The Abiding Gift of Prophecy

The Banishment From Eden

To Adam and Eve the situation was dark, tragic, unsolvable. A great change had taken place in man himself, and this involved a change in his environment, in his relationship to God, and in his communication with his Maker. Sin tragically terminated the personal association and open communion with God that had been granted to the first pair. It became the veil which separated man from God. This separation was inevitable, for of the Creator it is said: “Thou art of purer eyes than to behold evil, and canst not look on iniquity.” Habakkuk 1:13. Plainly it is declared to fallen man: “Your iniquities have separated between AGP 18.4

you and your God, and your sins have hid His face from you.” Isaiah 59:2. AGP 19.1

Man must now be separated from direct fellowship with his heavenly, sinless associates. He can no longer dwell in the presence of God, or remain in Paradise. “Therefore the Lord God sent him forth from the Garden of Eden…. And He placed at the east of the Garden of Eden cherubims, and a flaming sword which turned every way, to keep the way of the tree of life.” Genesis 3:23, 24. AGP 19.2

“In humility and unutterable sadness they bade farewell to their beautiful home, and went forth to dwell upon the earth, where rested the curse of sin.” Patriarchs and Prophets, 61. AGP 19.3