The Creation Story and Science

The creation story has been the basis for all kinds of disputes, differences, divisions, and confusion. I guess this is because so much of it is unproveable, and we all hold dearly to our own understanding on this subject. The only way to approach this topic constructively is in openness and respect. We need to accept that:

1. Genesis is not a science textbook.
2. Science cannot prove or explain matters of faith
3. Both the adherents of science, and followers of the faith path are on a journey of discovery
4. Both groups have something to learn from the other
5. God is active in both groups - revealing His truth (though so is the enemy)
6. Our view of Genesis is inescapably influenced by both the faith and science positions

One of the major disputes/difficulties is that which concerns time scales. The creation is seemingly either billions of years old OR it is claimed to be merely thousands of years old - and there seems to be no reconciliation possible between the two positions. Well here is a link that suggests that time is a matter of 'perspective' and that the earth could be both young and old at the same time. Puzzled? So was I! However as I had not encountered this view before I decided to explore. The viewpoint is different but possible, so I place it here for your consideration:

None of us knows for sure the complete picture, and all of us may hold a small part of truth. Humility is something we should all seek in the realm of knowledge. I support the idea of an old universe, but can see the view that the perspective may be masking the facts. I can only work with what I know and what seems practicable, so I have chosen to accept 'age' as a facet of my perspective of scientific understanding of this topic, and include this aspect of understanding in my research of the faith aspect. Below is a chart that shows the history of creation in aeons of time and shows how the history developed from the Big Bang of the initial creation through to Genesis chapter 1 verse 2, and then on to Genesis chapters 2 and 3. It shows how angels were trained in their understanding of the universe and how they were involved in its governance from the earliest times. To fully appreciate the chart please read the complete article so that the points made can be clearly grasped in their real context.

The Creation Story - Particular Information

Before looking at the Biblical story of creation we need to be sure in our minds of certain factors:

• That it is a true history of the beginning of all things
• That we have an open mind for the Word of God
• That we come with no preconceived ideas
• That the scientific community and mankind in general are not abandoned to ignorance by God, and that God reveals truth about Himself through creation to anyone who seeks understanding - therefore their knowledge has some relevance.
• That knowledge through creation alone is not complete and on its own it may leave huge holes in our comprehension of God and His universe.
• That scientists and religious people can both be equally in error about anything

In modern theological criticism Genesis chapters 1 and 2 are often cited as two different and conflicting accounts of creation by two different authors. This weakens the authority and integrity of the bible, and introduces division into the minds of readers. In fact these two chapters are actually written by the same author - Jesus himself verified this - and there is actually no conflict in their information.

Genesis chapter 1 describes creation in majestic manner, and talks about the awesome overview of the whole creation episode - and the methodology of God. Genesis chapter 2 skips over all of this and condenses all of days 1 to 5 into a very short statement found in Gen 2:4-6. The writer instead focuses our attention very precisely as he moves us straight to the events of day 6, and zooms in on the more detailed account of the events surrounding the creation of man (including the events immediately afterward). We will work through all of these facts in this study.

Now before we move on, we also have to grasp some other small but subtly important factors that can dramatically change how you view the creation story as a whole:

