2001-08-18 - The Unfolding of the Divine Plan

Messiah: His Final Call to Israel Part 39

When God created Adam and Eve, He placed them in the garden of Eden, an ideal spot for them considered from every angle. Satan who is the enemy of God and all that is good, plotted man's downfall. The Lord Jesus Christ, to His enemies who were attacking Him, laid bare Satan's innermost heart: "Ye are of your father the devil, and the lusts of your father it is your will to do. He was a murderer from the beginning, and standeth not in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he speaketh a lie, he speaketh of his own: for he is a liar, and the father thereof. " (John 8:44)

In accordance with a well-laid plot to accomplish the downfall of the human race, Satan approached man by sending the serpent, who was more subtle than any beast of the field, and who planted in Eve's mind doubt concerning God's goodness to her. The misgivings and suspicions planted in the heart of Eve caused her to put a wrong construction on the words and actions of God, to add to his words, and finally to disobey Him.

On this occasion, did Satan influence the serpent, a mere animal, using him, or did he himself assume the form of a serpent? That at times he does change his appearance is certain from the language of the Apostle Paul. At Corinth certain false teachers posed as apostles of Christ. Concerning these impostors the inspired Apostle declares: "For such men are false apostles, deceitful workers, fashioning themselves into apostles of Christ. And no marvel; for even Satan fashioneth himself into an angel of light." (II Cor. 11:14,15)

The apostle John in Revelation 20:2 speaks of Satan on this wise; "And he laid hold on the dragon, the old serpent, which is the Devil and Satan, and bound him for a thousand years." The dragon, to which the reference is made in the Book of Revelation, is a symbol of Satan, whom John called the old serpent the Devil. The language can mean that Satan assumed the form of the serpent. Obviously the serpent of this passage is the serpent of Genesis 3:1. In view of all the facts one cannot be dogmatic as to which one of these positions is correct. In the downfall of the human race, Satan was successful in accomplishing his purpose.

Next week we will discuss Two Basic Prophecies

Until then Pray for the Peace of Jerusalem

In His Service,
Rick & Sandy

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