The consequence of the decision in the Garden of Eden
Adam, the first man and representative of humankind, brought darkness into the world through his deliberate decision in the Garden of Eden. The force of darkness used all evil means at its disposal to erase God’s image from humankind by exploiting Adam’s deliberate decision. As a result, humankind became entirely hopeless. “The Lord saw how great the wickedness of the human race had become on the earth, and that every inclination of the thoughts of the human heart was only evil all the time.” Genesis 6:5.
The deliberate decision in the Garden of Eden changed humankind’s attitude and way of thinking. Man’s subsequent words and actions clearly reflected his wrong mindset. The power of darkness was about to push humankind off the edge into the eternal abyss, with no way back. Unaware of this, humankind was heading toward unavoidable self-destruction. But because He loved humankind, God intervened to save it. First, in the Garden of Eden, God prevented humankind from eating from the fruit of the Tree of Life. Accordingly, God ensured that humankind would not become an eternal sinner who lives forever. Genesis 3:22 – 23. There is no salvation for an eternal sinner! Then, at just the right time, God changed the course of human history and altered its living conditions by bringing the flood upon the entire earth. The flood shortened human lifespan, thereby slowing the progress of evil that threatened man’s existence. Therefore, humankind was given a fresh start.
However, as people multiplied after the flood, their thoughts turned inward, and they became more self-absorbed, deeply rooted in the ways of darkness. “The Lord said, If as one people speaking the same language they have begun to do this, then nothing they plan to do will be impossible for them.” Genesis 11:6. So, God confused the language of humankind at the Tower of Babel and thus protected helpless humankind until, in the fullness of time, He would again give the command, “Let there be light.” John 1:9.
When the time came to fulfill His promise in the Garden of Eden, God called Abram, and thus began His effort to bring humankind back to Himself as His children. “The LORD had said to Abram, ‘Go from your country, your people, and your father’s household to the land I will show you.’” Genesis 12:1. God told Abram that he would be a blessing to all people on Earth. How did Abram become a blessing to everyone? They will be blessed by receiving the true Light through the SEED of woman, the descendant of Abram, who will, once and for all, conquer the power of evil and darkness. The SEED, in singular, refers to the Messiah, Jesus Christ. “The true light, that gives light to everyone, was coming into the world.” John 1:9.
The show-and-tell lessons. Read the next blog.