Question concerning Adam, Eve, and Garden of Eden

[OldManA]

Alright I've got a serious question that has been bothering me which roots itself in the book of Genesis. Now, God told Adam and Eve not to eat the fruit from the tree, because it would give them the knowledge of good and evil. In other words, Adam and Eve did not know the difference between what's good and what's bad when they decided to disobey God. And because of that disobedient act that they committed (without realizing that it was bad), them and their eternal lineage - in other words, the entire human race - must be punished for? Not only that, but God is all-knowing, if I'm not mistaken, which means he knew without a doubt that if he were to plant a tree that was not to be eaten from in the Garden of Eden, Adam and Even would have disobeyed him. Why, then, is he blaming them for something that he is responsible for? If a parent leaves alcohol out on the table and tells a kid who doesn't know right from wrong, "Don't drink the alcohol," and the kid drinks it, do you blame the kid? Furthermore, do you blame the kid with eternal punishment? Of course not! It is a father's responsibility to keep a child from certain types of harm. That's part of what being a father is about. I'm afraid it makes absolutely no sense to me. I would really like some good answers to these questions, so if anyone's willing to reply, I'll be glad to listen.

 

[rocklife]

Alright I've got a serious question that has been bothering me which roots itself in the book of Genesis. Now, God told Adam and Eve not to eat the fruit from the tree, because it would give them the knowledge of good and evil. In other words, Adam and Eve did not know the difference between what's good and what's bad when they decided to disobey God.

He gave us freedom in choosing. The word "know" can mean several things. Consummation (sex) is also called "know" in the bible sometimes. They were told not to eat, that there are bad consequences. They knew enough in that sense, they didn't "know" in the sense of living in it like knowing your wife in relations as bible uses sometimes.

And because of that disobedient act that they committed (without realizing that it was bad), them and their eternal lineage - in other words, the entire human race - must be punished for? Not only that, but God is all-knowing, if I'm not mistaken, which means he knew without a doubt that if he were to plant a tree that was not to be eaten from in the Garden of Eden, Adam and Even would have disobeyed him. Why, then, is he blaming them for something that he is responsible for? If a parent leaves alcohol out on the table and tells a kid who doesn't know right from wrong, "Don't drink the alcohol," and the kid drinks it, do you blame the kid? Furthermore, do you blame the kid with eternal punishment? Of course not!

They were given death, but God still offers them and us life after death too thankfully. So He is still being just while also extending more mercy. we just have the experience of death also, He wants us to choose life, and He gives us choice. He is still giving us more chances than just one.

It is a father's responsibility to keep a child from certain types of harm. That's part of what being a father is about.

I am only a 5 year old christian, but I am not one to judge God. He did warn them and they chose to do it. The bible says Eve was more decieved, but Adam did it knowing it was wrong. It does not seem like an innocent sin. And parents cannot stop their children from all harm and all sins. At a certain point, kids have their part and responsibility too. I trust God knows if they were like a 2 year old baby or more like an adult in their deception. I believe there is a difference, the bible does give room for children in being accountable and not. That also is in reply to your alcohol scenario, I am sure it isn't the same thing, as I say here God is a good Judge. And if they were more like babies, He gives even more grace. I personally don't think they were exactly helpless babies though. The tree was one way to show that God isn't making us into robots, I am sure there are reasons for such a thing that even prove He is good. He is good that even after sin, He is still merciful and helpful to us and offers us another chance, even while giving us justice too.

I'm afraid it makes absolutely no sense to me. I would really like some good answers to these questions, so if anyone's willing to reply, I'll be glad to listen.

Jesus says we can ask the Holy Spirit to help us learn these things and His ways. I believe without the Holy Spirit, the bible and His ways won't make sense. Remember that even the church leaders of His day knew the Scriptures very well, but they did not have the right spirit, they completely missed Jesus' point, God is offering salvation. It is a great offer. I am thankful for it, salvation from sins, new life in Christ, hope and purpose and knowing our Creator more intimately. He has given me many chances and I am thankful, I know He gives us all many chances and His ways are good and just, even if we don't understand it all, surely One who knows all does.
friendly reminder, this isn't the Discussion/debate Forum, but we appreciate your questions and sincere listening. Thank you again.

