Chapter 1
What is Man?
Scripture: Psalms 8v4-6 [KJV] “4What is man, that thou are mindful of him? And the son of man, that thou visitest him? 5 For thou hast made him a little lower then the angels, and hast crowned with glory and honour. 6 Thou madest him to have dominion over the works of thy hands; thou hast put all things under his feet:”
If people would find and discover who they are and who Christ (The Anointed One and Word made flesh) was and is, they will understand why they were created and born into this world and how Christ came into this world, and for what purpose. Now my view on this matter has nothing to do with any teachings of self-awareness philosophies such as Confucianism, or metaphysics with a Christian jacket or existentialism.
I believe that through Bible discovery of the True Christ that will enable you to discover the real you. I have no intention to teach or impart any knowledge or doctrine that we are equal with God, and that God is equal with nature, and the hogwash that God is male and female, as some would teach, what nonsense. But the purpose is to bring us closer to the reality of our faith in God and to understand His divine will with mankind, so please take off your cap of criticism and search within yourself mankind’s frailty and God’s glory.
So let us look at our text:
Psalm 8v4 [KJV] “What is man (from the first man –Adam; 1Cor.15v45), that thou art mindful of him? and the son of man (the offspring of the first man Adam including Eve Genesis2v21-23and the rest of the human race), that thou visitest him (why Christ came)?
The answer is simple – Genesis 1v27 [KJV] “So God created man (Adam) in his own image, in the image of God created he him; male and female created he them.” Because man (male & female) were the only created beings (body, soul and spirit) that was created by God for God and in God’s image and likeness and persona or nature of God but not equal with God. We were uniquely created in the image and likeness of God and not to be God.
You will notice that the first word that I have underlined is created. The word created comes from the Greek word – “bara” which means to bring from nothing something into existence. Let us look at out of which “nothing” was man created from. Genesis 2v7 [KJV] “And the LORD God formed man of the dust of the ground…” So then, what is dust? Dust is the offal, dirt or filth of something. For example let us look at sawdust for a much simpler understanding. Sawdust is the chaff of a piece of wood that has been cut. So what is chaff? It is what is not required because it is dead and of no use; and that makes it nothing. Tell me; what can be done with nothing? The answer would be obvious - absolute nothing! Before we go any further let me squeeze this in. How then is the dust of the ground formed? I would say it is formed from what the earth and nature do not require. That would then mean whatever the ground sheds off, or better, what it would not require, because it is dead; - that forms the dust of the ground. Let us look at the scripture. In Genesis 1v27 [KJV] we read, “So God created (to bring from nothing) man,” Again in Genesis 2v7 [KJV] “And the LORD God formed man from the dust of the ground,” This means that God took what the ground (earth) rejected, or in other words, He took the filth (waste) of the ground; (because it is nothing but dead and of no use); and formed or gathered it to bring something into existence. That something was man or humanity. Therefore, that is dust!
There are a few factors with regard to dust, which I would like us to look at. The following points are very important which will manifest a great revelation later in this book.
• Dust has no form – hence it takes on the form or shape of whatever or wherever it sits or gathers.
• It also has no beauty or comeliness,
• It is the rejection or as I stated earlier – what is not required of something
• We also despise (hate, dislike, can’t stand) dust. Why should we gather dust?
Another factor about dust is when you add any substance, essence or fluid (something that is alive) to the dust, and mix it, the dust will become one with the other substance, essence, and the dust will be no more because it becomes one with the substance. Therefore, the result is, dust or nothing will become something when it is mixed with the substance or essence to form oneness with the fluid or the greater substance. To turn dust or nothing into something the substance must be greater in formula and power then the dust. That also means that dust, which is dead – when it is mixed to the substance or fluid that is alive or active –, it becomes alive!
Now let us round this off by completing Gen 2v7. Gen.2v7 [KJV] “And the LORD God formed man from the dust of the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and man became a living soul.” - This is wonderful – here comes wisdom. So God took the nothing of the earth – dust; gave it a shape (formed it) – and made it into the likeness or image of Himself the unseen God visible in Christ, and breathed (added) the breath of life (The Spirit of life as a substance), which was and is greater then the dust so that He bring something (humanity) into existence. The breath of God is the Spirit of life, see Romans 8v2, and Revelation 11v11. Let us get something clear here. It was not from a monkey neither a reincarnation theory, but the divine creation of humanity from nothing (dead) into something alive unto God. When you bring that which is alive (life or the substance) to that which is dead (nothing); you will get life; that’s because life (the substance) is greater in formula and power then dead (nothing).
When God added through breathing His breath of life (the substance and Greater then the dust) to dust (dead or nothing), MAN (the formation of a body [1Cor.15v38]) became a living soul.