1. Perspectives are important! It is essential to grasp that the creation story is written FOR mankind and describes what THEY can see. It deliberately avoids other areas which are not perceivable to mankind. This includes 'peeks' into the higher invisible realms.
2. In Gen 1:1 (AV) the translators render the word for 'heaven' in the singular form, and this is for good reason. They are describing the creation of the visible Universe and our solar system that contains the planet earth - and there is only one heaven visible at this time. They are far more consistent and accurate here than 'modern translators' that often use the plural form in this verse. Although the use of singular or plural here is not of huge significance (for there was also the created invisible heaven to consider) they carry this inconsistency of translation on into the Exodus accounts of creation in chapters 20 and 31. Many popular modern versions use the plural form - 'heavens' -  in the Exodus passage and they are VERY wrong to do so in this case. In Genesis 1:1, as we have said, the creation of the Universe is described but later - from Genesis chapter one verse 3 - we see the six days of creation in which the atmosphere is formed and called 'heaven' (singular) by God. In the Exodus accounts the focus is not on the Gen1:1 heaven, but on the account of the 6 days from Gen 1:3 onwards - it actually clearly states this in the account in Exodus. During this 6 day period God made the atmospheric area in the earth's creation and this is correctly referred to as 'heaven' singular in both Genesis and Exodus in the AV, whereas the plural form is used in modern versions as we have said. The importance of these choices is made clear as we go through the events of creation and can greatly help us in our understanding of what is described. The complexity of creation demands that consistency is maintained because failure in this respect causes confusion. This confusion and disagreement is the sad truth of today's situation. These factors also make us wary of the quality of modern translation efforts.......
3. The word translated as 'Good' in Genesis chapter 1 does not necessarily mean that it is referring to 'moral good'. Many people confuse the ideas of moral good and good in the sense of suitability for purpose. This confusion of ideas leads to a misunderstanding about creation. The meaning in Gen 1 is that everything was suitable for purpose, and has no bearing on 'good' or 'bad' events occurring. Understanding this means that we can easily understand creation in a way that actually follows the geological record, allowing for death of animals and fossil formation, without reference to sin or morality. Actually in Genesis the first use of 'good' in a moral sense could not occur until after man was created - for he was the first moral creature within the material creation. Animals do not have an immortal soul and do not have the ability to make choices based on morality as do humans. When mankind was created I believe a change occurred in creation to reflect the uniqueness and glory of God's new creation. Even the animals entered a new relationship, having a new leader/ruler in the arrival of mankind. I do not however believe that animals had not died previously. I believe that death and life were a part of the process/journey that creation underwent as it was built from the bottom up.
4. There is no actual proof that the flood was the only event that created all the fossils on earth. In fact it would truly have to be a miracle if it did so. The complexity of the fossil strata actually excludes the cause being 'one event'. No biblical text shows this to be exclusively the case, and no geological study shows this to be true either. It is surely one way to understand our past history that is claimed and held to by some biblical teachers - but it is not the only way.

Anyway let us now look at this subject in detail - it has been of immense importance to me in my walk with the Lord for it is the foundation of so many truths in the scripture.

The Creation Story - Part One

In the beginning.....

Way back before Genesis One verse one there was nothing in existence that we know now. No matter, no planets, no universe. This is what the bible calls eternity. In eternity God alone existed, and He decided to create all that we now see and know. God chose the exact way in which He would create time and space, and then proceeded to do so. That first action to create was what issued in the beginning of time, and the beginning of space as a dimension for life.

All of this is summarised in the words of scripture that say in Genesis 1:1...

"In the beginning God created....."

In the beginning God created all things by His Word of power and nothing existed prior to this - except God Himself. The creation that we see around us is actually the outside and visible part of a very complex arrangement, much of which is hidden from the view of our physical eyes. God started from the inside first (much like a potter fashions the pot and then decorates the outer layer), and created the invisible realm of heaven, the hosts of Angels, and then added the outer layer of the visible creation (Job38:4-7). So in Gen1:1 when it refers to "..the heaven and the earth.." the Word is referring to the creation of the awesome universe in which our planet sits within its solar system - the view/perspective is of someone who is standing as an observer seeing the Universe form around them.

Science now claims that it can 'look back' at the moment of physical creation and 'see' the big bang of power released when God created. They do not understand it that way, and prefer to suggest a different idea to explain the big bang that is connected with evolution. That does not mean it is not true! The Big Bang theory is actually largely substantiated and supported by other data - it is just the viewpoint of the cause that differs.

Now from the very beginning God organised and involved His angels in the government and management of the spiritual heavens, and also the physical cosmos/universe. Angels were given various responsibilities and management tasks according to Gods purposes - this was their original estate. They learned how the creation worked, and how its resources were managed. The maintenance of the physical universe according to God's plans and purposes was to be their 'work' when not in the actual presence of God in the spiritual heaven.

This world was therefore submitted to the care of angels, but their role was going to have a particular focus, which was not revealed to them fully at the beginning. Hence in the book of Revelation at the end of this age we see such a massive involvement of angels in the affairs of men and the creation. Similar things to these are always happening, and these things are a snapshot into what is actually happening all around us now!

