God tries to help Cain in several ways.
First, He says, "If thou doest well." In other words, He takes away any chance of CXain thinking of it as "Abel versus me." God points to the absolute right and wrong which has existed fromt he foudnation of the world. "Doing well" means to do that which is right.
When God established the proper sacrifice by shedding blood to cover sin, that became the accepted way. Since animals rely on instinct, sacrificing them was different than killing people. People have dominion over animals by virtue of being living, breathing souls. Yes, animals have some instinctive reactions that can be considered to be like feelings. But, they are not nearly as highly developed, and should never be confused with human feelings. The sacrifice is not killed because it has done something wrong. But, this just makes the analogy of Jesus as the Lam of God all the greater He never sinned. And yet, Christ died for the sins of all manking, past, present, and future.
It was right, therefore, for Cain to make a sacrifice like Abel's. It would have been very easy for him to find a sheep and start raising it, or to ask Abel for one. God doesn't expect us to do more than we can with His help. Finding an animal to sacrifice was no huge burden for Cain. Then, he'd have been accepted.
This is the next part of God's plea to Cain. If he does well, he will be accepted. God phrases it so that Cain has to realize that, yes, he will be accepted. People have looked for acceptance since the beginning of time. It's why church doors must always be open, to anyone off the street who wants to be changed within by God's amazing grace. To shut the doors to anyone is a horrible sin. God is holy, but He has also told us to go into all the world and preacht he Gospel to every creature. (Mat. 28:18) He wants everyone to come to Him. The story is told of a man who went to church to steal coats. He was convinced to come in and listen, and he was convicted of his sin. he got saved, and became a wonderful member of the church, serving in numerous areas for many years! It is not we who win souls, it's God.
However, it is never by just being there physically that God accepts us. That man would not have been accepted of God by stealing coats. He was accepted of God by coming to Him with humility, accepting he was a wretched sinner in need of the Savior. God wants Cain to realize the same thing. Yes, he begins with talk of doing well, but remember the context. Doing well, in this case, means the very same thing - recognizing his need for forgiveness, and that God Himself has provided the sacrifice. He called for Cain to come to repentence. he was not asking Cain to do a work, as salvation is never by works, always by faith.
The Hebrew words note the 'excellency" of that acceptance. This goes back to what was said about the prominence of the firstborn male in Hebrew culture. Cain was the firstborn of Adam and Eve's children. The honor of having the line of the Redeemer go through him might have been Cain's if he'd followed God's ways, though we don't know for sure.
Next, God reminds Cain what will happen if he doesn't turn to God for the remission of sin. If he doesn't follow God's way, sin "lieth at the door."
Of course, there had been sins before this - that's why sacrifices were needed. However, this notion of it "lying at the door" means some greater sin (with regard to consequences) than ones he'd committed before this.
Cain had been born with a sin nature. he inherited that from Adam. We all inherit that sin nature. The Adamic nature is what Christ must lovingly guide us away from once we are saved. When we follow that old, Adamic nature, however, we fall into our old, sinful habits. When we keep up in those habits, they become worse and worse, and we lose sight of how Jesus made us new creatures. (2 Cor. 5:17) We are still saved, but it becomes harder and harder for us to hear His Holy Spirit calling us.
That was Cain's problem. The Holy Spiri couldn't indwell people till Christ's blood was shed when He died on Calvary. That's when the veil was torn in two, and the glory of God went from the Holy of Holies in the temple, and spread over all the Earth. (Mat. 27:51) But, it was still possible for God to reach people.
However, Cain faced the very seirous danger of getting so far from God's perfect love, he could have trouble finding his way back.
God explains this with His next statement. He says that "unto thee shall be his desire." Sin, here, is personified. It's given a human attribute - desire - so God can explain the problem more clearly. That thirst for sin - separation from God's perfect love and compassion - would grow, as Cain's desire to sin grew. The possible pain and suffering caused by this sin would grow. It would spiral totally out of control
Finally, God tells Cain what should happen instead. He tells Cain that he should be the one to rule over sin, instead of sin ruling over him.
Charistians are warned of the same thing. The devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour. (1 Peter 5:8) We are warned many times about the dangers of sin, and that we should put those sinful puarts away. Meanwhile, we can focus on many positive things, such as those in Philippians 4:8.
We can't do it alone, of course. We need Christ's redemption, and we need His Spirit to guide us. Cain couldn't do it on his own, either. He needed God's help, too.
The fact God's appeal to Cain doesn't work is sad. However, it is still the right model to follow. Not everything modeled in Scripture is a good example to follow. Some really bad people have lived. But, God's way is always the one to follow, becuase He is perfect goodness.
