we are just learning together.
"These are the generations of the heavens and of the earth when they were created, in the day that the LORD God made the earth and the heavens, And every plant of the field before it was in the earth, and every herb of the field before it grew: for the LORD God had not caused it to rain upon the earth, and there was not a man to till the ground." Gen 2:4-5
If there were just 3 days, why would the text state, "and there was not a man to till the ground." Sometimes its weeks before I get out into my garden to till the ground. Why would it be of significance if no one was there for 3 days?
Furthermore, after observing and naming the animals, that includes observing that all the animals had mates, male and female and observing what the mating process resulted in, it was then that Adam realized that there had not been a mate in all of creation for him. It was after this process that God fashions Eve from Adam's rib. And Adam's response was, "This is now bone of my bones, and flesh of my flesh: she shall be called Woman, because she was taken out of Man," where "is now" is has the sense of "now, finally, at last" after all this time observing and naming the animals, I have found a mate. God said "IT IS NOT GOOD FOR THE MAN TO BE ALONE," because it was a significant period of time that he had been alone!
I agree that God planned the whole thing before the foundation of the world. He had cast out Lucifer, and those who agreed with him, to earth and then put man right in Lucifer's crosshairs. The Godhead had already planned redemption for Adam and his race.
Signs of a Gracious Loving God, to redeem enemies of God. That answers the original question.
There is Gods perfect will towards us; and then there is our human will. As long as we seek the perfect will of God (according to the Word of God), our lives are pleasant and full of peace.
When our eyes and ears stray over to the "voice of this world", is when we get out of step with the Perfect Will of God. We're told to keep our eyes on Him. Only read prophesy in the Bible.
There are so many voices in the world right now that are demanding attention and allegiance to their causes. That's how we are able to perceive that Gods End time purpose is advancing.
There's a scripture that says, "Awake Sleeper.."
The only way to know what is advancing is to study faithfully, Gods Word. Do the things the Lord says to do, to be ready for the next planet-wide event (Caught Up in the Clouds).
Some people try to downplay that reality. Don't be led astray. Read the parable Jesus taught about the TEN VIRGINS. Oil is the joy of the Spirit and Lanterns are the Light of Revelation given to us by Christ. No matter the spins people teach on scripture: you know yourself what it says and means for us today.
Never be afraid to speak up and warn some folk that have heard something different.
Jesus said to Be Looking For Him. Our hope keeps our view upward, like an eagle: instead of pointed at the dirt like prairie chickens. They don't see the Chicken hawk that is about to make a lunch out of them.
The way world governments and world politics are leaning, linking up, taking away our freedoms; forcing us to pay taxes for their ridiculous programs; is a thermometer to keep your eye on. Don't be fooled. Be ready to go WITH JESUS.
Don't trust national news. Branch out: Epoch Times, Jerusalem Post. Check stories against scripture. Don't be lied to by media groups.
Be wise.
Mishael
Thanks again, Carleton
I'm glad you admit that your statement is your belief and really it is. I like to keep my postings shot so as not to bore the reader/s.
Can you please look again and see that God told Adam to name the animals so as to put him to sleep in order to remove Adam's rib to make Eve. Also, the Bible states that everything, including Adam and Eve, were created in six (6) days. It was 6 evenings and mornings to show a 24 hour period.
God said "IT IS NOT GOOD FOR THE MAN TO BE ALONE." So Adam was never alone for a whole day. The whole story shows that God arranged the whole thing to go exactly the way it went. Where was God when the whole conversation between Eve and the serpent was taking place?
I'll wait for your answer in your next post so we can share our understanding of this very important topic in which there are so many misunderstandings. Please reply. God bless you
You asserted, "There is no way Adam could have had full knowledge of death because he was just 3 days old."
You cannot support this absurd allegation. Adam had 1) observed ALL the animals God had created and then he 2) named EACH animal according to the observations he had made.
I Believe this was most likely YEARS after his creation. He would have seen carnivorous animals, seen death both natural death and death by attack. When God said to him, in the day that thou eatest thereof thou shalt surely die, Adam knew what that meant after he spent time with God's creation.
This was a test. Didn't matter if Adam knew of the Tree of Life. He had ONE prohibition that he failed to keep over a relatively short period of time. So they both disregarded God's instructions and the world plunged into chaos.