So it was then, the universe was guided and managed by God and His angels over long periods until the Solar System was formed, and finally earth was formed but was as yet unsuitable for life. The angels 'learned' their jobs during this period and grew in wisdom about the creation and how it works. Now the angels can only manage and affect the resources that God makes, and it is at this point that we see the Spirit of God moving on the unformed and uninhabitable planet - for unless He does something creative and modifies the laws that govern the environment of this planet, the angels can do no more. Only God can order the universe and create new forms of life!

The perspective of the narrator of the story now moves to that of a person who is standing where the Spirit of God is hovering - on the surface of planet earth just above the waters looking out over the whole of creation. We can now see all that God does to the earth as a panoramic picture forming all around us (the Hebrew mind wrote in pictures).

This is a real moment in time which God has chosen, and He then speaks forth six Divine 'Fiats' or commands of power - one on each literal 24 hour day of time - and we see through God's eyes the results of the commands forming all around us (although the completion of all the commands took place over the period of the earth's geological history). Each command contains within itself all of the ‘idea’ in Gods mind, and all of the power needed to bring it to pass. Hence with each command began a 'journey' for the earth through all the geological ages, and this was the time that God built the creation from the bottom up to be the complex entity we now see and are a part of. God created, and the angels managed, the changing resources of the earth - and earth progressed toward the special destiny God had planned all along.

Have a look at this link to see a representation of what you are reading and compare the days of creation and the geological timescale:

(Diagram)

Let's look at each of the 24-hour periods - each day - and see what was actually said:

Day one - The universe has been fashioned by God and the local solar system has been formed in basic shape. The basic materials of the sun have now been compressed by God and reached critical mass for ignition. God completes the process of formation that is contained within the words "Let there be light..". The controlled ignition of the sun is achieved by God and light is showered on our previously dark solar system. The gaseous cloud that envelopes the earth and brought the statement that "..darkness was upon the face of the deep.." starts to thin as the core begins to solidify more. Elements combine to form other compounds, and God begins to create the right conditions for the life forms He has designed. The light from the newly ignited sun begins to penetrate through the darkness and God regulates the movement of the earth so that there is seen a cycle of hazy light and darkness - day and night - the earth is actually rotating at just the right speed ordained by God, and this is now perceivable for the first time.

Day two - the separation of elements continues and an atmosphere begins to form. This is a very thick atmosphere but the cycles for life are started (such as evaporation/condensation/precipitation). The 'Heaven' of the six-day creation is formed here but is not yet in its final state.

Day three - The waters, gases and minerals are now all separated into their relative 'bits' and the earth can now be populated. Plant life is now introduced help filter the atmosphere, and to form the basis of animal food. Early geological records show a growth of plant life came before animals. The word 'grass' actually means 'greenness' and the earliest plants were actually moulds, followed by plants, and then trees. This is actually seen in the type of plants mentioned in Genesis - there is a progression. The reason for the order is that each type of plant needs the earlier type to build the environment it needs to live.

God made creation interconnecting - all of it needs all of it! Each level of development was created by God but once made it was managed by angels following the Word of the Lord.

Day four - As the plants multiplied they filtered the atmosphere building the cleaner atmosphere needed by the plant life that was to be introduced in time. The cloudy soup cleared and the view was amazing. Sun, moon, and stars appeared in the sky and regulated seasons began to indicate how life ran on earth. Our understanding of the development of plant life on earth says that the early types of plant life were found to be dependent on a steamy and rather opaque atmosphere for their successful growth - much like that which existed prior to the clouds thinning. More complex plant forms were less reliant on these conditions, and in fact needed more sunlight. Now we see how the earlier made way for the later forms. Funny how Gods word lines up with true science - even long age science!

