WHY GOD MADE MAN

THE PURPOSE FOR MAN

You might well agree that many people live without understanding the purpose of their existence, and that does not exclude Christians. As a matter of fact even being a Christian – many Christians do not understand the purpose of them being saved – they think God saved them so they can miss ‘Hell’ or go to ‘Heaven’. The purpose of your creation and that of your salvation (if you are saved) is one and the same.

Man was created for a specific purpose, revealed at the time of his creation. Immediately following the restoration of the ruined earth (Gen. 1:2b-25) – a ruin resulting from Satan’s previous aspirations to “be like the most High” (Isa. 14:12-17; Ezek. 28:14-19) – God created man to rule the restored domain, in the stead of Satan (vs. 26-28). Note that man was not to rule this restored earth alone. The woman – made from a part of the man and given back to the man for “an helpmeet,” in order that the man might be complete – was to rule alongside the man as consort queen, with the man ruling as king (Gen. 1:26).

God, prior to creating man, reflecting on the purpose of man’s creation, made the statement: “….let them [the man and the woman together] have dominion” (Gen. 1:26). If man was to rule, then the woman had to rule with him. Both had to rule together, else there could be no rule at all. This is a principle which God, not man, established at the time God created man; and the principle cannot be violated.

Thus, the first man, Adam, could occupy the position for which he had been created through one means alone. He could occupy this position only as a complete being. And for Adam to rule in this manner, Eve – who was bone of his bones, and flesh of his flesh (Gen. 2:23) – had to rule with him. Eve, because she was a part of Adam’s very being, completed Adam; [without Eve, a part of Adam was missing]. The both of them had to rule together – the king (Adam) and the consort queen (Eve) – was the only way Adam could rule the earth and remain within the guidelines which God had established.

Understanding this principle will shed light upon numerous things seen in the opening three chapters of Genesis. Why did Adam, though not deceived, partake of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil following Eve’s partaking of this tree? Adam knew exactly what he was doing. The answer is the same as the reason why Christ, who knew no sin, was made “sin for us” when He found His bride in the same condition in which Adam found Eve (Gen. 3:6; 2 Cor. 5:21; 1 Tim. 2:14).

Adam could not rule apart from Eve; and Eve, following the time when she had eaten of the forbidden fruit, was no longer in a position to rule with Adam. Therefore, Adam could no longer rule (fulfill the purpose for which he was created), had he not acted exactly the way he did – he cleaved unto his wife. Adam acted with a view to Eve’s redemption, in order that he, as a complete being (Adam, with Eve), might one day fulfill the purpose for man’s creation.

Jesus Christ, the Second Man, the Last Adam; cleaved to His wife for the very same reason. He cannot rule apart from His wife – that is God’s established principle and it cannot be violated. Christ, like the first Adam, found His bride in a fallen state, and He acted in complete accord with the established type. He who knew no sin was made “sin for us,” with a view to both He and a redeemed wife one day taking the scepter and ascending the throne together.

Start to read the Book of Genesis – begin where God began - with this frame of reference, you will be surprised at the difference it makes in the way you see God, see yourself and see Scripture. This is what Satan doesn’t want us to understand and he is doing a very good job in preventing us. He knows if he can “shake the foundation,” the righteous can do nothing.

Ps 11:3

3 If the foundations be destroyed, what can the righteous do?
KJV

THE GOSPEL ACCORDING TO JESUS

THE GOSPEL

We often use Matt. 28:19, 20 to teach what is known as “the Great Commission.” And indeed we are to take the Words of Jesus Christ out to the world. But I would like you to take a minute of your time and see if we are really being taught, and are teaching what Jesus taught. Look at the first three verses of Acts chapter one. It shows all that Jesus Himself taught, and taught His disciples to teach; “….things pertaining to the kingdom of God”. A good barometer, to see if you really have “all of the message,” is to see what you understand about the – kingdom of God – that Christ preached (Acts 1:1-3).

Man was created for a purpose which had to do with regality (rulership or dominion[Gen. 1:26, 28]); and fallen man has been redeemed with this same purpose in view. Salvation has been provided for fallen man in order that God might bring man back to the position for which he was created in the beginning.

Therefore, the gospel message, the good news seen throughout the Scriptures, has two facets – the good news concerning the grace of God, and the good news concerning the glory of Christ. The latter is not understood by most of Christendom; it is just not preached and as a result most Christians are ignorant of this great truth. That is exactly what Satan wants, there is nothing that Satan desires the children of God not to know more than this, because it has to do with him and his fallen angels loosing rulership of this earth and it be given to man under the leadership of Christ as the coming King.

THE GOSPEL OF THE GRACE OF GOD:

The gospel of the grace of God is a message dealing with Christ’s past, finished work at Calvary. It is the message of the Cross; it is a message surrounding the shedding of blood; it is a message surrounding death; and it is a message which is to be proclaimed to the unsaved – to those “dead in trespasses and sins.”

The reception of this message – man believing on the Lord Jesus Christ, Who died in his stead – results in eternal salvation.

THE GOSPEL OF THE GLORY OF CHRIST

This gospel is a message encompassing Christ’s past work but culminating and dealing more specifically with His future work. It is a message surrounding present Christian living, with a view to that which lies ahead. And, encompassing Christ’s present work as High Priest, the gospel of the glory of Christ (as the gospel of the grace of God) is also a message surrounding the shedding of blood (Christ’s shed blood now on the mercy seat in the heavenly sanctuary). Most Christians know nothing about this aspect of Christ’s work. The message surrounding Christ’s glory and that of bringing many sons into glory with Him is not preached, and as a result not understood in by the average believer.

The reception of this message – redeemed man exercising faithfulness to his calling – will result in an individual being accorded the honor and privilege of ascending the throne with Christ in His kingdom when He returns in all His power and glory. This is not automatic for every Christian as is commonly taught (Heb. 3:6, 14; Matt. 10:22; 24:13; Mk. 13:13). "Saved from what?" Remember in all these passages Jesus was addressing those that already possessed eternal life.

