Sin Separated Us From God
When Adam and Eve sinned, their first impulse was to hide themselves from God (Genesis 3:8). They hid because they recognized their nakedness. When God called Adam, Adam answered, "I heard thy voice in the garden, and I was afraid because I was naked; and I hid myself" (Genesis 3:10).
Adam and Eve were stripped of their cloak of righteousness and stood naked before God. Sin caused a separation between God and humankind (Isaiah 59:2), and only in Christ are we reconciled to God. "For if, when we were enemies, we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son, much more, being reconciled, we shall be saved by his life" (Romans 5:10).
The message of reconciliation has been entrusted to the Church—to the Old Testament Church in type, and the New Testament Church in truth.
And all things are of God, who hath reconciled us to himself by Jesus Christ, and hath given to us the ministry of reconciliation; To wit, that God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto himself, not imputing their trespasses unto them; and hath committed unto us the word of reconciliation. Now then we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God did beseech you by us: we pray you in Christ's stead, be ye reconciled to God (2 Corinthians 5:18-20).
In Christ we are reconciled with God. But as long as sin exists, face-to-face communication with God is not possible. The brightness of His glory would consume us. Whenever God has revealed Himself to humans, it was either in a dream or God veiled His glory. When God spoke to Israel from Mount Sinai, He warned them that they would die if they came too close.
The presence of God, although veiled in thick clouds, was so impressive that the people requested Moses to speak to them the words of God, lest they should die from the voice of God (Exodus 20:19). Even in vision, the prophets felt that they would die in the presence of God.
So I said, 'Woe is me, for I am undone! Because I am a man of unclean lips, And I dwell in the midst of people of unclean lips; for my eyes have seen the King, The LORD of hosts (Isaiah 6:5 NKJV).
In New Testament times, the situation was no different. When John saw Jesus in vision, he fell as dead (Revelation 1:17).
One day it will be possible again to stand before God and speak to Him face to face, "For now we see in a mirror, dimly, but then face to face: Now I know in part, but then I shall know just as I also am known" (1 Corinthians 13:12 NKJV).
Our communication is hindered, but it will be restored. "For we know in part and we prophesy in part: But when that which is perfect has come, then that which is in part will be done away" (1 Corinthians 13:9-10 NKJV).
Read the next article to learn how God communicates with His people|
This article is adapted from Truth Matters by Professor Walter J. Veith, an international speaker who has studied Biblical issues in-depth in his quest for truth. His popular series Genesis Conflict brings the debate between Creation and evolution to a new climax as he dissects the arguments with a scientific eye. His highly-acclaimed series Total Onslaught sheds light on the state of the world today as we move to a one-world government and an anticipated apocalypse.
|
Creation and Evolution: Is Compromise Possible?
How Can We See Stars That Are Billions Of Light Years Away?
Geocentricity: It's Time to Face the Facts
The Rise of Evolutionary Thinking
Earth's History: Conflicting Paradigms
Lamarck Proposes Natural Selection
Age Of The Earth Is Carbon-Dating Accurate?
Flood Chronology
Read several authors' thoughts on papal Rome's history.
This article highlights quotes from historical and Catholic sources proving the Papacy's aggressive nature.
Persecution in the First Centuries
An Era of Spiritual Darkness The Waldenses
John Wycliffe Huss and Jerome
Luther's Separation From Rome
Luther Before the Diet The Swiss Reformer
Progress of Reform in Germany
Protest of the Princes The French Reformation
The Netherlands and Scandinavia
Later English Reformers
The Bible and the French Revolution
The Pilgrim Fathers Heralds of the Morning
An American Reformer Light Through Darkness
A Great Religious Awakening A Warning Rejected
Prophecies Fulfilled What is the Sanctuary?
In the Holy of Holies God's Law Immutable
A Work of Reform Modern Revivals
Facing Life's Record The Origin of Evil
Enmity Between Man and Satan
Agency of Evil Spirits Snares of Satan
The First Great Deception
Can Our Dead Speak to Us?
Liberty of Conscience Threatened
The Impending Conflict
The Scriptures a Safeguard The Final Warning
The Time of Trouble God's People Delivered
Desolation of the Earth The Controversy Ended
Is Revelation a Sealed Book?
Revelation 1 Commentary
Revelation 1: Jesus, The Heart of Revelation
Revelation 2 Commentary
Revelation 2-3: Letters to Seven Churches
Revelation 3 Commentary
The Lamb and the Sealed Book
Revelation 4 Commentary
Revelation 5 Commentary
Revelation 6 Commentary
Revelation 7 Commentary
Revelation 8 Commentary
Revelation 9 Commentary
Revelation 10 Commentary
Revelation 11 Commentary
Revelation 12 Commentary
Revelation 13 Commentary
Revelation 14 Commentary
Revelation 15 Commentary
Revelation 16 Commentary
Revelation 17 Commentary
Revelation 18 Commentary
Revelation 19 Commentary
Revelation 20 Commentary
Revelation 21 Commentary
Revelation 22 Commentary
Base