Paul the apostle describes this so better in 1Cor.15v36 [KJV] he says: “Thou fool, that which thou “sowest” is not quickened (or made alive), except it “die” (or be dead).”
Let’s go back to school. The word “sowest” in the King James Version is the same as the word “sows”. (verb) – e.g. {sow(verb) seeds(n.)}. To sow (verb) means to plant seeds (noun) – Seeds (noun) means (beginning, starting point or germination). So to explain this verse what Paul means is this “…that which thou (begin, or start) is not alive except it die (or be dead).” Perhaps we should also look at John 12v24; and see what Jesus the Master says. Please note that he actually places emphases on it by saying – “Verily, verily…except a corn of wheat fall into the ground and die, it abideth alone: but if it die,” In simple term what the Lord is saying would sound something like this “ In truth and reality…except the seed (corn) of the wheat fall into the ground and form oneness with the ground and die, there can be no beginning of life.” What this also means is that the seed forms oneness with the ground. Within the seed is life, which is greater then the dust or ground. Can you see that the seed brings life to the ground, so that out of the ground (deadness) might come forth life! Now who can understand this process so well and better then Jesus, because only He does, because He has created us, mankind. Read John 1v1-3 and Colossians 1v15-17. Let me ask you this question. Doesn’t this just bring us to the understanding that how the Creator or the Word of God which is the Seed of God (John 1v1) became flesh so that He might bring unto us life. I will share more revelation on this matter when I will speak about repentance further in this book.
This makes it very clear then; so for God to have made (finished) us – (man) as a living soul we had to be dead or nothing first. Paul continues to say in verse 39 “All flesh is not the same flesh: but there is one kind of flesh of men,” That means that no matter the color, race, size or gender, all men (mankind) is of the same flesh that comes from nothing. This is a law of life. Something has to be dead first before it becomes alive – remember this! Christ was also saying in John 11v25, “…he that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live:” – [KJV].
So what is man that God is mindful of him and yet he (man) comes from nothing? Ps.8v5-6 [KJV] “For thou hast made him a little lower then the angels, and has crowned him with glory and honour. 6Thou madest him to have dominion over the works of thy hands; thou hast put all things under his feet:” This wants to make me to jump.
He took the shedding off of the ground (the nothing, the filth, the - what is of no-use of the earth); and made a formation (a body) out of His image or picture of what He looks like, thus the dust makes us lower then the angels – (Heb.2v7), and then added His breath of life (greater substance) to it to become a living soul and gave it dominion (power, control, authority) over the works of his hands! In sum of this: He took what the ground rejected, formed it into his image, then made it alive and crowned (vt. to put a finishing touch to something) it with glory (magnificence, beauty, brilliance, success, dignity) and honor (respect, reputation, pride, nobility) and above all made to have dominion (power, authority, control. command) over all of nature!
I can confirm then that we have an answer why God is mindful of man and why he would even visit man’s offspring (the sons of man). Man is God’s most unique living creation, because it contains, God’s essence (spirit, quintessence, personification) the Breath of Life. Isn’t it just wonderful to know how special in the eyes of God and all creation we are? Think about it! This is MAN.
There are six most vital points to understand and to remember what humans are:
Man comes from
• 1) nothing, to be not only something, but
• 2) somebody;
• 3) alive with the essence of God the creator of all things,
• 4) crowned or finished off with glory; (beauty, brilliance and dignity,) and
• 5) honor; (respect, nobility) and then received
• 6) dominion, - (authority, command, control)
So let me ask; would you not be mindful / thoughtful (attentive or paying special attention) of such creature? Well, God is attentive of every human being that enters into this world – John 1v19.
God is mindful of every need, of every concern and every desire of the human race. You can use the following words in every situation; “I am the Lord’s, and He is mine - I am part of Him and He is part of me”.
Again, this is how and why God created us. He created us from nothing to be somebody and to have glory, honor and dominion. Not to be walked on and over, but to walk and get over whatever stands in our ways, not that we might be defeated but that we must overcome.
My message to you is – We were nothing, and God did the transformation into the Garden of Eden. Mankind was created outside the Garden of Eden and then placed into the Garden of Eden. You can read Gen.2v8, 14,15. And that is an entire lesson even a book on it’s own.
Let me use one more scripture here; 1Tim6v7 [KJV] “For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out.” – This is so true! That is because we (the flesh) comes from nothing and it (the flesh) returns to nothing; and this beloved friend is not philosophy but a basic truth that every human being has to know. When we live and understand this basic truth, we will start placing more value on what is eternal and precious that comes from God above (IICor.4v18). We will place more value on our morals and principles such as; love, peace, kindness, joy, meekness (yet proud of God’s Grace upon us), this is but to name but a few for now, in Philippians 4v8 Paul reminds us to think on the things that are from above.