Beside, not every outreach will be successful at that moment. But, some will bear fruit years later, that would only have worked with the outreach at the time. As an example, a woman a few years back prayed for her husband to be saved for 44 years! He was saved not just by her prayer, but surely by her attitude all those years.
Friday, September 25, 2009
Gen. 4:6
God's love of missions is shown here, just as it is everywhere. He wants people to worship Him, not to turn away. He is just, but that justice is mingled with grace and mercy. That is the only way any of us can be effective in winning others to Christ and having them truly born again. We must tell them both of Christ's mercy and forgiveness and of His holiness, unable to look upon sin. He is willing that none perish, but that all come to repentence. (2 Peter 3:9) But, He is also just, and Christ died for our sins (1 Cor. 15:3), becuase our sin is so bad to a Holy God that He required perfect blood for the remission of sin. Christ was punished in our place, and we can only be healed by His having suffered for us. (1 Pet. 2:24)
God wants people to love Him, and to see His goodness and mercy. That's why He spoke to Cain. We noted that His slaying of the lamb near the end of Genesis 3 was likely a Theophany. He could easily have just spoken in an audible voice, but that is uncertain. He could have been a Theophany only there and here, but not later, too.
What's important is that He gives Cain a chance. He awants Cain to explain, so He can help Cain avoid sin. Christ is always waiting for us to talk to Him, and seek His help. We fail miserably all too often, because we don't see any way out, we get scared, or something else. But, his mercies endure forever, and He is always wiling to hear us.
One other thing is worthy of note about this. God wants us to be happy and joyful. This is so clear elsewhere, such as in Philippians. The words "rejoice" and "joy" show up a lot there. God wants us to find joy in Him even in our struggles. That's where we often draw closest to Him. God wanted Cain to serve Him, but also wanted him to be joyful about it. He wanted CAin to accept this as a learning experience and avoid sinning any more.
One may ask why this is different than how He approached Adam and Eve. Remember that they had just brought sin into the world. it was perfect before then. the incredible change int he world meant God had to confront the problem right away.
Here, on the other hand, Cain and Abel had merely continued what had already been going on - sins such as lying, coveting, and son on, were growing. A plan of sacrifice for those sins had been put in place, to cover them until the Redeemer came to wash them away completely.
"But wait," one might say, "aren't all sins equally bad?" We must remember that the way God sees sin, and the way He deals with the consequences of individual ones, are two different things
All sin causes us to fall short of God's perfect glory. God can't touch any sin. if He had come the first time in all His glory, this sinful world would have perished. This is why, in Isaiah 6. the prophet feels he is "undone" - literally a dead man, cut off - after seeing God, in all His splendor, in His Heavenly temple. No person can see God, and live.
However, all sin does not carry the same consequences on Earth. The Mosaic law shows this - stealing is not met with the same punishment as murder, and so on. Common practice shows this - lying about one's age doesn't carry the same weight as cheating on one's taxes. Small sins can begin a slippery slope that lead to bigger sins, as Davis learned with Bathsheeba, when he lusted after her in 2 Samuel 11. However, God wants us to confess and forsake those small sins, so they don't become bigger ones later.
So it was that God lovingly approached Cain, so he could be won back to God, before his sin grew and made things worse. God sought to help Cain out of; an attitude of going against God's perfect plan.
God wants people to love Him, and to see His goodness and mercy. That's why He spoke to Cain. We noted that His slaying of the lamb near the end of Genesis 3 was likely a Theophany. He could easily have just spoken in an audible voice, but that is uncertain. He could have been a Theophany only there and here, but not later, too.
What's important is that He gives Cain a chance. He awants Cain to explain, so He can help Cain avoid sin. Christ is always waiting for us to talk to Him, and seek His help. We fail miserably all too often, because we don't see any way out, we get scared, or something else. But, his mercies endure forever, and He is always wiling to hear us.
One other thing is worthy of note about this. God wants us to be happy and joyful. This is so clear elsewhere, such as in Philippians. The words "rejoice" and "joy" show up a lot there. God wants us to find joy in Him even in our struggles. That's where we often draw closest to Him. God wanted Cain to serve Him, but also wanted him to be joyful about it. He wanted CAin to accept this as a learning experience and avoid sinning any more.
One may ask why this is different than how He approached Adam and Eve. Remember that they had just brought sin into the world. it was perfect before then. the incredible change int he world meant God had to confront the problem right away.
Here, on the other hand, Cain and Abel had merely continued what had already been going on - sins such as lying, coveting, and son on, were growing. A plan of sacrifice for those sins had been put in place, to cover them until the Redeemer came to wash them away completely.