These distinctions must be clearly understood if an individual would properly understand the 'whole' of the salvation message taught in Scripture.

Examine Paul’s message in Acts:


Acts 20:24-30

24 But none of these things move me, neither count I my life dear unto myself, so that I might finish my course with joy, and the ministry, which I have received of the Lord Jesus, to testify the gospel of the grace of God.

25 And now, behold, I know that ye all, among whom I have gone preaching the kingdom of God, shall see my face no more.

26 Wherefore I take you to record this day, that I am pure from the blood of all men.

27 For I have not shunned to declare unto you all the counsel of God .

28 Take heed therefore unto yourselves, and to all the flock, over the which the Holy Ghost hath made you overseers, to feed the church of God, which he hath purchased with his own blood.

29 For I know this, that after my departing shall grievous wolves enter in among you, not sparing the flock.

30 Also of your own selves shall men arise, speaking perverse things, to draw away disciples after them.

Paul states that the message he went around preaching was that of “the kingdom of God,” in verse 25. He said, “….I am pure from the blood of all men,” having preached this message – the message he calls “the counsel of God.”

The question then is: do you understand the ‘whole counsel of God’?

THE MYSTERY MADE KNOWN

Read: Jude 1-16.

THE MYSTERY

When properly studied, all of Scripture is really about the same subject (only different facets of it). The seven epistles from James through Jude are often referred to as the General Epistles, (with many differing opinion on the authorship of Hebrews – whether it should be included in this category or not). Really, there is no surety as to the author of the Book of Hebrews, but because of its structure fits well with the “General Epistles.”

The Epistles really are to benefit the “new entity” – the new creation in Christ, the “new man” (2 Cor. 5:17; Eph. 2:13-15); who were to be the recipients of that which had been offered and rejected by Israel, the kingdom of the heavens.

The existence of this new entity – this “one new man,” completely separate from Israel and not under the Mosaic economy – necessitated God’s supplying additional revelation which would have to do specifically with the message surrounding the proffered kingdom in relation to this new man. It is only natural then, that the Epistles would have to do with the same thing – the heavenly sphere of the kingdom which had previously been offered to Israel in the gospel accounts, reoffered to the nation in the Book of Acts and now offered to the “new man in Christ” after it was taken from Israel (Matt. 21:43).

However, neither this additional revelation nor the “new creation in Christ” could be looked upon as completely new per se. Rather, this additional revelation could only be seen as having its roots in the Old Testament Scriptures. It is what is referred to in Scripture as “the mystery,” – that which opens numerous parts of the Old Testament Scriptures to one’s understanding. These are parts which had to do with the “new creation,” parts which would remain close without the additional revelation.

“The mystery” was revealed to Paul, “hid in God” from the beginning (the beginning of the ages), of necessity, formed an integral part of the Old Testament Scriptures; because there is nothing in the New Testament that does not have its roots one or more places in the Old. The New is simply the opening up and unveiling of that drawn from foundational material previously set forth in the Old, drawn mainly from the types (cf. Luke 24:25-27, 44; 1 Cor. 10:6, 11; Eph. 3:9-11; Col. 1:16-18, 25-27.

“The mystery” was revealed to Moses first, though still remaining a mystery. Then some fifteen centuries later, God took Paul aside (to Arabia, the same country to which He had previously taken Moses to reveal things surrounding the theocracy); and, in the person of His Son, God opened up and unveiled various things which He had previously revealed to Moses and other Old Testament prophets (cf. Luke 24:25-27).

I will therefore put you in remembrance …how that the Lord save people out of Egypt
afterwards destroyed them that believed not Jude 5

THE CROWN THAT AWAITS THE FAITHFUL

Read: 1 Corinthians 9:19-27

THE CROWN THAT AWAITS THOSE THAT ARE FAITHFUL

The popular belief in Christendom, that all Christians at the end of this age will get at least one crown, many songs are composed to teach that we can work to get stars in these crowns. It is taught that we should be prepared to cast whatever crown we obtain at the Master’s feet, (maybe as a sign of being found worthy). This is definitely not what Scripture teach. Those that obtain crowns will be wearing them while the reign with Christ. As we saw in a previous study, those twenty-four elders that cast their crown at the Lord’s feet from all appearances, are not redeemed men, but angels that did not rebel with Satan (Rev. 4:10).

There are two words used in the Greek text of the NT which are translated “crown” in English versions. The first and most widely used is stephanos (or the verb form, stephanoo), referring to a “victor’s crown” or a crown denoting certain types of “worth” or “valor.” The other word is diadema, referring to a crown denoting “regal authority,” “kingly power.” Staphanus is the only word used for “crown” in the NT outside the Book of Revelation. Diadema, the other word used for “crown” appears only three times all of which occurs in the latter part of the Book of Revelation (12:3; 13:1; 19:12). The first two references have to do with power and authority possessed by incumbent earthly rulers immediately preceding and within the kingdom of Antichrist, and the latter reference has to do with power and authority which Christ will possess at the time He returns and takes His kingdom.

The way in which these two words are used in the NT relative to the government of the earth must be borne in mind if one is to properly understand the Scriptural distinction between the use of stephanos and diadema. Diadema (referring to the monarch’s crown) is used only where one has actually entered into and is presently exercising regal power. Stephanos is never used in this respect.

An understanding of the distinction between stephanos and diadema will reveal certain things about the twenty-four elders which could not otherwise be known. They each cast stephanos before the throne, not diadema.

Let us continue to look at these crowns in subsequent lessons; but until then, be sure to make yourself ready that you will wear a crown when we face the judgment seat of Christ.

