Sin [Part 1 – What is Sin?]

Sin [Part 1 – What is Sin?]

An infection is an unnatural cause that leads to unexpected and abnormal behaviour in the body system. This can result in pain, lack of health or even death itself. Thus, there is need to learn to reason from cause to effect. If there’s a cause, there will be an effect. “...the cause causeless shall not come.” – Pro. 26:2. When we take a look at the world, we witness pain, misery, suffering, death, evil, unfairness, etc. In fact, “...the whole creation groaneth and travaileth in pain together until now.” – Rom. 8:22. In this study we are going to learn about what sin really is. One person once said “sin is an intruder.” There’s literally a virus running down our blood stream and brain called sin. Though many in the scientific realm have not yet discovered it, yet in God’s book it has been identified and pointed out. One just has to look at our behaviour and you will see something is wrong with us. Think of all the evils we witness on a newspaper and reports every day. Things are not getting better, but evils “shall wax worse and worse” – 2 Tim.3:13. We surely need help for we cannot help ourselves. “But I see another law in my members, warring against the law of my mind, bringing me into captivity to the law of sin which is in my members, O wretched man that I am! Who shall deliver me from the body of this death?” – Rom.7:24. The sin that’s upon the earth is affecting all people of different levels: young and old, rich and poor. It does not care about the gender, race or nationality. Sin has affected the whole world as we have see from the book of Romans. “The earth also is defiled...” – Isa. 24:5. We will see why this is the cause in a moment. 

1   What is sin anyhow?

Unless we take time to understand what sin really is, we will never find its true solution. A thorough understanding of this disease is necessary. It is no question, when God performs a spiritual diagnosis He finds that we are literally infected, hence He says, “I have not found thy works perfect before God.” – Rev. 3:2. “They are all gone aside, they are all together become filthy: there is none that doeth good, no, not one.” – Psa. 14:3. Now we will take time to discover what is the biblical definition of sin. I’m going to start by making a statement that seems impossible, then we will investigative together to see if it holds substance. And that statement is:

“In the whole Bible, there’s only one definition of sin.

Take a look at the following verses:

(1)  “The thought of foolishness is sin... – Pro.24:9.

(2)  “..whatsoever is not of faith is sin. – Rom.14:23.

(3)  “...to him that knoweth to good, and doeth it not, to him it is sin. – Rom.14:23.

(4)  “All unrighteousness is sin... – 1 Jn.5:17

(5)  “...sin is the transgression of the law. – 1 Jn.3:4.

We have cited five verses, and at first glance they all appear to be the definitions of sin. But let’s take a closer look. The verses from point 1-4 all end with the phrase: “is sin.” This is an example not a definition. If someone gets asked, ‘What is a plant?’ And they respond, “A mango tree is a plant.” Well, that’s not a definition, but an example. In other words when the subject is being placed at the end, typically that is an example, not a definition. When defining a plant you would put the subject at the beginning of the sentence, “a plant is.....” That how something is defined. Whatever is defined gets placed at the beginning of the definition, and the proceeding words is the definition itself. With this in mind you will see, in point 5, that’s the only definition of sin: “sin is the transgression of the law.” That’s why the Bible says:

“For by one’s disobedience many were made sinners...by one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin; and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned. – Romans 5:19, 12.  

“The earth also is defiled under the inhabitants (people) thereof; because they have transgressed the laws, changed the ordinances, broken the everlasting covenant. – Isaiah 24:5.

In short, it is the breaking of the law that has resulted in sin. And that’s the real issue. Unless we understand that this is what the real problem is, we would not find the right solution.

2   Which one?

Since sin is breaking the law, which law is this? Let’s find out from the Bible:

“What shall we say then? Is the law sin? God forbid. Nay, I had not known sin, but by the law: for I had not known lust, except the law had said, ‘Thou shalt not covet’. – Rom. 7:7.

The apostle Paul clearly indicates that he had not known sin except by the law. This is true because “by the law is the knowledge of sin.” – Rom. 3:20. The law gives knowledge of sin. So Paul says he didn’t know lust, except the law said ‘Thou shalt not covet.’ Which clearly reveals that the law that says “Thou shalt not covet” is the one which if you break it, it is sin. Where in the Bible does this law or commandment come from? Exodus! It is the tenth commandment: “Thou shalt not covet...” – Exo. 20:17. Which means breaking the moral law (Ten Commandments) is sin. There is no sin that is not covered by the Ten Commandments. Remember that the “commandment” of God “is exceedingly broad.” – Psa. 119:96. It is broader than what man sees on the surface. Hence in Matthew 5 we find Jesus magnifying this law revealing that anger is murder; lust is adultery, etc.

The Bible clearly reveals that “all have sinned, and come short of the glory [character] of God.” – Rom. 3:23. We are all guilty of violating God’s law. Remember that breaking the law is sin. Which means we need to be saved from breaking the law. That’s what salvation is means – to be saved from sin (sin being the transgression of the law). Notice that we are never saved from the law but from the transgression of the law.

The fact that sin exists implies that the law exists because:

“...where no law is, there is no transgression [sin]. – Rom. 4:15.

IS SALVATION ONLY THROUGH JESUS CHRIST?

            Salvation [Part 2 – Salvation only through Jesus Christ]

In this study we are going to be looking at what the Bible has to say about the ultimate path to salvation, and in whom we can obtain salvation, and why.

