Believe!

Looking back; certainly, God knew that man would sin, in wondering why, it might be fair to speculate that “the fall” sets up a relationship where man always comes to God by choice.  Our spiritual fulfillment is not then, by decree, but always by our own desire. I do not think that God would have it any other way. We no longer represent a ready-made instance of a “Divine companion”, but rather, one who becomes intimate with God through his own choice alone.

Before we look at more of the old testament, let us look for a moment at what changed for God, when man sinned. We know that man lost his innocence and purity and with that, God lost intimacy with His creation (God’s Holiness is completely incompatible with sin, in this case man’s disobedience). As a result, a plan was needed to execute a rescue; to bring man back to God. Understanding that plan is central to an understanding of Christianity, just as it is key to living the Christian life. The central character of God’s rescue mission is his Son Jesus Christ, after whom Christians and Christianity are named.

As we look briefly at the remainder of the old testament, we’re going to find signs of that impending rescue; that is, signs that point to Jesus.  Note this now; Jesus will create a “free will” path that man can follow, to once again experience closeness with God … a plan that is vital to the long term well-being of man’s eternal component, his soul.

Touch number 12 below to continue…