Redemption Through The Scriptures: Gaining a clearer picture of Christ and His saving work

The Devastating Choice

Paul J. Bucknell

Why did man make such a devastating choice even though warned? Learn here the devil's part in this devastating choice, part of the Redemption Through the Scriptures series.

The Devastating Choice

There is one more important item that needs to be stated to understand why redemption was required. The Lord identifies the other key character to this plot–the serpent (Genesis 3:1). The serpent is the same as the devil. “And the great dragon was thrown down, the serpent of old who is called the devil and Satan, who deceives the whole world...” (Revelation 12:9).

The Devil's part

The serpent is the same as the devil.

“And the great dragon was thrown down, the serpent of old who is called the devil and Satan, who deceives the whole world...” (Re 12:9).

At this point it is not important to describe the devil’s past, but it is critical to observe what disobedience is. Disobedience is usually thought of only as the choice not to obey God, but at the same time, it implies a choice to obey another. Because man was under the authority of God, any decision to go counter to God would be rebellion. Choice implies freedom and authority. Man chose to obey another and placed his allegiance under the one he obeyed.

Part of this book, Redemption Through the Scriptures, is on the web (see below), but the completed book with all the other teaching materials including: the full study guide and available videos, audios, and powerpoints are included in the Discipleship 3rd level library along with other third level BFF publications. These resources enable you to not only grow in Christ, be like Christ but also to have Christ's plan lived out through your life! Or check out the book!

The proposition not easily refused

The devil was subtle in his propositions and suggestions. He did not state that if they chose to listen to his suggestions, that they would rebel against their Creator, nor did he state that if they listened to him they would in turn become his slaves. However, these things all happened. Eve saw only the attractive fruit. Satan attempted to ensnare Jesus in the same way–just to get Jesus to listen to him (Matthew 4:1-11).

In summary, we discover that behind all temptation lies a diabolical plot, heavy with great ramifications. Not only did man need to live in a God-cursed world (Genesis 3:16-19)7 , but he now lives under a new, wretched management. Adam and Eve’s decision to eat the forbidden fruit meant the adoption by another master who was not kindhearted or gracious. The devil was a master of a whole different sort.

“Listen, O heavens, and hear, O earth; For the LORD speaks, “Sons I have reared and brought up, but they have revolted against Me. 3 An ox knows its owner, and a donkey its master’s manger, but Israel does not know, My people do not understand.” 4 Alas, sinful nation, People weighed down with iniquity, Offspring of evildoers, Sons who act corruptly! They have abandoned the LORD, They have despised the Holy One of Israel, They have turned away from Him. 5 Where will you be stricken again, As you continue in your rebellion? The whole head is sick, And the whole heart is faint” (Isaiah 1:2-5).

Man is not free

When man sins, he thinks of himself as an independent agent. This is unbiblical. Man is not free; he was made to serve under authority; he must serve someone. Even the humanists who profess to serve none but themselves, serve the god of this world. We all do if we do not know Christ. The question is, “Whom do we serve?”7

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Footnote:
[7] Perhaps it would help to think of human beings being in a certain servant caste. They can have leaders among themselves but still remain under those in upper castes.

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Redemption Through The Scriptures: Gaining a clearer picture of Christ and His saving work

The Devastating Choice

Paul J. Bucknell