 

[Seeker of the Truth]

Alright I've got a serious question that has been bothering me which roots itself in the book of Genesis. Now, God told Adam and Eve not to eat the fruit from the tree, because it would give them the knowledge of good and evil. In other words, Adam and Eve did not know the difference between what's good and what's bad when they decided to disobey God. And because of that disobedient act that they committed (without realizing that it was bad), them and their eternal lineage - in other words, the entire human race - must be punished for? Not only that, but God is all-knowing, if I'm not mistaken, which means he knew without a doubt that if he were to plant a tree that was not to be eaten from in the Garden of Eden, Adam and Even would have disobeyed him. Why, then, is he blaming them for something that he is responsible for? If a parent leaves alcohol out on the table and tells a kid who doesn't know right from wrong, "Don't drink the alcohol," and the kid drinks it, do you blame the kid? Furthermore, do you blame the kid with eternal punishment? Of course not! It is a father's responsibility to keep a child from certain types of harm. That's part of what being a father is about. I'm afraid it makes absolutely no sense to me. I would really like some good answers to these questions, so if anyone's willing to reply, I'll be glad to listen.

That's what beautiful about God! The reason why all that happened was for God to have love. Our purpose, as God's creation, is for us to love God. God obviously wants "true" love. Not "robot" love, where everybody believes the same and does the same thing. He wanted us to come to Him through all the temptations and other things keeping us from seeing Him!

 

[BelindaP]

To expand your analogy further, let me say that it is like placing a two-year old in a room full of great snacks and beverages and then telling them not to touch the marshmallow on the table or they would get spanked. [Please note, it is not the fruit that was toxic, just the knowledge that they gained.]

Adam and Eve had everything they could have wanted and more. While they were as innocent as a very small child, they had adult intelligence and reasoning abilities. They had no need to eat the fruit, and yet they did.

Their choice led to death, not because that was the punishment that God had specifically designed for them, but because that is what happens when you separate yourself from God by sinning. Even though they sinned and created the sin nature that causes death for us all, God provided a way out for them and for all of us. We can live eternally.

God's purpose for the Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden can never be perfectly known until God himself reveals the purpose. His motives were not malevolent, or He would have destroyed them right away, or He would have made them suffer with no hope. People who think God presented the choice in order to be cruel often overlook that part.

A careful study of biblical history shows that it is divided into different sections in each of which God demonstrates different points.

The first point was that innocence will not keep a creature with free will from sinning against God. Later dipsensations showed that conscience, government, and the Law were not capable of keeping mankind from sinning and separating themselves from God. It was not until God intervened directly and sent His son Jesus to die for us that we had a way to be reconciled perfectly with Him.

In essence, we have no hope without God reaching out to us. Most other religions teach about how we can get to God. Christianity, on the other hand, teaches about how God reaches out to get to us.

 

[Emmy]

Dear OldManA, God is All-knowing, and allmighty, He did know that sooner, or later, Adam and Eve would give in to temptation, and disobey Him. It was God`s Plan all along, that we should love Him above everything else, and love each other, as we love ourselves. Jesus died to reconcile us to God, He showed us how God really is, how great His Love for us is, and how much God wants us to be His Own again. Jesus gave us 2 Commandments, they contain all 10 Commandments which God gave us. Love God, and love each other, leave all selfishness, greed, and non-caring, and become loving and living together in harmony and true benevolence. The Bible explains it more thorough. " Repent and follow Jesus back to God, our real home. Adam and Eve were innocent until tempted, God wants us to know the difference between GOOD and BAD, and He is lovingly waiting for us, to return to Him, our Father in Heaven. I say this humbly and kindly, OldManA, and send greetings. Emmy, sister in Christ.

 

[ebia]

Alright I've got a serious question that has been bothering me which roots itself in the book of Genesis. Now, God told Adam and Eve not to eat the fruit from the tree, because it would give them the knowledge of good and evil. In other words, Adam and Eve did not know the difference between what's good and what's bad when they decided to disobey God. And because of that disobedient act that they committed (without realizing that it was bad), them and their eternal lineage - in other words, the entire human race - must be punished for? Not only that, but God is all-knowing, if I'm not mistaken, which means he knew without a doubt that if he were to plant a tree that was not to be eaten from in the Garden of Eden, Adam and Even would have disobeyed him. Why, then, is he blaming them for something that he is responsible for? If a parent leaves alcohol out on the table and tells a kid who doesn't know right from wrong, "Don't drink the alcohol," and the kid drinks it, do you blame the kid? Furthermore, do you blame the kid with eternal punishment? Of course not! It is a father's responsibility to keep a child from certain types of harm. That's part of what being a father is about. I'm afraid it makes absolutely no sense to me. I would really like some good answers to these questions, so if anyone's willing to reply, I'll be glad to listen.