If our works abides, we will wear a crown… 1 Cor. 3:14

If any man’s work shall be burned, he shall suffer loss… 1 Cor. 3:15

EARTH'S GOVERNMET RENEWED

Read: 2 Timothy 2:1-12

IF WE SUFFER….WE SHALL REIGN

In the previous study (Rev. 4:1-4), we saw that amazing transfer of power; one of the greatest promises in the Bible. Only one thing could possibly be in view at this point in the book, for the bride will not only have been made known (as seen in the events of chs. 1-3), but will be ready for events surrounding the transfer of power to begin. The twenty-four elders casting their crowns before God’s throne can only depict the angels who did not go along with Satan in his rebellion; and they will willingly relinquish their crowns, with a view of those comprising the bride wearing those crowns during the Messianic Era. (Quite contrary to what is commonly taught, that these are believers casting their crowns at the Master’s feet). The bride will not be bare-headed, they will wear crowns.

But the crowns worn by Satan and those angels presently ruling with him are another matter. These crowns will have to be taken from Satan and his angels by force when Christ returns to overthrow Gentile world power at the end of the Tribulation (a power exercised during Man’s Day under Satan and his angels [Dan. 10:13-20]).The identity of the twenty-four elders is shown not only by their actions and the place in which this occurs in the book but also by their number.

Comparing Revelation chapters four and twelve (4:4, 10, 11; 12:3, 4), it appears evident that the government of the earth – originally established by God prior to Satan’s fall – was representatively shown by three sets of twelve, thirty-six crowned rulers. “Three” is the number of Divine perfection, and “twelve” is the number of governmental perfection.

Those angels who did not follow Satan in his attempt to exalt the throne would be represented by the twenty-four elders – two sets of twelve, showing two-thirds of the original contingent of angels ruling with Satan. And the angels who did go along with Satan, (presently ruling with him), would be represented by a third set of twelve, showing the other one-third of the original contingent of angels ruling with Satan (Rev. 12:3, 4).

In this respect, these three representative sets of twelve would show Divine perfection in the earth’s government. And, also in this respect, this same perfection in the structure of the earth’s government has not existed since Satan’s attempt to exalt his throne.

But, this structured perfection will one day again exist in earth’s government. When Christ and His bride ascends the throne together, crowns worn by those represented by all three sets of twelve will be brought together again. Then, Divine perfection will once again exist in the government of the one province of God’s universe where imperfection has existed for millenniums.

Christ Alone is Worthy……He wants you to be as well
Wash Yourself, Anoint Yourself, Put On Your Best Garment Ruth 3:3

WE CAN WEAR A CROWN

Read: 2 Timothy 2:1-12

IF WE SUFFER….WE SHALL REIGN

In yesterday’s reading (Rev. 4:1-4), that amazing transfer of power is one of the greatest promises in the Bible. Only one thing could possibly be in view at this point in the book, for the bride will not only have been made known (seen in the events of chs. 1-3), but will be ready for events surrounding the transfer of power to begin. The twenty-four elders casting their crowns before God’s throne can only depict the angels who did not go along with Satan in his rebellion; and they will willingly relinquish their crowns, with a view of those comprising the bride wearing those crowns during the Messianic Era. (Quite contrary to what is commonly taught, that these are believers casting their crowns at the Master’s feet). The bride will not be bare-headed, they will wear crowns.

But the crowns worn by Satan and those angels presently ruling with him are another matter. These crowns will have to be taken from Satan and his angels by force when Christ returns to overthrow Gentile world power at the end of the Tribulation (a power exercised during Man’s Day under Satan and his angels [Dan. 10:13-20]).The identity of the twenty-four elders is shown not only by their actions and the place in which this occurs in the book but also by their number.

Comparing Revelation chapters four and twelve (4:4, 10, 11; 12:3, 4), it appears evident that the government of the earth – originally established by God prior to Lucifer’s fall – was representatively shown by three sets of twelve, thirty-six crowned rulers. “Three” is the number of Divine perfection, and “twelve” is the number of governmental perfection.

Those angels who did not follow Satan in his attempt to exalt the throne would be represented by the twenty-four elders – two sets of twelve, showing two-thirds of the original contingent of angels ruling with Satan. And the angels who did go along with Satan, presently ruling with him, would be represented by a third set of twelve, showing the other one-third of the original contingent of angels ruling with Satan (Rev. 12:3, 4).

In this respect, these three representative sets of twelve would show Divine perfection in the earth’s government. And, also in this respect, this same perfection in the structure of the earth’s government has not existed since Satan’s attempt to exalt his throne.

But, this structured perfection will one day again exist in earth’s government. When Christ and His bride ascends the throne together, crowns worn by those represented by all three sets of twelve will be brought together again. Then, Divine perfection will once again exist in the government of the one province of God’s universe where imperfection has existed for millenniums.

Christ Alone is Worthy……He wants you to be as well
Wash Yourself, Anoint Yourself, Put On Your Best Garment Ruth 3:3

CROWNS AT CHRIST'S FEET

Read: Revelations 4:1-4; 5:1-7.

THE TWENTY-FOUR ELDERS



(These crowns are cast before God’s throne [Rev. 4:1-4; 5:1-7] because the Father alone is the One Who places and /or remove rulers in His kingdom [Dan. 4:17-37; 5:18-21]. He alone is the One Who placed those represented by the twenty-four elders in the position which they occupied; and He alone is the One Who will place individuals in particular positions in the kingdom of Christ [Matt. 20:20-23].

These crowns cast before God’s throne can only have to do with the government of the earth. And, at this point in the book, they can be worn by angels alone, for the Son will not yet have taken the kingdom [cf. Dan. 7:13, 14; Rev. 11:15]. These crowns are relinquished to God at this time [with a view to man, rather than angels, ruling in the kingdom] so that He can appoint those who He had previously been shown qualified at events surrounding the judgment seat [chs. 1-3] to positions of power and authority; and those whom God appoints will wear these crowns in Christ’s kingdom.) See our text begins: “After these things….” – the things of Rev. 1-3.

The transfer of the government of the earth, from the hands of angels into the hands of man, in reality, is what the first nineteen chapters of the Book of Revelation are about; and, as well, this is what the whole of Scripture preceding these nineteen chapters is also about. In this respect, these twenty-four elders casting their crowns before God’s throne forms a key event which one must grasp if he would properly understand the Book of Revelation and Scripture as a whole.