1    Why was Jesus given the name “Jesus”?

“And she [Mary] shall bring forth a Son, and thou shalt call His name JESUS: for He shall SAVE His people FROM THEIR SINS.” – Matthew 1:21.

Note: According to this text, Jesus is the solution to the sin problem that we have been discussing in the previous series entitled ORIGIN OF EVIL. This name [Jesus] reveals His primary mission here on earth as “to seek and to save that which was lost.” – Luke 19:10. Read Luke 5:32.

2    How many names are given to humanity from which salvation can be obtained?

“For there is...one Mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus...Neither is there salvation in other: for there is no other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved.” – 1 Timothy 2:5; Acts 4:12.

Note: Acts 4:10 reveals that the only name from which we obtain salvation is “the name of Jesus.” “Jesus saith unto him [Thomas], I am THE WAY, the truth, and the life...” – John 14:6. Jesus is not one of the ways, but the only way, hence He calls Himself “the way” and not “a way.” To ensure that we don’t miss this point He adds the following in this very verse, “no man cometh unto the Father, but by Me.” While the Bible teaches that any man can be saved, it also teaches clearly that there is only one way to obtain salvation, and that is through Jesus Christ.

3    Why was Jesus’ incarnation necessary?

“In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God...And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us...Forasmuch then as the children are partakers of the flesh and blood, He also Himself likewise took part of the same; that THROUGH DEATH He might destroy him that had the power of death, that is, the devil.” – Hebrews 2:14.

Note: One of the reasons why Jesus had to become a man was so that He could die in the place of a sinner. “...Jesus came into the world to save sinners...” – 1 Timothy 1:15. Read Luke 19:10; Matthew 20:28. Him becoming a human being allowed Him to live as a human being, and to die in the place of sinner. Even though He “knew no sin”, still He was “made sin for us...that we might be made the righteousness of God in Him.” See 2 Corinthians 5:21. He traded places with us.

4    How does the blood of the Lamb [Jesus] play a role in the forgiveness of sin?

“...without [the] shedding of blood [there] is no remission [of sin]...In whom [Jesus] we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of His grace.” – Hebrews 9:22; Ephesians 1:7.

Note: When Adam and Eve sinned, they were disconnected from God, and the Saviour took the initiative to reconcile them to their heavenly Father. He sought them when they sought Him not, even though they sinned. “Unto Adam also and to his wife did the LORD God make coats of SKINS, and clothed them.” – Genesis 3:21. Not only did the Saviour provide the physical clothes to cover their physical nakedness, but the blood that was shed as the animal was slaughtered was to cover their spiritual nakedness. God was the first to initiate the sacrificial system after Adam and Eve sinned. Since “without [the] shedding of blood [there] is no remission [of sin]”, the animal had to be sacrificed to make atonement [propitiation] for them. As this animal shed its blood, this was a symbol for the blood of Christ which was soon going to be “shed...for the remission of sins.” – Matthew 26:28. Jesus, the Son of God is “the Lamb slain from the foundation of the world.” – Revelation 13:8. There were many animals which were sacrificed in the Old Testament as a symbol of Jesus, “the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world.” – John 1:29. In other words, Jesus was the ultimate Lamb which every person looked forward to. Jesus Christ took the position of the sinner as the Lamb of God, and died on his behalf. All the animals sacrificed were a type [shadow] of the anti-type [fulfilment] which is none other than Jesus, the Lamb of God. “For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.” – Romans 6:23. This shows that those who lived prior to the first coming of Christ looked forward in FAITH to the coming Saviour as they sacrificed those animals, and us today we look back to the cross in FAITH. FAITH HAS BEEN AND WILL ALWAYS BE THE MEANS FOR ACCEPTING THE SACRIFICE OF JESUS.

5    How did God demonstrate His love toward humanity? 

“For GOD SO LOVED THE WORLD, THAT HE GAVE HIS ONLY BEGOTTEN SON, that WHOSOEVER believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life. For God sent not His Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through Him might be saved.” – John 3:16,17.

Note: Read Romans 5:8. Jesus was given to make salvation available for everyman that would ever be born on this planet, yet it is the responsibility of that individual to accept this free sacrifice by faith. Please read Isaiah 53 which is a prophecy about Jesus, the Saviour of mankind.

WHY WE NEED A SAVIOUR!

       Salvation [Part 1 - You need a Saviour!]

In our previous study called ORIGIN OF EVIL, we learnt that when sin entered the world, every creature suffered the consequences of sin, even nature itself. And ever since, there has been a degradation in the nature of man, and we know that this was not God’s original plan: “...An enemy hath done this.” – Matthew 13:28. Now in this series we are going to see how God makes a way for humanity to escape the terrible consequences of sin, the power of sin and eternal death as we know that “sin...bringeth forth death.” – James 1:15.

1    What is sin?

“Whosoever committeth sin transgresses also the law: for sin is the transgression of the law.” – 1 John 3:4.

Note: This is the only definition of sin in God’s word. Bible does contain several examples of sin, e.g. “All unrighteousness is sin...” – 1 John 5:17; “...whatsoever is not of faith is sin.” – Romans 14:23; knowing good and not doing it is sin (see James 4:17), etc. but our only definition of sin is “the transgression of the law.” In the Garden of Eden, man was given a law which said that he must not eat of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, and when he disobeyed that law, he sinned against His Marker.

