Was it Possible for Adam and Eve Not to sin?

[Guest]

For some reason beyond just punishment, i think God decided mankind as a whole needs to experience evil for a greater good.

Apparently that concept was around even in apostolic times. Paul wrote:

Romans 3:8 And why not do evil that good may come?—as some people slanderously charge us with saying. Their condemnation is just.

That concept is exactly what turns millions of people against God. If God has a greater good which comes out of evil, whether moral evil, or "natural" evil, why does He not tell us what this greater good is, so that we can learn our lesson?

We do know overcoming physical resistence builds physical muscles so perhaps the same principal applies spiritually.

But if Adam and Eve had never succumbed to Satan's tempation and had never sinned, what need would there be for "spiritual muscles"?

[Guest]

Romans 3:8 And why not do evil that good may come?—as some people slanderously charge us with saying. Their condemnation is just.

That concept is exactly what turns millions of people against God. If God has a greater good which comes out of evil, whether moral evil, or "natural" evil, why does He not tell us what this greater good is, so that we can learn our lesson?


Paidion, Did'nt He tell us, was'nt Jesus perfected through his suffering? Is not suffering a form of evil? Does'nt evil cause suffering?
Also if God were so committed to our "freewill" as you claim then why does'nt He simply destroy Satan who "blinds the minds of unbelievers" and give us true freewill uninfluenced by Satan.
Furthermore why should'nt God reveal himself visibly to the world because that would reduce evil yet God could still let man retain his freewill. Then everyone would know God was real yet they could choose to follow him or not , and evil would be dramatically reduced.
Why not, unless there is a purpose to allowing evil.

[Guest]

Hebrews 5:8-10 (King James Version)

8. Though he were a Son, yet learned he obedience by the things which he suffered;

9. And being made perfect, he became the author of eternal salvation unto all them that obey him;

10. Called of God an high priest after the order of Melchisedec.


The New Testament Greek Lexicon

Strong's Number: 5048 teleÑw
Original Word Word Origin
teleÑw from (5046)
Transliterated Word Phonetic Spelling
Teleioo tel-i-o'-o
Parts of Speech TDNT
Verb 8:79,1161

Definition
to make perfect, complete
to carry through completely, to accomplish, finish, bring to an end
to complete (perfect)
add what is yet wanting in order to render a thing full
to be found perfect
to bring to the end (goal) proposed
to accomplish
bring to a close or fulfilment by event
of the prophecies of the scriptures

Jesus was not defective prior to the cross, but He was not "completed" as our Redeemer, Saviour, and High Priest.

[Guest]

There was some good discussion on this topic a while back, here:

"Is the Sin Nature Biblical?"

http://www.wvss.com/forumc/viewtopic.php?t=1132

and here:

"The Temptation of Christ"

http://www.wvss.com/forumc/viewtopic.php?t=899

TK