Cheryl Schatz

Mark,
Boy you Aussies sure take a long time to prepare simple questions. Having a hard time? I think it is a good thing when complementarians are willing to address some of the difficult questions against their position. For after all, the correct position will be able to stand the hard questions and the challenges. At least that is what I believe. I hope you believe the same.

1. The definate article of 3:22-24 excludes Eve?

The context is clear that “the Adam” from chapter 3 is the one man Adam. Only one Adam had the earth cursed on his behalf.

2. Eve was decieved but Adam sinned wilfully. Therefore they have different sin natures

The first sentence is Biblical. The second is not. The Bible attributes only one man from bringing the sin nature into the world. There is no mention of “different” sin natures inherited by mankind. I don’t know where you got that from.

3. Eve was not a threat to the tree of life

The world was not cursed on Eve’s behalf because of what she did. Paul clearly says that she was deceived. Once her eyes were opened she was no longer under deception. Since she didn’t sin in outright rebellion, what reason would we have that she would act in outright rebellion once her eyes were opened to the truth? I see no evidence of any rebellion against God. Do you?

4. Eve did leave the garden, but not becasue she was banished. She left becasue of her ‘desire for her husband’ (Gen 3:16)

God only blamed one man for bringing sin into the world and only one man had the earth cursed because of his actions. There is no evidence at all that God believed that a formerly deceived woman was a threat to the tree of life and that was the only reason that He kicked Adam out of the garden. Since Eve was not a threat the only reason we have regarding why she left is God’s words to her about what would transpire in the future. As far as I can see God gave a true prophesy and His word did indeed come true. Do you see God as giving false information regarding Eve’s future? I don’t and I highly doubt that you do, so what evidence do you have regarding why Eve left the garden? I would be happy to verify the evidence you come up with.

5. Gen 3:1-5. Eve is quoting what God told her. That is, she was given the prohibition by herself from God, therefore she has not misquoted God and Adam did not pass on the prohibition.

Eve’s testimony before she sinned is that God said this…and she gave a direct quote. There is no evidence that Eve lied nor is there any evidence that she misquoted God. Lastly there is no evidence in the grammar that Eve was giving a quote from God via Adam. With a direct quote the “you” (plural) would have had to be “we”. Since I believe that God inspired the Bible without error, I have no problem believing that God’s word is true and that God didn’t have to correct Eve since she didn’t lie or distort the truth.

The truth is worth testing. And the distorted version of Genesis that we have all been told for so many years is worth challenging for truth is worth its weight in gold.