The Preparation. Dr. Leon L. Sanders

The Preparation Dr. Leon L. Sanders

This is NOT a different creation nor does it contradict the creation account in Chapter One

This is NOT a different creation nor does it contradict the creation account in Chapter One This is the period of preparation so this creation account is told from a conceptually different point of view bringing us to the consummation This can be understood as a transition preparing the reader to better understand the events in the consumation (Chapter Three)

God taking care of the ground

God taking care of the ground Preparing it for the coming of plants

God taking care of the ground Preparing it for the coming of plants Raising a mist from the ground This is not dew or rain which comes from the atmosphere It specifically comes from beneath the land This may denote a high water table This word (א ד) is found only twice in the Old Testament

( אד ם) God creates Man

( אד ם) God creates Man (א ד מ ה) He formed man from the ground Man is no different from an animal at this point

( אד ם) God creates Man (א ד מ ה) He formed man from the ground Man is no different from an animal at this point He breathed into man a soul (נ פ שׁ) in His image Man became different from all other life Eternally alive Moral nature Two-tiered creation required two-tired salvation

( אד ם) God creates Man (א ד מ ה) He formed man from the ground Man is no different from an animal at this point He breathed into man a soul (נ פ שׁ) in His image Man became different from all other life Eternally existent Moral nature Two-tiered creation required two-tired salvation God created Man last Highest order of ever increasing complexity of life Man could immediately partner with God

God planted a Garden in Eden God placed the best of the best plants here

God planted a Garden in Eden God placed the best of the best plants here God placed two special trees in this garden Tree of Life (Re 22:2) Tree of Knowledge of Good and Evil (He 5:14)

God planted a Garden in Eden God placed the best of the best plants here God placed two special trees in this garden Tree of Life (Re 22:2) Tree of Knowledge of Good and Evil (He 5:14) These trees are interdependent * Understanding God s wisdom (knowledge of good and evil) is a tree of life to those who follow (Pr 3:13-18)

Man participates with God in bringing order to disorder

Man participates with God in bringing order to disorder Man names the animals

Man participates with God in bringing order to disorder Man names the animals Familiarizes man with God s creation Animals of the air Animals on the land

Man participates with God in bringing order to disorder Man names the animals Familiarizes man with God s creation Animals of the air Animals on the land The assumption is that animals were created in pairs to reproduce after their kind *

Man s Rib Interdependent helper/supporter Not from Head to be superior Not from Foot to be inferior

Man s Rib Interdependent helper/supporter Not from Head to be superior Not from Foot to be inferior Man (א ישׁ) and Woman ה) (א שּׁ are one creation No question that there is only one race No question that there needs be only one Savior Two come together as one body Mirrors the Trinity Different people, one entity Represented in physical union, goal of spiritual union

(ע ר ום) Man and Woman were naked

(ע ר ום) Man and Woman were naked At first blush this means no clothes

(ע ר ום) Man and Woman were naked At first blush this means no clothes I posit that this also means that clothes were unnecessary * No sin No death No need for reproduction Clothes principally cover the organs of reproduction and elimination Man and Woman were not uncovered * Just as Moses face shone when he talked with God (Ex 34:29)

"A dispensation is a distinguishable economy in the outworking of God's purpose." -Ryrie, Charles C., Dispensationalism (Chicago: Moody Press, 1995), 115

"A dispensation is a distinguishable economy in the outworking of God's purpose." -Ryrie, Charles C., Dispensationalism (Chicago: Moody Press, 1995), 115 "A dispensation can be defined as a stage in the progressive revelation of God constituting a distinctive stewardship or rule of life." -Chafer, Lewis Sperry, Major Bible Themes (Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 1974), 126

The term "dispensation" (οἰκονομία) appears 4 times in the King James Bible, in 1Co. 9:17, Eph. 1:10, Eph. 3:2, and Col. 1:25

The term "dispensation" (οἰκονομία) appears 4 times in the King James Bible, in 1Co. 9:17, Eph. 1:10, Eph. 3:2, and Col. 1:25 In dispensationalism, a dispensation refers to a way in which God deals with mankind over a period of time. There are generally said to be 7 dispensations

1. Innocence (Genesis) 2. Conscience (Genesis) 3. Government (Genesis) 4. Promise (Genesis) {I am not convinced this meets the criteria as a dispensation} * 5. Law (Exodus to John) 6. Grace (Acts to Rapture Mainly Church Age) 7. Millennium Kingdom (Future, See Old Testament and New Testament Scriptures)

Each one of these dispensations is said to represent a different way in which God deals with man, specifically a different testing for man. "These periods are marked off in Scripture by some change in God's method of dealing with mankind, in respect to two questions: of sin, and of man's responsibility," explained C. I. Scofield. "Each of the dispensations may be regarded as a new test of the natural man, and each ends in judgment - marking his utter failure in every dispensation."