"But wait," one might say, "aren't all sins equally bad?" We must remember that the way God sees sin, and the way He deals with the consequences of individual ones, are two different things
All sin causes us to fall short of God's perfect glory. God can't touch any sin. if He had come the first time in all His glory, this sinful world would have perished. This is why, in Isaiah 6. the prophet feels he is "undone" - literally a dead man, cut off - after seeing God, in all His splendor, in His Heavenly temple. No person can see God, and live.
However, all sin does not carry the same consequences on Earth. The Mosaic law shows this - stealing is not met with the same punishment as murder, and so on. Common practice shows this - lying about one's age doesn't carry the same weight as cheating on one's taxes. Small sins can begin a slippery slope that lead to bigger sins, as Davis learned with Bathsheeba, when he lusted after her in 2 Samuel 11. However, God wants us to confess and forsake those small sins, so they don't become bigger ones later.
So it was that God lovingly approached Cain, so he could be won back to God, before his sin grew and made things worse. God sought to help Cain out of; an attitude of going against God's perfect plan.
Gen. 4:5
We know, then, it was not an accident that Abel's sacrifice was accepted and Cain's wasn't. Abel had learned what was acceptable to God, and why. Cain was upset and disappointed that his way was not accepted.
Cain tried a different path. God is no respecter of persons. (Acts 10:34) He will accept anyone. And, people have lots of freedom within the rules. The important part there, however, is that it must be within the rules.
Adam and Eve had only one thing they couldn't do in the Garden of Eden. they went against that, and brought sin into the world. they were insistent on doing things their own way. That way was sin, and God is so holy that He can't come in contact with sinin any way. That's why sacrifices were needed right away to cover sin, until Christ came as the Lamb of God.
Cain didn't do that. His sacrifice was another sign of people choosing their own way, instead of following God's way. There was nothing terribly hard about doing this God's way. It was going to be by faith, anyway. So, if Cain couldn't get a lamb, he could always borrow a lamb from his brother.
Cain insisted on doing it his way, however. Thus, the Bible says that God not only had no respect unto the sacrifice, but also no respect unto Cain himself. Cain was not yet justified.
We who have received Jesus Christ's forgiveness are all justified by faith. We have Christ's perfect righteousness placed on us. God is able to look on us in a way He can't look on sin because of His holiness. That's because when He sees us, He sees the Holy Spirit living in us. It is the earnest - the promise - of our salvation. The Spirit is the proof God will one day take us home to be with Him. He can't see sinners the same way. That redemption was future for Cain and Abel, but God was still able to see Abel's faith and look favorably on Abel, because Abel - in performing the sacrifice he did - was justified by faith.
Cain was really mad about this. He wanted things his own way. Also, he may also have felt some entitlement, being the firstborn, as is human naturem. His countenance fell. He was gravely discouraged at being rejected. Just as He had done with Adam and Eve, God goes in search of His lost sheep.
Cain tried a different path. God is no respecter of persons. (Acts 10:34) He will accept anyone. And, people have lots of freedom within the rules. The important part there, however, is that it must be within the rules.
Adam and Eve had only one thing they couldn't do in the Garden of Eden. they went against that, and brought sin into the world. they were insistent on doing things their own way. That way was sin, and God is so holy that He can't come in contact with sinin any way. That's why sacrifices were needed right away to cover sin, until Christ came as the Lamb of God.
Cain didn't do that. His sacrifice was another sign of people choosing their own way, instead of following God's way. There was nothing terribly hard about doing this God's way. It was going to be by faith, anyway. So, if Cain couldn't get a lamb, he could always borrow a lamb from his brother.
Cain insisted on doing it his way, however. Thus, the Bible says that God not only had no respect unto the sacrifice, but also no respect unto Cain himself. Cain was not yet justified.
We who have received Jesus Christ's forgiveness are all justified by faith. We have Christ's perfect righteousness placed on us. God is able to look on us in a way He can't look on sin because of His holiness. That's because when He sees us, He sees the Holy Spirit living in us. It is the earnest - the promise - of our salvation. The Spirit is the proof God will one day take us home to be with Him. He can't see sinners the same way. That redemption was future for Cain and Abel, but God was still able to see Abel's faith and look favorably on Abel, because Abel - in performing the sacrifice he did - was justified by faith.
Cain was really mad about this. He wanted things his own way. Also, he may also have felt some entitlement, being the firstborn, as is human naturem. His countenance fell. He was gravely discouraged at being rejected. Just as He had done with Adam and Eve, God goes in search of His lost sheep.
Gen. 4:4
At this time, the sacrifices were still needed to cover sin. This is why Abel brought of the firstlings of his flock, and of the fat thereof. The firstfruits of the flock isn't just the first numerically. The first, in Hebrew culture, always had the most important and prestigious spot.