2    How does sin affect a new born baby?

“Behold, I was shaped in iniquity; and in sin did my mother conceive me.” – Psalm 51:5.

Note: We are not born with a record of sin, but we are all born with a sinful nature; a nature inclined to sinning. Even though we are born with the inclination to sin, we ourselves choose to sin. We all know that lying and swearing is wrong but we do it either way. This is because we are more inclined to do that which is wrong than to do that which is right before the eyes of God. And by repeating sin we become more and more evil.” Read Isaiah 48:8. Every descendant of Adam is born with a sinful nature (nature bent toward sin). “Wherefore, as by one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin; and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned.” – Romans 5:12. This is why the Bible says we are “by nature the children of wrath.” – Ephesians 2:3.

This is MAN’S CONDITION AS A RESULT OF SIN which entered the world:

(a)    He is born in sin – Psalm 51:5.

(b)   His understanding is darkened – Ephesians 4:18.

(c)    His heart is full of evil – Jeremiah 17:9.

(d)   He is spiritually dead – Colossians 2:13.

(e)   His conscience is defiled – Titus 1:15.

3    Can a man change his situation by himself?

“Can the Ethiopian change his skin, or the leopard his spots? Then may ye also do good, that are accustomed to do evil.” – Jeremiah 13:23.
"A good tree cannot bring forth evil fruit, neither can a corrupt tree bring forth good fruit."- Matthew 7:18

Note: Mankind needs an external help in order for him to change his sinful nature. This implies that WE ALL NEED A SAVIOUR because we are not able to fix ourselves. Every human being needs salvation. SALVATION means to being saved from the penalty, power, and presence of sin. While salvation is a free gift as we will see in the future studies, yet an individual has a choice to accept this gift. So it is in the hands of an individual to accept to be saved from sin, it’s consequences, and its power.
"....The things which are impossible with men are possible with God." - Luke 18:27

4    Is there hope for me?

Answer: “For to him that is joined to all the living there is HOPE: for a living dog is better than a dead lion.” – Ecclesiastes 9:4.

Note: For as a long as we are alive, there is hope that God can still reach us and transform us. We should make things right with God while there’s still an opportunity. This is why the Scripture says, “Seek ye the LORD while He may be found, call ye upon Him while He is near.” – Isaiah 55:6. Read Jeremiah 29:13. This verse [Isaiah 55:6] suggest that there is going to be a time when God’s mercy won’t be found, and for this reason we are to seek Him while we still have a chance to do so. Read 2 Peter 3:9; 1 Timothy 2:3,4. Are you willing to seek the Lord with all your heart? I hope your answer is yes. May the Lord bless!

THE FATE OF SATAN

       Origin of Evil [Part 5 – The fate of Satan]

“And I [Lord] will put enmity between thee [the serpent] and the woman, and between thy seed and her seed; it shall bruise thy head, and thou shalt bruise His heel.” – Genesis 3:15. The time is near when the Satan will be destroyed along with his angels and the wicked people. Read Romans 16:20. “...grieve not the Holy Spirit of God...” – Ephesians 4:30.

1    What is the destiny of the fallen angels [demons]?

“And the angels which kept not their first estate, but left their own habitation, he hath reserved in everlasting chains under darkness unto the judgement of the great day.” – Jude 1:6.

Note: You might recall that when Lucifer was cast out from heaven, “his angels were cast out with him.” – Revelation 12:9. And we are further told that the day is coming when they will be destroyed. And this should encourage us because now it seems like Satan has prevailed, but the truth is that he has not. He and his angels will reap what they have sown. “In the final execution of the judgement it will be seen that NO CAUSE FOR SIN EXISTS. When the Judge of all the earth shall demand of Satan, ‘Why hast thou rebelled against Me, and robbed Me of the subjects of My kingdom?’ The originator of evil can render no excuse. Every mouth will be stopped, and all the hosts of rebellion will be speechless.”

2    With what will the enemy, his angels and followers be destroyed?

“And they [Satan and his followers] went up on the breadth of the earth, and compassed the camp of the saints about, and the beloved city: and fire came down from God out of heaven, and devoured them.” – Revelation 20:9.

Note: “For, behold, THE DAY COMETH, that shall burn as an oven; and all the proud, yea, and yea all that do wickedly, shall be stubble: and THE DAY THAT COMETH shall burn them up, saith the LORD of hosts, that it shall leave them neither root nor branch.” – Malachi 4:1. From this we see that not only will Satan, his angels and followers be destroyed, but also that this fire “shall leave them neither root nor branch”, in other words, they will eventually turn into ashes. “Let both grow together until the harvest: and in the time of harvest I will say to the reapers, Gather ye together first the tares, and bind them in bundles to burn them: but gather the wheat into my barn.” – Matthew 13:30. “Lucifer’s desire for self-exaltation had led him to say: ‘I will exalt my throne above the stars of God:...I will be like the Most High.’ God declares: ‘I will bring thee to ashes upon the earth,...and never shalt thou be any more.’ – Isaiah 14:13,14; Ezekiel 28:18,19.“...God resisteth the proud, but giveth grace unto the humble.” – James 4:6. Satan aspired to go to the highest level, but eventually God will humble him to the lowest level.
"And ye shall tread down the wicked [Satan and his angels and evil men]; for they shall be ashes under the soles of your feet in the day that I shall do this, saith the LORD of hosts." Malachi 4:3.

