A Different Lesson from the Garden of Eden

 

A Different Lesson from the Garden of Eden

 

Inspired by a lesson from one of my teachers, Les Feldick (https://www.lesfeldick.org/ )

When Christians read the Bible from the beginning, they are usually drawn to the story of the first man Adam and his wife Eve in the Garden of Eden. (Genesis Chapter Three)  The focus is most often directed to the deception of the Serpent (Satan) and the tactics he used to convince Eve to defy the command of the Creator LORD God by eating  of the Tree of Knowledge of Good and Evil. Further, she gave the fruit of the tree to Adam, and he also ate it. (Genesis 2: 16-17, 3: 6)

Many discussions have taken place as to the circumstances surrounding this commission of this first recorded “sin” in the Bible, including: Why did Adam accept the fruit from Eve and eat it when the command from God was clearly given specifically to him? When and how did Eve learn of God’s command? What would have happened if Adam had not taken the fruit from Eve? Etc. But in this post I’d like to examine a different aspect of what the Scripture would like for readers to learn from this important chapter.

The entire Bible’s focus is to teach us about Jesus, the Son of God. Therefore this discussion will look at a lesson He, as the LORD God, teaches as to how God would respond to man when he commits sin “after the Garden”. As with other lessons, the answers are not obvious from the beginning, but become clearer after some time.  [In that regard, the Scripture later also reveals that God will keep things secret / as mysteries, until He is ready to reveal them. But when He reveals them He expects us to believe them. (Deuteronomy 29: 29)]

The key points to the LORD God’s treatment of Adam and Eve lie in the steps He took to restore His beloved creation man to Himself. In short, the two keys are captured in the two words: “blood” and “faith”.  These two factors were and continue to be the basics for sinful man’s gaining righteousness in the eyes of God, and avoiding the punishment of spiritual death (eternal separation from God) that resulted from Adam’s original sin as noted above.  (Revelation 20: 11-15)   Note that Adam’s “spiritual death” / separation from God is what prompted the LORD God to ask the question of Adam: “Where art thou?”  (Genesis 3: 9)

Re Blood:

Later in the Scripture, it is revealed that: “…without shedding of blood is no remission (of sin).” (Hebrews 9: 22) That phrase is part of a larger discussion in that chapter of the Book of Hebrews about the role of blood sacrifices in the Nation of Israel, and their relevance for the people in their worship and ceremonial practices . Blood had to be shed to provide atonement for sin.

Returning to the Garden of Eden, note what some consider to be the relatively insignificant verse in Genesis Chapter Three that says: “Unto Adam also and to his wife did the LORD God make coats of skins, and clothed them.” (Verse 21)

The earlier verses of the chapter explained that Adam and Eve “…knew that they were naked; and they sewed fig leaves together, and made themselves aprons.” (Verse 7)  The knowledge of their “nakedness” was a sign that they had gained information previously unknown to them, but was then revealed by eating of the forbidden Tree of Knowledge of Good and Evil. Further, their  nakedness was a sign that they had lost the cover of the “Righteousness / Glory of God” that He had given them when He gave them dominion over the Earth and its creatures. (Genesis 1: 27-28)

What was not described in detail was: Why did the LORD God make coats of skins when they had already covered their nakedness? What animal skins did He use and how did He get them? How many animals were sacrificed to make the coats? Etc.

What was implied was that one or more “innocent” animals were sacrificed to shed their blood, so that their skins could be used as described above. Further, the LORD God (Jesus) had determined that the self-efforts of the “sinners” were not acceptable to God to atone for their offenses. God alone could determine what was needed. In that manner He determined the means by which He Himself would serve as the “human sacrifice to shed His Innocent Blood” to provide for the complete remission of sins for all mankind.  This was one of the two key / critical steps in restoring man’s “righteousness” in the eyes of God.

Re Faith

Also later in the Scripture, it is revealed that: “…without faith it is impossible to please Him (God): for he that cometh to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of them that diligently seek Him.” (Hebrews 11: 6) In “regaining righteousness” in the eyes of God, it was necessary for Adam to demonstrate his faith in the God he had just sinned against.  But again, it is important to note not only what is said, but also what is not said.