This spot of greatest imoprtance and prestige is why Jesus Christ is called the "firstborn of every creature," (Col. 1;15) This verse says nothing about birth. Jesus Christ has always existed, and always will exist, becuase He is eternally God. There is just no better term in English to refer to that position in the family of utmost importance and prestige.
Similarly, Christ is referred to as the firstfruits of those that sleep - in other words, die - in 1 Cor. 15:20. This doesn't just mean He was first to rise, although He did open the gates of Heaven for those who had been in Abraham's bosom. he is the most important, the essential one, as the next verse says. Just as by one man - Adam - death entered the world, so by one man death was conquered forever!
What Abel brought, then, was called for as a picture of what would occur later, just as every other proper sacrifice would be. We see Abel doing what God had shown Adam, and what he had shown his children. This, then, is why God "had respect" toward Abel and his sacrifice; it was a "more excellent" one. (Heb. 11:4) It typified just what God would do for mankind.
It also showed that Abel was righteous, according to that same verse in Hebrews. Of course, there is none righteous; no, not one. (Rom. 3:10) But, Abel had been justified by faith - faith that God would one day bring that promised rRedeemer to redeem everyone. Salvation has always been by faith, becuase it was impossible to keep the whole law; if anyone keeps it all, yet offends in one piont, he is guilty, and therefore condemned. (James 2:10) Abel's righteousness came by his faith in what was then the future death, burial and resurection of our Lord for our sins. He just didn't know how it would happen.
Finally, Hebrews 11:4 mentions Abel's gifts. This refers to his gift of the firstfruits. God's Holy Word tells so many awesome things, that we can only scratch the surface of them.
This spot of greatest imoprtance and prestige is why Jesus Christ is called the "firstborn of every creature," (Col. 1;15) This verse says nothing about birth. Jesus Christ has always existed, and always will exist, becuase He is eternally God. There is just no better term in English to refer to that position in the family of utmost importance and prestige.
Similarly, Christ is referred to as the firstfruits of those that sleep - in other words, die - in 1 Cor. 15:20. This doesn't just mean He was first to rise, although He did open the gates of Heaven for those who had been in Abraham's bosom. he is the most important, the essential one, as the next verse says. Just as by one man - Adam - death entered the world, so by one man death was conquered forever!
What Abel brought, then, was called for as a picture of what would occur later, just as every other proper sacrifice would be. We see Abel doing what God had shown Adam, and what he had shown his children. This, then, is why God "had respect" toward Abel and his sacrifice; it was a "more excellent" one. (Heb. 11:4) It typified just what God would do for mankind.
It also showed that Abel was righteous, according to that same verse in Hebrews. Of course, there is none righteous; no, not one. (Rom. 3:10) But, Abel had been justified by faith - faith that God would one day bring that promised rRedeemer to redeem everyone. Salvation has always been by faith, becuase it was impossible to keep the whole law; if anyone keeps it all, yet offends in one piont, he is guilty, and therefore condemned. (James 2:10) Abel's righteousness came by his faith in what was then the future death, burial and resurection of our Lord for our sins. He just didn't know how it would happen.
Finally, Hebrews 11:4 mentions Abel's gifts. This refers to his gift of the firstfruits. God's Holy Word tells so many awesome things, that we can only scratch the surface of them.
Gen. 4:3
One thing that doesn't need speculation is that Cain and Abel had brothers and sisters. (Gen. 5:4) The "process of time" mentioned here easily allows others to have been born. Of course, we aren't told how time passes here, except that it was less than 130 years; the age of Adam when Seth was born. (Gen. 5:3) While we are told later that Seth replaced Abel in the bloodline, that doesn't mean he was born right after the others.
Ruth 4:17 and 4:22 are perfect illustrations of this. Jesse begat David - but David was the youngest of a whole brood of boys. it doesn't matter that the others were older. What matters is that God doesn't look at people like we do. "Man looketh on the outward appearance, but God looketh upon the heart." (1 Sam. 16:7) Who is to say that the murder of Abel didn't set sibling against sibling, with God choosing to appoint a child not yet born, who had not become part of the fighting? It is entirely possible. It's also possible they were younger, and Adam and Eve had to wait for the right one.
Getting back to the sure things of God's Word, we see that Cain brought an offering of grain. That, of course, could have been proper - but, notice that Numbers 18:12 says it shall be the firstfruits. Whether Cain brought the best is unclear.
We do know he brought an offering unto the Lord. One's offering should be the best, becuase He has give us his best; it is our reasonable service. (Rom. 12:2) Even if it was, however, it must be the right kind of an offering for a specific time, as that verse in Leviticus shows. Only blood can bring about the remission of sin.