Christ and His bride, in that coming day, will rule the earth in the stead of Satan and his angels. And, in the process of ruling in this manner, they will wear all the crowns worn by Satan and his angels prior to Satan’s fall.

Thus, that which is depicted through the action of the twenty-four elders in Rev. 4:10, 11 is contextually self-explanatory. This has to do with the government of the earth, it occurs at a time following events surrounding the judgment seat (chs. 1-3) but preceding Christ being shown worthy to break the seals of the seven-sealed scroll (ch. 5), and it occurs at a time when Satan’s reign is about to be brought to a close.

After events in Revelation chapters one through three have come to pass, for the first time in man’s history, the person (the bride) who is to rule with the One to replace Satan (Christ) will have been made known and shown forth. And events in the forth chapter reflect that fact.

“And his tail drew a third part of the stars of heaven; and did cast them to the earth….”
Rev. 12:4a

And we shall wear a crown…..

THE WIFE GOD INTENDED

GOD’S WORD TO THE WIFE

1 Cor 7:1-5
7:1 Now concerning the things whereof ye wrote unto me: It is good for a man not to touch a woman.

2 Nevertheless, to avoid fornication, let every man have his own wife, and let every woman have her own husband.

3 Let the husband render unto the wife due benevolence: and likewise also the wife unto the husband.

4 The wife hath not power of her own body, but the husband: and likewise also the husband hath not power of his own body, but the wife.

5 Defraud ye not one the other, except it be with consent for a time, that ye may give yourselves to fasting and prayer; and come together again, that Satan tempt you not for your incontinency.

A family is an organization, and to operate smoothly, it needs a head. Even Jesus has One that He submits to as His Head.

1 Cor 11:3

3 But I would have you know, that the head of every man is Christ; and the head of the woman is the man; and the head of Christ is God.

Jesus’ submission to God’s headship is a fine example, since all of us have a head to whom we must submit. Imperfect man makes mistakes and often falls short of being ideal family heads. So, what should the wife do? She should not belittle what her husband does, or try to take over the headship. It is imperative that the wife obeys God if she expects God’s help for results.

1 Peter 3:1-6
3:1 Likewise, ye wives, be in subjection to your own husbands; that, if any obey not the word, they also may without the word be won by the conversation of the wives;

2 While they behold your chaste conversation coupled with fear.

3 Whose adorning let it not be that outward adorning of plaiting the hair, and of wearing of gold, or of putting on of apparel;

4 But let it be the hidden man of the heart, in that which is not corruptible, even the ornament of a meek and quiet spirit, which is in the sight of God of great price.

5 For after this manner in the old time the holy women also, who trusted in God, adorned themselves, being in subjection unto their own husbands:

6 Even as Sara obeyed Abraham, calling him lord: whose daughters ye are, as long as ye do well, and are not afraid with any amazement.

By displaying such a spirit, she will find it easier to demonstrate godly subjection, even under trying circumstances. In addition, the Bible teaches that the wife should have deep respect for her husband.

Eph 5:33

33 Nevertheless let every one of you in particular so love his wife even as himself; and the wife see that she reverence her husband.

But what if the husband does not accept Christ as his Head? The Bible urges the wife to be a “witness” to him in such a way that he cannot help but see the God in her.

1 Peter 3:1-2
3:1 Likewise, ye wives, be in subjection to your own husbands; that, if any obey not the word, they also may without the word be won by the conversation of the wives;

2 While they behold your chaste conversation coupled with fear.

Whether the husband is a fellow believer or not, the wife should never show disrespect to him because she might be the only “Bible” that he reads. Surely, it is very likely (especially if she is a Spirit lead child of God) that she will have valuable advise that could be of benefit to the entire family. It would do husbands well to listen to their wives more. Although Abraham did not agree when his wife, Sarah, recommended a practical solution to a certain household problem, God told him, “Listen to her voice.”

Gen 21:9-12

9 And Sarah saw the son of Hagar the Egyptian, which she had born unto Abraham, mocking.

10 Wherefore she said unto Abraham, Cast out this bondwoman and her son: for the son of this bondwoman shall not be heir with my son, even with Isaac.


11 And the thing was very grievous in Abraham's sight because of his son.

12 And God said unto Abraham, Let it not be grievous in thy sight because of the lad, and because of thy bondwoman; in all that Sarah hath said unto thee, hearken unto her voice; for in Isaac shall thy seed be called.

When a husband makes a final decision that does not conflict with the Word of God the godly wife should show her subjection by supporting it.

Acts 5:29

29 Then Peter and the other apostles answered and said, We ought to obey God rather than men.

Eph 5:24

24 Therefore as the church is subject unto Christ, so let the wives be to their own husbands in every thing.

The world’s system (society), militates against God’s design for the family in many ways. One of the main ways this is done is to have the wife employed in secular world, under the guise that one income is not sufficient to supply the family needs. That is not true, but most of us have bought into that lie of Satan.

1 Tim 6:8

8 And having food and raiment let us be therewith content .

Very few wives can have secular employment and fulfill the command of God to be ‘helpers at home’ and the higher the position in secular employment; the more likely they will yield to the tendency to take over headship in the home, disrespect their husband, and neglect other responsibilities as a wife. God’s purpose for the wife is to love and support her husband (an help meat Gen. 2:18) and if she is not doing that she is in disobedience to the Word of God.

A wife, in fulfilling her role as a chaste wife, can do much in caring for her family. For example, the Bible shows that married women are to “love their husbands, love their children, to be sound in mind, chaste, workers at home, good, subjecting themselves to their own husbands.”

Titus 2:4-5

4 That they may teach the young women to be sober, to love their husbands, to love their children,

5 To be discreet, chaste, keepers at home, good, obedient to their own husbands, that the word of God be not blasphemed.

A wife and mother who acts in these ways will gain the lasting love and respect of her family.

Prov 31:10, 28.