In another “relatively insignificant verse” in Genesis Chapter Three, the Scripture says: “And Adam called his wife’s name Eve; because she was the mother of all living.” (Genesis 3: 20) Once again, the Scripture raises additional questions that seem to go unanswered. For example, What is the relationship between the name “Eve” and being “the mother of all living? Since they were the first male and female human beings, to whom was Adam referring when he said: “all living”?  Without definitive scriptural proof, I’m going to try to guess at one possible answer.

When we read the story of the Creation, we remember that it took six days. (Genesis Chapter One). Further, unlike our usual system of time today, the day began in the Evening. Could it be that Adam took the name “Eve” from the word “Evening”, meaning the “Beginning of Humanity”?  If so, or even if another theory is correct, that would raise another question. The LORD God (Jesus) had just told Adam that the punishment for sin included the death of the physical body. (Genesis 2: 17, 3: 19)  Man’s logic would conclude that their lives were almost over, rather than just beginning. But Adam must have had additional information.

The other source of that information could only have been the eternal Creator and LORD God (Jesus). Only He would know and be able to tell Adam and Eve that they would have children and begin the intended “replenishment” of the Earth. (Genesis 1: 27-28)  For Adam to act on that knowledge required “Faith”, that is, believing what God has said.  Not only did Adam and Eve have at least the three sons cited in the scripture (Cain, Abel and Seth)(Genesis Chapters Four and Five)…but Adam lived 930 years before he met his physical death. (Genesis 5: 5)

Faith as a key factor in man’s salvation and return to righteousness over early Bible history is the subject of Hebrews Chapter Eleven…the “Faith Chapter”. I encourage you to read it again.  Today our faith is expressed by believing in the Lord Jesus and what He accomplished to restore us to God through the shedding of His innocent blood.  In this manner He died, and was buried…but on the third day He was resurrected, being victorious over death. (1 Corinthians 15: 1-4; Romans 10: 9-13)  Through faith in His blood He has provided man with the means to gaining the righteousness that Adam lost. In the eyes of God, these are the two factors that lead to the  salvation and eternal life for man’s spirit and soul. (Genesis 1: 26-27, 2: 7) This is the Gospel of God’s Grace, through our Lord Jesus.

Dr. W. A. (Bill) Robinson

https://christianityandbiblestudy.blogspot.com

 

Who is Jesus Christ – Part One

 

In light of the world’s attention recently having been drawn to the Catholic Church and their new Pope, attention has also been drawn to the role of religion in the lives of mankind. Further attention is drawn to Christianity, leading many to ask questions such as:

1.      What is Christianity?

2.      Who is Jesus Christ? 

3.      What is the significance of the Bible? , and

4.      Why are there such major differences in the interpretation of what the Bible wants man to believe about Jesus Christ?

As “Ambassadors for Christ” (2 Corinthians 5: 17-21), believing Christians should be able to share with others what we believe and why. The comments I’m making below are designed to give some starting points for your consideration as you personalize your conversations with others.  As lead-in to our title, first a brief introduction.

What is Christianity?

Christianity is a faith / religious system based on the life and teachings of Jesus of Nazareth, in the belief that He is the Son of God, as taught in the Holy Bible. The Bible also teaches that there is only one True God, composed of a three-part Godhead consisting of God the Father, God the Son (Jesus) and the Holy Spirit. Collectively, God is spirit. (John 4: 24, 10: 30) He exists outside of the constraints of time as we know it. He was already in existence before the heaven and the Earth were created. (Psalm 90: 2,4, 102: 24-27; 2 Timothy 1: 9; 2 Peter 3: 8)

The root word of “Christianity” is “Christ”. It is derived from the Greek word “Christos”, meaning “Anointed, i.e. the Messiah” ; also “Chosen of God”. (Strong’s Concordance #5547, #4899, and #3323)  The term “Christ” appears only in the New Testament of the Bible. It is the title given to Jesus of Nazareth as He came to redeem lost and sinful mankind. Those who profess to be followers of Jesus of Nazareth have been called “Christians”. See also other references such as this: (https://www.gotquestions.org/what-is-a-Christian.html )

Who is Jesus Christ? 