Finally, moving away fromt he specific sacrifices made by Cain and Abel, we see that a system of sacrifices had already been put in place. We're not sure what it was. However, the important thing is that it showed the continued relationship between God and mankind. The first sacrifice - made by God Himself to make clothes for Adam and Eve - would be followed by many, many sacrifices, all of which could only cover sin. These were pictures of what Christ would do one day on the cross, when - as the Lamb of God - he was slain for the sins of all mankind. Even in the Millennial Kingdom, there will be sacrifices, but these will only be for a memorial, like the Lord's Supper is today. There is no more need for sacrifices now. The curse of sin is broken forever, thanks to Jesus Christ's death and resurrection! Hallelujah!
Ruth 4:17 and 4:22 are perfect illustrations of this. Jesse begat David - but David was the youngest of a whole brood of boys. it doesn't matter that the others were older. What matters is that God doesn't look at people like we do. "Man looketh on the outward appearance, but God looketh upon the heart." (1 Sam. 16:7) Who is to say that the murder of Abel didn't set sibling against sibling, with God choosing to appoint a child not yet born, who had not become part of the fighting? It is entirely possible. It's also possible they were younger, and Adam and Eve had to wait for the right one.
Getting back to the sure things of God's Word, we see that Cain brought an offering of grain. That, of course, could have been proper - but, notice that Numbers 18:12 says it shall be the firstfruits. Whether Cain brought the best is unclear.
We do know he brought an offering unto the Lord. One's offering should be the best, becuase He has give us his best; it is our reasonable service. (Rom. 12:2) Even if it was, however, it must be the right kind of an offering for a specific time, as that verse in Leviticus shows. Only blood can bring about the remission of sin.
Finally, moving away fromt he specific sacrifices made by Cain and Abel, we see that a system of sacrifices had already been put in place. We're not sure what it was. However, the important thing is that it showed the continued relationship between God and mankind. The first sacrifice - made by God Himself to make clothes for Adam and Eve - would be followed by many, many sacrifices, all of which could only cover sin. These were pictures of what Christ would do one day on the cross, when - as the Lamb of God - he was slain for the sins of all mankind. Even in the Millennial Kingdom, there will be sacrifices, but these will only be for a memorial, like the Lord's Supper is today. There is no more need for sacrifices now. The curse of sin is broken forever, thanks to Jesus Christ's death and resurrection! Hallelujah!
Gen. 4:2
This verse begins by stating she "again bare Abel." I'm not sure why some believe Cain and Abel were twins, but it is certainly possible. In populating the Earth, it would be very helpful to have many multiples. On the other hand, Seth is singular. Yes, he could have been singled out for God's purpose, at first. Still, whatever tradition states that they were twins can't really be proven one way or the other.
Abel was a keeper of sheep, whichmeans tender of them. In verse 20 of this chapter, we read that one of Cain's line, Jabal, was the father - that is, the first - of those who had cattle. This seems to refer to the roving, cowboy-type who takes his cattle over vast areas, as he also was the father of those who dwell in tents. It could also refer to animal husbandry, the breeding of them for specific purposes. Either way, this is different from Abel.
Abel's interest was in caring for sheep. He'd heard of the animal slain by the Lord as the first sacrifice - one of many, which would lead to the Lamb of God, who taketh away the sin of the world. (John 1:29) Abel would be able not only to clothe people, but to provide that for which one could repeat what was done for his parents.
Abel, then, didn't just "guess right." There's a reason Abel chose the sacrifice he did later. It's one which Cain ignored. We can't see into their minds to know for sure. But, we know God's Word. He says that without the shedding of blood, there is no remission of sin. (Lev. 17:11)
Cain, on the other hand, was a farmer. As that incredible, new world, which held so much promise, turned on its axis, and went around the sun, Cain would see how wonderfully the ground produced food; even if there were thorns and thistles, too. Abel, meanwhile, could discuss the wonders of animals.
One imagines Cain and Abel's dinnertime conversations must have been fascinating, as they learned about the world. Cain, after all, tilled the ground - it doesn't say what kinds of seeds, so he must have seen so many interesting ones. Abel, on the other hand, kept sheep. But, he would have seen so many other unique things in the process. Including, perhaps, wolves killing one of the flock. It isn't known how quickly some aniamls became meat eaters, though they were originally all plant eaters. (Gen. 1:30) They may, however, have become meat eaters rather quickly.