10 Who can find a virtuous woman? for her price is far above rubies.

28 Her children arise up, and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praiseth her.

Since marriage prefigures the union that Christ seeks with His children, it should be taken very seriously and those that are married should do everything possible, by the grace of God to do it God’s way.

Eph 5:24-33.

24 Therefore as the church is subject unto Christ, so let the wives be to their own husbands in every thing.

25 Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it;

26 That he might sanctify and cleanse it with the washing of water by the word,

27 That he might present it to himself a glorious church, not having spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing; but that it should be holy and without blemish.

28 So ought men to love their wives as their own bodies. He that loveth his wife loveth himself.

29 For no man ever yet hated his own flesh; but nourisheth and cherisheth it, even as the Lord the church:

30 For we are members of his body, of his flesh, and of his bones.

31 For this cause shall a man leave his father and mother, and shall be joined unto his wife, and they two shall be one flesh.

32 This is a great mystery: but I speak concerning Christ and the church.

33 Nevertheless let every one of you in particular so love his wife even as himself; and the wife see that she reverence her husband.

THE END OF ANGELIC RULE

Read Psalm 8:1-9

ANGELIC RULE IS ABOUT TO BE ENDED

The originally established angelic rule over the earth has continued uninterrupted since the beginning, preceding man’s existence on the earth. However, with the creation of Adam, God announced that a change was in the offing. Man, an entirely new creation, made after the image and likeness of God, was brought into existence to take the governmental reins of the earth (Gen. 1:26-28). But the first man (the first Adam), through sin, was disqualified, necessitating the appearance of the Second Man (the Last Adam) to effect redemption and the ultimate realization for man’s creation.

The price has been paid, but redemption includes far more than that which presently exists. Redemption includes the complete man (body, soul, and spirit), it includes the earth (presently under curse), and the goal of redemption will be realized only when man has been brought into position for which he was created (ruling over a restored earth).

Scripture clearly attests to the fact that the “world [‘inhabited world’] to come” will not be placed “in subjection” to angels (Heb. 2:5). Man is the one to whom power and authority will be delegated.

This is clearly seen through the actions of the twenty-four elders in Rev. 4:10, removing themselves from their thrones (v.4) and casting their crowns before God’s throne. Their activity can only be with a view to the fact that the government of the earth, at this point in the sequence of events depicted in the book, is about to change hands.

The twenty-four elders can only be a representative group of heavenly beings (angels) who, up to this time, had held positions within sphere of governmental power and authority relative to the earth. Note the entomology of the word “elder”.

NT:4245 presbuteros (pres-boo'-ter-os); comparative of presbus (elderly); older; as noun, a senior; specifically, an Israelite Sanhedrist (also figuratively, member of the celestial council) or Christian "presbyter":
KJV - elder (-est), old.
(Biblesoft's New Exhaustive Strong's Numbers and Concordance with Expanded Greek-Hebrew Dictionary. Copyright © 1994, 2003 Biblesoft, Inc. and International Bible Translators, Inc.)

At this point in the book, through the action of these elders, the way will be opened for God to transfer the government of the earth from the hands of angels to the hands of faithful man.

For unto the angels hath he not put in subjection the world to come, whereof we speak
Heb. 2:5.

We shall wear the crown

CHRIST AS THE LAMB

I know you have a desire for truth. The only way you are going to get truth is to ask the Lord and He promised He will give it to those that ask Him (Prov. 8:17; Jer. 29:13).
Let me tell you, the traditional Churches and Pastors don't understand these things; not altogether their fault. Don't get me wrong - It is not that I believe that I have arrived, I know more than anyone else, on the contrary; the more I study, the more I realize how little I know. But God has to open ones' eyes to see these things. It is a deliberate act of Satan to blind the eyes of people (2 Cor. 4:4). The woman who placed the leaven in the three measures of meal until the whole lump is leavened (Matt. 13:33). The Church is in a leavened state, and most of us are not even aware. What the Church is now doing brother, is almost the opposite of what God intended His Church to be and do. I know those are very strong statements, but you ask God to help you to look with your eyes and understand with your heart and He will grant you. Don't take it because I say so, look at the Scripture and see if you see it for yourself (Acts 17:11). It took me a long time before I saw many of these things, people are against me, criticizing me, calling me all sorts of names, but brother if I see it in the Word of God, I cannot "un-see" it. And by the way, it is for this reason why I haven't posted anything more on the website since Saturday. Other people are asking questions and I encourage you to go on the site and communicate so others will be helped by it. If I were responding to you on the site I wouldn't have to be going over and over again for the others, you all would see the questions and their answers.
Let me attempt to address the questions you have. I warn you that some of this will get out of the "box" in other words, it might not line up with tradition. But I have no problem with tradition as long as it lines up with Scripture, but if it doesn't, I through tradition out the window.
Your main question was is: Does God fault Adam with the decision to sin along with his wife, or did Adam really have a choice? And your understanding it seems is that Adam has lost out on the opportunity to have dominion forever. Praise God that is not true. In fact, it is Adam's action that has placed him back in a position to have dominion, that's why he did what he did.

