What One Thing Would I Do To Grow More In the Knowledge and Wisdom and Work of Jesus Christ.
In examining the nature of Adam's sin we discover that aside from rebellion there is also a certain kind of independence.
We must not lose sight here of free will. On the one hand, the tree of life implies a sense of dependence. Man at that time did not possess God's nature, but had he partaken of the fruit of life he would have secured God's life; man could have reached his summit - - possessing the very life of God. This is dependence.
n the other hand, the tree of knowledge of good and evil suggests independence because man strived by the exercise of his will for the knowledge not promised , for something not accorded him by God.
His rebellion declared his independence. By rebelling he did not need to depend upon god.
Furthermore, his seeking the knowledge of good and evil also showed his independence, for he was not satisfied with what God had bestowed already.
The difference between the spiritual and the soulish is crystal clear.
The spiritual depends utterly upon God, fully satisfied with what God has given, the soulish steers clear of God and covets what God has not conferred, especially "knowledge".
Independence is a special mark of the soulish. That things- no matter how good, even worshipping God- is unquestionable of the soul if it does not require complete trust in God and instead calls for reliance upon one's own strength.
The tree of life cannot grow within us together with the tree of knowledge.
Rebellion and independence explain every sin committed by both sinners of saints.