The Bible teaches that the Son of God left His home in Heaven to take on human form, and the name of  “Jesus”. (Matthew 1: 21)  In this manner, He became and is the physical image / embodiment of the invisible God. (Colossians 1: 15, 2: 9; John 1: 1-2)  He was born some 2,000 years ago, of Divine Birth to the Virgin Mary, who was highly favored of God and blessed among women (at “Christmas”).  (Luke 2: 26-35)  The Bible further states: “Now all this was done, that it might be fulfilled which was spoken of the Lord by the prophet (Isaiah) some 700 years earlier, saying: ‘Behold a virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a son, and they shall call his name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us.’ “ (Matthew 1: 23; Isaiah 7: 14).

As most Christians know, although He is the eternal Son of God, in His humanity Jesus was raised from childhood to adulthood in the City of Nazareth in Israel by His Step-father Joseph (a carpenter), and His mother Mary. Both were of the Nation of Israel. (Matthew 1: 18-25; 2:19-23; Luke 1: 26-31, 34-38; 2: 39-40)  However, what many Christians have not learned from the Bible is that this same Jesus of Nazareth, was that member of the Godhead who was the Creator of the heaven and the Earth as described in Chapter One of the Book of Genesis. (John 1: 1-3; Romans 1: 16-21; Colossians 1: 12-17; Revelation 4: 11)

As Creator of the world, this same Jesus was the “LORD God” who created the first “man” Adam. He created man in the image of God as an invisible spirit, having a soul (mind, will and emotions), and He placed that spirit/soul into a physical body which He had shaped from the dust of the earth. (Genesis 1: 26-27; 2: 4-7; 1 Thessalonians 5: 23; Hebrews 4: 12; 3 John 1:2) 

The Bible explains that the lifeless form of the physical body of man did not obtain “life” / “become a living soul” until the Creator “breathed into his nostrils the breath of life”. (Genesis 2: 7)  Man is the only animal created in this manner.  We owe our lives to Jesus because He gave us physical life when we were born and we took that “first breath of life”. Jesus is uniquely worthy of our praise, love and worship…as He bestowed His special love and life itself on us.

As the “LORD God”, it was Jesus who had fellowship with His newly-created first man Adam and his mate Eve in the Garden of Eden. (Genesis Chapters Two and Three)  At that point it was also Jesus who confronted the Serpent / Satan (a spirit Enemy of God) who had deceived Eve. (Genesis 3: 14-15)  That deception had led to Adam’s  “original sin” / disobedience against the Supreme God.  The consequences included  Adam and Eve’s incurring the punishment of immediate spiritual death (separation from God), and the delayed physical death of their natural / earthen bodies; …and loss of dominion over the Earth to the Enemy. (Psalm 8; 2 Corinthians 4: 3-4)  Further, and very importantly, they developed a “sin-nature” / (natural rejection and disobedience to God’s rules) which would then plague all mankind from birth, throughout history. Remember, it was man’s choice to disobey God and incur the consequences.

At the same time, the LORD God (Jesus) also pronounced the future punishment of death for the Serpent / Enemy who had initiated Adam’s fall from God’s Grace. (Genesis 3: 15) As part of the eternal God who lives outside of time, Jesus knew that He would be the instrument of God to later bring about that punishment. [More discussion on that will be made below.]

But it was also the LORD God (Jesus) who immediately acted through His love, to restore Adam's and Eve’s souls/spirits connection to God.  He sacrificed (shed the blood of) innocent animals to use their skins to clothe (cover) Adam and Eve’s “nakedness” / unrighteousness / sin. (Genesis 3: 1-11, 21) In this manner Jesus established the pattern by which He Himself would later shed His Innocent Blood and die, to restore the righteousness and the spiritual connection of sinful man to God. (Isaiah 61: 10)  Animal blood could only provide a temporary “cover” for man’s sins. It would require the blood of Jesus, the Son of God, to provide for the full and complete remission of the sins of mankind. (Hebrews 9: 11-22) It would also require an act of faith on the part of Adam to overcome his new “sin-nature” to complete their restoration to God. (Genesis 3: 20; Hebrews Chapter 11, especially verse 6)  

From that time of the Creation until His Earthly Ministry ended, it was Jesus (the LORD God), who served as God’s key  “Communicator” with man. That was reflected in the Bible as His Disciple John described Him as “The WORD” (John 1: 1-3, 14; Revelation 19: 11-13), and “the true LIGHT that lighteth every man that cometh into the world”. (John 1: 6-10)

Following Adam and Eve’s expulsion from the Garden of Eden, in spite of the LORD (Jesus) making multiple efforts to communicate over the generations of mankind, man’s behavior continued to be dominated by his sin-nature. Evil and wickedness reigned over the Earth, prompting God to consider destroying all…”But Noah found grace in the eyes of the LORD.” (Genesis 6: 1-8) Most people are familiar with the story of “Noah’s Flood” in which God / the LORD flooded the Earth to destroy sinful man, and begin anew with mankind through Noah’s family.(Genesis Chapters 6 – 9)  Regrettably, again man’s sin-nature ruled his behavior for centuries. But God ‘s love led Him to use another approach towards man’s restoration to Him.