That is the "faith" that Adam demonstrated. He believed what God had said; "let them have dominion" (Gen. 1:26, 28). Adam could not have "dominion" without Eve. Eve was a part of Adam from the beginning. [Christ cannot have dominion without His bride that is not yet qualified, remember we are in Him from before the foundation of the earth]. A part of Adam's body was now disqualified, he was no longer complete and if he was going to realize the purpose for his creation, he had to redeem his wife. The only way he could do that was to 'cleave' to his wife. See that God could not have made another woman that would suffice, Eve was "a part" of Adam's body and that could not have changed.
I must remind you that Adam is a type of Christ, and if you miss all the types in the Scripture, you can't miss this one because Christ is called the "Last Adam" (1 Cor. 15:45). {We can do a study on types later on}, but that's how the Bible is written and understood, the OT is filled with types, that is why Christ started at "Moses and the prophets" to teach the disciples about Himself(Luke 24:27); He was actually teaching using the "types" in the OT. Paul explained that in 1 Cor. 10:1-11.
Christ will one day rule and reign with His bride (that will be taken from His body), whom He came and found in a disqualified state. In spite of the odds against Him; He clave unto His bride. Adam clave unto his bride in partaking of the forbidden fruit, but Christ who knew no sin, became sin for us so we can have the righteousness of God (2 Cor. 5:21).
If you refer to a previous study I posted on the site, a creation that God did perfectly, (because God cannot do anything in an imperfect manner), became ruined (cursed) because of Lucifer's action (Ezek. 28:14, 15); then the restored creation became ruined (cursed) because of what Adam did. But God provided redemption (in the slaying of the lamb for a covering). The Last Adam, Jesus Christ, became the Lamb that was slain (John 1:29).
I am going to try to explain something to you that will require some insight, so you might have to go over it again and again. The Gen. 3:17 question you asked is exactly what is seen in Matt. 27:46; Mk. 15:34, an expression of God’s displeasure. Adam had to have a substitute, but Christ was the (substitute) Lamb that was slain for the covering of His bride. See Christ unlike Adam, did not need to be covered, just the bride.

I know this is a lot and I don't want to give you too much at once, but just to finish this point. The same thing is seen in Samson who went and took a Gentile bride against the odds (against his parents wish), but they did not know that it was of the Lord (Judges 14:1-4). And you see most preachers would tell you that Samson was a "womanizer" and how God was displeased with him. Of course God turned His back on his actions, but Samson is a type of Christ and even end up in the Hall of the Faithful in Hebrews 11. Abraham again, in the same way believed God and went to offer his son, who is also a type of Christ (Gen. 22:1-14). Abraham offering Isaac to the natural man did not make sense, so Adam’s partaking of the forbidden fruit to the natural man does not make sense.
If I can now say, God did to the Last Adam, exactly what He did to the first, only with a deeper meaning you will understand. Christ was punished not for His own sin, but for the redemption of His bride.

THE FALL & REDEMPTION OF THE BRIDE

THE FALL AND REDEMPTION OF THE BRIDE

Adam was first formed, then Eve. And Adam was not deceived, but the woman being deceived was in transgression” (1 Timothy 2:13, 14).

SATAN’S METHOD

The Genesis account of the fall (ch. 3), Satan entered into the serpent of the field and approached Eve with the question, “Yea, hath God said, Ye shall not eat of every tree in the garden” (3:1b)? Satan in order to bring about the fall of Adam, approached Eve and dealt with on the basis of what God had said. Eve’s response and Satan’s action following her response are quite revealing. In answering Satan, Eve not only altered but added to the Word of God. Satan then cast doubt on the veracity of God’s Word, resulting in Eve’s sin, and the subsequent fall of Adam and the federal head of the new creation (vs. 2-6).

This is the first mention of Satan in Scripture, and several things stand out prominently in this first mention account surrounding Satanic activity: Satan’s ways are subtle, and he uses the Word of God.; and according to the rule of first mention in Scripture, Satan’s methods can only remain unchanged throughout all of subsequent Scripture. Satan has appeared down through the years as an “angel of light,” and his ministers appear as “ministers of righteousness” (2 Cor. 11:14, 15). His primary attack has always been against the people of God, through the Word of God. Thus, it is vitally important that Christians not only know exactly what God has said in His Word, but also know that God has spoken with finality. The final court of appeal must always be the Word of God, never man’s reasoning or interpretation.

Adam was brought into existence to have dominion over the earth (Gen. 1:26-28). This was the dominion which Satan possessed (Ezek. 28:14; Luke 4:5, 6). Satan knew that the supplanter - successor (Adam) was on the scene; and in order to retain his position as the earth’s ruler, he knew that Adam, through sin, must be disqualified. Satan, however, did not approach Adam directly. Adam, as Satan, knew exactly what God had said. And, Satan knowing this, knew that Adam could not be easily deceived in this respect. Thus, Satan, knowing the position which Eve occupied in relation to Adam (a part of Adam’s very being), approached and deceived Eve. Then Eve’s sin placed Adam in a particular position – (now disqualified because he could not rule without Eve to whom the command was given that they rule together as she was apart of Adam’s body) – having no choice other than to also partake of the forbidden fruit. God had given commands:

1. “Of every tree of the garden thou must freely eat” (2:16b).
2. “But of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, thou shalt not eat of it” (2:17a).
3. “A man ….shall cleave unto his wife: and they shall be one flesh” (2:24).

In Genesis 2:16, 17, God’s commands allowed man to eat of every tree in the garden except the tree of the knowledge of good and evil. Among the trees provided for food was the tree of life. And though the eating of the fruit from this tree would have provided for man’s perpetual existence throughout the eternal ages, this was not the purpose for the tree of life. Man existed in a sinless, undying state prior to the fall. And in this condition, man had no need from the tree to prolong his life. Following the fall though, man was barred from the tree of life, for eating of this tree at this time could have place him in an undying state in his newly acquired sinful condition.

In this light, in reality, man’s initial act resulting in the fall, which became sin following the fall, was his failure to eat of the tree of life, as God had previously commanded. Had Adam eaten of this tree before the fall, the only logical conclusion which follows is that the fall could not have occurred (else man would have lived forever in a fallen state because he had previously eaten of the tree of life, preventing man from realizing the purpose for his creation).

Gen 2:9

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
KJV

Rev 2:7

7 He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches; To him that overcometh will I give to eat of the tree of life, which is in the midst of the paradise of God.
KJV

The tree of life first comes into view in the opening chapters of the Book of Genesis. This tree was one of the numerous trees in the Garden of Eden of which Adam was commanded to eat (Gen. 2:9, 16). Adam had been created for the specific purpose of assuming the rulership over the earth, and the fruit of the tree of life was a provision for Adam as he exercised this rule.