Day five - The most telling truths are found here on this day. All of a sudden in the Cambrian rock strata there appear from nowhere a huge amount of fish and marine animal fossils. Nothing like this occurred prior to this age. No fossils are present. There is no evolutionary development seen - just a sudden 'appearance'; but this 'appearance' of animal life occurs far after appearance of the first plants. Another factor that has actually led to the confusion seen in the evolution camp is this - both fish and birds came from the 'waters':

(And God said, let the waters bring forth abundantly the moving creature that hath life, and fowl that may fly above the earth in the open firmament of heaven. And God created great whales, and every living creature that moveth, which the waters brought forth abundantly, after their kind, and every winged fowl after his kind: and God saw that it was good. And God blessed them, saying, Be fruitful, and multiply, and fill the waters in the seas, and let fowl multiply in the earth. And the evening and the morning were the fifth day. (Gen 1:20-23)

The apparent similarities and possible links of these two kinds of creatures seen by scientists has led them to believe all life came from the sea, and that there must be links to show this. Some birds also live in the sea (Penguins) and some fish are known to be able to spend small amounts of time out of water. These 'oddities' have caused the scientists to consider that birds evolved from fish. This is a misconception and actually the word of God states very clearly how He did this, and refutes the errors of evolution. Birds and fish were the ONLY creatures to come from the sea, and their body style is similar because they both inhabit 'spatial' territory most of the time (i.e. water and air). Birds, however, also utilise land and therefore have feet.

Day six - Actually the next on scene in the geological record are the same as in Genesis - the land animals. Into the lush growth of plant life God now gradually introduced animals of every kind to live on the land. God introduced the next interconnected layer of life into the complex creation.

Up to this point all of Genesis and geology actually agree broadly. The differences and sticking points seem to be around issues with dinosaurs, and ferns, and insects. Geologically all of these types seem to have 'dominated' a cycle of time and been the main focus for a while - some form of them were in 'dominion' over the earth and 'controlled' what went on for a while. This is clearly seen in the fossil record. The fossils also record sudden and often very abrupt 'change' where whole species vanished without trace almost overnight. Fossils show us past life but we must not forget either that fossils = death.

So how can all these facts be? Well let's not forget that the managers of earth at this time were angels, and all of the cycles of the creation were being built together slowly and gradually. The Angels were learning and growing, and managed the environment to move creation to the next phase of God's plan. So we see certain species of plant, and of animal dominating for a while to create the right type of environment for the next possible step, and for new created introductions from God. Death at this stage was part of the development cycle and was therefore 'good' and fit for purpose - no animal has an eternal spirit! At this point the angels are managing the creation and there is a very powerful angel as the supreme leader. He is master of all and only God is above him in authority. The expected arrival of 'mankind' on the scene did not worry this angel because he was the one in charge of the managers of earth.

The crowning glory

So now for the crowning glory! God has announced His master plan - the creation of mankind - and on the second part of day six God creates man. Some time in the geological record after the first land animals appeared there came on the scene mankind. While the earth 'brought forth' animals Mankind was fashioned and made of the dust of the earth by God's hand. To look at he was distinct from the animals, and he was made the only physical creature with an eternal spirit!

It was at this point that Gods purpose to unite the invisible realms and the visible realms in man (he was the only creature to span both dimensions) became clearer to the angels. The command on day six was a general statement, but the reality was very special to see. Man was made in God's image and was to represent and partner God in governance over the earth - the very earth the angels had so far governed for God. The image of God was in the spirit of man which reflected the same qualities of God. Man's spirit was meant as a repository for the Glory of God who would dwell in him by the Holy Spirit as in a temple. As in heaven (the invisible realm) so on earth (the physical creation) God was to be the centre of all things in all realms; but in the physical creation He was to be seen and honoured in His image within man who was to have a unique relationship with the creator. All angelic creatures would honour God and minister to man as God's image in whom dwelt the Glory. No other creature could have this relationship, and to support this uniqueness the Holy Spirit entered creation in a very powerful way at the creation of man. The animals were made aware of man's position and dominion, and were made herbivorous instead of eating both flesh and plants. The effect is very much like in Isaiah 65:25 when God's glory shall again fill the earth. Man's dominion was God given and maintained by the special influence, anointing, and presence of the Holy Spirit. Had man obeyed God the outcome would have been awesome, but man fell - a subject we shall look at in part three. The introduction of mankind radically altered the position Lucifer perceived was his, and in his own eyes he was to be less important now makind had been created. His own reaction brought the root of evil into his heart.