Now I know that it does not seem like I am bringing much of Christ and our salvation out here – just hold on. Let us understand the basic truth first. The problem with most of us is we want to know more about God and others when we don’t even know much about ourselves, that’s why we neglect ourselves and want to continuously do things to be noticed and earn credits with other people when we ourselves rob ourselves of one of God’s great gifts to us, - “ourselves”. “I am somebody special”. Now this is not a theory of selfishness or pride, but I wish that the eyes of your understanding be enlightened to see first within yourself what a great work God has done in you! No matter what I am, no matter my background, no matter what anybody thinks or says about me, God has created all of us from nothing, to be somebody and we become special when we except the greatest Gift of God to mankind, the manifestation of God in human form – JESUS CHRIST. We are a chip of the block!
This gives me joy untold. Because now I can see where I come from – and How Great GOD Almighty is. I immediately see how fearfully and wonderfully God has made us. Hallelujah! Out of complete nothingness I came, to be somebody in the image of the Only Omnipotent, omniscient, omnipresent, and the ever-existent God! Just the thought of this leads to worship
Monday, July 28, 2008
The Great Fall
Chapter 2
The Great Fall
1Corinthians 15v21-22[KJV] “21For since by man came death, by man came also the resurrection of the death. 22 For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ shall all be made alive.
Romans 3v23 [KJV]”For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God;”
Within the previous chapter we see that God created man for a purpose. Not just out of whim. Now many questions and answers have been made with regard to the tree of the knowledge of good and evil. There are still many people that ask the question, why did God place the tree in the Garden of Eden? Some say if God wanted man to be perfect, then why was this tree there. People have gone as far as to think and say that God and the devil plays a game with the human race. What foolishness is this? Let me clear some throat here. God has never and will never in His entire infinite and divine being roll dice with the precious soul of any individual, no matter how good or how bad that person might be. One familiar scripture makes this very clear – John 3v16 “For God so loved the world…”
Therefore, what was the purpose of these trees in the garden? The one was the tree of life and the other the tree of the knowledge of good and evil. Now first of all before we go any further, Romans 1v20 [KJV] says, “For the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even his eternal power and Godhead; so that they are without excuse ” So revelatory understanding tells me then that there is an invisible/spiritual attachment to both these visible/natural trees. So although these trees were there physically there was a spiritual attachment to it so that there should be an understanding of the invisible/spiritual through the visible/natural even God’s eternal power, I hope you can see it. Just read the verse again.
Our next level of understanding will be to see exactly where these trees were situated. In Genesis 2v8 & 9 [KJV]– Lets read it “8 And the LORD God planted a garden eastward of in Eden; and there He put the man whom he had formed. 9 And out of the ground made the LORD God to grow every tree that is pleasant to the sight, and good for food; the tree of life also in the midst of the garden and the tree of knowledge of good and evil”
We can see one major plan of God for man in the first part of verse 8 “And the LORD God planted a garden…” this tells me that God has first of all prepared a place where He could meet and commune with humanity.
It is in the divine will and plan of God since the beginning that He must meet with humankind in or at a place that is sacred which He has prepared. Now we can understand why the tabernacle, why the temple, why church, why the secret closest. Although he is omnipresent, yet he prefers a sacred place. Now this is an entire and a complete study on its own. But let me just briefly touch on it, to establish my point. In Psalms 27v5 [KJV] we read that “…in the secret of his tabernacle shall he hide me;” and this is where His presence is. It is in your secret time and place with God where you receive more strength. Although God gave Adam and Eve the earth to replenish, fill and develop the earth, he still wanted to have a special place to meet with them. One extra point, He prefers to dwell in a place that He has prepared and that makes it sacred. This confirms the scripture that says, “God dwells not in places made with hands” (2Chron. 2v6, Acts 7v48, Acts 17v24, 1Cor.3v16). In the tabernacle or church building He will visit us; but in our lives He will come to stay.
God wants to abide in us and we in Him – Luke 19v 5,9 also John 15v4-7.
Why would he prefer to live in our lives? Because HE created us and not we ourselves; (Ps.100v3), and the church building and tabernacle etc. is hand made.
Just in sum of a better understanding or revelation for that matter, the place Eden signifies the whole tabernacle, the Garden of Eden the Holies of Holies. Like I said this is a complete study on it’s own.