An evident connection between man’s rule and his partaking of the tree of life can be seen by noting the appearance of this tree in the Book of Genesis when man was in a position to rule; the absence of the tree during the entire period when man was not in a position to rule, and the reappearance of the tree in the Book of Revelation when man will once again be brought back into the position to rule (cf. Gen. 1:26-28; Rev. 2:26, 27). The period during which man have been banned from eating of the tree of life began following Adam’s fall, resulting in his disqualification to rule; and it will end following the issues of the judgment seat, at which time man will once again find himself in a position to rule.

But an issue beyond the though of regality in connection with the tree of life came into view following the fall. Adam, following the fall, was driven from the garden to prevent his partaking of the tree of life for another purpose. Adam could not be permitted to eat of this tree in a fallen condition, for had such occurred he would have lived forever in a fallen state. Thus, not only did God in His grace and mercy removed Adam from the garden, but “Cherubim, and a flaming sword which turned every way,” were placed at “the east of the garden… to keep the way of the tree of life [to prevent fallen man from re entering the garden and partaking of this tree]” (Gen. 3:22-24).

Studying Gen. 3:22-24 apart from the context and related Scripture could lead one to believe that the purpose of the tree of life was to provide perpetuity of life for Adam in his un-fallen state. However, such could not have been the case, for “death” did not enter into the picture until after Adam’s sin, at which time he was barred from the tree of life. Adam had lived in an undying state prior to his sin, as he continued to live in an antithetical dying state following his sin; and to say that the tree of life was given to Adam in his un-fallen state to provide perpetuity of life, preventing death, cannot be correct (even though it could have provided such perpetuity of life following the fall).

In Rev. 2:7, partaking of the tree of life has been promised to the overcomers from among those already possessing eternal life. Consequently, in this passage, the tree of life can have nothing whatsoever to do with perpetuity of life; and it is the same in the Genesis account when man was first brought upon the scene to rule and to reign.

The tree of life in both Genesis chapter two and Revelation chapter two appears in a different settings entirely. The tree of life reserved for Christians is associated particularly with a provision for those who will rule and reign as co-heirs with Christ; and viewing Adam’s position in the Genesis account – created to rule and reign, in possession of life, with the fruit of the tree of life at his disposal – the same would hold true. This would have to hold true, for that seen relative to the tree of life in Revelation chapter two is drawn from that which was first seen relative to the tree of life in Genesis chapters two and three. The fruit of the tree of life was in the past (seen in the Book of Genesis) and will be in the future (seen in the Book of Revelation) a provision for the rulers in the kingdom. This is an evident fact that must be recognized.

The fact then that Adam cleaved to his wife – as he was told to do in Gen. 2:24 – is with the view of realizing the purpose for which he was created, (as he could not rule alone); that is to redeem her. Once Eve had disobeyed God by partaking of the forbidden fruit, Adam was then in no position to eat of the tree of life. A part of his very being, Eve, who was bone of his bones, and flesh of his flesh (2:23), had eaten of the forbidden fruit and was in a fallen state.

Eve in her fallen state was no longer in a position to eat of the tree of life. Even though Adam hadn’t sinned, he was now incomplete without Eve, who had sinned. Thus, Adam, being incomplete without Eve, could not now eat of the tree of life.

Neither Adam nor Eve could eat of the tree of life after Eve had partaken of the forbidden fruit. Adam, in order to one day eat of the tree of life as a complete being, had no choice other than to cleave unto his wife by also partaking of the fruit from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil.

Once Adam had partaken of the forbidden fruit, the complete being of Adam became in a fallen state. It is at this point the fall actually occurred – the federal head of the new creation himself partaking of the forbidden fruit. That which Adam did was the only course of action possible for him to take to bring about Eve’s redemption, allowing Adam, as a complete being (Adam, with Eve), to one day find himself in a position to eat of the tree of life.

Adam was not deceived, but sinned with a full knowledge of that which he was doing (1 Tim. 2:14). God then provided a blood sacrifice and clothed Adam and Eve – coats of skin (Gen. 3:21).

The subsequent removal of man from the Garden of Eden was not God’s judgment upon man for his sin; it was actually God’s mercy to prevent man from eating in a fallen state and therefore living forever in that state, not being able to fulfill the purpose fro which he was created, to rule and reign (Gen. 3:22-24). Here we have the original type of Christ’s redemptive work on the behalf of His bride is set forth in the act of Adam having seen a part of his very being in a hopeless state; cleaved to her to redeem her.

The First Adam found Eve in a fallen state. He then partook of sin to bring about Eve’s redemption, in order that both might one day be able to eat of the tree of life together.

The Last Adam, likewise, found His bride in a fallen state. He was then made “sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in Him” (2 Cor. 5:21). “The Lord had laid on Him the iniquity of us all” (Isa. 53:6). He “bare our sins in His own body on the tree” (1 Pet. 2:24). Jesus was made sin to redeem His bride in order that both might one day be able to eat of the tree of life together. In the first three chapters of Genesis, both the purpose and means of our salvation are set forth.

The First Adam was created to rule the earth, and Eve was removed from his body to rule as consort queen with him. But Adam, through an encounter with Satan, resulting in the fall, forfeited his right to rule the earth.

The Last Adam, through an encounter with Satan (Matt. 4:1-11), and His finished word on Calvary (John 19:30), has not only shown Himself fully qualified to rule the earth, but He has also redeemed that which the First Adam forfeited in the fall. And the Last Adam, as the First Adam, will have a bride taken from His body, destined to rule the earth as consort queen with Him.

“The secret of Adam is the secret of Messiah….As the first man was the one that sinned, so shall the Messiah be the one to do sin away.”

LET US MAKE MAN

LET US MAKE MAN

Read: Genesis 1:26-2:3.

God created man in the beginning to rule the earth. And following man’s creation, with a view to this rule, God put the man to sleep, opened his side, and took a rib from his side; and from this rib God made “an helpmeat” for the man, whom he called ‘woman,’ because ‘she was taken out of man.’ The woman was ‘bone of man’s bones’ and ‘flesh of man’s flesh;’ and when she was presented back to the man, he was then complete (Gen. 1:26-28; 2:21-24).