Suffice it to say for now that since his fall into sin mankind retains the 'position' of head of the lower creation, but does not any longer have the authority given previously within his grasp. When sin entered the Holy Spirit withdrew His special presence, as God could not reside in a sinful being. The special blessings/privileges were withdrawn at the same time, and this left man to 'control' his dominion by fleshly means (his own power). Creation retained only a limited fear of man and was submitted to cycles of futility until the final redemption. Then once again it will be liberated into the fullness of man's inheritance.

There is truly actually no conflict in true science, an ancient creation, angelic roles, and a true perception of what the fossil record means. Much of the argument is fruitless and pointless. The only problem is when men join evolution and science as if they were 'one'. Evolution is Satan's trickery to deceive man, and uses true science and geological facts to confuse mankind generally and cause controversy/confusion in the church.

The Creation Story - Part Two

As we said earlier there are NOT two differing accounts of creation...

There ARE two accounts that provide differing detail and show different emphasis to bring out information. Genesis one is about the whole of creation. Genesis two is a complimentary account that brings clarity about the facts around the creation of man and what happened immediately after - this is particular information and does NOT mean two different accounts that contradict each other.

Genesis 2 verses 1 +2 actually belong with Genesis 1 and complete that account. After the six days of creative power God ceased from the extra work of creating and returned to the normal level of activity - maintaining and upholding His work. Just as on our sabbath this does not mean no activity, but it does mean ceasing from specialised work.

Genesis 2 verses 3 +4 are introductory to the Genesis 2 account and clearly state that in the day(s) (period of time) God made earth and heavens the commands were given prior to any rain falling and any plant living, for no man was yet there to look after it all. This shows that all the creative commands were given before any of the actual things commanded were formed. The structure of this shows that there was a logical process and order in creation. It also shows that Gods intent was to create man all along, and that everything was in fact created for the glory of God and the dominion of man. Then the account says the cycle of evaporation and precipitation began (a mist went up...and watered...) that brought rain and with this the basic cycle of life designed by God was able to begin. God then at the right time formed man and placed him in the garden He had planted ready for him.

Now the Garden of Eden was a particular area on earth that the Lord God chose, and He (according to verse 9) God took special care to ensure certain things were there - trees for beauty and safe for food, and in the centre He placed two particular trees which He identified for His purpose. These were the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, and the tree of life.

Now the location of Eden has been a great controversy among scientists and Christians as all try to understand what the Bible means. In Gen 2:10-14 there is CLEAR guidance given about the location which was not lost after the flood - Moses would not have mentioned an area we could not have found.....

• Firstly Eden is a geographical area and is the source of the river that fed the garden (Gen 2:10). This indicates that it is mountainous in nature - rivers start in mountains...
• From the garden the river that fed it was split into four river heads which indicates that the garden was also a small geographical area with the potential to feed four rivers.

Does such an area exist - one that can be identified with these rivers? Yes it does! The sources of the rivers Euphrates and Tigris are in Eastern Turkey high up on the plateau. They are fed by the streams from the surrounding mountainous area. The rivers Pison and Gihon are well documented at the London Geographical Institute who have put them on maps. They are the presently named River Halys and River Araxes. The area described fits perfectly the conditions needed for the initial placing of mankind. For further research into this I recommend a book by Dr E.K. Victor Pearce called Evidence for truth Vol 1 Science (ISBN No. 086347 263 X). This book is written by a scientist who is a true biblical Christian, and who has carefully examined the evidence for the truth of biblical statements. The Garden of Eden was in what we now call Turkey - and that is where God placed the newly formed man.