The tree of life and the tree of the knowledge of good and evil were in the garden - literal. Nevertheless, the question is what type or kind of tree was the tree of the knowledge of good and evil and what fruit did it bear? Now that we have read Romans 1v20, allow me to explain the spiritual side so that we can see that the visible fact of the fruit is irrelevant. Let us bear one very strong point in mind here, and that is what Christ said in Matthew 15v10-19, it is not that which enters into the mouth that defiles man, but that which proceeds out of the heart. The first part of verse 19 of Matt.15v19 is actually very clear, saying “For out of the heart proceed evil thoughts,” etc. So back to our lesson, the Bible says it was “the tree OF THE KNOWLEDGE of good and evil” Genesis 2v17 [KJV], this actually means to have the understanding or knowledge of good and evil. However, why was it there? It was there because Satan has already fallen and he would come to visit there, read Ezekiel 28v13-16. The Bible does not say what kind of fruit it was, that is because of the irrelevancy of the natural fruit. The important factor here is the OBEDIENCE to the word of God – “Thou shall not” Gen.2v16. Let me make an example. If I should have some very sophisticated hi-tech audio equipment in my house, and it so happens that I’m the only one that really knows how it works. I know how powerful the sound output is and how to set the sound balance and just the whole techno wiz etc. One day I tell my son; “Son don’t touch this equipment, the day you touch it something can go wrong and I will be upset, and when daddy gets upset I will have to punish you”. So one day, some irresponsible kid, one of his friends comes and says to my son – “Hey, Kyle I have a very nice CD, let’s try it out”. Kyle would turn around and say “no my dad told me not to touch this equipment”, but his sly buddy tells him “no it wont brake; your dad knows when you will switch it on, the sound is very loud only the neighbors will complain. This is 1800w speakers with a 1500watt pro-logic amplifier plus the surround sound and 350watt sub-woofer, this sound is electrifying and potent; come on; your dad wont know” So Kyle been tempted and curious manages to turn it on and wow! Sound so clear and powerful the windows shake, but after listening to a few tracks, they turn it off again. His sly buddy tells him “You see, your dad didn’t want you to know that this equipment was so good and potent, so did it blow or break any windows?”
So what is the moral of the story?
The point here is that myself (Kyle’s father) knows what can happen when you turn up the volume, because the salesperson sold to me the sound. The problem is not with the equipment the matter is, knowing what is the good and the bad side of the sound output and the technicalities. Now the problem with my son will be, he disobeyed my command. The boy received bad influence from an outsider that came into my house, and in my absence planted a seed of disobedience into the heart of my dear child.
Saint this is exactly what Satan the devil did. He planted a seed of disobedience into the heart of Eve – (1Tim. 2v14). It was no literal serpent seed and brought forth Cain! However, he sowed or planted the first seed (word), which was lust, to bring forth sin, and this was the sin of Disobedience. Let’s read Romans 5v19 [KJV] – “For as by one man’s disobedience many were made sinners,” Before we continue, let us look at this. The seed of lust is three fold dimensional, the lust of the eye, the lust of the flesh, and the pride of life. The Apostle James makes it very clear in James 1v13-15, but verse 14 “every man (person) is tempted, when he is drawn away of his own lust, and enticed.” Now let us continue bearing the above in mind.
The tree of the knowledge of good and evil was placed in the garden, because God didn’t want us to be ignorant of the devices of the devil. There is no ignorance in the Presence of God! To make another point clear, it is not the devil that we have to fear, for God has not given us the spirit of fear, but of power and of love, (but take note of the last part of this verse -) …and of a sound mind. This means not being IGNORANT (IITim1v7). God wants us to rather know Satan’s devices so that we have to be aware of him. Adam and Eve was INNOCENT not IGNORANT before the great fall.
• Innocence means: blameless, in the clear, to be above suspicion, incorruptible, freedom from evil.
• Ignorance means: the lack of knowledge; badly informed, bad mannered.
That is exactly what Satan wanted man to be, bad mannered, badly informed etc. Man has become so badly informed about himself and even about the true identity of God, about His Saving Name and also about his salvation plan. But what does the scripture say, “For the times of this ignorance God winked at; but now commandeth all men every where to repent:” – Acts 17v30 [KJV]
But he – the devil wanted man to move and stay from blamelessness and incorruptibleness to corruption and be bad mannered and suffer the lack of knowledge. Let us look again at Genesis 2v9 “And out of the ground made the LORD God to grow every tree that is pleasant to the sight, and good for food;” [KJV]
This means that God’s plan for man was; that man should grow and be surrounded by whatsoever is pleasant and good both physically and spiritually. Perhaps I must put it this way – God placed man amongst pleasant trees that grew, so that man’s life must grow pleasant with and amongst God’s created pleasantness and goodness. It even says that they were good for food – Read John 15v1-7. This means from the beginning God wanted man to have pleasantness and goodness surrounding him. Oh can you imagine to be surrounded by the pleasantness and the goodness of God 24/7. David confirms this in Psalms 23v6 when he says:”Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the LORD for ever.” [KJV] That is what God intended for us to have had; goodness, mercy (understanding), pleasantness, as we would dwell with Him in His pavilion or house. Please note that the garden in Eden that God planted was the HOUSE OF GOD for Adam and Eve, and their offspring. I think I have briefly explained this subject earlier in this chapter.