But God already had a plan to save mankind.
It used to be that the man works the field while the woman takes care of the home and (or) children till he gets home. But now, since both the man and the woman are working the field, it's very difficult to live the original order of "help meet." God bless you
I want to just add a little comment here. The Adam and Eve story was not a test. Notice God did not mentioned the tree of life until Adam ate the fruit. In a test, one has to have knowledge of a subject in order to be tested on it. The subject here is death. There is no way Adam could have had full knowledge of death because he was just 3 days old. At this time Adam, Eve and the animals only know to obey God's command "not to eat," the fruit of that tree, and they all were in full compliance.
Now in chapter 3 we are introduced to a third character, the serpent, who I like to call "the teacher." When God created the evil spirit, it choose the serpent to go into. So it was the evil spirit in the serpent that was talking with Adam and Eve to do the act of sin. I have so much more to comment on this but I'll just conclude by saying, God creates everything for a purpose. The tree was for the purpose of giving the knowledge of evil then sin and finally the knowledge of death. So what happened in the garden of Eden was exactly what was supposed to be. There is a saying "IF THERE IS A POSSIBLE FOR SOMETHING TO GO WRONG, IT WILL GO WRONG." God bless you
Notice God did not mentioned to Adam the tree of life until after Adam ate of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil. And no, it was not the tree of wisdom. Wisdom is achieved through knowing good and evil, and understanding is to know the difference.
You can more understanding this if you realize that Adam and Eve were both void of understanding which can only be achieved by knowing that the opposite of good is evil. Did you know that there are good and evil spirits? And that God created them both? You can find this in ISAIAH 45:7. God is the creator of both things seen and unseen. He, God created evil. He did so for a purpose, to give us knowledge and understanding so we can be wise to know God. I can go on forever on this, but I don't want to bore you or anyone else, so I'll stop here. God bless you
Where is the tree of wisdom written about in The Scriptures?
God gave Adam ONE commandment. "And the LORD God commanded the man, saying, Of every tree of the garden thou mayest freely eat: But of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, thou shalt not eat of it: for in the day that thou eatest thereof thou shalt surely die." Gen 2:16-17
From this point in time until now, we are faced with this fundamental question, "Will I CHOOSE to believe God?"
Our natural inclination is to ACT as if we do NOT believe God. And this is exactly what happened. God wants people who will believe Him, no matter what! Adam failed the test and the rest of The Bible contains examples of a few people believing God and God's Mercy and Grace being extended to those who believe, because we ALL believe imperfectly.
"For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved. He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God."Joh 3:16-18
"For if, when we were enemies, we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son, much more, being reconciled, we shall be saved by his life." Rom 5:10
Not my idea of a loving god!
In the New Testament, we find the story of Lazarus and the rich man who both died and went to Hades ( Luke 16:19-31). The KJV translates the Greek word "hades" as hell but most other translations use the Greek word. HADES had two separated parts: Those who died in faith believing in God's promise waited for the resurrection in Abraham's Bosom. Those who died spiritually separated from God wait in torment for the resurrection unto death, eternal separation from God. The rich man was on the torment side and Lazarus was in ABRAHAMS BOSOM which was called "PARADISE" by the LORD Jesus Christ himself when He addressed the thief who found faith the day Jesus was crucified ( Luke 23:42-43)
For if God spared not the angels that sinned, but cast them down to hell, and delivered them into chains of darkness, to be reserved unto judgment" ( 2 Peter 2:4). The word translated "HELL" here is not the Greek word "HADES" but is the Greek word "TARTARUS" meaning ABYSS or the lowest regions. This could very well be the "gulf" that was fixed between the PLACE OF TORMENT and Abraham's Bosom ( Luke 16:26).
Wherefore He saith, When He ascended up on high, He led captivity captive, and gave gifts unto men. (Now that He ascended, what is it but that He also descended first into the lower parts of the earth? He that descended is the same also that ascended up far above all heavens, that He might fulfill all things" ( Ephesians 4:8-10). Leading captivity captive seems to refer to Jesus taking all those that waited in Paradise, to heaven to be with Him. The descending into the "lower parts" then refers to Jesus declaring Victory.
M.
