Counsels on Secular Worldview

Counsel #4 — The Tree Of Choice

Picture: Counsel #4 — The Tree Of Choice CSe 75.1

Since Satan could no longer stir up rebellion in heaven, he determined with evil cunning to incite Adam and Eve to sin, thereby ruining their perfect bliss in Eden. The happy pair had only one prohibition; they were not to eat from The Tree of Knowledge of Good and Evil. This was a test of their obedience to the sacred law of God, which is the expression of God’s love and wisdom.^[76] Nevertheless, they fell prey to Satan disguised as a serpent, and ate from the tree (See Genesis 3). CSe 75.2

Much evil and suffering in the world today stem from personal choices. CSe 75.3

“I call heaven and earth as witnesses today against you, that I have set before you life and death, blessing and cursing; therefore choose life, that both you and your descendants may live.” Deuteronomy 31:3 NKJV CSe 75.4

“Like the angels, the dwellers in Eden had been placed upon probation; their happy estate could be retained only on condition of fidelity to the Creator’s law. They could obey and live, or disobey and perish…. transgression would forfeit His gifts and bring upon them misery and ruin.” Ellen White in Patriarchs and Prophets, p. 53 CSe 75.5

Reflect: Can you think of choices in your life that have impacted your children, your parents, or your friends, either positively or negatively? CSe 75.6