I strongly believe that God did not want them to be ignorant of the devil’s devices. The Apostle Paul warns us in IICor.2v11” Lest Satan should get an advantage of us: for we are not IGNORANT of his devices.” Satan took advantage – it is in his nature to take advantage. Hence, the Bible says in Isaiah 14 verse 13 “For thou hast said in thine heart, I will ascend into heaven, I will exalt my throne above the stars of God;”[KJV]. This makes it very clear that he was saying; I will take advantage! In the case of Adam and Eve for him to take advantage he only had to plant one seed of sin and that was the seed of DISOBEDIENCE - breaking the rules, insubordination. Satan now knew that now that they (mankind) have taken through knowledge the seed of disobedience they’re understanding is now open to break every rule that exist. They will break every order of God, even the very order of nature – read Rom 8v20-22. The devil saw the law of planting, sowing and reaping. He also saw that God planted and the seed will yield, grow, and bring forth a tree and the tree will yield seed again – Gen. 1v11. In other words, he understood the reproduction process. The devil could not regenerate him-self or make natural beings like him, as God did, creating from nothing something in his image. However, he knew that he could reproduce his nature (character) or attitude through spoken word so all he had to do was to plant the seed (word) of his nature (character) into the thoughts. Therefore, he planted the seed of disobedience through speaking into the heart, and by doing this; he could regenerate seed or the nature of disobedience - his nature or character. Within the reproduction process he (Satan) also understood then that the female hosts the cells that can bear the seed so that the seed could reproduce after it’s kind to bring forth fruit. In other words cell + seed = fruit. Another fact is also that the enemy will always look for a weaker vessel to work from in your life. In the case with Adam and Eve he was looking for the weakest link or area to enter and to destroy. Therefore, he planted the seed into the female being the weaker vessel. It was not a natural seed to reproduce literal little devils, but his plan was to defy the order of God and the law of reproduction. It was behavioral regeneration and not physical flesh regeneration as through the method of sex. The devil cannot through sexual inter course reproduce otherwise he would have continued to sexually reproduce his own species of humans. Nevertheless, he reproduces after his kind by placing his word-seed into the hearts or thoughts of humanity; hence we have doctrines of devils, philosophies, and fortune telling, etc. – 1Cor.10v20-21, 1Tim.4v1. To have a better understanding of this, let us look at some scriptural support with regard to this statement. Matthew 12:34 [KJV] “O generation of vipers, how can ye, being evil, speak good things? for out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaketh.” This does not mean that they were children of a literal serpent, but figurative. Perhaps we can also look at John 8:44 [KJV] “Ye are of your father the devil, and the lusts of your father ye will do. He was a murderer from the beginning, and abode not in the truth, because there is no truth in him....’”
Please note what our Lord Jesus is saying here is not literal, but once again metaphoric or figurative, meaning that Satan has planted within their hearts the seed of lies and disobedience.
In Acts 5v3, we can read the following; “But Peter said, Ananias, why hath Satan filled thine heart to lie to the Holy Ghost, and to keep back part of the price of the land?” [KJV]. This is very clear Satan once again planted a seed of disobedience into a couple’s heart, and the fruit of the seed was lies, but the end result was death! Ananias and his wife disobeyed the command of God, and right in the presence of the LORD they died. I would not be surprised if he (Satan) asked them “had God said…” Satan probably told them, “nobody will know” or “if you will give all the money; what will you eat and drink and wear?” It would come as no surprise either. Because the devil wants us always to be concerned about what we will wear, eat and drink. Disobedience will always leave you with the question; “What are you going to do?”
Just to go back to our previous paragraph; the devil is a spirit and the Bible clearly states that a spirit has no flesh and bones (Luke 24v29). That means that a spirit has no blood, because blood is in the flesh. Please note, that the sexual organs that human beings and the animals use for reproduction is part of the flesh. Cain was not the devil’s literal child. No, ten thousand times no.