It's a story that tries to explain the risk God takes with us individually and collectively. God wants us, as the pinacle of creation, to be able to genuinely make good choices but for that to happen he has to take the risk that we will make bad choices. You can't have one without the possibility of the other.

He knows we will all, at times, make those bad choices but he also knows that if we let him he can, through Christ, slowly teach us to make the better choices so that we learn and grow to be what he intends us to be.

Just as any father has to take the risk of allowing their children to make mistakes so that they can learn and grow, so must God take the risk of allowing us to make mistakes for us to learn and grow.

 

[Rafael]

Alright I've got a serious question that has been bothering me which roots itself in the book of Genesis. Now, God told Adam and Eve not to eat the fruit from the tree, because it would give them the knowledge of good and evil. In other words, Adam and Eve did not know the difference between what's good and what's bad when they decided to disobey God. And because of that disobedient act that they committed (without realizing that it was bad), them and their eternal lineage - in other words, the entire human race - must be punished for? Not only that, but God is all-knowing, if I'm not mistaken, which means he knew without a doubt that if he were to plant a tree that was not to be eaten from in the Garden of Eden, Adam and Even would have disobeyed him. Why, then, is he blaming them for something that he is responsible for? If a parent leaves alcohol out on the table and tells a kid who doesn't know right from wrong, "Don't drink the alcohol," and the kid drinks it, do you blame the kid? Furthermore, do you blame the kid with eternal punishment? Of course not! It is a father's responsibility to keep a child from certain types of harm. That's part of what being a father is about. I'm afraid it makes absolutely no sense to me. I would really like some good answers to these questions, so if anyone's willing to reply, I'll be glad to listen.

Adam had the benefit of firsthand teaching from God about what was right and wrong. Did not God tell Adam that he would die from eating of that fruit and that it carried the curse of death? Besides that, God knew what He had to do in order to make love exist. No love exists without choice, and yet to allow choice risks evil. Indeed, God had to allow a devil and his lies into the garden of Eden, and for great purpose for those that choose to have faith in God to see the end of things. Those who wait and trust upon God see even those things meant as evil turned into blessings. By mankind falling into sin and death through Adam, we also get the opportunity to share in the divine nature of God through His Son Jesus and the Holy Spirit. It all turns out for good to those that love God and are the called according to His purpose. His puropse is undefeatable by the enemy, and just watch and see if all justice is not done to perfection. If we judge the Creator, we judge from ignorance - not having any of His powers to create

Ro 8:28 And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.

 

[calidog]

"He is still merciful and helpful to us and offers us another chance"

and another, and another, and another...................................

 

[MikeMcK]

Alright I've got a serious question that has been bothering me which roots itself in the book of Genesis. Now, God told Adam and Eve not to eat the fruit from the tree, because it would give them the knowledge of good and evil. In other words, Adam and Eve did not know the difference between what's good and what's bad when they decided to disobey God.

Adam and Eve knew right from wrong because they were made in the image of God and they had a conscience.

Further evidence that they knew they had done wrong is in the fact that they were afraid and hid when God confronted them.

The phrase "know the difference between good and evil" means that they would know the consequences for sin, not that they would now have an understanding of sin where there was none before.

Even if they didn't know, they still knew that God said "NO".

Why, then, is he blaming them for something that he is responsible for?

God isn't responsible for their disobedience.

However, let's forget about Adam and Eve for a moment.

Whether or not you believe Adam and Eve are responsible for their sins or not, the fact remains that you and I are responsible for ours.

OldManA, if you were to die tonight and stand before God, would He welcome you as a child of His? Or would He judge you as an enemy?

 

[FreeInChrist2]

Hello, OldManA. I too am new to the forum and have been studying many of the vast responses to the unlimited questions from all the various religions (which brings up another question …another time, I’m sure it’s already in here somewhere), of which some answers are way out there (has something to do with the many religions) and of course I have found great, accurate & true answers in the reformed forums, some gentle, some harsh, none the less…biblically truthful answers.