3    After the wicked are destroyed, will sin ever rise up again?

“...Affliction shall not rise up the second time.” – Nahum 1:9.

Note: All the evil will be over forever. “...there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away.” – Revelation 21:4.

4    Will God ever restore all things on this earth?

“And I [John] saw a new heaven and a new earth: for the first heaven and the first earth were passed away; and there was no more sea...And He that sat upon the throne said, Behold, I MAKE THINGS NEW. And He said unto me, Write: for these words are true and faithful.” – Revelation 21:5.

5    How should all this news sober our minds and impact the way we live?

“Seeing then that all these things shall be dissolved, what manner of persons ought ye to be in all holy conversation and godliness?” – 2 Peter 3:11.

Note: This message calls forth our need to make things right with God for He “...is...not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to REPENTANCE.” – 2 Peter 3:9. In our next series will be talking our SALVATION and repentance, how we can make things right with God. There is hope for those who put their trust in the Lord. The new earth and new heaven can be your eternal home if you put your trust in the Lord. As much bad as things might be, God is still in control, and it should be an encouragement to us that Satan will one day be destroyed forever. May God richly bless you!

  To download Great Controversy full copy [pdf] click here.

WHY DID GOD PERMIT EVIL?

      Origin of Evil [Part 4 – Why did God permit evil?]

God has power to do anything He likes. He surely has the power to eradicate evil. In this study we will be trying to find out why DID GOD NOT DESTROY THE DEVIL AT THE TIME HE REBELLED, AND WHY DOES HE PERMIT EVIL TO CONTINUE. In answering these questions, let’s study the following parable:

“Another parable put He [Jesus] forth unto them, saying, The kingdom of heaven is likened unto a man which sowed GOOD seed in His field: But while men slept, his enemy came and sowed tares among the wheat, and went his way. But when the blade was sprung up, and brought forth fruit, then appeared the tares also. So the servants of the householder came and said unto Him, Sir, didst not thou sow GOOD seed in Thy field? From whence then hath it tares? He said unto them, An enemy hath done this. The servants said unto him, Wilt thou then that we go and gather them up? But he said, Nay; lest while ye gather up the tares, ye root up also the wheat with them. Let both grow together until the harvest: and in the time of harvest I will say to the reapers, Gather ye together first the tares, and bind them in bundles to burn them: but gather the wheat into my barn.” – Matthew 13:24-30.

1    In this parable, who does the “good sower” symbolize?

“...He that soweth the GOOD seed is the Son of Man...” – Matthew 13:37.

Note: You might recall that when we studied about creation, we find that 6 times, God said “it was good” and the seventh time He said, “it was very good.” And here we find that the Son of Man [Jesus] sows GOOD seed. Just as in creation, we find everything being very good, even here we find that Jesus sowed the GOOD seed.

2    What about the enemy, who does he symbolize?

“the enemy that sowed them [the tares] is the devil...” – Matthew 13:39.

Note: Remember that God didn’t create the Devil, but rather he created Lucifer [a perfect angel] who by his own choice became Satan. And so we find in this parable that Satan works against the will of his heavenly Father, hence he is called the enemy. This enemy does everything when everybody is sleeping, in other words he works in secrecy. “...he worked in the dark, concealing his purpose, that he might more effectively accomplish his object.” His ways are mysterious and strange; yet he presents himself as the angel of light. Read 2 Corinthians 11:14.

3    What do the “good seed” and “tares” symbolize?

“...the good seed are the children of the kingdom; but the tares are the children of the wicked one.” – Matthew 13:39.

Note: Do you still remember from our previous study [Did God create the Devil] how it came to being that Satan came to have angels on his side? “And there appeared another wonder in heaven; and behold a great red dragon [SATAN],...and his tail[LIE] drew the third part of the stars[ANGELS] of heaven, and did cast them to the earth...” – Revelation 12:3,4. In this parable, we see that the field initially had good seed planted by the Master [Jesus], in other words when the angels were created they were all perfect. Remember we discovered that also Lucifer [Satan] was “perfect in...[his] ways from the day...[he]...was created.” – Ezekiel 28:15. And because of his beauty, pride started developing in his heart. And then he started to circulate his lies around the kingdom of heaven, and these lies are symbolized by his tail in Revelation 12:4. Which means Satan won a number of angels to his side, poisoning them with his lies, and there were now in kingdom of heaven bad angels amongst the good ones; and this is symbolized by the good seed, and tares being found in the same field. “An enemy hath done this.” – Matthew 13:28.

4    Why was it necessary that the good seed and tares grow together till the harvest?

“...The servants said unto Him, Wilt thou then that we go and gather them up? But He said, Nay; lest while ye gather up the tares, ye root up also the wheat with them. Let both grow together until the harvest...” – Matthew 13:30.