Here are some Biblical facts that Cain was not the literal child or flesh reproduction of the devil:
What does the scripture says; Genesis 4v1 [KJV] “And Adam knew his wife; and she conceived, and bare Cain, and said I have gotten a man from the Lord.” The New International Version [NIV] makes this very simple and clear to understand Genesis 4v1 [NIV] “Adam lay with his wife Eve, and she became pregnant and gave birth to Cain. She said, “With the help of the Lord I have brought forth a man.” Note, not from the devil! She says; “with the help of the Lord”. Eve understood that although conception was through her husband Adam; but all life comes from GOD. He is the Creator of all life. Let us look at Hannah’s situation. Hannah was barren, she could not conceive; but when she did conceived and bore a man-child; she called his name Samuel “…saying I have asked him of the Lord. “ (1Samuel 1v20 [KJV]) These women did not disregard their husbands but they gave homage or glory to Him from which all blessings flow. While I’m at this point, please allow me to minister to your barren situation, “In The Name Of JESUS! Receive life in your barrenness. Be it childlessness, or financial whatever lack you have, In JESUS Name! Let there be life.” Go ahead and thank God.
The Great Fall
1Corinthians 15v21-22[KJV] “21For since by man came death, by man came also the resurrection of the death. 22 For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ shall all be made alive.
Romans 3v23 [KJV]”For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God;”
Within the previous chapter we see that God created man for a purpose. Not just out of whim. Now many questions and answers have been made with regard to the tree of the knowledge of good and evil. There are still many people that ask the question, why did God place the tree in the Garden of Eden? Some say if God wanted man to be perfect, then why was this tree there. People have gone as far as to think and say that God and the devil plays a game with the human race. What foolishness is this? Let me clear some throat here. God has never and will never in His entire infinite and divine being roll dice with the precious soul of any individual, no matter how good or how bad that person might be. One familiar scripture makes this very clear – John 3v16 “For God so loved the world…”
Therefore, what was the purpose of these trees in the garden? The one was the tree of life and the other the tree of the knowledge of good and evil. Now first of all before we go any further, Romans 1v20 [KJV] says, “For the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even his eternal power and Godhead; so that they are without excuse ” So revelatory understanding tells me then that there is an invisible/spiritual attachment to both these visible/natural trees. So although these trees were there physically there was a spiritual attachment to it so that there should be an understanding of the invisible/spiritual through the visible/natural even God’s eternal power, I hope you can see it. Just read the verse again.
Our next level of understanding will be to see exactly where these trees were situated. In Genesis 2v8 & 9 [KJV]– Lets read it “8 And the LORD God planted a garden eastward of in Eden; and there He put the man whom he had formed. 9 And out of the ground made the LORD God to grow every tree that is pleasant to the sight, and good for food; the tree of life also in the midst of the garden and the tree of knowledge of good and evil”
We can see one major plan of God for man in the first part of verse 8 “And the LORD God planted a garden…” this tells me that God has first of all prepared a place where He could meet and commune with humanity.
It is in the divine will and plan of God since the beginning that He must meet with humankind in or at a place that is sacred which He has prepared. Now we can understand why the tabernacle, why the temple, why church, why the secret closest. Although he is omnipresent, yet he prefers a sacred place. Now this is an entire and a complete study on its own. But let me just briefly touch on it, to establish my point. In Psalms 27v5 [KJV] we read that “…in the secret of his tabernacle shall he hide me;” and this is where His presence is. It is in your secret time and place with God where you receive more strength. Although God gave Adam and Eve the earth to replenish, fill and develop the earth, he still wanted to have a special place to meet with them. One extra point, He prefers to dwell in a place that He has prepared and that makes it sacred. This confirms the scripture that says, “God dwells not in places made with hands” (2Chron. 2v6, Acts 7v48, Acts 17v24, 1Cor.3v16). In the tabernacle or church building He will visit us; but in our lives He will come to stay.
God wants to abide in us and we in Him – Luke 19v 5,9 also John 15v4-7.
Why would he prefer to live in our lives? Because HE created us and not we ourselves; (Ps.100v3), and the church building and tabernacle etc. is hand made.
Just in sum of a better understanding or revelation for that matter, the place Eden signifies the whole tabernacle, the Garden of Eden the Holies of Holies. Like I said this is a complete study on it’s own.