Abel was a keeper of sheep, whichmeans tender of them. In verse 20 of this chapter, we read that one of Cain's line, Jabal, was the father - that is, the first - of those who had cattle. This seems to refer to the roving, cowboy-type who takes his cattle over vast areas, as he also was the father of those who dwell in tents. It could also refer to animal husbandry, the breeding of them for specific purposes. Either way, this is different from Abel.
Abel's interest was in caring for sheep. He'd heard of the animal slain by the Lord as the first sacrifice - one of many, which would lead to the Lamb of God, who taketh away the sin of the world. (John 1:29) Abel would be able not only to clothe people, but to provide that for which one could repeat what was done for his parents.
Abel, then, didn't just "guess right." There's a reason Abel chose the sacrifice he did later. It's one which Cain ignored. We can't see into their minds to know for sure. But, we know God's Word. He says that without the shedding of blood, there is no remission of sin. (Lev. 17:11)
Cain, on the other hand, was a farmer. As that incredible, new world, which held so much promise, turned on its axis, and went around the sun, Cain would see how wonderfully the ground produced food; even if there were thorns and thistles, too. Abel, meanwhile, could discuss the wonders of animals.
One imagines Cain and Abel's dinnertime conversations must have been fascinating, as they learned about the world. Cain, after all, tilled the ground - it doesn't say what kinds of seeds, so he must have seen so many interesting ones. Abel, on the other hand, kept sheep. But, he would have seen so many other unique things in the process. Including, perhaps, wolves killing one of the flock. It isn't known how quickly some aniamls became meat eaters, though they were originally all plant eaters. (Gen. 1:30) They may, however, have become meat eaters rather quickly.
Gen. 4:1
That brave new world began here. It began with Adam and Eve having left the Garden. One would think that they'd take time to "stop and smell the roses," as they say today. After all, this enormous planet was all theirs. True, they were no longer in Paradise. But, they could look at the incredible Creation around them, the amazing animals, the beautiful sky with its protective layer to shield from harmful radiation, and many other things. And, in doing so, they could celebrate the glories of Creation, and call on the Lord. They could praise Him for their great salvation. After all, He forgave them for bringing sin into the world.
Instead, we don't see mention of people calling on the Lord till the end of this chapter. They're too busy. We see the start of farming, industry, music, and other things. We also see many not-so-nice things. Why? Because people got so busy they forgot about God. In the very next breath, it seems that the first husband and wife were already having children.
Of course, Eve - like others - thought about God. She quickly states that she had gotten a man from the Lord. This is, at least, better than the line of Cain, which refuses to accept God's ways. In this, she set the stage for one of her sons, Seth, to learn about God, and for people to call on the name of the Lord when his son is born. Also, there's no doubt that Adam and Eve taught their many children ((gen. 5:4) all about Creation and the Fall. This is how Abel knew how to sacrifice.
Still, it is so easy for any of us to become so busy - even in doign the Lord's work - that we forget to realize He is the one holding everything together. It's only through Him any of us could function. We should do far more than just say, "Okay, that one's done" at the end of what we do. We should give thanks to the Lord.
Instead, we don't see mention of people calling on the Lord till the end of this chapter. They're too busy. We see the start of farming, industry, music, and other things. We also see many not-so-nice things. Why? Because people got so busy they forgot about God. In the very next breath, it seems that the first husband and wife were already having children.
Of course, Eve - like others - thought about God. She quickly states that she had gotten a man from the Lord. This is, at least, better than the line of Cain, which refuses to accept God's ways. In this, she set the stage for one of her sons, Seth, to learn about God, and for people to call on the name of the Lord when his son is born. Also, there's no doubt that Adam and Eve taught their many children ((gen. 5:4) all about Creation and the Fall. This is how Abel knew how to sacrifice.
Still, it is so easy for any of us to become so busy - even in doign the Lord's work - that we forget to realize He is the one holding everything together. It's only through Him any of us could function. We should do far more than just say, "Okay, that one's done" at the end of what we do. We should give thanks to the Lord.
Friday, September 11, 2009
Gen. 3:24
We see first that God drove out the man. Obviously, Eve was driven out, too. But, the mention of Adam shows that he was left to start his own family. He had a choice, whether or not to follow God’s path for him. This happened, of course, but on another level, it is also symbolic of how we must live our lives. We have a choice, whether to seek God and do according to His will, or to act on our own.
At the start of the chapter, people could still fellowship with God at any time, and there was no separation. Now, a very short time later, people could not automatically do that. They were separated from God by sin.
Of course, God is everywhere. Just like today, He was always working in peoples’ hearts to get them to do what was right. And, His incredible creation – along with other things mentioned as we considered this chapter – would remind mankind of what he had lost. And, of the incredible power of God to save him from his sin by simple faith.