Note: When plants begin to sprout, it can be a challenge to tell what plants they are. Even with Lucifer, when the spirit of discontent began to form in his heart, the other angels couldn’t discern. “God in His great mercy bore long with Lucifer. He was not immediately degraded from his exalted station when he first indulged the spirit of discontent, nor even when he began to present his false claims before the loyal angels.” Although God knew exactly what was going on in the heart of Lucifer, yet the angels didn’t know. “Even the loyal angels couldn’t fully discern his character or see what his work was leading [to].” This called forth the need for God to allow evil to develop. “God in His wisdom permitted Satan to carry forward his work, until the spirit of disaffection ripened into active revolt. It was necessary for his [Lucifer] plans to be fully developed, that their true nature and tendency might be seen by all...The true character of the usurper, and his object, must be understood by all. He must have time to manifest himself by his wicked works...His own work must condemn him.” Time was needed for the growth of the evil spirit that was now reigning in the heart of Lucifer. One time, the Saviour said this about those who are not faithful followers of God, “Wherefore by their FRUITS ye shall know them...A good tree cannot bring forth evil fruit, neither can a corrupt tree bring forth good fruit.” – Matthew 7:20,18. Notice that Jesus does not say by their “roots” or “branches” but rather fruits, because fruits reveal exactly what the tree is. As Lucifer was given time to carry out his purpose, his true colours were manifested and seen by all of the heavenly host. If the servants in this parable were allowed to plug out the tares, they might have plugged out some wheat mistakenly or even hurt the wheat as they pulled off those tares and for this reason, they had to “let both grow together until the harvest.” “Until fully developed, sin would not appear the evil thing it was.”

5    Were the creatures of God endowed with spirit of fear?

“For God hath not given us the spirit of fear...” – 2 Timothy 1:7.

Note: The spirit of fear is not from God. You might recall that when Adam disconnected himself from God by sinning, he “was afraid” – Genesis 3:10. “Had he [Lucifer] been immediately blotted from existence, they [the angels] would have served God from FEAR rather than from love. The influence of the deceiver would not have been fully destroyed, nor would the spirit of rebellion have been utterly eradicated. Evil must be permitted to come to maturity. For the good of the entire universe through ceaseless ages Satan must more fully develop his principles, that his charges against the divine government might be seen in their true light by all created beings.”

6    Will the works of the enemy ever be brought to an end?

“Let both grow together until the harvest: and in the time of harvest I will say to the reapers, Gather ye together first the tares, and bind them in bundles to burn them: but gather the wheat into my barn.” – Matthew 13:30.

Note: “Even when it was decided that he [Lucifer] could no longer remain in heaven, Infinite Wisdom did not destroy Satan...The inhabitants of heaven...being unprepared to comprehend the nature or consequences of sin, could not then have seen the justice and mercy of God in the destruction of Satan.” After the war broke out in heaven, the heavenly host saw that Lucifer had now become the Devil, but then our world still needed time so that we could see as well. Because Satan had been given time to run his course for a period of time, today we know very well that he is not a companion one would want to associate with because his works had unmasked him. Nevertheless, Satan knows that his time is limited; “he knoweth that he hath but a short time.” – Revelation 12:12; so whatever he does, he must do it quickly.

ENMITY (HATRED) BETWEEN MAN AND SATAN

       Origin of Evil [Part 3 – Enmity between Man and Satan (Gen.3:15)]

“‘I will put enmity between thee [the serpent] and the woman, and between thy seed and her seed; it shall bruise thy head, and thou shalt bruise His heel.’ – Genesis 3:15. The divine sentence pronounce against Satan after the fall of man was also a prophecy, embracing all the ages to the close of time and foreshadowing the great conflict to engage all the races to men who should live upon the earth. God declares: ‘I will put enmity.’ This enmity is not naturally entertained. When man transgressed the divine law, his nature became evil, and he was in harmony, and not at variance, with Satan. There exists naturally no enmity between sinful man and the originator of sin. Both became evil through apostasy.” In our previous studies we learnt that the battle between good and evil which started in heaven continues here on earth. And whoever gets born on this earth is involved in this battle, whether he likes it or not, whether he is aware of it or not. “He that is not with Me [Jesus] is against Me; and he that gathereth not with me scattered abroad.” – Matthew 12:30. “Satan’s enmity against the human race is kindled because, through Christ, they are the objects of God’s love and mercy." In this study we are going to see how the battle between good and evil permeates through generations, and what the results are.

1    Why did Cain kill his brother Abel?

“...Cain brought of the fruit of the ground an offering unto the LORD. And Abel, he also brought the firstlings of his flock and of the fat thereof. And the LORD had respect unto Abel and to his offering: but unto Cain and to his offering He had not respect. And Cain was very wroth...Cain rose up against Abel his brother, and slew him.” – Genesis 4:3-5,8.

  Note: “...Cain...was of the wicked one...” – 1 John 3:12. This evidence that is brought before us reveals that Cain was influenced by the wicked one [which is Satan] to kill his brother. The spirit of jealous that reigned in the heart of Satan was now revealed in humanity. “The thief [Satan] does not come except...to kill and to destroy...He was a murderer from the beginning...” – John 10:10; John 8:44.

2    What caused Jesus to be rejected by His own people?

Answer: “He [Jesus] came unto His own [people], and His own received Him not...And this is the condemnation, that the light [Jesus] is come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil. For every one that doeth evil hateth the light, neither cometh to the light, lest his deeds should be reproved.” – John 1:11; John 3:19,20.

