The Origin Of Evil - Part 3 (Eden)

By the same misrepresentation of the character of God as he had practiced in heaven, causing Him to be regarded as severe and tyrannical, Satan induced man to sin. And having succeeded thus far, he declared that God's unjust restrictions had led to man's fall, as they had led to his own rebellion.* 1

No longer free to stir up rebellion in heaven, Satan's enmity against God found a new field in plotting the ruin of the human race.* 2

After God's creation, Adam and Eve had the opportunity to live in paradise for all eternity. They lived in perfect harmony with God and had unlimited access to the tree of life.

Satan had been cast out the heaven in order to expose his deceit to the universe and to vindicate the character of God. As part of this plan God placed the tree of knowledge of good and evil in the Garden of Eden.

The tree of knowledge had been made a test of their obedience and their love to God. The Lord had seen fit to lay upon them but one prohibition as to the use of all that was in the garden; but if they should disregard His will in this particular, they would incur the guilt of transgression. Satan was not to follow them with continual temptations; he could have access to them only at the forbidden tree. Should they attempt to investigate its nature, they would be exposed to his wiles.* 2

The Lord, together with the angels, instructed Adam and Eve to stay away from this tree. They had more than enough to live happily in the Garden forever. We are able to see how great God's love is because within this plan Satan could only deceive them if they approached the tree.

Sin is initially very attractive. Satan does not present the things of this world as something unpleasant. Everything is made to capture the attention of adults, of youth and even of children. It is only after we have committed sin that its horrible consequences come to light.

The fruit was very beautiful, and she questioned with herself why God had withheld it from them. Now was the tempter's opportunity. As if he were able to discern the workings of her mind, he addressed her: "Yea, hath God said, Ye shall not eat of every tree of the garden?" (See Genesis 3). * 2

With cunning cleverness, the serpent induced Eve to approach the tree and discuss the only thing God had prohibited them from doing. We cannot play with sin, and at no time can we interact with Satan. Eve thought the same thing that we all think when faced with the enemy.

On perceiving that she was alone, she felt an apprehension of danger, but dismissed her fears, deciding that she had sufficient wisdom and strength to discern evil and to withstand it.*2

Once Satan determined the possible thoughts that were going through Eve’s head, he began his plan of deceit.

Eve was surprised and startled as she thus seemed to hear the echo of her thoughts.* 2

Can it be that Satan can read our thoughts? No but he is very intelligent and uses his skills to deduce what you are thinking. If you were at a party watching people dance and I asked you if you find it pleasing to dance, could I read your mind? No, not really but because of where you are and what you are watching, it is not difficult to assume what your thoughts are.

Perhaps this is a very simple example, but Satan and his angels are watching everything we do. He knows our weaknesses; he observes the things we spend most of our time on. If we are constantly in his territory, he can easily determine the thoughts that cross our mind and can lead us to sin.

That is what happened to Eve and that is what happens to us when we sin. We forget God's instructions; we forget that God is watching us. We venture into Satan's territory where the angels of God have no choice but to leave. Without God’s protection, the enemy can easily induce us to commit sin.

Worse of all, the second time becomes easier and the third time even easier and finally we commit sin so naturally that we no longer know what is good and what is bad.

Since Eden, we find the deception that has continued until this day. Such deception will only get worse in the last days. We find the origin of spiritualism in the words of the serpent:

“You will not surely die. For God knows that in the day you eat of it your eyes will be opened, and you will be like God, knowing good and evil.* 3

What terrible consequences these words brought to the holy couple and to all of humanity. Later we will see all of the aspects that this little phrase included and the consequences of Adam and Eve’s transgression as we continue to analyze the origin of evil. But, I can safely say that despite all of this, the love of God has always manifested, and the opportunity to salvation is still available, all though it won't be available for long.

JESUS IS COMING, AMEN, YES, COME LORD JESUS!

1 * The Great Controversy, “The Origin of Evil", Ellen White
2 * Patriarchs and Prophets, "The Temptation and Fall", Ellen White
3 * Genesis 3:4, 5