It was not a coincidence that Jesus chose to be born into a family of the Nation of Israel. In early Bible history, in a “theophany” He had been the LORD who had directed Abram to leave his home and family to begin the prophetic journey that led to the creation of the Nation of Israel.  The Covenant that the LORD (Jesus) made with Abram (known as the “Abrahamic Covenant”) also foretold of Jesus’ own birth as part of humanity when He said: “in thee shall all families of the earth be blessed.” (Genesis 12: 1-3) The other major part of that Covenant was that the LORD would    “…make of thee (Abram) a great nation.”  [That was fulfilled in the making of the Nation of Israel through future generations of Abram’s descendants.  (Genesis 30: 24; Exodus 1: 1-7, 19: 1-6)]

In another theophany, Jesus encountered Abram / Abraham to teach and guide him. He came as Melchizedek, the “King of Salem” and “Priest of the Most High God” (Genesis 14: 18-20); and later from that same encounter He was identified also as the “King of Righteousness” and “King of Peace’ (Hebrews 7: 1-4)  Still later, Jesus spoke to Abram / Abraham in a vision as “the LORD”, confirming Abram’s reward of righteousness for believing in the LORD… and what He had told him…that he would have an heir, and would receive the land promised in the Covenant noted above. (Genesis 12: 1-3; 15: 1-7; Romans 4:3; and others).  Then using the existing Laws of Hammurabi, which Abram (as a Syrian from Ur of the Chaldees) could understand, the LORD gave him deed to the “Promised Land” as a possession for the future Nation of Israel. (Genesis 15: 7-21; See also https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Code_of_Hammurabi )

Jumping centuries ahead, in another theophany Jesus was the LORD who spoke to Moses out of the “burning bush”, saying: “…I will send thee unto Pharaoh, that thou mayest bring forth My people the children of Israel out of (slavery in) Egypt.” (Exodus 3: 10) In spite of his reluctance, Moses became the “Deliverer” of Israel out of Egypt. He did this through the Lord Jesus’ verbal instructions, and of course His miracles. (Exodus Chapter Three, and 4: 1-17; See also: https://www.biblestudytools.com/bible-stories/10-plagues-of-egypt-bible-story.html ) As one example aside from the “parting of the Red Sea” (Exodus 14: 21-22), the Scripture added: “And the LORD went before them by day in a pillar of a cloud, to lead them the way; and by night in a pillar of fire, to give them light; to go by day and night:” (Exodus 13: 21)

Following Israel’s deliverance from slavery in Egypt, it was again Jesus speaking as the LORD to Israel through Moses, saying: “…if ye will obey my voice indeed, and keep my covenant, then ye shall be a peculiar treasure unto me above all people: for all the Earth is mine: And ye shall be unto me a kingdom of priests, and an holy nation.”  All the people agreed to do as the LORD had said. (Exodus 19: 1-8)  This agreement is known as the Mosaic Covenant. (https://www.gotquestions.org/Mosaic-covenant.html

Then the LORD Jesus gave Israel “THE LAW” in three sections: (1) Ten “Moral” Commandments, (2) Civil / Judicial Rules and (3) Ceremonial / Temple Worship Requirements. (Exodus 20 +; (https://firmisrael.org/learn/what-is-the-law-in-the-bible-and-its-purpose )  Israel almost immediately broke the First Commandment: “Thou shalt have no other gods before Me.” (Exodus Chapter 32)  Because of “sin-nature”, even the “Chosen People of Israel” would not be able to obtain righteousness in the mind of God by using self-effort. (Romans 3: 19-20; James 2: 10; Galatians 3: 10)

