What was the sin whereby our first parents fell from the estate wherein they were created?
The sin whereby our first parents fell from the estate wherein they were created, was their eating the forbidden fruit.
So when the woman saw that the tree was good for food, and that it was a delight to the eyes, and that the tree was to be desired to make one wise, she took of its fruit and ate, and she also gave some to her husband who was with her, and he ate. (Genesis 3:6 ESV)
The man said, “The woman whom you gave to be with me, she gave me fruit of the tree, and I ate.” Then the LORD God said to the woman, “What is this that you have done?” The woman said, “The serpent deceived me, and I ate.” (Genesis 3:12-13 ESV)
I was on hat chat trying to figure out what to blog about today when the discussion turned toward movies. And I wondered what did it mean to be Reformed with regards to your entertainment? How do I glorify God and enjoy Him as I watch movies? How about the type of movies? I have a real Jones for anime in particular for anime by Hayao Miyazaki. I could sit and watch just about anything the man makes because it is so pretty to look at.
But is it glorifying God to do so?
Miyazaki films has a strong current of environmentalism through them. Of a kind that I find actually to be anti-Christian in its scope with an improper view of man and nature.
But does that mean I can not glorify God in the enjoyment of the movie? Must the theme of the movie dictate my own glorifying of God? Does the director indeed direct me to contrary thoughts regarding God, man, and the earth’s functions?
I think, this must be thought on further and posted. So lets continue on. . .
Did our first parents continue in the estate wherein they were created?
Our first parents, being left to the freedom of their own will, fell from the estate wherein they were created, by sinning against God.
So when the woman saw that the tree was good for food, and that it was a delight to the eyes, and that the tree was to be desired to make one wise, she took of its fruit and ate, and she also gave some to her husband who was with her, and he ate. (Genesis 3:6 ESV)
See, this alone I found, that God made man upright, but they have sought out many schemes. (Ecclesiastes 7:29 ESV)
Therefore, just as sin came into the world through one man, and death through sin, and so death spread to all men because all sinned– (Romans 5:12 ESV)
What special act of providence did God exercise towards man, in the estate wherein he was created?
When God had created man, He entered into a covenant of works with him, upon condition of perfect obedience, forbidding him to eat of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, upon pain of death.
And the LORD God commanded the man, saying, “You may surely eat of every tree of the garden, but of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil you shall not eat, for in the day that you eat of it you shall surely die.” (Genesis 2:16-17 ESV)
But the law is not of faith, rather “The one who does them shall live by them.” (Galatians 3:12 ESV)
Therefore, just as sin came into the world through one man, and death through sin, and so death spread to all men because all sinned– (Romans 5:12 ESV)
Well its been awhile since I posted anything here but the catechism. Don’t worry I am planning on something as soon as I can break away from the mundane job. I’m also trying to finish up a post on Doxoblogy on why Baptism isn’t an optional command.
So here is this week’s catechism question and answer:
What are God’s works of providence?
God’s works of providence are His most holy, wise, and powerful preserving and governing all His creatures, and all their actions.
“You are the LORD, you alone. You have made heaven, the heaven of heavens, with all their host, the earth and all that is on it, the seas and all that is in them; and you preserve all of them; and the host of heaven worships you.
(Neh 9:6 ESV)
And he is before all things, and in him all things hold together.
(Col 1:17 ESV)
He is the radiance of the glory of God and the exact imprint of his nature, and he upholds the universe by the word of his power. After making purification for sins, he sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high,
(Heb 1:3 ESV)
The LORD has established his throne in the heavens, and his kingdom rules over all.
(Psa 103:19 ESV)
Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? And not one of them will fall to the ground apart from your Father. But even the hairs of your head are all numbered.
(Mat 10:29-30 ESV)