Note: Christ was simply hated and rejected for His kindness, goodness and marvellous teachings. “And the scribes and chief priests...sought how they might destroy Him: for they feared Him, because all the people was astonished at His doctrine.” – Mark 11:18. “The antagonism that exists between the spirit of Christ and the spirit of Satan was most strikingly displayed in the world’s reception of Jesus. It was not so much because He appeared without worldly wealth, pomp, or grandeur that the Jews were led to reject Him. They saw that He possessed power which would more than compensate for the lack of these outward advantages. But the PURITY and HOLINESS of Christ called forth against Him the hatred of the ungodly. His life of self-denial and sinless devotion was a perpetual reproof to a proud, sensual people. It was this that evoked enmity against the Son of God. Satan and evil angels joined with evil men. All the energies of apostasy conspired against the Champion of truth.” While the Bible calls us to purity [1 John 3:3], and to holiness [1 Peter 1:15], we should be reminded that it is the same attributes that shall put us in disharmony with the Enemy; but “Ye are of God, little children, and have overcome them: because greater is He that is in you, than he that is in the world.” – 1 John 4:4. We need not to fear at all. Read Isaiah 41:13.

3    Why is it important that we don’t take this battle lightly?

Answer: “For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.” – Ephesians 6:12.

Note: We should never make a mistake of thinking that our enemy is harmless or powerless. “Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour: whom resist stedfast in the faith, knowing that the same afflictions are accomplished in your brethren that are in the world.” – 1 Peter 5:8,9. Notice that Satan in this passage is likened to a very dangerous animal that is full of tactics. He is called “the...serpent” – Revelation 12:9, another dangerous creature; and for this reason we would do well by putting “on the whole armor of God, that...[we]...may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.” – Ephesians 6:11. We will have a discussion about this armor of God in the future studies. This armor is put on to counteract the forces from the enemy, not to suit up. “There is little enmity against Satan and his works, because THERE IS SO GREAT IGNORANCE CONCERNING HIS POWER AND MALICE, and the vast extend of his warfare against Christ and His church. Multitudes are deluded here. They do not know that their enemy is a mighty angel, who controls the minds of evil angels...Among professed Christians, and even among ministers of the gospel, there is heard scarcely a reference to Satan, except perhaps an incidental mentioned in the pulpit. They overlook the evidences of his continual activity and success; they neglect the many warnings of his subtlety; they seem to ignore his very existence.” While we don’t want to be pre-occupied with Satan, we still don’t want to be ignorant of his existence, “Be sober, be vigilant”, the apostle Paul said.

4    Are the righteous people promised peace in this world?

Answer: “...all that will desire to live godly in Christ Jesus SHALL suffer persecution.” – 2 Timothy 3:12.

Note: “The same enmity is manifested toward Christ’s followers as was manifested toward their Master...The followers of Christ and the servants of Satan cannot harmonize...The spirit which put Christ to death moves the wicked to destroy His followers.” All that choose to serve Christ become the enemies of Satan. These individuals put Satan’s plans at stake, and for this reason, he would do whatever it takes to destroy them from the surface of the earth. “The more nearly the Christian imitates the divine Pattern, the more surely will he make himself a mark for the attacks of Satan.” The battle between good and evil will exist for as long as sin and sinners exist in the same realm as the saints. “Think not that I [Jesus] am come to send peace on earth: I CAME NOT TO SEND PEACE, BUT A SWORD. For I am come to set a man at variance against his father, and the daughter against her mother, and the daughter in law against her mother in law.” – Matthew 10:34,35. Jesus in these verses is not implying that He came so that everything would go wrong, but He tries to emphasis the fact that by Him coming, the battle between good and evil would become intensified to an extend that even friendly fires might be experienced as the result of disputes about the matters concerning the truth and error. Read John 15:18. Just don’t forget that THE REAL BATTLE IS BETWEEN CHRIST AND SATAN.

5    How should God’s people relate to worldly customs?

Answer: “Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world...whosoever therefore will be a friend of the world is the enemy of God...And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewal of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.” – 1 John 2:15; James 4:4; Romans 12:2.

Note: “Satan is continually seeking to overcome the people of God by breaking down the barriers which separate them from the world. Ancient Israel were enticed into sin when they ventured into forbidden association with the heathen. In a similar manner our modern Israel led astray...Conformity to worldly customs converts the church to the world; it never converts the world to Christ.” When Satan heard that “it [the seed] shall bruise...[his]...head” – Genesis 3:15, he made it his first priority to destroy the seed as soon as it was born. Realizing that Abel was obedient to God, he thought, perhaps Abel might be that seed or that seed could come from him, and he used Cain to kill Abel [Genesis 4:1-8; 1 John 3:12]. Then God introduced another person from whom the seed could come from: “And Adam knew his wife again; and she bare a son, and called his name Seth: For God, said she, hath appointed me another seed instead of Abel...” – Genesis 4:25. In Genesis 4 we find the descendants of Cain, and in Genesis 5, the descendants of Seth. So Satan noticed that GOD ALWAYS COMES UP WITH A WAY OF PREPARING A HOLY BLOODLINE FROM WHOM THE SEED COULD COME, he [Satan] then attempted to intermingle the wicked descendants of Cain with the righteous descendants of Seth: “...the sons of God [descendants of Seth] saw the daughters of men [descendants of Cain] that they were fair; and they took them wives of all which they chose.” – Genesis 6:3. And the results were these: “...the wickedness of man was great in the earth, and that every imagination of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually...” – Genesis 6:5. That’s when God had to allow the flood to intervene, because out of all the people that lived, only 8 [Noah and his family] were found righteous [Genesis 6:9]. Had God not allowed the flood to come, eventually all men were going to become defiled, and He couldn’t have had a holy blood line through whom He could bring the seed. DON’T FORGET THAT THE SEED WE ARE TALKING ABOUT IS NONE OTHER THAN CHRIST [Galatians 3:16]. Throughout the Old Testament we see Satan doing his ultimate best to hinder God’s plan of bringing the seed into the world. When Jesus was born, command was issued by Herod to destroy all babies with the hope that Jesus would also be killed [Matthew 2:1-16].

