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NASB | Genesis 1:1 In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth. |
AMPLIFIED 2015 | Genesis 1:1 In the beginning God (Elohim) created [by forming from nothing] the heavens and the earth. [Heb 11:3] |
Bible Question:
I have spent alot of time trying to read the posts about Cain's wife. I believe that Adam and Eve's children did commit incest. Tonight I have tried to find the exact post by markarios where he quotes Adam as saying that Eve is the mother of all living...I can't find it right now...but, that is what convicted me of this issue. I am puzzled as to how people are trying to defend this incest. I agree with the biological points brought up...the probability of genetic abberations from incest were significantly decreased back then. But I am not sure that this should be used as a defense (isn't it extra-biblical?). And the Bible begins to give us God's law(s) later. But, isn't the purpose of the law to see where we do not measure to God's standard? To see that we fall short of God's glory? And God's glory and standard is eternal..so even though the law was not written down in Genesis 1:1, isn't it presumptuous of us to say that God looked upon the incest of Adam and Eve's children differently than he would look upon any incest that would happen today? (I acknowledge that there is now guilt and conviction when it happens today...and I am not prepared to argue whether or not there was guilt and conviction for Adam and Eve's children). What I am saying is why should we not believe that the Scripture says that Adam and Eve's children committed incest...just because we know that incest is an abomination to God? Is it important for a Christian to be willing to defend the incest of Adam and Eve's children? Or, if confronted with it, can't we just shrug and acknowledge that they sinned, just like every man, beginning with Adam, has fallen short of the glory of God? And there is a thread on this page about ceremonial laws vs doctrinal laws. I've only been a Christian for three years...and although I've read the OT, I've been studying the NT. I've now decided to study to OT, and that's what led me to this forum...searching for information about Genesis. When I get to the laws (which may be years from now at the progress I am making), what should I know to be on the lookout regarding categorizing laws? I thought that they were all God's standard. Oh, and there is a thread here too about sacrificing. Is an offering the same as a sacrifice? Cause Genesis 4:3 says that Cain and Abel were bringing offerings to the Lord. Even though God does not tell us about his requirements for sacrifices and offerings later on in Genesis (or maybe not until Leviticus...I am not sure right now), Cain and Abel knew something about them. And if God prefers obedience to sacrifice, then would he ask/require offerings of Cain and Abel if they were obedient? So, why should we feel called upon to defend an act of theirs? Doesn't the bible say that no man was righteous? Thank you for your time...and I do apologize for digging up a thread that is so old. I was going to try to read everything first...but there is alot of stuff to read. Steph P.S. I am going to build a profile tonight, although I will try to read everything replied to this post, I would greatly appreciate it if people who reply to me either have a profile telling me of their knowledge of Christ, or tell me in the post. Just so that I can know where you are coming from. Thanks, Steph |
Bible Answer: Greetings Steph! First of all, let me say, "Welcome to the family of God!" I pray that you will continue to grow in both grace and knowledge! Secondly, allow me to respond to your questions. 1) Incest: There are a combination of Biblical and logical reasons why incest was not a problem for the children of Adam and Eve. Biblical: a) Adam and Eve are the only individuals mentioned in Scripture as being directly created by God. b) Both Old and New Testament consistently affirm that all are descended from Adam and Eve. c) Indeed, the New Testament ties together the doctrine of the fall with each individuals 'being in Adam' because of natural descent. d) Incest was not forbidden until the Law of Moses, thus it is impossible to force Adam and Eve's children to live up to a moral standard which would not go into effect until much later. Logical: a) If Adam and Eve were the only people created, then Adam and Eve's children would logically have to procreate from among themselves. b) No one can be expected to obey a law prior to the law's existence. 2) Sacrifice or obedience: An offering is a type of sacrifice. There are several 'kinds' which God later commands Israel to perform. However, it is interesting to note that nothing in Genesis commands men to offer anything to God. So, we don't know whether God had commanded and instructed Cain and Able to perform this offering or whether they simply did it of their own volition. All the text tells us is that God did not respond Cain's offering. Again, welcome to the family! Your Brother in Christ, Tim Moran |