Tuesday, December 16, 2014

“Has God indeed said ....” (Genesis 3:1)



[The Serpent to Eve] “ Has God indeed said ....”  (Genesis 3:1)
 “And the Serpent said to the woman, ”You will not surely die” (Genesis 3:4)

The Serpent in Genesis is later revealed to be Satan. A shrewd and cunning adversary who presents himself as an angel of light. His true character is only revealed when his hold is strong (e.g. the occult). Until then, he drips piety, goodness and kindness. His purpose however, is to  undermine the Word of God and bring death. The apostle Paul tells us that we are not ignorant of  his devices (2 Cor 2:11). In other words, his mode of attack is well known.  His goal has not changed and neither have his methods. He will always undermine or challenge the Word of God. His first words to Eve were “Has God indeed said...” He challenged her respect for God’s Word and found her lacking. Knowing something was terribly wrong he proceeds to call God a liar! “You will not surely die” and she believes him! His strategy is the same today. He undermines the Word of God by calling into question what is written in the Bible. His schemes never change. His attack is always the same. He whispers... God really doesn’t mean what He says? These are just stories written by men.  If you believe the Bible, who knows what madness could take hold of you?!  And surely there is certainly no fearful judgment. That’s just fear mongering! Scare tactics! That is how religion works ... fear! The Bible is not to be taken too seriously! Let’s not get carried away! Do you want to be an extremist? A religious fanatic?

But God never lies. He tells the absolute truth, all the time. The Bible foretold Christ’s first coming hundreds of years in advance and everything came to pass. Everything! And Jesus promised “for assuredly, I say to you, till heaven and earth pass away, one jot or one tittle will by no means pass from the law till all is fulfilled.” (Matt 5:18). 

Who do you want to believe? Who do you trust?  You can trust Christ. He never lies!