The Priority of Obedience

Is the story of Adam & Eve just a fairy tale or did Adam and Eve actually disobey God, bringing a curse of death on us today?

I love this explanation by Dr Charles Stanley …

Jesus answered, “If anyone loves Me, he will keep My word ; and My Father will love him, and We will come to him and make Our abode with him.”

He also said:
“He who does not love Me does not keep My words ; and the word which you hear is not Mine, but the Father’s who sent Me. These things I have spoken to you while abiding with you. But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name, He will teach you all things, and bring to your remembrance all that I said to you. John 14:23-26

The Creator gave two commands to Adam and Eve—
First, to fill the earth and rule over it and second, not to eat from a certain tree in the Garden"
God blessed them: “Prosper! Reproduce! Fill Earth! Take charge! Be responsible for fish in the sea and birds in the air, for every living thing that moves on the face of Earth.”Gen. 1:28"://www.biblestudytools.com/msg/genesis/passage.aspx?q=genesis 2:17

But the LORD God gave him this warning:
You may freely eat any fruit in the garden 17 except fruit from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil. If you eat of its fruit, you will surely die.Genesis 2:16-17

Because they chose to disobey, their relationship with God was broken, and they had to leave Eden.

The first couple’s rebellion not only impacted their own lives but also had far broader implications: all future generations have suffered. In Romans 5:12-19, the apostle Paul explained the reason. Through the trespass of one man, Adam, sin made its entrance into the world, and death resulted for all mankind. Because Adam was head of the human race, his actions affected everyone born after him. His disobedience resulted in each of us having a bent away from the Lord and a desire for self-rule.

By contrast, Jesus made conformity to the Lord’s will the priority of His life. He obeyed God in both word and deed John 8:28-29.

Having lived a perfect life—one entirely without sin—He qualified to be our Saviour
“Be reconciled to God!” For God made Christ, who never sinned, to be the offering for our sin, so that we could be made right with God through Christ. 2 Corinthians 5:20-21. Through the death of one man, Christ Jesus, payment was made for the transgressions of all mankind. God’s acceptance of the Son’s sacrifice brought us forgiveness and freedom from sin’s power.

Adam’s disobedience brought judgment and death upon us, whereas Jesus’ obedience resulted in new life for all who believe in Him. See Romans 6:4

Our Saviour calls us to deny selfish desires, live sacrificially, and follow Him.

Jesus said, "Anyone who intends to come with me has to let me lead. You’re not in the driver’s seat; I am. Don’t run from suffering; embrace it. Follow me and I’ll show you how. Matthew 16:24
A godly life will bring Jesus honour and influence others for Him.

For more biblical teaching and resources from Dr. Charles Stanley, please visit www.intouch.org.
Used with permission from In Touch Ministries, Inc. © 2009 All Rights Reserved.

Those who you love may also want to read this so please pass it on to your friends.

From Elaine Costin – 2013