Anyway looks like I am being drawn to reply here, not to toot my horn or argue, but to present some “Covenant of Redemption” facts, which I believe this question really deals with, for your growth in grace, and for all else whom may desire to look into the deeper things of God. So, Please don’t think I’m an expert here on the subject, but do test the Spirit. (1 Jn 4:1)(assuming you are a believer, you will) …be like the Berea Brethren whom received the word with all readiness, and searched the scriptures daily to find out if these things be so.(Acts 17:10 &11)

Now, God told Adam and Eve not to eat the fruit from the tree, because it would give them the knowledge of good and evil. In other words, Adam and Eve did not know the difference between what's good and what's bad when they decided to disobey God. In other words, Adam and Eve did not know the difference between what's good and what's bad when they decided to disobey God. And because of that disobedient act that they committed (without realizing that it was bad), them and their eternal lineage

1st of all God didn’t tell them it would give them any kind of knowledge, He simply told them not to eat of the tree of the knowledge of good & evil, you shall not eat, for in that day…you shall surely die, this much they knew because God told them so. We must 1st remember that there were 2 trees, there was also the tree of life. Also were all the others tress of which to eat of, and remember God did not command Adam not to eat of the tree of life. Here in the 1st 3 chapters of Genesis we have the whole law and gospel. In other words, in the law we have the “Covenant of Works”…ONE law…you shall not eat of the ONE tree. This knowledge of which they were not knowledgeable of was not of a good kind of knowledge but a bad knowledge, so by eating of the tree of knowledge of good and evil, they would now know the good they had lost (walking, talking, communing with God, His favor, protection, care, love & blessings, having all their needs abundantly meet, enjoyment of employment, even life… for tending to the garden was not work, not that they would now know GOOD and EVIL for they already knew all the good God had established for them to know; Even that it was not good to eat of the ONE tree, which was good…not to do, for God after he created saw that it was all very good) and now they knew the evil thereof and their sinful actions …choice…self…physical & spiritual death, now not being free but in bondage to sin (breaking the law) and separated from God, now passed down to all of Adams posterity…the whole world, creation, beast and creature alike…like you said OldManA, but there is hope…(Rom 8:18-22)

Contrast the tree of life, we see Christ, symbolic yes, actual no, pointing to the promise of eternal life, a for-shadowing of the One to come to save His people from their sins (thanks to Adam as mans head/father in the flesh). Eat of it freely the choice was given, they had free will, but they forgot their relationship, appreciation, thankfulness, dependency upon God for all things even His wisdom, upon being tempted by the serpent (the devil didn’t make him do it) so the serpent appealed to the heart of man, saying, Has God indeed said you shall not eat, and again saying, You will not surely die for in that day your eyes will be opened and you be like God, knowing good and evil (tricked like all man thinking this was a good kind of knowledge) the heart wanted to have its own wisdom, knowledge & power, they wanted to be wise & free, yet not knowing they were already wise & free, they were free in Christ…pretty wise huh, (kind of like satan and all his followers being cast out of heaven, not wise/not free any more) thus now loosing their and all mans freedom of the will & ability to attend to spiritual things, choices and worshipping the One True God of scripture, they no longer had the choice to stay in the Garden under Gods care, they were now excommunicated, kicked out. That’s why the scripture says that we are born sinners, are
children of wrath and dead in sin. That’s why the children of God must be born not by blood, nor the will of the flesh, no the will of man…but of God (Jn 1:12 & 13). That which is flesh is flesh…Adam, and that which is Spirit is Spirit…of God. For the wind blows where it wishes, so is everyone who is born of the Spirit… born again before they can even see the kingdom of God, and if they can see it, they have been born it, yet with man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible. (Jn 3:5-8, Mat 19:23-26) Remember they once had eternal life, a spiritual walk with God, but now are separated from it, as are ALL Adams posterity throughout all time future, which from God’s eyes is the past Remember he is the beginning and the end. Alpha & Omega (past tense…completed…consuming all eternity, past, present & future…Omni present, Omniscient)

- in other words, the entire human race - must be punished for?