The tree of life and the tree of the knowledge of good and evil were in the garden - literal. Nevertheless, the question is what type or kind of tree was the tree of the knowledge of good and evil and what fruit did it bear? Now that we have read Romans 1v20, allow me to explain the spiritual side so that we can see that the visible fact of the fruit is irrelevant. Let us bear one very strong point in mind here, and that is what Christ said in Matthew 15v10-19, it is not that which enters into the mouth that defiles man, but that which proceeds out of the heart. The first part of verse 19 of Matt.15v19 is actually very clear, saying “For out of the heart proceed evil thoughts,” etc. So back to our lesson, the Bible says it was “the tree OF THE KNOWLEDGE of good and evil” Genesis 2v17 [KJV], this actually means to have the understanding or knowledge of good and evil. However, why was it there? It was there because Satan has already fallen and he would come to visit there, read Ezekiel 28v13-16. The Bible does not say what kind of fruit it was, that is because of the irrelevancy of the natural fruit. The important factor here is the OBEDIENCE to the word of God – “Thou shall not” Gen.2v16. Let me make an example. If I should have some very sophisticated hi-tech audio equipment in my house, and it so happens that I’m the only one that really knows how it works. I know how powerful the sound output is and how to set the sound balance and just the whole techno wiz etc. One day I tell my son; “Son don’t touch this equipment, the day you touch it something can go wrong and I will be upset, and when daddy gets upset I will have to punish you”. So one day, some irresponsible kid, one of his friends comes and says to my son – “Hey, Kyle I have a very nice CD, let’s try it out”. Kyle would turn around and say “no my dad told me not to touch this equipment”, but his sly buddy tells him “no it wont brake; your dad knows when you will switch it on, the sound is very loud only the neighbors will complain. This is 1800w speakers with a 1500watt pro-logic amplifier plus the surround sound and 350watt sub-woofer, this sound is electrifying and potent; come on; your dad wont know” So Kyle been tempted and curious manages to turn it on and wow! Sound so clear and powerful the windows shake, but after listening to a few tracks, they turn it off again. His sly buddy tells him “You see, your dad didn’t want you to know that this equipment was so good and potent, so did it blow or break any windows?”
So what is the moral of the story?
The point here is that myself (Kyle’s father) knows what can happen when you turn up the volume, because the salesperson sold to me the sound. The problem is not with the equipment the matter is, knowing what is the good and the bad side of the sound output and the technicalities. Now the problem with my son will be, he disobeyed my command. The boy received bad influence from an outsider that came into my house, and in my absence planted a seed of disobedience into the heart of my dear child.
Saint this is exactly what Satan the devil did. He planted a seed of disobedience into the heart of Eve – (1Tim. 2v14). It was no literal serpent seed and brought forth Cain! However, he sowed or planted the first seed (word), which was lust, to bring forth sin, and this was the sin of Disobedience. Let’s read Romans 5v19 [KJV] – “For as by one man’s disobedience many were made sinners,” Before we continue, let us look at this. The seed of lust is three fold dimensional, the lust of the eye, the lust of the flesh, and the pride of life. The Apostle James makes it very clear in James 1v13-15, but verse 14 “every man (person) is tempted, when he is drawn away of his own lust, and enticed.” Now let us continue bearing the above in mind.
The tree of the knowledge of good and evil was placed in the garden, because God didn’t want us to be ignorant of the devices of the devil. There is no ignorance in the Presence of God! To make another point clear, it is not the devil that we have to fear, for God has not given us the spirit of fear, but of power and of love, (but take note of the last part of this verse -) …and of a sound mind. This means not being IGNORANT (IITim1v7). God wants us to rather know Satan’s devices so that we have to be aware of him. Adam and Eve was INNOCENT not IGNORANT before the great fall.
• Innocence means: blameless, in the clear, to be above suspicion, incorruptible, freedom from evil.
• Ignorance means: the lack of knowledge; badly informed, bad mannered.
That is exactly what Satan wanted man to be, bad mannered, badly informed etc. Man has become so badly informed about himself and even about the true identity of God, about His Saving Name and also about his salvation plan. But what does the scripture say, “For the times of this ignorance God winked at; but now commandeth all men every where to repent:” – Acts 17v30 [KJV]
But he – the devil wanted man to move and stay from blamelessness and incorruptibleness to corruption and be bad mannered and suffer the lack of knowledge. Let us look again at Genesis 2v9 “And out of the ground made the LORD God to grow every tree that is pleasant to the sight, and good for food;” [KJV]
This means that God’s plan for man was; that man should grow and be surrounded by whatsoever is pleasant and good both physically and spiritually. Perhaps I must put it this way – God placed man amongst pleasant trees that grew, so that man’s life must grow pleasant with and amongst God’s created pleasantness and goodness. It even says that they were good for food – Read John 15v1-7. This means from the beginning God wanted man to have pleasantness and goodness surrounding him. Oh can you imagine to be surrounded by the pleasantness and the goodness of God 24/7. David confirms this in Psalms 23v6 when he says:”Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the LORD for ever.” [KJV] That is what God intended for us to have had; goodness, mercy (understanding), pleasantness, as we would dwell with Him in His pavilion or house. Please note that the garden in Eden that God planted was the HOUSE OF GOD for Adam and Eve, and their offspring. I think I have briefly explained this subject earlier in this chapter.