I agree with this definition in that: Each test does show the failure of the flesh Each test does illuminate the grace of God Each test does advance God s plan of salvation

I agree with this definition in that: Each test does show the failure of the flesh Each test does illuminate the grace of God Each test does advance God s plan of salvation However, I also believe that each dispensation also removes an objection Satan, to include demons, and each person will raise during their judgment showing that each person is condemned by their own conscience * (Ro 2:12-16; Re 20:11-15)

Sin to be Controlled by: 1. Flesh without Sin Excuse Removed: Failure

Sin to be Controlled by: 1. Flesh without Sin 2. Free Will Excuse Removed: Failure Failure

Sin to be Controlled by: 1. Flesh without Sin 2. Free Will 3. Society Excuse Removed: Failure Failure Failure

Sin to be Controlled by: 1. Flesh without Sin 2. Free Will 3. Society 4. Promise Excuse Removed: Failure Failure Failure Not a dispensation

Sin to be Controlled by: 1. Flesh without Sin 2. Free Will 3. Society 4. Promise 5. Law Excuse Removed: Failure Failure Failure Not a dispensation Failure

Sin to be Controlled by: 1. Flesh without Sin 2. Free Will 3. Society 4. Promise 5. Law 6. Grace Excuse Removed: Failure Failure Failure Not a dispensation Failure Failure

Sin to be Controlled by: 1. Flesh without Sin 2. Free Will 3. Society 4. Promise 5. Law 6. Grace 7. Jesus Direct Presence Excuse Removed: Failure Failure Failure Not a dispensation Failure Failure Failure Everyone stands condemned as guilty: Those who judge themselves now receive salvation and eternity with God Those who condemn themselves later receive eternal death apart from God, as they wish

In the Middle of Chapter Two is the commandment Gives it the place of importance All creation has led up to this crucial emphasis All that follows impacts upon obedience to this commandment

In the Middle of Chapter Two is the commandment Gives it the place of importance All creation has led up to this crucial emphasis All that follows impacts upon obedience to this commandment I believe the Tree of Knowledge could have been any tree as Knowledge of Good and Evil * Predicated upon obedience or disobedience The emphasis in not on a tree but on the decision

16 And the Lord God commanded the man, saying, "You may surely eat of every tree of the garden, 17 but of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil you shall not eat, for in the day that you eat of it you shall surely die. 16 ו י צ ו י הו ה א לה ים ע ל ה אד ם ל אמ ר מ כּ ל ע ץ ה גּ ן אכ ל תּ אכ ל 17 וּמ ע ץ ה דּ ע ת ט וב ו ר ע ל א ת אכ ל מ מּ נּוּ כּ י בּ י ום א כ ל ך מ מּ נּוּ מ ות תּ מ וּת

Hebrew, verb, qal, infinitive absolute :מות You will die You will remain dead

Hebrew, verb, qal, infinitive absolute :מות You will die You will remain dead person, Hebrew, verb, qal, imperfect, 2nd :תּ מ וּת masculine, singular Present tense You are dying This is a process that ends in death Could read: in the day that you eat of it you shall be in the process of dying (physical) until you are dead (physical mirrors spiritual death).

The two stages of death Soul died immediately (Ep 2:1-10) Body began the process of dying until dead (Ge 50:26)

The two stages of death Soul died immediately (Ep 2:1-10) Body began the process of dying until dead (Ge 50:26) The two stages of salvation Soul New nature is a maturation process that begins at salvation (Ro 6:6; Ep 4:22) Body New body occurs immediately sometime in the future (Ro 8:23; 1 Co 15:51-57; 1 Th 4:15-17)

First Dispensation Obedience = Continued relationship with God

First Dispensation Obedience = Continued relationship with God Disobedience = Immediate spiritual/soul death; i.e., separation from God Eventual physical death

First Dispensation Obedience = Continued relationship with God Disobedience = Immediate spiritual/soul death; i.e., separation from God Eventual physical death Man will have a clear choice As yet he has no sin nature to cloud his understanding It becomes a choice between relationships Now God creates woman from man Man has relationship with God (Spiritual, hetero * ) Man has relationship with woman (Fleshly, homo * )

We must grow experientially into His nature (He 5:14) We must grow (mature) into His grace through the Hagiazo Process We must practice to walk not in the flesh but in His Spirit (Ga 5:16) We must learn to discern good and evil This cannot be created it must be learned * Angels were created and in His presence Failure Angels do not have His nature (He 1:13-14)

Religions look to spend eternity in this flesh Man rejects Christ because man looks to a kingdom in this present creation (Jo 11:49-53; 18:12-14) They have no conception of eternity in the coming creation (He 11:13-16) that no flesh should glory in His presence. (1 Co 1:29) God never intended for this flesh to enter eternity * This life is intended to develop His nature in us * Womb development (This life) Birth {Death} (Next life)

Separation between the bodies of this and next creation is exemplified by: Sun and Moon Objects in space and earth

Separation between the bodies of this and next creation is exemplified by: Sun and Moon Objects in space and earth Even the flesh (σάρξ) of man is unique (Reverse order of creation) Men Animals Birds Fish

This creation sarz Perishable Dishonor Weakness Natural, Earthly Living soul Image of God No indwelling Spirit Capable of spiritual death Loss of relationship with God New Creation soma Imperishable Glory Power Spiritual, Heavenly Life-giving spirit Completed image of God Indwelling Spirit Not capable of spiritual death Permanent relationship with God

This has always been God s plan for man (Omniscient) (Ep 1:7-14)

This has always been God s plan for man (Omniscient) (Ep 1:7-14) This dispensation is the first step

This has always been God s plan for man (Omniscient) (Ep 1:7-14) This dispensation is the first step Satan is an active agent (Jb 1-2) He acts consistent with his sinful nature He seeks his goals He is against God Man Why?