Martin Luther once said that the story of the Resurrection is told in the rebirth of nature every spring. The seasons probably weren’t quite as noticeable there as they are in less equatorial places on Earth today. However, there was still an incredible variety of creatures. There was the incredible expanse of land and sky. Eventually, Adam and Eve came to another place that was very impressive – the sea. Even if it wasn’t an ocean, that large body of water still told them something about the incredible power of God.
This let them see how small and insignificant they were against the incredible planet they lived on. That, Creation, and even some specific creatures – such as the caterpillar which became a butterfly – would remind them, hopefully, that they should not abandon God. He hadn’t abandoned them. He had removed a blessing because of their disobedience. But, they could still multiply on the Earth. They could still see that they needed God’s guidance as they built a world.
Just as we need to see that we, too, need God’s guidance in our lives.
At the start of the chapter, people could still fellowship with God at any time, and there was no separation. Now, a very short time later, people could not automatically do that. They were separated from God by sin.
Of course, God is everywhere. Just like today, He was always working in peoples’ hearts to get them to do what was right. And, His incredible creation – along with other things mentioned as we considered this chapter – would remind mankind of what he had lost. And, of the incredible power of God to save him from his sin by simple faith.
Martin Luther once said that the story of the Resurrection is told in the rebirth of nature every spring. The seasons probably weren’t quite as noticeable there as they are in less equatorial places on Earth today. However, there was still an incredible variety of creatures. There was the incredible expanse of land and sky. Eventually, Adam and Eve came to another place that was very impressive – the sea. Even if it wasn’t an ocean, that large body of water still told them something about the incredible power of God.
This let them see how small and insignificant they were against the incredible planet they lived on. That, Creation, and even some specific creatures – such as the caterpillar which became a butterfly – would remind them, hopefully, that they should not abandon God. He hadn’t abandoned them. He had removed a blessing because of their disobedience. But, they could still multiply on the Earth. They could still see that they needed God’s guidance as they built a world.
Just as we need to see that we, too, need God’s guidance in our lives.
Gen. 3:23
To protect people from themselves, God drove them out of the Garden of Eden. But, it was also a logical consequence to the fact that they hd disobeyed God. We see something interesting, then, in this verse. We learnt hat Adam was driven to the ground from whence he was taken. As noted, Adam had been placed in the Garden. He was not made there originally. At all times, the great things God provides us are a gift. Even to Adam, who had been taken from some ordinary part and placed in Eden.
Notice, however, that nothing is said about his position with God. It didn’t change when he lost the blessing of Eden. In the same way, we lose blessings and rewards if we mess up once we are saved. But, we will never lose our salvation. God only required that Adam come forth to receive forgiveness. Then, God sacrificed that lamb, and clothed Adam and Eve. He never made them go back to their own, failed fig leaves.
Notice, however, that nothing is said about his position with God. It didn’t change when he lost the blessing of Eden. In the same way, we lose blessings and rewards if we mess up once we are saved. But, we will never lose our salvation. God only required that Adam come forth to receive forgiveness. Then, God sacrificed that lamb, and clothed Adam and Eve. He never made them go back to their own, failed fig leaves.
Gen. 3:22
God gives us freedom within the rules. He loves us so much, He gives us freedom to explore the consequences, even if we do wrong sometimes. However, He also does things to protect us, though, when it’s important.
This was clearly one of those times. Whereas God – the Father, Son, and Holy Ghost conferring, hence the term “one of us” - knew good and evil, and always did good, He knew that people would sometimes choose evil. That would mean bad things for the evildoer, or for others. God wanted people to turn to Him so they would always choose good. However, there was a problem.
The way thigns stood now, Adam and Eve would slowly get older – much more slowly because of the protective layer of water which was mentioned. They would die, but by trusting God to change them on the inside, they could still live for Him without sin. In other words, they wouldn’t have those tendencies to do bad things.
However, there was still that tree of life. People had to be shielded from it, because if they weren’t, they might eat of it. Oh, the horror of a body that decays, but never dies! Oh, the horror of always having to live with sin! They would have lived forever, but without the cleansing power of God.
Of course, in John 3:16 and elsewhere, we see that those who believe on Jesus to save them have everlasting life. It’s yours now if you trust in Him! You don’t have to wait to have your sins cleansed. You are cleansed, right away. All your past, present, and future sins are forgiven.
That wasn’t the situation here, of course. God hadn’t yet come in the flesh, in the person of God the Son, Jesus Christ. People had to believe by faith that God would, in the future, redeem them, and thus save them from their sin. This is why Gen. 15:6, as we’ll see later, says Abraham believed in the Lord, and He counted it to him for righteousness. His faith let Christ’s righteousness be imputed to him. Still, he had to die to receive that full blessing, because he always had that sin nature while he was alive.
