Until the 10th generation… a 2nd Adam arrives

Noah is the 10th generation from Adam (Gen 5, c.f. Deut 23:1-8). Through Noah, God expands his kingdom, commencing with speaking his law (Gen 9:1-7) and Noah planting a new garden (aka vineyard) in Genesis 9:20.

He was a second Adam (not the last!) but…

 

A temple not made with hands…

“Genesis 2 presents creation as a cosmic temple, a holy dwelling place of God. The charge to Adam to fill the earth and subdue it (Gen. 1:28) is a priestly charge to expand the borders of Eden so that God’s habitable dwelling will be the whole earth. Thus the glory of Yahweh will cover the earth as the waters cover the sea (Num. 14:21; Isa. 6:3; 11:9; Hab. 2:14). The language used to describe Adam’s “working and keeping” the garden (Gen. 2:15) is used elsewhere in the Pentateuch to describe the priests’ “working and keeping” the tabernacle [e.g. Num 18:7~ AG]. And this language is used for no other purpose.”

~ ‘God’s Glory in Salvation Through Judgment – A Biblical Theology’ by James M. Hamilton, Jr. p.73

 

Swallowing a lie

The Bible pattern tells us how God reveals himself, how we receive his revelation (i.e. We eat it and make it part of ourselves) and how we exercise stewardship of his Word in our world. (i.e. Word, Sacrament & Government)

The fall into sin, told in Genesis 3, shows us what happens when God’s Word is not received. Instead of producing maturity, experiencing conquest and resting in satisfaction we are undone, unmade and destroyed.

Consider the events as they unfold in Genesis 2-3. Note the forming & filling pattern. Although in this instance the progress (or regress!) pivots on the testing of Adam and follows the ‘banquet‘ chiasm.

Forming

Creation
Adam is created in the image of God and given God’s Word / Law. Gen 2:16-17

Division
Adam is divided (blood is shed, his rib removed) and Eve is made. Gen 2:20-21

Ascension
They are brought together in a covenant of marriage. Gen 2:22-25

Filling

Testing
Adam, as high priest guardian & protector of Eve & Eden is tested. Gen 3:1-6

Maturity (or immaturity)
Adam seizes the fruit (takes things into his own hands, literally) and tries to cover his disobedience with fig leaves. Gen 3:7

Conquest (or defeat)
God uncovers Adam’s sin & covers it with blood of an innocent animal. He is outside the angelic veil and no longer in the promised land. Gen 3:8-13, 21-24

Future

Glorification / Rest (or pain / suffering)
Adam’s failed dominion is inherited by his offspring. Gen 5:3

Related Post
Where did we go wrong?

 

Book Review of Bible Matrix

Want a crash course in Biblical Theology?

Are you sure?

It might be easier than you think. 4 years of Bible College, followed by another 2 – 3 years at Seminary? Yeah, maybe. What if I told you, all you need to do is get your head around what happened in Genesis 1? Genesis 1 unlocks the Bible – this is the thesis of Mike Bull’s Bible Matrix. (It’s also on Kindle)

It’s a small book that will take only a few days to read, or weeks, depending on your reading pace. What Mike draws out, very well, is that there is a recurring pattern and theme throughout scripture. When you identify this pattern – it ties all the pieces together. Here’s my big thing with this book: If you read it, you will want to read your Bible more often and more thoroughly. That alone is enough of a recommendation – regardless of whether I agree in entirety with all of Mike’s conclusions and implications, he has given me a tool (that I use often!) that encourages me to read my bible and, hopefully, lead others to do the same.

There are lots of books out there that purport to give the big picture in 40 days and so on. Why is this one any different? Below is a video comment by a teacher, followed by a 12 year kid who explains what he learnt about the days of creation from reading Bible Matrix. NB: the kid starts talking at 4:18

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