6    How do those who dwell on the earth overcome Satan?

Answer: “And they overcame him [Satan] by the blood of the lamb, and by the word of their testimony...” – Revelation 12:11.

Note: The lamb is a symbol of Jesus Christ [see John 1:29,36]. It is important that we remember that we are not alone in this battle. I would like to close this section with the words of comfort which I found to be very much encouraging, and if you can be able to get them into your head, please do so. Here they are: “CHRIST WILL GIVE STRENGTH TO ALL WHO SEEK IT. NO MAN WITHOUT HIS OWN CONSENT CAN BE OVERCOME BY SATAN. THE TEMPTER HAS NO POWER TO CONTROL THE WILL OR TO FORCE THE SOUL TO SIN. HE MAY DISTRESS, BUT HE CANNOT CONTAMINATE. HE CAN CAUSE AGONY, BUT NOT DEFILEMENT. THE FACT THAT CHRIST HAS CONQUERED SHOULD INSPIRE HIS FOLLOWERS WITH COURAGE TO FIGHT MANFULLY THE BATTLE AGAINST SIN AND SATAN.” GC.

SIN INTO PERFECT CREATION?

In our previous study called Did God create the Devil?, we learnt that Lucifer [Satan] was “perfect in...[his]...ways from the day...[he]...were created, till iniquity[sin] was found in...[him].” – Ezekiel 28:15. “...the devil sinneth from the beginning...” – 1 John 3:8. In this study, we are going to look at the origin of evil in this world we are living in.

1 In the Garden of Eden, what did God put in place as a test of loyalty?

“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.

Note: God gave Adam and Eve the simplest test. They were allowed to partake of all the trees, except the tree of the knowledge of good and evil. For as long as they remained obedient, they could be allowed to eat of the tree of life, and thus living forever. We will talk about the tree of life later on in this study. God placed the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, not so that they may disobey, but so that they may have choice to either serve Him or disobey. “He [God] takes no pleasure in a forced allegiance, and to all He grants freedom of will that they may render Him voluntary service.” In expression of their love, they were to obey God, as the Saviour once said,“If ye love me, keep my commandments.” – John 14:15. The act of disobedience was what would bring death, not merely the fruit itself. Remember that every tree was “good for food” including the fruit from the tree which was in the midst of the garden [see Genesis 2:9; Genesis 3:6]. God could have put His iPad in the midst of the garden, and ask them not to check His e-mails. Same principle would still apply; by them disobeying, they would be going against the will of their Maker, and thus sinning.

2 What lie did the serpent tell to the woman?

“Now the serpent was more subtil than any beast of the field which the LORD God had made. And he said unto the woman, Yea, hath God said, Ye shall not eat of every tree of the garden? And the woman said unto the serpent, We may eat of the fruit of the trees of the garden: but of the fruit of the tree which is in the midst of the garden, God hath said, Ye shall not eat of it, neither shall ye touch it, lest ye die. And the serpent said unto the woman, Ye shall not surely die: for God doth know that in the day ye eat thereof, then your eyes shall be opened, and ye shall as gods, knowing good and evil.” – Genesis 3:1-5.

In our previous study we learnt that “the dragon...[is]...that old serpent, called the Devil and Satan...” – Revelation 12:9. Satan used the serpent as a medium to reach Eve. There are those who believe that this lie of Satan “ye shall not surely die” was actually the truth, and God lied by saying, “thou shalt surely die” – Genesis 2:17; we will deal with this issue shortly. But for now we shouldn’t overlook the fact that Satan was the one who promised life in disobedience. The serpent shook Eve’s confidence in the Creator’s divine sentence in order to get her to disobey: “hath God said, Ye shall not eat of every tree of the garden?” By him saying this, he knew that Eve would be quick to correct him, and thus entering into a conversation. “Had Eve refrained from entering into argument with the tempter, she would have been safe; but she ventured to parley with him and fell a victim to his wiles. It is thus that many are still overcome. They doubt and argue concerning the requirements of God; and instead of obeying the divine commands, they accept human theories, which but disguise the devices of Satan.”

3 What promise did the serpent make to mankind if he chooses to disobey God?

“...your eyes will be opened, and you will be like God, knowing good and evil.” – Genesis 3:5, NKJV.

Note: He promised mankind some enlightenment. He promised them that they would be exalted to a higher state of existence. He made them feel as if God was keeping something good from them by not allowing them to eat from the tree. When Eve saw a talking snake, she must have imagined that, ‘If the fruit had made the snake to talk, what more could it do for me’; and then she decided to partake of the fruit.

4 What three things led Eve into eating of the fruit?

“And when the woman saw that ⁽¹⁾the tree was good for food, ⁽²⁾and that it was pleasant to the eyes, ⁽³⁾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 did eat.” – Genesis 3:6.