Now the first thing God did was to give the man purpose and to do this He gave the man instructions and responsibilities. He was instructed in what he should use for food and what was forbidden. He was informed of his simple task to look after the garden, and keep it secure. Having laid the foundations of what was expected from the man, God then focussed on man's need of a partner. Man needed to know for himself that he was different from the animals, so God brought each kind of animal to man for his education. Man was shown that animals were different and unsuitable for a mate. In addition man was introduced to his dominion role in naming each animal type. God then performed a special operation on man so that he could create a mate for man. In doing this He also established several principles:

1. The woman was made for man. She was a gift for man's fulfilment.
2. She was taken from man - she was not made a separate creation. She is one with man, and of equal value to man in God's sight.
3. She was named by man - not by God. This indicates headship and order in the Divine design. God placed woman in the man's care, and made her subject to his leadership. Headship is a creation based factor - not a social factor. It is foundational to human order.

At this point the newly created couple were on 'probation'. This is a state where it was to be seen if they would choose to follow God's instructions.

Background Information about the Fall

Now at the point where man was created both angels and mankind were still 'untested' as to their true loyalty to God. The test for mankind was through the two trees identified by God, and the test for the Angelic realm was the introduction of mankind himself into the equation. We need to understand that the angels had been 'in charge' of the earth up until mankind arrived - but they were only stewards. God had now made an 'inferior' creature to be the ruler of the earth, and was making angels 'ministers' to them. The challenge to them was that they might see what mankind’s purpose really was and accept their role.

Angels had spent untold periods of time studying the creation and how creatures worked, so they knew that this new creation was different and special. Mankind was rational, moral, creative, and possessed an immortal spiritual constituent. Mankind was different from any animal, and they understood that he would become the special dwelling of God's Spirit. They saw:

• Mankind was tripartite - spirit, soul, and body
• This was a reflection of the triune nature of God
• Man 'bridged' heaven and earth in a unique way - he would live in both realms simultaneously.
• Mankind needed to make a moral choice so that his 'inner' being was fashioned by free will. The law that God had made would ensure that mankind would be 'wired' internally by this choice, and it would make him 'complete' as a being.

The angels had a choice to make for themselves also. This was to minister to man as God intended and support man in making the right choice. The head of the angels, however, saw a different opportunity before his eyes. This lead angel was the wisest and most knowledgeable of heavenly beings, and he knew that mankind could be persuaded to sin and would be in subjection to that which led him into that state. He knew God was giving free will and love as the basis for relationship, and he understood the vulnerability of mankind. He also saw that he had the chance to become supreme ruler - even above God. This was not a fantasy of his mind. He saw in his mind how he could gain control of all things, including God, by using God's own word against Himself. It was this that was the bait for the angels who fell with him.

The plan designed by this being was to cause the fall of man by persuading man to make a wrong choice, and thus 'wiring ' himself in a wrong way in his inner being. He planned to use the wisdom of God to make his own plan work. How did he intend this to work?

• Man is tripartite - spirit, soul, and body
• This reflects Father, Son, and Holy Spirit
• The correct order God intended for proper function was - the spirit would rule the soul, which would guide the body. The body would send its 'desires and urges', which would be subjected to the guidance of the soul, which is ruled by the spirit. Thus the whole being of man is focussed in the conscious soul which gives 'awareness', and yet is in balance.
• The Godhead works in a Divine order of preference - Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. The Father rules supreme, and guides the Son, who by the Spirit achieves His work. The Spirit brings the requests of the saints, and the needs of creation to the Son, who is guided by the Father. The whole is in balance.

This very powerful angel sought to reverse the way mankind functioned.

Part Three - The Fall

The head angel had envisioned a scheme that was breathtaking in its understanding, and in its wisdom and now began the task of carrying it out. He approached the woman in the first instance for a very good reason. She was not the recipient of the Divine command directly - her husband in fact instructed her. Thus the request to see if God had said something or not would be to someone who had received the information 'second-hand'. The introduction of doubt into her mind was thus far easier to achieve. In addition, he had a far more subtle design for the man, and the woman was his doorway into the man's thinking.

