Yes, Adam’s one sin brings condemnation for everyone, but Christ’s one act of righteousness brings a right relationship with God and new life for everyone. Because one person disobeyed God, many became sinners. But because one other person obeyed God, many will be made righteous. — Romans 5:18-19 NLT
While meditating on Genesis 2: 15-17, I wondered why God gave Adam the command not to eat from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil. Surely, knowing what is good and evil is an advantage for anyone!
Could God have said to Adam that he may freely eat from all the trees in the garden including the tree of the knowledge of good and evil. But then charge or command him to always choose that which is good. For in the day that he chooses evil, he will surely die?
Do you know why this argument is foolish? It’s because man naturally tends to drift or gravitate towards that which is wrong, bad and evil. Evil is often attractive and packaged invitingly. It is often pleasing to the eyes, appeals to the flesh and stokes our humanness.
The truth is, we all know what is good and what is evil. But the question is, why do we sometimes choose that which is not right such as anger, bitterness, unforgiveness, resentment, lust, dishonesty, unrighteousness, injustice, unfaithfulness and so on?
Many times, we go astray through our own sinful desires. We let flesh dictate and direct our choices. But a life filled and controlled by the Holy Spirit will often make the right choices. “Those who live according to the flesh have their minds set on what the flesh desires; but those who live in accordance with the Spirit have their minds set on what the Spirit desires.The mind governed by the flesh is death, but the mind governed by the Spirit is life and peace. The mind governed by the flesh is hostile to God; it does not submit to God’s law, nor can it do so. Those who are in the realm of the flesh cannot please God.” Romans 8:5-8 (NIV)
Adam and Eve’s choice introduced sin and death to humanity. But thanks be to God, man was not left in that sinful state without hope. God immediately set in motion a rescue plan to save mankind from spiritual death, to bring salvation and hope to man.
“…For the sin of this one man, Adam, brought death to many. But even greater is God’s wonderful grace and his gift of forgiveness to many through this other man, Jesus Christ…For Adam’s sin led to condemnation, but God’s free gift leads to our being made right with God…For the sin of this one man, Adam, caused death to rule over many. But even greater is God’s wonderful grace and his gift of righteousness, for all who receive it will live in triumph over sin and death through this one man, Jesus Christ.” Romans 5:15-17 (NLT)
Hallelujah! Thank you, Jesus! What a wonderful, marvellous and amazing grace! Celebrate the hope Christ Jesus brought to mankind!
“I listen carefully to what God the Lord is saying, for he speaks peace to his faithful people. But let them not return to their foolish ways.” Psalms 85:8 (NLT)
Let’s continue to make wise choices.
Stay blessed,
LaraLex
Hills and Valleys 