JAN 16

Genesis 2:16-17
Memorise Isaiah 14:14b
“…thou shalt not eat of it…”

The above question is sometimes asked by unbelievers who do not want to acknowledge their sinful estate; they think that if they can find some contradiction in the gospel, then the wages of sin do not apply to them. 

Genesis 2:16-17 says “And the LORD God commanded the man, saying, Of every tree of the garden thou mayest freely eat: But of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, thou shalt not eat of it: for in the day that thou eatest thereof thou shalt surely die.” God created man with the ability to choose to do good or evil. If Adam obeyed God’s command not to eat of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, he would remain sinless. However, Adam and Eve did eat of the forbidden fruit, then sin entered into the world (Romans 5:12). It was our first ancestor’s fault, not God’s design. One can hardly blame the designer of the first knife for introducing killing by knife; the fault rests on he whom had misapplied the use of the knife for evil instead of good. It is a travesty to accuse our Holy God of creating sin. It was man that chose to rebel against God’s law.

Also note that just before this event took place, something else also took place in heaven. There was rebellion in heaven, led by Lucifer. In Ezekiel 28: 11-17 we are told that God made him perfect and beautiful till iniquity was found in him. His heart was lifted up because of his beauty. He wanted to be like the most High and so God cast him to the ground. Read also Isaiah 14:12-15 for more information about this incident. He is now Satan, lurking about, seeking whom he may devour. One third of the host of heaven also rebelled with him and they were also cast down and today they are demons, doing the bidding of Satan. In this we have the origin of sin. 

Dear teen, do you try to give excuses for your sin? Do you try to argue with God that you do not deserve to be punished, thinking that you? Do you tell God that you are still young and deserve multiple chances to make mistakes, that your inexperience somehow excuses you from penalty? Are you trying to argue with God? Remember, God is fully justified in His actions, and we breathe every breath we take by His mercies alone (Lamentations 3:22-23). Do not test God. 

Thought: Do I try to excuse my own sin?
Prayer: O God, against Thee, Thee only, have I sinned.