Ephesians 5:33 33Nevertheless let every one of you in particular so love his wife even as himself; and the wife see that she reverence her husband.
Herod the Great was the king when Jesus was born. When he died, Herod Archelaus ruled in his place. Herod Antipas ruled Galilee during the time of Jesus' public ministry. He was the one who had John the Baptist executed.
Comment by Mishael: In the Bible circumcision was the sign of being in covenant with God. In the New Testament Paul had to teach that circumcision was now in the heart. (Stoned many times for that). A new and better Covenant was secured by Jesus on the Cross; ratified by His own blood.
OLD TESTAMENT
Genesis 17:10
This is my COVENANT which ye shall keep, between me and you and thy seed after thee; Every man child among you shall be circumcised.
Genesis 17:11
And ye shall circumcise the flesh of your foreskin; and it shall be a token of the COVENANT betwixt me and you.
Genesis 17:12
And he that is eight days old shall be circumcised among you, every man child in your generations, he that is born in the house, or bought with money of any stranger, which is not of thy seed.
Genesis 17:13
He that is born in thy house, and he that is bought with thy money, must needs be circumcised: and my covenant shall be in your flesh for an everlasting covenant.
Deuteronomy 10:16
Circumcise therefore the foreskin of your HEART and be no more stiffnecked.
NEW TESTAMENT
Acts 7:51
Ye stiffnecked and uncircumcised in HEART AND EARS, you do always resist the Holy Ghost: as your fathers did, so do you (now).
In my experience, the Holy Spirit is the Giver of His gifts. He decides, not us. praying in the spirit is different. Sometimes described in groanings that issue from your innermost being. You can Search that word in the Search Box.
Your rational (sometimes carnal mind) doesn't understand the language. However, your born again) spirit does. Emotions are comforted and peace comes to you. Your prayer time flows when you are calm. You hear the Holy Spirits replies to questions. That may not occur if you constrain your time to a half hour or less. Sitting quietly waiting for His word, takes longer usually. Don't be composing a grocery list etc
Psalm 100:4. "Enter His courts with thanksgiving and praise." Try singing a favorite hymn.
Listen for that still, small voice. Malachi 3:16-18
And then you will desire those moments with the Lord.
Truly if your house is overflowing with children, their friends, pets... you may have to sneak out to the car to be edified in your being.
The gifts of Tongues and the gift of Prophesy work together. An utterance will be Confirmed from the mouths or 2 or 3 people with the gift of prophesy to speak it out in English or in your language. That's how it works usually. Date and write it down.
I am going to add; the voice of the Holy Spirit singing, will capture your heart forever.
Kermadec Islands, New Zealand
Hundreds of large quakes north of Australia.
Pray for them.
In 1 John 2:18-19, he writes, "Little children, it is the last hour; and according as you heard that antichrist is coming, even now many antichrists have come; from this we know that it is the last hour. They went out from us, but they were not of us; for if they were of us, they would have continued with us; but they went out, in order that they might be made manifest that they were not all of us."
John is stating that those who are of the antichrist came out from the Christian fellowship. He teaches that the reason they chased after false doctrine and a false spirit, not staying with the fellowship of believers, is because they were never truly believers.
Sadly, the same is true today. There are many in our churches professing to be Christians, but who have no desire to hear or obey the truth of God's Word. Indeed, many so-called church leaders are not even teaching the Word of God from their pulpits, because they don't want to lose the numbers of people attending their services.
But the truth from God's Word still differentiates those who are truly saved from those who are just talking and acting like Christians, being devoid of the indwelling Spirit of Christ.
This is what the Bible teaches about salvation. The change in emphasis from salvation by God to salvation by man is part of the apostasy of the last days. Jesus said believers would be known by their fruits, not by their human works ( Matthew 7:16).
Sorry this was long but I wanted to explain why I believe salvation is permanent, cannot be lost!
He also said, in Matthew 7:21-23, "Not everyone saying to me, 'Lord, Lord' will enter into the kingdom of heaven; but the one doing the will of my Father who is in heaven. Many will say to me in that day, 'Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name? And in your name did we not cast out demons? And in your name did many works of power?' And then I will confess to them, 'I never knew you; depart from me, the ones working lawlessness."