Note: Satan learned her senses in order to trap her. A late former Satanist called Roger Morneau, was once told the following by the Satanic high priest: “The spirits [demons] would encourage people to listen to their feelings instead of the word of Christ and His prophets.” – Trip to the supernatural. After Jesus resurrected, He met two individuals who were having a chat about His death; “And they talked together of all these things which had happened. And it came to pass, that, while they communed together and reasoned, Jesus himself drew near, and went with them. But their eyes were holden that they should not know him. And he said unto them, What manner of communications are these that ye have one to another, as ye walk, and are sad? And the one of them, whose name was Cleopas, answering said unto him, Art thou only a stranger in Jerusalem, and hast not known the things which are come to pass there in these days? And he said unto them, What things? And they said unto him, Concerning Jesus of Nazareth, which was a prophet mighty in deed and word before God and all the people: And how the chief priests and our rulers delivered him to be condemned to death, and have crucified him. But we trusted that it had been he which should have redeemed Israel: and beside all this, to day is the third day since these things were done. Yea, and certain women also of our company made us astonished, which were early at the sepulchre; And when they found not his body, they came, saying, that they had also seen a vision of angels, which said that he was alive. And certain of them which were with us went to the sepulchre, and found it even so as the women had said: but him they saw not. Then he said unto them, O fools, and slow of heart to believe all that the prophets have spoken: Ought not Christ to have suffered these things, and to enter into his glory? And beginning at Moses and all the prophets, he expounded unto them in all the scriptures the things concerning himself." – Luke 24:14-27. We would expect Jesus to have performed a miracle in order to convince these people that it was Him, but instead He opened the Scriptures, and taught them; and this is a lesson that Scripture supersedes our experiences, and it [the Scripture] is more reliable than our feelings. Jesus wanted these individuals to put trust in what God says, and not to rely on our feelings like Eve did. “We have a more sure word of prophecy; whereunto ye do well that ye take heed...” – 2 Peter 1:21.

5 How does disobedience (sin) affect the relationship of mankind and God?

“Behold, the LORD’s hand is not shortened, that it cannot save, neither His ear heavy, that it cannot hear: But your iniquities have separated between you and your God, and your sins have hid His face from you, that He will not hear.” – Isaiah 59:1,2.

Note: When Adam and Eve sinned, they hid themselves [Genesis 3:8]. No longer could mankind see God face to face for his sin has separated him from his heavenly Father. Ever since, prayer was the medium of communication between man and God; although at some cases God used dreams, visions, etc. to communicate with mankind.

6 What is the consequence of disobedience [sin]?

“...the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.” – Romans 6:23.

Note: Contained in sin was nothing but death:“...by one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin; and so death passed upon all men...” – Romans 5:12. When death entered into the world it ruined everything in the world: The sun that was meant to refresh the earth could now bring an intense heat giving rise to the desert; the animals [like lions] that used to play with mankind, became extremely violent; the leaf of the tree that was ever green turned brown; all that was “very good” began to suffer the terrible results of sin.Read Genesis 3:16-19. THE EVIL THAT WE SEE IN THE WORLD TODAY IS THE EFFECTS OF SIN. The day Adam sinned, death came to power. The Creator declared, “dust thou art, and unto dust shalt thou return.” –Genesis 3:19. It is also remarkable that sin ruined all the aspects of mankind:

Social aspect: The beautiful poem, “bone of my bones, and flesh of my flesh” – Genesis 2:23 which was spoken by Adam turned into a blame [see Genesis 3:12]. The disease of putting blame on others for our own errors came into existence.

Spiritual aspect: Adam and Eve hid themselves from God [Genesis 3:8-10]; and the communication with heaven was now limited.

Physical aspect: Man started to become weaker and weaker. When we look at the ages of the antediluvians [those who lived before flood], we see that they lived for many years [Genesis 4]. Because of sin, the lifespan of humanity started to diminish [Genesis 6:3], up until where we are today.

Mental aspect: Today we are using less than 10% of our brains. Our society is so much driven by stimulative substances; God designed mankind in such a way that the higher powers should overrule the lower powers, but because of sin, we find the opposite taking place.

The Creator warned in advance, “in the day thou eatest thereof thou shalt surely die.” – Genesis 2:17. This was not just a mere threat as we have seen. “After Adam and Eve disobeyed God, their eyes were opened to discern their folly; they did know evil, and they tasted the bitter fruit of transgression.”. Man could only partake of the tree of life for as long as he was obedient to the commandments of God. “Blessed are they that do His commandments, that they may have right to the tree of life...” – Revelation 22:14 KJV. When man became disobedient he was cut off from partaking from this life giving fruit, and from that time he became subject to death [Genesis 3:24].

7 Between God and Satan, how do we determine whose side we are on?

“Know ye not, that to whom ye yield yourselves servants to obey, his servants ye are to whom ye obey; whether of sin unto death, or of obedience unto righteousness?” – Romans 6:16.

Note: When Adam and Eve obeyed the Enemy, whose servants did they became? They became the servants of Satan. “When man transgressed the divine law, his nature became evil, and he was in harmony, and not at variance, with Satan. There exists no natural enmity between sinful man and the originator of sin. BOTH BECAME EVIL THROUGH APOSTASY.” The dominion that was delivered to mankind was lost as a result of disobedience. “Thou [Lord] madest him [mankind] a little lower than the angels; Thou crownedst him with glory and honour, and didst set him over the works of thy hands: Thou hast put all things in subjection under his feet...But now we see not yet all things put under him.” – Hebrews 2:7,8. Because man obeyed Satan, the dominion was now claimed by Satan; Satan became “the god of this world...” – 2 Corinthians 4:4 and “the prince of this world” – John 12:31. See John 14:30; John 16:11.