Therefore Having Gone

Therefore Having Gone

Saturday, June 1, 2024

THE OLD IS IN THE NEW

When reading in the New Testament, it's important to keep in mind that its authors were steeped in the Old. Their reference point for all spiritual truth was the Hebrew Bible, the only Scriptures they had. 

The Apostle Paul's closing admonitions in his letter to the Romans is a good example. If you read it without recognizing the connections to Genesis 3, you'll miss important aspects of his point:

Romans 16:17 Now I urge you, brothers, to watch out for those who create divisions and obstacles that are contrary to the teaching you have learned. Turn away from them. 18 For such people are not serving our Lord Christ, but their own appetites. By smooth talk and flattery they deceive the hearts of the naïve.

19 Everyone has heard about your obedience, so I rejoice over you. But I want you to be wise about what is good and innocent about what is evil.

20 The God of peace will soon crush Satan under your feet. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you.

Paul's references to Genesis 3 go beyond a simple mention of Satan.

First, he compares those who create divisions among believers to the serpent in the garden: deceiving the naïve (like the serpent deceived Eve) with smooth talk and flattery. These people sowing divisions are children of the devil and continuing his work. 

Next Paul advises the believers to be "wise about the good and innocent of evil". This harkens back to the Tree of the Knowledge of Good and Evil at the center of Eden. Now that humans have this knowledge, if they want to be a productive part of the Kingdom, they will behave differently when confronted with good than with evil.  

And finally, as citizens of the Kingdom, doing good and avoiding evil, they get to be a part of the Lord's original curse and prophecy against the serpent, stomping on his head in the interest of true peace. 

All of this reinforces the core continuity of Scripture, from Genesis to Revelation. 

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