John also states in John 10:27-29, "My sheep hear my voice and I know them; and they follow me. And I give to them eternal life; and they will never perish forever and not anyone will seize them from out of my hand. My Father who has given them to me is greater than all, and no one is able to seize them from out of the hand of my Father."
Jude states in his doxology in verse 24, "But to the one being able to keep you without stumbling and to set you before His glory blameless in exultation."
Paul in his writings emphasized the keeping power of God's Spirit in Ephesians 1:13-14: "In whom also after having heard the Word of truth, the gospel of your salvation, in whom also, after having believed, you were sealed with the Holy Spirit of promise, who is the guarantee of our inheritance, for redemption of the possession, for the praise of His glory."
He states again in Ephesians 4:30, "And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God in whom you were sealed for the day of redemption." Probably one of the most powerful Scriptures of God's keeping power is Romans 8:38-39: "For I am persuaded that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor rulers, nor powers, nor any thing which has come, nor things coming, nor height, nor depth, nor any other created thing will be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord."
The only way a person can be saved is by a spiritual birth from God; and the only way a person can keep his salvation is through the keeping power of God.
Many scriptures were written to show believers that some among them, who professed to be Christians, were actually not saved. John wrote I John so those who were saved would know that they have eternal life ( 1 John 5:13). In this letter, he listed many evidences, so that salvation could be proven among genuine believers.
These scriptures show that believers cannot be taken away from Christ by the flesh, because the Spirit of God is dwelling within to prevent that from happening.
Jesus Himself said, as recorded in John 6:37, "All that the Father gives to me will come to me; and the one coming to me I will never cast out." He goes on to say, in John 6:39, "And this is the will of the Father who has sent me, in order that of all which he has given to me I should lose nothing, but should raise it up in the last day."
Also, in His prayer to the Father, as recorded in John 17:11-12, Jesus said, "And now I am no more in the world, but these are in the world, and I am coming to you. Holy Father, keep through your own name those whom you have given to me, in order that they may be one, as we are. When I was with them in the world, I was keeping them in your name; the ones who you have given to me I kept, and none of them perished, except the son of perdition; in order that the Scripture might be fulfilled."
I emphasize the permanency of salvation because the bible teaches that God is the one who saves and He does so from out of His mercy. According to Paul, in Ephesians 2:8, grace, faith, and salvation are gifted from God.
John says, in John 1:13, believers "were born, not from blood, nor from the will of the flesh, nor from the will of man, but from God." Therefore, according to Scripture, a human being cannot save him/herself.
We also know from Scripture that no one can keep himself saved. John teaches, in 1 John 5:18 (as recorded in the oldest Greek manuscripts), "We know that everyone who has been born from God does not practice sin; but the one who has been born from God, God is keeping him and the evil one does not touch him."
In the early Church, the requirement for salvation was the presence of God's Spirit dwelling within a person. Paul instructed, in Romans 8:9, "Now if anyone does not have the Spirit of Christ, this one is not of Him." In Romans 8:14, he wrote, "For as many as are being led by the Spirit of God, these are the sons of God."
And again, in Romans 8:16, he instructs that "The Spirit itself bears witness with our spirit, that we are children of God." Also, in 2 Corinthians 13:5, Paul challenged the church at Corinth: "Examine yourselves, if you are in the faith; prove your own selves, or do you not know your own selves, that Jesus Christ is in you, except you are reprobates?"
John, writing in 1 John 3:24 supported this same understanding: "And in this we know that He abides in us, from the Spirit whom He has given to us."
He repeats this same truth, although worded somewhat differently, in 1 John 4:13, "In this we know that we dwell in Him, and He in us, because He has given to us of His Spirit."
From the preceding scriptures, we see that salvation happens only when God's Spirit enters and remains in a person's spirit, thereby causing spiritual birth. Nothing in the Bible teaches that salvation is accomplished by the repetition of the Sinner's Prayer or through the performance of any other kind of human formula.
In addition to teaching that God is the sole source of salvation, the Bible also teaches that every saved person is kept by the power of God. Peter writes, in 1 Peter 1:5, that believers are, "The ones who are being kept in the power of God through faith for salvation ready to be revealed in the last time."
Paul writes on the same subject, in Galatians 5:17, "For the flesh lusts against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh; and these are opposing to one another; in order that you should not do what you want."