So for now let’s forget Adam & Eve’s wicked hearts and take a look at our own. Yes, because of the fall of Adam & Eve into sin & death we are held accountable just the same as they (we know this because we still die physically, in other words, baptism does not remove original sin as Rome says), and what they purchased for us is rebellion against God (trying to hide also under our own fig leaves) with our own wicked hearts and love of our sin, (Jer 17:9 & 10) so we continue to sin against God, not that we or even Hitler don’t/didn’t do good things, but in Gods eyes they are not done perfectly nor for His glory, nor for His kingdom, nor according to His law & will but to ours, for our own personal self esteem, well being, futures, gratification, boastings, etc, etc, etc. In other words we, can’t blame
Adam & Eve for our sin, nor can we blame the devil. As for the understanding that the entire human race must be punished, remember, the wages of sin is death but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord. (Rom 6:23)

Thank you “Oh Lord” for that Perfect Redeemer, the 2nd Adam, the God in the flesh, the “Lord Jesus Christ” Now show us your “Covenant of your Grace”

Not only that, but God is all-knowing, if I'm not mistaken, which means he knew without a doubt that if he were to plant a tree that was not to be eaten from in the Garden of Eden, Adam and Even would have disobeyed him. Why, then, is he blaming them for something that he is responsible for?

From here we need to go back into eternity past, before creation. You are correct, God is all knowing, He knew without a doubt Adam & Eve would fall into sin. God again being the Alpha & Omega, Beginning & End, the Author & Finisher of our faith, the Master Builder, likened to an architect who knows exactly what a completed building will look like before he ever builds it, planned the fall. But before that He planned to redeem a people to worship Him, for what other reason did He create us? For no reason would be an evolutionary proposition…just exist, evolve and die…for what…evolving? So before the foundation of the world, God choose (pre-destined) to save a people according to His will, His purpose, His pleasure (Eph 1:4-12) , not by anything in them (remember they were all to fall into sin, so He couldn’t make that choice by our future good works, for as earlier stated, none are good (Rom 3:10-18). So since all man is dead in sin at birth, yet God chose to save some before creation, but they are now all born dead in spirit, in sin …in the flesh…at birth, because of Adam & Eve’s fall, because he planned it that way…Why? So that He could send His Son to receive in Him their sin and the penalty due for those whom He chose to save from His own eternal wrath to come. He made a covenant with His Son that he would create a people, a bride, His church, and they would inherit Adams and their own sins, thus His Son (God Himself in the flesh) made a covenant with the Father that He would come and die for them to fully satisfy the judgement given to Adam & his posterity…death & eternal punishment. No one deserves the death, life & grace of Christ sacrifice on the cross. No one can earn or merit Gods favor, for this would then be works and not grace. The whole of Gods plan is the ‘Covenant of Redemption” by establishing a “covenant of Works” which man fell from purposely by Gods plan, of which He could then institute the “Covenant of Grace” for his people who other wise would have no hope. This all shows how loving our God really is because he could have chose not to save anyone, and not send His Son to die for anyone. All done for the one purpose of magnifying, glorifying and exalting His Son as your One True God, the true Savior of the world (all the chosen throughout all time, not all as in everyone, but all He has chosen) if indeed you have been granted to believe as the scriptures have said (Jn 7:38).

Why, then, is he blaming them for something that he is responsible for?

Remember God is not the author of sin, sin entered because of man and his free-will/choice (which free-will continues to accomplish to this day, for it is not Gods will for one to sin, but mans, can’t blame God). God doesn’t blame Adam & Eve, they were warned, failed, thus deserve the promise as outlined by God…eternal punishment, yet God made tunics of skin, animal blood was shed (representing again the final sacrifice, for-shadowing Christ’s death on the cross…a blood sacrifice, for without the shedding of blood there is no remission, Thus the “Covenant of Grace” It’s all about clothing, being clothed by the imputed righteousness of Christ, not that we are righteous, but unrighteous, being clothed by Christ’s white robe of righteousness, by his wedding garments. We don’t want to show up at the wedding feast in our own filthy rags. Only Christ’s righteousness can, will and has already satisfied God’s justice, this we must trust, not in ourselves, our choice, our baptism, our good works, our affections, our feelings, our anything we do, for it is the Christ who has done all. Remember God will share his glory with no one. If you were a famous painter and I came along and scratched out your name in the corner and took all the credit for it myself, would you be angry with me?