The angel approached the woman through a visible being - the serpent. In doing so he drew her thoughts away from God and toward the lower creation, and this prevented the thoughts of heaven that would arise in her mind from directly seeing an angel. He drew her focus into the material realm, and onto herself. He then appealed directly to the soul (self nature) and to the urges within the body. Using great skill he introduced a question about God's intent which led to doubt being introduced into her thinking. Then he carefully wove together the appeal to the lust of the flesh (good for food), the lust of the eyes (pleasant to look upon), and the pride of life (to be desired for wisdom). In doing so he caused the bodily impulses and the centre of 'self' in the soul to rise up and challenge God's word and to become strong influences for a guide in the choice of whether to eat the fruit or not. The word of God and the guidance of God were dimmed and then forgotten - new and powerful urges were demanding fulfilment, and her mind was now confused by other thoughts. The woman made her choice and ate the fruit – and then nothing happened.......

This was the killer blow of this wise angel - it had all gone to plan. He knew that the woman would be easier to influence, and also knew that she was not the head of the race - he knew that nothing would happen when the woman ate, for the covenant responsibility was with the man as 'head'. Thus when she ate, and no penalty occurred, it was easy for his lie to produce the outcome he wanted in their lives. He knew the man would think that, as nothing had happened to Eve, he also could eat and be one with her..... And this he did, because he loved his wife, and nothing had happened when she ate. The same diversion within his nature occurred that had happened in Eve - Adam focussed on his wife and her circumstances instead of God; and God's word was forgotten in the desire to be in unity with his wife. Three basic, but very important things had then occurred:

1. Adam the head of the race had eaten the fruit and disobeyed God's will - and the effect was now immediate. Adam had legal responsibility for the covenant and brought the real effect of the fall into reality. Everything within their being changed when Adam ate - their being was now fixed in a state of imbalance and disunity, driven by the desires and lusts of the lower nature and not the spirit. So we can now see the power of addictions driven by bodily desires in our modern lifestyles.
2. Instead of the woman hearkening to the leadership of the man, Adam actually followed his wife into sin. This confused the roles designed by God - 'relationship' was now vulnerable, unstable, and subject to 'modification' in its structures to suit the many desires of the lower nature. Hence the many perversions and corruptions of modern lifestyles.
3. The race had submitted to another leader instead of God. They had become servants of that being through the law of God. The hidden and mysterious force of evil that is perceived in society had begun its plans.

This is not the angel’s entire plan, however, as he now sought to engineer the masterstroke that would have placed him above God forever. God was not about to allow that to happen and stopped Lucifer in his tracks by intervening at the right time. But God Himself hints at the plan that Lucifer had devised when He passed judgement on the fallen ones - as we will see.

Anyway, God enters the Garden and calls for His beloved creatures and the response He gained was very different than that which was customary- it was obvious that much was wrong. God already knew what had occurred, but in questioning the couple He was making it clear to their own understanding what had happened. It did not take long to uncover what had occurred as each blamed the other, and when they had 'confessed' their parts in the matter, God began to pass judgement.

Firstly he passes judgement on the serpent. This judgement is double layered as it addresses the serpent (creature) and the angel who hid behind and used the serpent. There are certain hints here to explain much:

• The serpent was subject to man but allowed the angel to use it. How much say it had in this is not clear, but it was probably little. However in being used in this way it allowed the lower creation to be polluted. This was probably the angel’s intent.
• The serpent was possibly very beautiful, but now it was to be humiliated and brought low. It is thought that the original serpent may have had wings, and flown in the heaven with the birds - that is why it is specifically humbled to the dust.
• It is cursed above all other beasts - the lower creation is polluted and all of it incurs a penalty of humiliation and frustration.
• To the angel who used the serpent God gives a simple statement of the triumph of Christ and that it would be through a man (the seed of a woman) that God would gain the victory. He also shows in this method His utter contempt for the way the angel used the woman to ruin man. Thus God states he will humiliate the angelic being, and frustrate all his plans. He will actually use fallen mankind as a vehicle to destroy this angel’s evil design, and the method he chooses in so doing God shows compassion for the plight of the first woman.

Next God addresses the woman. Although He has shown compassion and promised great honour in the plan of redemption, God is not about to allow her off scot-free - she had responsibility toward her husband and through him to God:

• Eve was the womb of mankind, and her part in the fall had ensured that her offspring would be born into bondage. Thus with every birth there would now be pain to remind of the fall, and the suffering it had brought for the whole race.
• God also reinstates and insists on the proper order of roles in human relationship. The woman's desire is for her husband, and he shall rule over her. This means that her desire is subject to the authority of her husband who will hold sway over what is done (this is further seen in the Mosaic Law where a woman's vow to God was subject to her husband's approval, and if he did not allow the vow God annulled it also).
  

