I do not consdier Adam and Eve's pre-fall state w.r.t. immortality to be a major issue, and I see no real problem with it either way. But, I have always considered them to be mortal before the fall, but have never studied that aspect very deeply. But, regardless of which way it was before the fall, we agree that they were mortal after the fall.
Let mw see if I understand your beliefs.
They partook of the tree of life freely prior to the fall, and this made them immortal? (Or, were they created immortal, and partaking of the tree of life had no further effect on them? If not, why do you think they would partake of it? If this is so, then why was it even there,....it was uneeded. Or, they were created mortal, and partaking freely of the tree of life gave them immortality?)
But, when they partook of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, they lost their immortality AND they died spiritually.
So, they were banned from the garden so that they would not partake of the tree of life.
Did I state your beliefs correctly?
Why do you suppose God did not want them to eat of the tree of life after the fall?
From: "David Miller" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Reply-To: [EMAIL PROTECTED] To: <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Subject: [TruthTalk] Were Adam and Eve subject to death before they sinned? Date: Fri, 6 Feb 2004 08:48:15 -0500
Perry wrote: > There is no scriptural evidence that they were created > immortal, nor is there any compelling reason to assume > the had to be created immortal.
I think there is much Scriptural evidence that Adam and Eve were created immortal, but I suppose if you hold to different definitions of words like "death," those passages might convey an entirely different meaning.
Regarding the word "death", I think that it is used sometimes to mean physical death, and sometimes to mean spiritual death. I try to understand it within the context in which I read it.
>From my perspective, physical death came because of sin, as did sickness and disease, which is basically incipient death. I believe that Adam and Eve freely ate of the tree of life before they sinned. Following is one passage which seems to connect death with sin entering the world.
"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 KJV)
I think that, except for speaking of the death of Christ in Romans 5, the chapter refers to spiritual death.
The following passage indicates death to be an enemy, which would show it to be not part of God's plan, but something we were subjugated to because of sin.
"The last enemy that shall be destroyed is death." (1 Corinthians 15:26 KJV)
1 Corinthians 15:21-23 says, "21 For since by man came death, by man came also the resurrection of the dead. 22 For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ shall all be made alive. 23 But every man in his own order: Christ the firstfruits; afterward they that are Christ's at his coming. "
I think 1 Corinthians 15 speaks of physical death, for it speaks of the resurrection at Christ's return (when the corruptible shall put on the incorruptible, and the mortal immotality).
There are other passages that could be brought to bear, but let me hear your comments about these first. I can only assume that in your mind, the word "death" in these passages must have nothing to do with physical death.
Peace be with you. David Miller, Beverly Hills, Florida.
----------
"Let your speech be always with grace, seasoned with salt, that you may know how you ought to answer every man." (Colossians 4:6) http://www.InnGlory.org
If you do not want to receive posts from this list, send an email to [EMAIL PROTECTED] and you will be unsubscribed. If you have a friend who wants to join, tell him to send an e-mail to [EMAIL PROTECTED] and he will be subscribed.
_________________________________________________________________
Let the advanced features & services of MSN Internet Software maximize your online time. http://click.atdmt.com/AVE/go/onm00200363ave/direct/01/
---------- "Let your speech be always with grace, seasoned with salt, that you may know how you ought to answer every man." (Colossians 4:6) http://www.InnGlory.org
If you do not want to receive posts from this list, send an email to [EMAIL PROTECTED] and you will be unsubscribed. If you have a friend who wants to join, tell him to send an e-mail to [EMAIL PROTECTED] and he will be subscribed.
