Lesson 2 December 14, 2003

Review:

 

 

I. All Doctrines of Scripture relate to the Essence of God. This is concluded from an understanding the Essence and Character of God plus other clear Doctrines of Scripture and seeking answers to the question, "Why are we here?"

J. Man's exact role involved in the Angelic Conflict has not been satisfactorily answered.

K. It is important to know this doctrine, if we are to fully understand and appreciate our relationship to God, the uniqueness of Jesus Christ, and our role in human history.

L. To understand the "How," we must fully comprehend some other factors such as:

1.  Who is involved? (God, angels, Jesus Christ and man)

2.  What happened at the Fall of Satan?? (This is the biggest question to answer; concerning the trial of Satan, it is the missing piece of the puzzle)

3. When did it happen, as per chronological relationship? (sequence)

4.  How long will the Conflict last? (are there any clues?)

5.  Where does the Conflict take place? (Heaven and earth)

6.  Why is there a Conflict? Why is man involved?

7.  What Ground Rules are there for the Conflict?

M. Problems with conventional views:

1. The Conflict is resolved numerically. (only part of the picture)

a.  Since one-third of the angels chose with Satan (Rev 12:4), it should have been over at that point.

b.  Some Evangelicals think and teach that when we get everyone on earth saved at one time, Christ will return and end it. [does not line up with Scripture any where]

2. Some think that it is based solely on power, that God will finally overcome Satan. (Outgrowth of Yin/Yang philosophy)

3. Some say that it is based solely on volition.

a. If they relate it to numbers concerning man, God lost, because the majority of mankind will not be saved.

There are 3 significant points in history where this was not true.

#1 With Adam and Eve.

#2 With Noah and his family after the flood

#3 With those who enter the Millennial reign of Christ after His return, all believers.

b. If they relate it to Adam, God also lost. (choose to eat in violation of the command)

4. Some say that it's based solely on obedience to the Word of God - which goes back to numbers. (Who, How many, To what degree)

5. Some say that the Conflict would have been over if Adam had eaten from the Tree of Lives.

N. The solution will be found by systematically analyzing and interrelating many Doctrines and applying them.

 

Genesis Chapter 1:1-2

  • Introduction and background to Genesis the Book of Beginnings (reflected by its title)

1. The name Genesis is derived from the title of the LXX    genesij

2. The Hebrew title is tyviarEB.

3. Significant Origins or beginnings found in Genesis:

a. Universe

 

b. Origin of order - complexity

c. Origin of the atmosphere and hydrosphere

d. Origin of plant and animal life

e. Origin of man

f. Origin of marriage - DI#2

g. Origin of sin in mankind at the fall

h. Origin of law for orderly relationships among people

i. Origin of nations - groups based on a common culture

j. Origin of religion - both true and false

k. Origin of a chosen people - Israel