Seal of God s standard or plan for the angels Full of God s wisdom Complete as a reflection of God s glory As if covered with flawless precious stones Engravings of gold

Seal of God s standard or plan for the angels Full of God s wisdom Complete as a reflection of God s glory As if covered with flawless precious stones Engravings of gold He was in Eden {Heaven}, the garden of God Guardian Cherub The Intercessor between God and all else (Ez 1:4-14; 10:9-14; Rev 4:6b-8) Jealous because Jesus is THE intercessor (1 Ti 2:5-6)

Why was unrighteousness found in Satan?

Why was unrighteousness found in Satan? Could it be that God revealed to Satan why he was created and what He was going to create {man}? * Satan was created to minister to us (He 1:14) Though lower than angels now, we are to be above them as sons of God (1 Co 6:3; He 2:5-8 [Ps 8:4-6]) Satan, the pinnacle of angelic creation, could not agree with God s plan of not being the pinnacle of all creation (Pride)

Because of the magnitude of his plan (merchandise) כ לּ ה) (ר against God (Ez 28:16)

Because of the magnitude of his plan (merchandise) כ לּ ה) (ר against God (Ez 28:16) He would show God that man was unworthy * He willingly takes on the role of protagonist Skillful but violent and dishonest {from the beginning of his rebellion} (Jo 8:44) He corrupted the wisdom that God gave him because of his pride based on his (Ez 28:17) Position (Number One) Splendor (Not his but a reflection of God s glory)

He was cast down from his position

He was cast down from his position God cast him to the earth (Ez 28:17-18)

He was cast down from his position God cast him to the earth (Ez 28:17-18) He is now unholy, sinful, and cannot stay in Heaven He voluntarily profaned his relationship with God His iniquities multiplied in number (He didn t learn from his error [How like us])

His lot {destiny} is now in Sheol (Hell), the pit (abyss), Lake of Fire (Is 14:15; Mt 25:41; Re 20:1-3, 10)

His lot {destiny} is now in Sheol (Hell), the pit (abyss), Lake of Fire (Is 14:15; Mt 25:41; Re 20:1-3, 10) Satan s lusts consumed him (Is 9:18; Ez 28:18; Ho 7:6; Ro 1:24, 26, 28-32)

His lot {destiny} is now in Sheol (Hell), the pit (abyss), Lake of Fire (Is 14:15; Mt 25:41; Re 20:1-3, 10) Satan s lusts consumed him (Is 9:18; Ez 28:18; Ho 7:6; Ro 1:24, 26, 28-32) God is a consuming fire toward sin and this present creation (Ex 24:16-17; De 32:22; He 12:28-29; 2 Pe 3:10-13) Those who follow Satan will share in his fate Antichrist and False Prophet (Living examples) (Re 19:20)

We have shown that evil existed from the beginning of this creation and will continue throughout the existence of this current creation

We have shown that evil existed from the beginning of this creation and will continue throughout the existence of this current creation To deny the existence of evil is to deny the truth of the Bible

We have shown that evil existed from the beginning of this creation and will continue throughout the existence of this current creation To deny the existence of evil is to deny the truth of the Bible Philosophy exists mainly to answer this issue apart from God

Evil exists Undeniable Natural evil (Jb 1:16, 18-19) Moral evil (Ge 3:4-7; Ro 3:10-17) Supernatural evil (Re 12:4) Eternal evil (Re 20:11-15; 21:8) Evil originated in Heaven (Satan) (Is 14:12-17; Ez 28:11-19)

God wills (allows) evil to exist Only alternative possible with God s attributes (Is 45:5-9; Ro 9:19-24) Omniscient All knowing (Is 46:9-10; Da 2:20-22) Omnipotent All powerful (Je 32:27; Mk 10:27) Omnipresent Everywhere simultaneously (Ps 139:7-12) Immutable Never changing (Ps 102:25-27; Ma 3:6)

Purpose of evil (Ro 3:5-8) Shows us the true depths of God s Mercy Compassion Forgiveness Love Tool used of God to develop us into His New Creations

Purpose of evil (Ro 3:5-8) Shows us the true depths of God s Mercy Compassion Forgiveness Love Tool used of God to develop us into His New Creations Without evil, good would not be revealed as good Blackness of sin is not understood until Light appears Depth of Righteousness is not appreciated until unrighteousness is experienced, AND freely forgiven

Hagiozo Process Tool God uses to mature us