Grace Gospel 101 (Part 1): Man’s Sin Condition

Grace Gospel 101 (Part 1): Man’s Sin Condition

The Fall of Man

The first man ever to live was Adam and the first woman was Eve. They lived in the Garden in Eden. God had provided for all of the needs of Adam and Eve. They were given great freedom in the Garden. However, God put Adam to the test in one area: "And the Lord God commanded the man, saying, Of every tree of the garden thou mayest freely eat: But of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, thou shalt not eat of it: for in the day that thou eatest thereof thou shalt surely die" (Genesis 2:16-17). The only restriction placed upon Adam was that he must not eat of "the tree of the knowledge of good and evil."

God was testing Adam to see if he would obey. Adam failed the test: "And when the woman saw that the tree was good for food, and that it was pleasant to the eyes, and a tree to be desired to make one wise, she took of the fruit thereof, and did eat, and gave also unto her husband with her; and he did eat" (Genesis 3:6). Thus, Adam disobeyed God and ate of the forbidden fruit.

Understanding and Interpreting the Bible (Part 3)

Understanding and Interpreting the Bible

(Part 3 --- Dividing the REALMS)

In previous posts of this study, we have investigated the NEED to recognize divisions in the Bible. We have also determined the PURPOSE for divisions in the Bible. It is important to remember that the purpose for dividing the Word originates in all things to do with Israel. In this post we will have a look at the first of three overarching 'Israel related' categories that need to be rightly divided in God's greater redemption plan. Within the three categories of (1) Realms, (2) Agencies, and (3) Programs, we will start by dividing the REALMS; defined by phrases like, heaven and earth, and spiritual and physical.

Genesis 1:1 famously starts with the statement, "In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth...". In the context of this verse, we know that the heavens and the earth are the physical realms that God created. However, as we progress through this study, and in context with the verses we will target, you will notice that the words, heaven and earth, as well as starts, sand, spiritual and physical can represent different things. The context of the verse is important and will clarify whether the meaning represents the physical creation, or angels (demons) or actual celestial bodies, or even two different people groups. This will become evident as we progress. I'm simply giving you a heads up.