posted on Apr, 10 2011 @ 04:10 PM
We live in a fallen world. As a result of Adam's sin, the world has to contend with sickness, sorrow, evil and death. Everyone born into this world
has the sin nature already in him or her. Therefore, nobody is born truly innocent and pure, but has the inbuilt desire to sin.
The Serpent's Success
Satan succeeded in getting Adam and Eve to disobey the simplest of God's commands. They ate the forbidden fruit and so broke fellowship with God.
This is exactly what the Devil wanted, and he knew it would break God's heart. By looking at what took place in the garden we can find out how we
respond when we sin. Read through Genesis 3:7-19.
The Results
Everything in the world went through an immediate change. The blessings were replaced with the curse. Life was replaced with sickness and death.
Instead of fertile soil there was barrenness and thorns. Childbirth would mean intense pain for the woman, but she would desire to do it all over
again! In the garden Adam and Eve were equal partners, but now she would have to submit to her husband. Just existing would be hard work, and they
would have to work until they died to live. Then, even though the devil promised them eternal life, they would die and return to the dust.
Romans 8:20-22 is a good commentary on the fact that same thing is in effect today … "For the creature was made subject to vanity, not willingly,
but by reason of him who hath subjected the same in hope, because the creature itself also shall be delivered from the bondage of corruption into the
glorious liberty of the children of God. For we know that the whole creation groaneth and travaileth in pain together until now." The whole world,
man, animal and plant life, is in a state of decay and rottenness. It is a big change from the "Very good" world created by God. We all know that
things are not getting any better. Only God has the remedy, but almost the entire world continues to hide behind self-righteousness, religion, and a
stubborn refusal to repent.
The Condition of the Repentant
Those who repent and turn to Christ for salvation, though living in a fallen world, have the promise of eternal life. Paul, in Ephesians 2:1-3,
explains that we have been set free from the curse and the power of Satan … "And you hath he quickened, who were dead in trespasses and sins:
Wherein in time past ye walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that now worketh in
the children of disobedience: Among whom also we all had our conversation in times past in the lusts of our flesh, fulfilling the desires of the flesh
and of the mind; and were by nature the children of wrath, even as others." We have been given the strength to resist temptation and sin (the desire
to fulfil the desires of the flesh and the mind). We are no longer under the death sentence. Those who will not repent are spiritually dead and have
the wrath of God upon them. They are controlled by the same power than deceived Adam and Eve, but God can save them too!
Mankind was originally granted awesome stewardship over the earth and its animals. Furthermore, this God-ordained stewardship is still in force. It is
not something to be taken lightly. Our love for and appreciation of our earth and its animals is a God-inspired instinct. To neglect or abuse our
planet will have serious consequences. There is a time coming when God will "destroy those who destroy the earth" (Rev. 11:18).
Making all things New - Not making New Things
A theological "law of continuity" tells us that in a new earth and heavens God promises to restore or regenerate the Garden of Eden for his
children. In other words, God will not be creating all new things. Rather, he is making all things new. The Garden of Eden will be restored,
regenerated, renewed - whichever "r" word you prefer. We find stunning promises in the New Testament book of Revelation, chapters 21 and 22, and
sprinkled throughout the Old Testament in books such as Isaiah.
"Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away..." (Rev 21:1). "Behold, I am making all
things new" (Rev. 21:5)...."For behold, I create new heavens and a new earth..." (Isa.65:17).