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NASB | Genesis 3:22 ¶ Then the LORD God said, "Behold, the man has become like one of Us, knowing good and evil; and now, he might stretch out his hand, and take also from the tree of life, and eat, and live forever"-- |
AMPLIFIED 2015 | Genesis 3:22 ¶ And the LORD God said, "Behold, the man has become like one of Us (Father, Son, Holy Spirit), knowing [how to distinguish between] good and evil; and now, he might stretch out his hand, and take from the tree of life as well, and eat [its fruit], and live [in this fallen, sinful condition] forever"-- |
Bible Question:
Thanks to Steve, Nolan and THECROSS for your answers. I totally agree. Man as created was not going to live forever, he needed to eat from the tree of life to continue living. Can we then say physical death was not part of the curse of sin but rather a result of it? We don’t die because of the fall in the garden we die because we are separated from God’s presence and therefore from the ‘tree of life’ which would sustain life. I say this not to appear unorthodox but rather I see modern Christianity putting so much emphasis on the phyasical aspect of the fall. Modern man is focused on his physical situation rather than his spiritual situation. I think the adversary has successfully deflected Modern Christianity’s focus from the spiritual reality of the fall to the physical results to miss the spiritual truths. The reality of the cross gets lost as they seek after more physical fulfillment. Modern Christianity looks to God to make man wealthy, healthy, and wise. To feel good about himself, confident in his own capabilities and depend on his inner strength. Many look forward to eternal life and riches rather than a intimate relationship with God. |
Bible Answer: EdB, I saw your post before I went on my biweekly date with my 11-year-old daughter. I think the death of Gen 2:17 was spiritual death, because neither Adam or Eve died phyiscally the day they ate of the tree. We know that phyiscal death existed for the plants, for that is what man and animals ate (1:29-30). Did animals die before the fall? I do not know; the ecological system was different. Would Adam and Eve lived forever - if they never made a choice between the two trees? These are great questions to ask your pastors and answer yourselves. In light of Gen 3:22, I believe that they still had to of eaten its fruit in order to live forever. That is why God had to kick them out of the Garden. I think this could of been phyiscal life, for God would of granted them spiritual life at anytime. If it was spiritual life, then they would be excluded from heaven from that point on. I am waiting to hear from you, as well as see what the "experts" say. Steve |