Genesis 2:16-17

[deeplyloved]

Genesis 2:16-17.

In a debate recently, a claim made by a proponent of eternal torment, challenging a Christian Universaliist, was what was described as a parallelsm in vv 16-17

In the original Hebrew in v16, we have "in feasting, you shall continually feast ie., as in always full in the moment, and never ending; and in v17 "in dying, you shall continually die", physically and spiritually...with that never ending aspect as dynamically described in V16. Some commentaries seem to support this.

....can someone share some perspective on these scriptures in light of the promises of the unchanging Love of the Father assured us as outlined in the New Covenant? Thanks!
God's Richest Blessings.

[marie glen]

It's my thought (understanding) that (surely?) when God created rational creatures, a whole new world - tree - of possibilities came about. And only able to be honest, there was that tree in the original garden!

You see, it seems logical and evident to me, that with thinking ability comes the ability to make choices. (Even if, thankfully! highly limited.)  And thus, the world, as it is. ("Subjected to vanirty".)

But really.. what was another option? No rational creatures? Ever?

Surely God is life itself, the breath and spark of. And also, surely? He is perfection.. utter perfection and purity. "God is light and in Him is no darkness at all." 1Jn. 1:5(?)

So what occurs once one chooses in any tiny way, in thought, word or deed, something that does not agree with what He chooses? They become imperfect, the opposite of life.

I, for one, am quite thankful to be a thinking, able to reason creature.. "He subjected all to vanity (emptiness, futility) that he may have mercy on all" NT, Paul (Romans?)

"Be ye perfect, as your Father in heaven is perfect."

[CHB]

The way I see it is.
God gave us good and evil, this is all there is to choose from in this world and God provides them both. We have choices but God provides those choices since God created all things. We can choose good and be rewarded or we can choose evil and suffer the consequences. This is teaching us things I believe that will make us more like God. It is hard to see the big picture. All things lead back to God no matter what it is.

CHB

[MHz]

All of mankind enters the New Earth era knowing about good and evil so destiny says we were set to eat from that tree at least a few days before the judgments begin. Adam's day was 1,000 years long and he died at the age of 930 years. Our day is 24 hours long and we would that that fast.

[eaglesway]

Destiny says? Adam's day was 1000 years but ours is 24 hours?  :Chinscratch:

[rosered]

  Jesus says 12 hours of daylight  and Jesus says Today  as the darkness is passing  , wake up o sleeper so Christ will shine His light on you .  Eph 5 Children of Light
...13But everything exposed by the light becomes visible, for everything that is illuminated becomes a light itself. 14So it is said: "Wake up, O sleeper, rise up from the dead, and Christ will shine on you." 15Pay careful attention, then, to how you walk, not as unwise but as wise,...


8"Rabbi," they replied, "the Jews just tried to stone You, and You are going back there?" 9Jesus answered, "Are there not twelve hours of daylight? If anyone walks in the daytime, he will not stumble, because he sees by the light of this world.

10But if anyone walks at night, he will stumble, because he has no light."...

Luke 13:33
Nevertheless, I must keep going today and tomorrow and the next day, for it is not admissible for a prophet to perish outside of Jerusalem.
  3 days
John 9:4
While it is daytime, we must do the works of Him who sent Me. Night is coming, when no one can work.

John 11:10
But if anyone walks at night, he will stumble, because he has no light."

John 12:35
So Jesus told them, "For a little while longer, the Light will be among you. Walk while you have the Light, so that darkness will not overtake you. The one who walks in the darkness does not know where he is going.

1 John 2:10
Whoever loves his brother remains in the light, and there is no cause of stumbling in him.

  awesome ! :dsunny: :HeartThrob:

[eaglesway]

Often times trying to find exact words in English with which to understand original thoughts expressed in Hebrew is difficult. I have seen that ETrs and Universalists alike sometimes go to far in attributing authority to interpretations and calling it "the correct translation".

To me "you shall continually be dying" could also be stated as, "You shall enter the state of death". Those who are in darkness, in Adam- are in the state of death, which culminates in physical death, but is also accompanied by all the spiritual futility and blindness of the world, the flesh and the devil. Those who are in the light "have passed from death unto life", which is eternal because it is the life of the vine, endlessly rooted through Jesus Christ in the only eternal God, and is accompanied by all transformational graces springing up from "newness of life".