I strongly believe that God did not want them to be ignorant of the devil’s devices. The Apostle Paul warns us in IICor.2v11” Lest Satan should get an advantage of us: for we are not IGNORANT of his devices.” Satan took advantage – it is in his nature to take advantage. Hence, the Bible says in Isaiah 14 verse 13 “For thou hast said in thine heart, I will ascend into heaven, I will exalt my throne above the stars of God;”[KJV]. This makes it very clear that he was saying; I will take advantage! In the case of Adam and Eve for him to take advantage he only had to plant one seed of sin and that was the seed of DISOBEDIENCE - breaking the rules, insubordination. Satan now knew that now that they (mankind) have taken through knowledge the seed of disobedience they’re understanding is now open to break every rule that exist. They will break every order of God, even the very order of nature – read Rom 8v20-22. The devil saw the law of planting, sowing and reaping. He also saw that God planted and the seed will yield, grow, and bring forth a tree and the tree will yield seed again – Gen. 1v11. In other words, he understood the reproduction process. The devil could not regenerate him-self or make natural beings like him, as God did, creating from nothing something in his image. However, he knew that he could reproduce his nature (character) or attitude through spoken word so all he had to do was to plant the seed (word) of his nature (character) into the thoughts. Therefore, he planted the seed of disobedience through speaking into the heart, and by doing this; he could regenerate seed or the nature of disobedience - his nature or character. Within the reproduction process he (Satan) also understood then that the female hosts the cells that can bear the seed so that the seed could reproduce after it’s kind to bring forth fruit. In other words cell + seed = fruit. Another fact is also that the enemy will always look for a weaker vessel to work from in your life. In the case with Adam and Eve he was looking for the weakest link or area to enter and to destroy. Therefore, he planted the seed into the female being the weaker vessel. It was not a natural seed to reproduce literal little devils, but his plan was to defy the order of God and the law of reproduction. It was behavioral regeneration and not physical flesh regeneration as through the method of sex. The devil cannot through sexual inter course reproduce otherwise he would have continued to sexually reproduce his own species of humans. Nevertheless, he reproduces after his kind by placing his word-seed into the hearts or thoughts of humanity; hence we have doctrines of devils, philosophies, and fortune telling, etc. – 1Cor.10v20-21, 1Tim.4v1. To have a better understanding of this, let us look at some scriptural support with regard to this statement. Matthew 12:34 [KJV] “O generation of vipers, how can ye, being evil, speak good things? for out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaketh.” This does not mean that they were children of a literal serpent, but figurative. Perhaps we can also look at John 8:44 [KJV] “Ye are of your father the devil, and the lusts of your father ye will do. He was a murderer from the beginning, and abode not in the truth, because there is no truth in him....’”
Please note what our Lord Jesus is saying here is not literal, but once again metaphoric or figurative, meaning that Satan has planted within their hearts the seed of lies and disobedience.
In Acts 5v3, we can read the following; “But Peter said, Ananias, why hath Satan filled thine heart to lie to the Holy Ghost, and to keep back part of the price of the land?” [KJV]. This is very clear Satan once again planted a seed of disobedience into a couple’s heart, and the fruit of the seed was lies, but the end result was death! Ananias and his wife disobeyed the command of God, and right in the presence of the LORD they died. I would not be surprised if he (Satan) asked them “had God said…” Satan probably told them, “nobody will know” or “if you will give all the money; what will you eat and drink and wear?” It would come as no surprise either. Because the devil wants us always to be concerned about what we will wear, eat and drink. Disobedience will always leave you with the question; “What are you going to do?”
Just to go back to our previous paragraph; the devil is a spirit and the Bible clearly states that a spirit has no flesh and bones (Luke 24v29). That means that a spirit has no blood, because blood is in the flesh. Please note, that the sexual organs that human beings and the animals use for reproduction is part of the flesh. Cain was not the devil’s literal child. No, ten thousand times no.
Here are some Biblical facts that Cain was not the literal child or flesh reproduction of the devil:
What does the scripture says; Genesis 4v1 [KJV] “And Adam knew his wife; and she conceived, and bare Cain, and said I have gotten a man from the Lord.” The New International Version [NIV] makes this very simple and clear to understand Genesis 4v1 [NIV] “Adam lay with his wife Eve, and she became pregnant and gave birth to Cain. She said, “With the help of the Lord I have brought forth a man.” Note, not from the devil! She says; “with the help of the Lord”. Eve understood that although conception was through her husband Adam; but all life comes from GOD. He is the Creator of all life. Let us look at Hannah’s situation. Hannah was barren, she could not conceive; but when she did conceived and bore a man-child; she called his name Samuel “…saying I have asked him of the Lord. “ (1Samuel 1v20 [KJV]) These women did not disregard their husbands but they gave homage or glory to Him from which all blessings flow. While I’m at this point, please allow me to minister to your barren situation, “In The Name Of JESUS! Receive life in your barrenness. Be it childlessness, or financial whatever lack you have, In JESUS Name! Let there be life.” Go ahead and thank God.
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