If a parent leaves alcohol out on the table and tells a kid who doesn't know right from wrong, "Don't drink the alcohol," and the kid drinks it, do you blame the kid? Furthermore, do you blame the kid with eternal punishment? Of course not! It is a father's responsibility to keep a child from certain types of harm. That's part of what being a father is about.

OK, to finish up here lets make a proper application of all this. If your child drinks the alcohol after being told not to drink, or I’ll spank your butt, or you get the time out chair, or I’ll take your keys away for month, then that’s what they get, unless is it ones character to lie and not do as he/she promises, which we are all at fault for that, but we are not God, for God keeps all His promises or else He would be a liar, which I don’t think any one will stand at the judgment and accuse Him of that. Since breaking the law is sin, all are guilty and anyone who goes to hell will not be able to say I don’t deserve to be here, they will receive justice. All whom are saved will not be able to say they deserve to be there, they will receive mercy, for they are sinners to, only saved by grace alone, by the gift of faith alone, by the Lord Jesus Christ alone, through scripture alone, to God whom be all the glory Alone. Amen

PS, Do be responsible and don’t leave the alcohol on the table, that would be like the devil tempting Adam & Eve to sin, and because of mans fallen nature, the unregenerate heart in spirit will drink. Even the regenerate will be tempted but only by the grace of God can overcome to His Glory.


Hope this stirs up some new questions for you.
FreeInChrist2

 

[sammieking]

Alright I've got a serious question that has been bothering me which roots itself in the book of Genesis. Now, God told Adam and Eve not to eat the fruit from the tree, because it would give them the knowledge of good and evil. In other words, Adam and Eve did not know the difference between what's good and what's bad when they decided to disobey God. And because of that disobedient act that they committed (without realizing that it was bad), them and their eternal lineage - in other words, the entire human race - must be punished for? Not only that, but God is all-knowing, if I'm not mistaken, which means he knew without a doubt that if he were to plant a tree that was not to be eaten from in the Garden of Eden, Adam and Even would have disobeyed him. Why, then, is he blaming them for something that he is responsible for? If a parent leaves alcohol out on the table and tells a kid who doesn't know right from wrong, "Don't drink the alcohol," and the kid drinks it, do you blame the kid? Furthermore, do you blame the kid with eternal punishment? Of course not! It is a father's responsibility to keep a child from certain types of harm. That's part of what being a father is about. I'm afraid it makes absolutely no sense to me. I would really like some good answers to these questions, so if anyone's willing to reply, I'll be glad to listen.

Yes God is all knowing. Adam and Eve were told to eat from every other tree in the Garden. But not the Tree of knowledge of Good and Evil. They obeyed God when He told them to take care of the animals and the Garden. But because satan influnced Eve into eating it she gave it to Adam. We are punished because of sin. Every sin in the world from all of time originated from Adam and Eve. That's why we have a free will. Either to Be with God or not. The same thing goes with Adam and Eve. the Freewill to eat from the Tree of Knowledge of Good and Evil.

 

[Zeena]

Alright I've got a serious question that has been bothering me which roots itself in the book of Genesis. Now, God told Adam and Eve not to eat the fruit from the tree, because it would give them the knowledge of good and evil. In other words, Adam and Eve did not know the difference between what's good and what's bad when they decided to disobey God. And because of that disobedient act that they committed (without realizing that it was bad), them and their eternal lineage - in other words, the entire human race - must be punished for? Not only that, but God is all-knowing, if I'm not mistaken, which means he knew without a doubt that if he were to plant a tree that was not to be eaten from in the Garden of Eden, Adam and Even would have disobeyed him. Why, then, is he blaming them for something that he is responsible for? If a parent leaves alcohol out on the table and tells a kid who doesn't know right from wrong, "Don't drink the alcohol," and the kid drinks it, do you blame the kid? Furthermore, do you blame the kid with eternal punishment? Of course not! It is a father's responsibility to keep a child from certain types of harm. That's part of what being a father is about. I'm afraid it makes absolutely no sense to me. I would really like some good answers to these questions, so if anyone's willing to reply, I'll be glad to listen.

Thier spirit's died on the day they ate of the Tree of knowledge of good & evil..

Can death bring forth life?
Why, of course not!

This 'death' passed down through all generations, because Adam no longer had spiritual life 'to give'.