Now God speaks to the man. He gave man a specific and easy role to do in the garden. The garden was to be 'tilled and kept'. The word 'kept' carries the meaning 'to maintain and ensure it is protected'. Adam had allowed an invasion to occur and had also broken the law given directly to him:

• So God now hits at his work - it will now be difficult, and will not be blessed with full harvest as before. Weeds will choke his efforts, and he will no longer find God supplying his every need. Adam must work hard to survive - he chose self-reliance and now he must practise it to live.
• He is reminded that he most certainly WILL die and return to dust, and learns that God means what He says. Adam must now face the problems of ageing, and suffering.
• Finally Adam is expelled from the place of blessing - because it was associated with a special meaning. The loss of it and expulsion from Eden would further serve as strong reminders of what they had done.

The next part is very revealing and shows what the real scheme of the angelic being was about. God institutes the first blood sacrifice to cover the original sin, and thus ensures that the control over mankind sought by this angel is held at bay. God is still in control and the enemy, despite all his best efforts, is not in full control as he had hoped. He will have to fight for every bit of control he seeks. God now hints at the reason He intervened when He did. God did not just show up by accident - He was fully aware of Lucifer's intents and chose the right time to call a halt to the events.

In order for there to be a viable test of love and loyalty for the angels, God had to appear vulnerable, and a very real reward had to be on offer. Yes I know God is technically never vulnerable, but He does render Himself so for His purposes. Jesus was vulnerable unto death on a cross for the purpose of redemption. The angels would not be challenged and motivated by small things - so a real possibility of toppling God from His throne had to be seen to be a possibility. It could not be an illusion for the lead angel, full of wisdom from God, would soon discern a trick (he is described as the sum of wisdom elsewhere in the scriptures) - it had to be a real legal opportunity that the enemy could take advantage of and could seek to enforce. Of course we know that God is never really vulnerable to anyone, and remains fully aware and in control of everything at all times. God needed to have His angels freely choose Him over their own exalted honour so that love alone united them. Now the enemy had noted that eating from the tree of knowledge of good and evil would bring the consequences of the fall, but had also seen the possibility that if he could get them to eat of the tree of life as well, the following would be legally established-

• God would be duty bound by His own word to give eternal existence to a fallen mankind
• God would be distanced from direct involvement with creation if sin were introduced, as He was Holy and sin would create a huge divide.
• Satan himself would then be lord of a fallen creation and able to demand man's continual renewal through the laws God had created
  

This was the final part of his plan to become higher than God. His design was to use the Word of God to entrap God - to ensure that God maintained a fallen creation by His power, but that the creation gave allegiance to this fallen being as 'god'. This being had failed to understand 'love' and underestimated what God would do in the scenario he had brought about. God sees that this being has chosen to rebel and introduced sin into the angelic realm, the life of mankind, and that the lower creation is also corrupted and affected by the invasion of the serpent by Satan for sinful purposes. God then intervenes to prevent the complete plan from being fulfilled - the illusion that this being had been chasing was now completely dissolved. God not only excludes mankind from Eden (and also the tree of life), but He also protects the way to the tree of life with a powerful being that would slay anyone who approached. Now let no-one doubt that the situation our enemy was trying to utilise was a very real possibility (Gen 3:22) given by God, and that the way to the tree must now be barred. For a while the tree and it’s guard would continue to be a strong sign of what was lost for mankind needed not only to be kept from the tree of life (Gen 3:24), but also to see the value of what was lost, and that God would indeed deal with anyone who trespassed.

Thus we have the account of Gods glorious creation and how mankind fell into shame and bondage. The fallen angel has now become known as Satan, and the initial identification with a serpent has stuck with him. When we consider our lives, we need to see from all this that we desperately need to lean on God and His Spirit because, as we have seen, our enemy is VERY intelligent and VERY subtle.