Note that the man and the woman were to rule together (Gen. 1:26) – the man as king and the woman as consort queen. This forms an unchangeable principle which God established at this time. The man could not rule alone. Rather, he must rule as a complete being.

Christ, the Second Man, the Last Adam, will one day take the scepter and rule the earth. Be sure to note that God’s established principle for man’s rule cannot be violated. Christ, at the time He rules the earth, must have a wife to rule with Him.

The Son though, does not presently posses a wife, but that is about to change. An entire dispensation, lasting 2000 years, has been set aside; and God has sent His Holy Spirit into the world to acquire a bride for His Son (seen typically in Gen. 24).

Once the Spirit’s mission is completed, the bride will be removed from the earth and presented to the Son (also typical in Gen. 24). Only then can the Second Man, the Last Adam, take the scepter and rule the earth, in complete accord with God’s original intention for man, revealed at the time of his creation (Gen. 1:26, 28).

The Father already has His wife – Israel – acquired during the past dispensation, which allowed a theocracy to exist during the Old Testament times. And for the Son to rule within the future theocracy, He, as well, must possess a wife – one removed from His body, who will be bone of His bones, and flesh of His flesh, one who will rule as consort queen with the King of kings and the Lord of lords (cf. Rev. 19:7-9, 16).

The basic teachings surrounding the Son possessing a wife to rule as consort queen with Him are set forth at the very beginning of Scripture, in the Book of Genesis. The various things pertaining to the Son’s wife are set forth Genesis as well.

Come hither, I will shew thee the bride, the Lamb's wife Rev. 21:19

Prepared as a bride adorned for her husband

IN THE BEGINNING GOD

IN THE BEGINNING GOD

Read Genesis 1:1-31.

God in His infinite wisdom created the earth, and it amounts to blasphemy for one to think that God did not do it right the first time, He does everything right the first time. He did not create the earth ‘without form and void;’ the earth actually ‘became’ without form and void. The word ‘was’ in Genesis 1:2 is translated from the Hebrew word hayah, which is also translated in Scripture; be, because, became, were, and of course was. In Genesis 1:2, ‘was’ is not the most accurate translation of this word because a corresponding verse (Isa. 45:18) shows that God did not create the earth in vain or void. The word translated ‘void’ or ‘vain’ is the Hebrew word tohu. And Isaiah 45:18 says, God did not create the earth tohu (in vain or void); He created it to be inhabited, actually it ‘became’ that way.

What event then caused the earth to become without form and void? The being that God created and placed over the earth (Lucifer – Ezek. 28:14, 15), had his heart lifted up by sin, he fell (Isa. 14:12-14) and God’s judgment upon him disqualified him as ruler and placed the earth into a state if ruin. As unfamiliar as this might sound, lets really examine these Scripture before ruling it out as error. It was over a protracted period of time, God restored the earth as is recorded in our text in six-days and rested on the seventh.

It is not even logical to think that God who created the earth and all that is in it; ex-nilliu, (out of nothing) would have needed a day (24 hours) to create light, and another the firmament, and another land and vegetation, another heavenly bodies – Moon, Stars etc. It is very reasonable to conclude then, that the record in Genesis 1:-2:3 is a synopsis of God’s restorative act after the ruin that came upon His perfect creation as a result of what Lucifer did.

If we are going to have a proper understanding of Scripture, we have to have this foundation accurately imprinted in our minds because all the rest of Scripture is related to this great truth(Ps. 11:3). That’s why Jesus began at Moses (Lk. 24:27) to teach the truth concerning Himself to the men on the road to Emmaus. {See also John 5:39-47}. It was at the conclusion of God’s act of restoration that He created man, (on the final day of work), the sixth-day; just before the day of rest. This is the fundamental pattern that God has established for us in His Word - six-days of work and a seventh-day of rest that follows and that is how it will always be with God. God is doing exactly the same thing today, restoring man who subsequently became ruined as well, only that he is now using six – 1000 year days and will rest on the seventh (2 Pet. 3:5-8).

And God made man in His own image
And after His likeness…….

Let them have dominion

Genesis 1:1-5

Isn’t it exciting to be able to see another new day, the beginning of a new year? We praise the Lord for ushering us into this new year and may His blessings and grace be upon us. I think among the things that God would have us do this year is, to have a serious study of His Word, I have no doubt that most of us will now realize that we are living in days that are very near to the end of the age.

There are really no short-cuts to the study of the Scripture. Coming into the proper knowledge of the Word of God takes time and effort, and it is a continuous life-long process which one never completes. A person progressively comes into a knowledge of the Word over time as he applies himself to study. The Word of God is received into one’s saved human spirit; and, with this process, the Holy Spirit takes the Word and leads that individual “into all truth,” “comparing spiritual things with spiritual” - comparing Scripture with Scripture (John 16:12-15) – leading him from immaturity to maturity.

The fact that there are no short-cuts, there is a correct way to study the Scripture. It is possible for one to study the Scripture in an incorrect way all through their life and really not be aware that that is the case. And of course one can have a correct perspective and, over time, learn a great deal about it.

One must understand that Genesis 1:1-2:3 forms a fundamental framework upon which the entire remainder of Scripture rests. This is a portion of Scripture that one will have to revert to often if we are going to have a proper understanding of Scripture.

Understanding such things as how and why God divides mankind the way He does (Jews, Gentiles, and Christians), or understanding the ages and dispensations as they relate to those divisions of mankind, become fundamental and primary with respect to properly understanding the relationship between the fundamental framework (Gen. 1:1-2:3) and the remainder of Scripture (Gen. 1:-2:3).

Everything is tied together after some fashion, and the more one sees and understands various things about Scripture from a correct perspective, the more all things throughout Scripture simply and naturally falls into place. And the inverse of that is equally true, for the latter is dependent on the former.

Thy Word is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path Ps. 119:105

The Bible is a mirror that reflects how God sees us