The Adam’s Scratch

[WordSword]

I believe one of the most helpful concepts about God is that of His "omniscience." Understanding that He has always had knowledge of all things reveals much of His will and desires in the Scriptures. For example, when He commanded Adam not to partake of the "Tree of knowledge of good and evil" (Gen 2:17) He already knew Adam would disobey and since He allowed this act, I perceive negligible conflict with the concept that God used this occurrence to further reflect on His "image and "likeness" (Gen 1:26) in knowing that man would more so "become like one of Us, to know good and evil" (Gen 3:22).

 

One can know something and not understand it, but receive its understanding through experience, which in my comprehension was likely God's plan. The word "know" in Hebrew is yada' (https://www.blueletterbible.org/lang/Lexicon/Lexicon.cfm?strongs=H3045&t=KJV), and in the context of the above passage it is most sensibly applied with the definition "to understand, perceive, or discern." Since man already knew (knowledge but no understanding) what was good by what God "commanded," and "evil" by what He forbid (Gen 2:16, 17), the design of the word "know" here can be reasonably intended in sense to understand or comprehend.

 

I enjoy sharing a humorous thought that God could have said, "I already know you're going to disobey Me, but don't." This could have confused Adam, causing him to begin scratching his head in perpetual contemplation, and today instead of the "Adam's Apple" (which I believe can be analogous to the first bight lodged in the throat to hinder swallowing it) it could be the "Adam's Scratch"!

 

- NC

[Ezra]

8 minutes ago, Word-Sword said:

He already knew Adam would disobey and since He allowed this act, I perceive negligible conflict with the concept that God used this occurrence to further reflect on His "image and "likeness" (Gen 1:26) in knowing that man would more so "become like one of Us, to know good and evil" (Gen 3:22).

I don't know what the point of this thread is, but if you are suggesting that Adam's disobedience caused him to become more in the image and likeness of God, you are clearly mistaken, and in fact are promoting an error.

Yes, God is omniscient, and He knew all things from the beginning. But had Adam obeyed God, he would have been more in the image and likeness of God, since that would have shown that he loved God more than he loved himself or Eve, and God is Love.

[WordSword]

1 minute ago, Ezra said:

I don't know what the point of this thread is, but if you are suggesting that Adam's disobedience caused him to become more in the image and likeness of God, you are clearly mistaken, and in fact are promoting an error.

Yes, God is omniscient, and He knew all things from the beginning. But had Adam obeyed God, he would have been more in the image and likeness of God, since that would have shown that he loved God more than he loved himself or Eve, and God is Love.

Hi Ezra - Thanks for your reply and it apply reflects a reasonable and understandable comment. I also agree that if I would have included a point, the reason for my comments may have been more readily understood. My point is that since God foreknew all that would transpire, He chose everything to go according to His desire, or He would have done it another way.

I wouldn't think one could accurately say that what they did wasn't suppose to happen, which would conflict with what God allows. Everything continued to be good because He has always worked everything for good to those who are His, which Adam no doubt was. Adam's salvation is seen in what God said would occur after the sin and it involved Christ's redemption through the "bruise" of Satan (Gen 3:15).

I also realize the radical character of this article but it is always my desire to share what I believe may be encouraging, and never out of intended heretical teachings. I believe I the materials I post maintain Biblical consistency shown in the accompanying passages, so others who desire to comment may also share what they believe may be Biblical support, in that way two can have a basis (Scripture) in discussions.  

God's blessing to your Family!

[WordSword]

2 hours ago, Davida said:

Not only error , but that is what the Lie was of Satan in the first place. Word-Sword don't fall for the lie.

Hi Davida - I appreciate your concern, and I've been sharing this concept on the internet for a while and do not expect many to readily understand what I shared in this thread and why. Every time I post it I get more members and moderators to reply that they liked it.  It's intended to show more of that which concerns God's omniscience, which is an attribute I believe offers much instruction. God's blessings to your Family!

Edited February 4, 2016 by Word-Sword

[WordSword]

3 minutes ago, Word-Sword said:

Hi Davida - I appreciate your concern, and I've been sharing this concept on the internet for a while and do not expect many to readily understand what I shared in this thread and why. Every time I post it I get more members and moderators (about 12 sites) to reply that they liked it.  It's intended to show more of that which concerns God's omniscience, which is an attribute I believe offers much instruction. God's blessings to your Family!

 

[other one]

4 hours ago, Word-Sword said:

I believe one of the most helpful concepts about God is that of His "omniscience." Understanding that He has always had knowledge of all things reveals much of His will and desires in the Scriptures. For example, when He commanded Adam not to partake of the "Tree of knowledge of good and evil" (Gen 2:17) He already knew Adam would disobey and since He allowed this act, I perceive negligible conflict with the concept that God used this occurrence to further reflect on His "image and "likeness" (Gen 1:26) in knowing that man would more so "become like one of Us, to know good and evil" (Gen 3:22).

 

Not only did he know Adam would disobey, he intended for Adam to disobey....    so mankind could learn of Good and Evil from the dark lord himself....     See, it is we that are going to judge the angels and God would not create the jury that was prejudice against the accused from the start.

[WordSword]

21 minutes ago, other one said:

Not only did he know Adam would disobey, he intended for Adam to disobey....    so mankind could learn of Good and Evil from the dark lord himself....     See, it is we that are going to judge the angels and God would not create the jury that was prejudice against the accused from the start.

Hey OtherOne - Thanks for your reply and comment, which I agree with! Experiencing through contrast instructs much. I believe our judgement of the evil angels began at Christ's resurrection, and at the rebirth of saints, as it witnesses of Christ's manifestation in the saints; which also presently judges unbelievers (John 3:18).

God's blessings to you!

[Ezra]

53 minutes ago, other one said:

Not only did he know Adam would disobey, he intended for Adam to disobey

Now we are going to the other extreme. God "intended" no such thing.  Adam could have freely chosen to obey, and also forbidden Eve from having any unauthorized "dialogue" with the Devil.  God's foreknowledge should not be confused with Him "intending" to have any person sin. All men and angels have free will, and freely choose to disobey or obey. But God never intends disobedience, since that is contrary to His nature and character.

[other one]

32 minutes ago, Ezra said:

Now we are going to the other extreme. God "intended" no such thing.  Adam could have freely chosen to obey, and also forbidden Eve from having any unauthorized "dialogue" with the Devil.  God's foreknowledge should not be confused with Him "intending" to have any person sin. All men and angels have free will, and freely choose to disobey or obey. But God never intends disobedience, since that is contrary to His nature and character.

when you look at the whole picture, how can you say that I am wrong....  and notice I did not say that God made Adam sin....     but....    I will ask the question I have asked here for `12' years....   when did God decide for the Saints to judge the angels as Paul tell us that we will.   Was it an after thought from the Fall in the Garden.....   or before.

[hmbld]

2 hours ago, other one said:

when you look at the whole picture, how can you say that I am wrong....  and notice I did not say that God made Adam sin....     but....    I will ask the question I have asked here for `12' years....   when did God decide for the Saints to judge the angels as Paul tell us that we will.   Was it an after thought from the Fall in the Garden.....   or before.

Since God has always known the beginning to the end, I doubt He has an after thought?