Over the centuries, Jesus continued to communicate with the Nation of Israel before His Incarnation in Bethlehem. He was that person of the Godhead “who at sundry times and in diverse manners spoke in times past unto the fathers (of Israel) by the prophets.” (Hebrews 1: 1) Following their leaders, the Nation sometimes complied with God’s instructions, but other times they rebelled. One notable instance occurred when Israel refused to enter the “Promised Land” at Kadesh Barnea, that the LORD had given to Abraham as noted above. (Numbers Chapters 13 and 14) Another instance was marked by perhaps the Nation’s most egregious fall into idolatry when they sacrificed their children to the pagan fire god Molech (Leviticus 18: 21, 20: 1-5; 1 Kings 11: 6-8; 2 Chronicles 33: 1-6) The LORD responded in His love, promising to highly bless them in their righteousness, but severely punish them in their disobedience and unrighteousness. (Deuteronomy Chapter 28)

Among the LORD’s punishments to Israel were His use of Gentile nations and armies to enslave or otherwise  subjugate / conquer, or constrain them. Bible history refers to those as the “times of the Gentiles”. (Luke 21: 24) That period began approximately 600 B.C., under King Nebuchadnezzar and Babylon, and will continue until the Lord Jesus’ Second Coming. However, among His Blessings are that when He returns He will establish His Kingdom on the Earth, and Israel will be a dominant nation. (Isaiah 2: 1-4; Ezekiel 37: 21-28; Daniel 2: 44, 7: 13-14; Zechariah 8: 13-23)

A few months prior to Mary’s giving birth to Jesus, under the influence of the Holy Spirit, Zacharias (a priest of Israel and the father of John the Baptist) prophesied, saying: “Blessed be the Lord God of Israel; for He hath visited and redeemed His people, …that we should be saved from our enemies, …”; and that yet unborn John “shalt go before the face of the Lord to prepare His (Jesus’) ways, to give knowledge of salvation unto His people by the remission of their sins…” (Luke 1: 67-77)

Between His birth and the end of His Earthly Ministry, Jesus’ primary purpose was to serve as “a minister of the circumcision (Israel) for the truth of God, to confirm the promises made unto the fathers…”  (Romans 15: 8)  Jesus brought the Gospel (Good News!) of the Kingdom to all the cities and villages of Israel, teaching and preaching in the synagogues; and healing every sickness and disease among the people. (Matthew 4: 17, 23-25, 9: 35)  He performed countless miracles, signs and wonders to convince Israel that He was the Messiah / Anointed One sent by God to bring in His Earthly Kingdom. (John 21: 25)  Some believed Him…but not enough of them.

Remember what happened in the Garden of Eden as noted above. (Genesis 3: 15) God’s Enemy Satan had brought death to Adam and Eve. It had become clear that Jesus was “the seed of the woman” who was to “bruise his head” / kill him as his punishment.  Now this was Satan’s  opportunity to destroy Jesus, the Son of God first. Using his spiritual powers, the Enemy used Israel’s religious leaders to successfully conspire with the ruling Romans to crucify Jesus. (Psalm 2: 1-2; Matthew 26: 1-4; John 11: 47-53)  [See Details of Jesus’ suffering, death by Crucifixion, burial, and Resurrection (at “Easter”)…(Matthew Chapters 26 – 28; Mark Chapters 14-16; Luke Chapters 22-24;  and John Chapters 17-21)…  followed by His Ascension in His new  physical body (1 Corinthians 15: 39-50)…back to the Father in Heaven. (Acts 1: 1-9)]

From His new position seated on the Right Hand of the Father, (Mark 16: 19; Romans 8: 34; Ephesians 1: 20; and others), Jesus continued to pursue His Plan to redeem lost mankind.  Through the man who had hated all that He tried to accomplish on the Earth (Saul of Tarsus), Jesus used His Grace to make Saul (later named Paul) to be His primary voice for outreach to the Gentiles, and to some in Israel. (Acts Chapters Nine through 28; Romans 11: 13) (See also: https://www.gotquestions.org/apostle-to-the-Gentiles.html  )

More on the Ascended Lord Jesus will follow in Part Two of this topic. Also we will pose responses to the second two questions cited above. They are: “What is the significance of the Bible?”, and “Why are there such major differences in the interpretation of what the Bible wants man to believe about Jesus Christ?

Dr. W. A. (Bill) Robinson

https://christianityandbiblestudy.blogspot.com