Further Study:
Sin and Separation from God: “Christ knew that Adam in Eden, with his superior advantages, might have withstood the temptations of Satan, and conquered him. He also knew that it was not possible for man, out of Eden, separated from the light and love of God since the Fall, to resist the temptations of Satan in his own strength.”—Ellen G. White, Maranatha, p. 224.Sin and Lack of Harmony: “In transgression Adam became a law to himself. By disobedience he was brought under bondage. Thus a discordant element, born of selfishness, entered man's life. Man's will and God's will no longer harmonized. Adam had united with the disloyal forces, and self-will took the field.”—Ellen G. White, Signs of the Times, June 13, 1900.
Sin and Rebellion in Nature: “Among the lower creatures Adam had stood as king . . . ; but when he transgressed, this dominion was forfeited. The spirit of rebellion, to which he himself had given entrance, extended throughout the animal creation. Thus not only the life of man, but the nature of the beasts, the trees of the forest, the grass of the field, the very air he breathed, all told the sad lesson of the knowledge of evil.”—Ellen G. White, God’s Amazing Grace, p. 41.
Discussion Questions:
It’s obvious to almost anyone that things are not right in our world. As Christians, we believe things are this way because of sin and the Fall. Some folk, however, don’t believe in the idea of sin or the Fall. How do they explain the state of the world? What are some other explanations that people give? How, for example, would an evolutionist explain our present condition? What are these other views, and how would you answer them? 
No doubt, all around you the terrible impact of sin can be seen. Though we can never eradicate sin or its consequences in this world now, what practical steps can we take to try to help alleviate as much of the damage as possible? What are things you can do, both as an individual and as a church, to try to relieve some of the suffering? 
What is a “spiritual death”? How can someone know if they are spiritually dead? Would someone spiritually dead even know it? What can you do to help someone who feels that he or she is, indeed, spiritually dead? Summary:
| The Fall was an act of rebellion against God, and it resulted in the spiritual, physical, and eternal death of sinners. Because the results were so bad, something drastic had to be done; otherwise, we would have no hope. As we shall see, the Cross was that drastic answer to the problem caused by the Fall. |
| I N S I D E Story | ||
| "I'm Free Behind Bars" by HEIDEMARIE KLINGEBERG Wolfgang was a successful businessman-a banker in fact. But before long, money and success meant more to him than family and friends. Soon it seemed that he never had enough. He had a dream in which he saw two paths-one filled with riches but ending in a dark valley, and the other a path of service leading eventually to a bright place-he chose the route of riches and eventual darkness. He would remain on the path of self-gratification, no matter where it led. Six months later Wolfgang was arrested and convicted of embezzlement. He was sent to prison. While behind bars he felt sorry-sorry for himself and sorry that he had been caught. He was transferred to another prison, and there he met a pastor he had known years earlier. The two spent many hours talking together about life and religious matters. He began taking part in the prison's religious services, including discussion groups and Bible studies. Little by little he grew closer to God. One day while reading the newspaper, he saw an advertisement for a Bible study course and sent away for it. When lessons arrived, he began studying them in earnest. Through the Bible course, Wolfgang met Friedhelm, a Bible instructor. Wolfgang asked many questions about what the Bible says on certain topics, and Friedhelm answered each question. Wolfgang's journey to God was speeding up. He was transferred to another prison where he began suffering bouts of depression. One evening while he battled despair, he prayed, "Lord Jesus, please take over in my life. I surrender to You." Almost immediately he was confronted with the enormity of his sins, the trouble he had brought upon himself, his family, and his victims. He cried bitterly and long. Then he opened his Bible and found Jeremiah 30, in which he read, " "I am with you and will save you," declares the LORD. . . . "I will not completely destroy you. I will discipline you but only with justice" ' " (verse 11, NIV). He felt a deep peace he had never known before, and he knew that God had granted his prayer and had replaced his despair with trust and hope in Jesus. He began spending hours with God, reading the Bible, praying, and worshiping. His desires and his goals in life have completely changed. "I am so happy and thankful, for even in prison I am free in Christ." Wolfgang was baptized and has made new friends in Christ. He has turned from his old life and faces a new life in Jesus. He is thankful that he found Christ through the Voice of Hope Bible correspondence school, which is sponsored in part by mission offerings. Thank you for helping one more prisoner of sin find freedom in Christ.
HEIDEMARIE KLINGEBERG works with Stimme der Hoffnung, the Voice of Hope Adventist Media Center in Darmstadt, Germany. | ||
| Produced by the General Conference Office of Mission Web site: www.adventistmission.org |
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