Jesus comes so that we may have life!
EVEN a life BETTER than that found in Adam!

It's the very spirit of God He has chosen to impart to us who believe!!!

 

[FreeInChrist2]

"He is still merciful and helpful to us and offers us another chance"

and another, and another, and another

Another chance for what? Do you see the bible as a business opportunity, a chance for salvation upon your sucess? Or is it a declaration of salvation accomplished for Gods elect, His bride, the invisable church?

Do yo want a God whom only gives you a chance for salvation or has actually and effectually completed it?

 

[Calminian]

This is very simple, really. Adam and Eve knew of one right and wrong prior to their eating. This came by direct revelation from God. They didn't have the vast knowledge of right and wrong they had after eating. After eating a whole new conscience was given to them by which they would know inwardly they were to hide their nakedness, etc., etc. But even prior to eating they had an understanding of the wrongness of eating of the tree of knowledge (TOK). They were aware of only one law—but they were fully able to understand this law.

I think many (even many christians) misunderstand this tree to be one of ability to understand or comprehend. But it was simply a tree of knowledge. Adam had the ability to understand commands prior to eating. He just didn't have knowledge of the commands, except for the one God revealed to him. But he had the full ability to understand that command and any other command that God might choose to reveal

The key is the tree. It was not a tree of comprehensionn. It was not a tree of understanding. IOW, it was not a tree of ability. It was simply a tree of knowledge—vast knowledge of rights and wrongs he was not yet informed of. As Paul said, "sin is not imputed when there is no law." (Rom. 5:13) If we are not aware of a law, we cannot be guilty of breaking it. But now we have the law in our hearts (Rom. 2)—a conscience. We don't need to be told to hide our nakedness, we do so instinctively. We are without excuse.

In other words, Adam and Eve did not know the difference between what's good and what's bad when they decided to disobey God.

Case in point. This idea is never conveyed in Genesis. This comes from a false idea about the abilities of Adam and the nature of the tree. It was not a tree of ability. Adam was made with the full ability to comprehend commands that were revealed to him. He merely lacked the intrinsic knowledge of God's law.

As is always the case, the answer is in the text. When we read it carefully, the confusion fades away. Hope that helps.

 

[Key]

Alright I've got a serious question that has been bothering me which roots itself in the book of Genesis. Now, God told Adam and Eve not to eat the fruit from the tree, because it would give them the knowledge of good and evil. In other words, Adam and Eve did not know the difference between what's good and what's bad when they decided to disobey God. And because of that disobedient act that they committed (without realizing that it was bad), them and their eternal lineage - in other words, the entire human race - must be punished for? Not only that, but God is all-knowing, if I'm not mistaken, which means he knew without a doubt that if he were to plant a tree that was not to be eaten from in the Garden of Eden, Adam and Even would have disobeyed him. Why, then, is he blaming them for something that he is responsible for? If a parent leaves alcohol out on the table and tells a kid who doesn't know right from wrong, "Don't drink the alcohol," and the kid drinks it, do you blame the kid? Furthermore, do you blame the kid with eternal punishment? Of course not! It is a father's responsibility to keep a child from certain types of harm. That's part of what being a father is about. I'm afraid it makes absolutely no sense to me. I would really like some good answers to these questions, so if anyone's willing to reply, I'll be glad to listen.

The major point of confusion here, what they had, and what they gained.

They Had, the knowledge of "Good and Bad" in the sense that "Obeying God was good" and "Disobeying was Bad" or that "Punishment is bad" even a dog can grasp this concept of "Good and Bad"

IE: A dog knows it is bad to go on the carpet, because this upsets master.

What they Gained, was the Knowledge of Good and Evil, in their abstract forms,

IE: Being nude is shameful, where a child, or a dog might not understand this.

So they were not Oblivious to things and the ideas of Good and Bad in the tangible sense, they just did not have the idea of Good and Evil in the abstract sense.

Similar to a Dog, and yes, we do punish the dog for going on the carpet, when we told them not to.

God Bless

Key

 

[Raph]

I agree with Calminian

I would further add that the fruit of the Tree of Knowledge of Good and Evil was self-centeredness. Adam was free of the Law and the power of sin when he was God-centered. This is why Jesus was lifted up on the cross (symbolic of the tree itself) leading us back to being God-centered.