That’s why the tree of life was a huge problem, now that sin was in the world. The sin nature that Adam and Eve now had would never go away, as long as they lived. If they lived forever, they could have all faith, and have their sins washed away, but they would live forever on a fallen world. They would always feel that decay that comes from sin. They would always feel be able to feel pain and suffering.
God could let them have the freedom to choose to sin in the first place. He had the remedy already available – the redeeming blood of Jesus Christ, which washes away all of our sins. That problem can be solved, by our choosing to allow God to make us new on the inside. Then, He comes and lives inside us, through His Holy Spirit.
Once our bodies get old and die, if we’ve trusted in that precious Redeemer to make us new on the inside, we go to live with God in Heaven someday. We don’t have to suffer or feel pain or anything bad anymore. All is perfect in Heaven, and for His children, like it was supposed to be when God made the world.
But, here on earth, we have a sin nature. And that’s why it was vital that God get us away from that tree of life. Because, the earth had already been contaminated with sin. All the violence and depravity and selfishness of this world mean that it can never be a perfect place. It couldn’t be even if everyone god saved, though it would be a whole lot better. No, the only place that is perfect is Heaven. In fact, Revelation 21 shows that this world will perish, and a new Heaven and new Earth formed, in order to finally eliminate all the ravages of sin that have taken their toll on this one.
In order to get to that perfect, awesome Heaven – a place so incredible one can’t even imagine how awesome it will be - we need to either die or be caught up in the air with Jesus in the Rapture. Life on this world will always have sin in it. So, God removed the tree of life, for our own protection.
This was clearly one of those times. Whereas God – the Father, Son, and Holy Ghost conferring, hence the term “one of us” - knew good and evil, and always did good, He knew that people would sometimes choose evil. That would mean bad things for the evildoer, or for others. God wanted people to turn to Him so they would always choose good. However, there was a problem.
The way thigns stood now, Adam and Eve would slowly get older – much more slowly because of the protective layer of water which was mentioned. They would die, but by trusting God to change them on the inside, they could still live for Him without sin. In other words, they wouldn’t have those tendencies to do bad things.
However, there was still that tree of life. People had to be shielded from it, because if they weren’t, they might eat of it. Oh, the horror of a body that decays, but never dies! Oh, the horror of always having to live with sin! They would have lived forever, but without the cleansing power of God.
Of course, in John 3:16 and elsewhere, we see that those who believe on Jesus to save them have everlasting life. It’s yours now if you trust in Him! You don’t have to wait to have your sins cleansed. You are cleansed, right away. All your past, present, and future sins are forgiven.
That wasn’t the situation here, of course. God hadn’t yet come in the flesh, in the person of God the Son, Jesus Christ. People had to believe by faith that God would, in the future, redeem them, and thus save them from their sin. This is why Gen. 15:6, as we’ll see later, says Abraham believed in the Lord, and He counted it to him for righteousness. His faith let Christ’s righteousness be imputed to him. Still, he had to die to receive that full blessing, because he always had that sin nature while he was alive.
That’s why the tree of life was a huge problem, now that sin was in the world. The sin nature that Adam and Eve now had would never go away, as long as they lived. If they lived forever, they could have all faith, and have their sins washed away, but they would live forever on a fallen world. They would always feel that decay that comes from sin. They would always feel be able to feel pain and suffering.
God could let them have the freedom to choose to sin in the first place. He had the remedy already available – the redeeming blood of Jesus Christ, which washes away all of our sins. That problem can be solved, by our choosing to allow God to make us new on the inside. Then, He comes and lives inside us, through His Holy Spirit.
Once our bodies get old and die, if we’ve trusted in that precious Redeemer to make us new on the inside, we go to live with God in Heaven someday. We don’t have to suffer or feel pain or anything bad anymore. All is perfect in Heaven, and for His children, like it was supposed to be when God made the world.
But, here on earth, we have a sin nature. And that’s why it was vital that God get us away from that tree of life. Because, the earth had already been contaminated with sin. All the violence and depravity and selfishness of this world mean that it can never be a perfect place. It couldn’t be even if everyone god saved, though it would be a whole lot better. No, the only place that is perfect is Heaven. In fact, Revelation 21 shows that this world will perish, and a new Heaven and new Earth formed, in order to finally eliminate all the ravages of sin that have taken their toll on this one.
In order to get to that perfect, awesome Heaven – a place so incredible one can’t even imagine how awesome it will be - we need to either die or be caught up in the air with Jesus in the Rapture. Life on this world will always have sin in it. So, God removed the tree of life, for our own protection.
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