So Who Did Adam and Eve's Kids Marry?

I received this question:

Leviticus 18:9 says, "You shall not have intercourse with or uncover the nakedness of your sister..."  With this being the case, how did Adam and Eve's children propagate the race without having intercourse with their siblings?"

Good question and one that deserves an answer!  Please keep in mind, however, the Scriptures do not directly address a lot of issues in terms of "chapter and verse."  We have to pull from many sources to answer some questions; and some inquiries, to be totally honest, will not be answered on this side of eternity!

Here goes!  Some have tried to "excuse" God by teaching that He probably created other human beings right after He created Adam and Eve.  We read in 1 Corinthians 15:45 that Adam was "the first man."  God did not start by making a whole group of people--men and women.  Defenders of the gospel must believe that all human beings are descendants of one man and one woman (Adam and Eve), as only those people who are descendants of Adam and Eve can be saved.  Romans 5:12 tells us that "even through one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin, and so death passed on all men inasmuch as all sinned."

The Bible makes it clear that only the descendants of Adam can be saved.  Romans 5 teaches that we sin because Adam sinned.  Since Adam was the head of the human race when he "fell," we who were in the loins of Adam "fell" also.  If God created other human beings in addition to Adam and Eve, then the gospel message is rendered false.  So please don't buy into this convenient, less substantiated argument.

Let's face it.  If we work totally from Scripture, without attaching our personal prejudices or other extra-biblical ideas, then we have to accept the fact that back at the very beginning, where there was only one generation, brothers would have had to marry sisters or there would be no more generations!  The Bible does not tell us how many children were born to Adam and Eve.  However, considering their long lifespans (Adam lived 930 years), it seems reasonable that there were many.  Famed Jewish historian Josephus wrote that "The number of Adam's children, as says the old tradition, was 33 sons and 23 daughters."

Remember, too, that sibling ages could be separated by hundreds of years!  To fully understand this concept, we have to quit thinking like traditional "Ozzie and Harriett" Americans.  We are not told when Cain married or any of the details of other marriages and children, but we can say with some degree of certainty that some brothers had to marry their sisters at the beginning of human history.  News flash   I realize I'm challenging religious mindsets; however, God continued to do "strange things" throughout redemptive history.  Do the names Hosea (prophet) and Gomer (prostitute) ring a bell?

Most people immediately reject the conclusion that Adam and Eve's sons and daughters married each other by appealing to the verse you quoted in Leviticus 18.  Some say you cannot marry your relation.  But if this first generation of humankind did not marry their relations, they could not marry a human!  Understand something.  The law forbidding marriage between close relatives was not given until the time of Moses.  Remember that Abraham married his half-sister (Genesis 20:12).  God blessed this union to produce the Hebrew people through Isaac and Jacob.  It was not until some 400 years later that God gave Moses laws that forbade such marriages.

Today, brothers and sisters are not permitted by law to marry because their children have a reasonably high risk of being deformed.  Besides, that would be gross anyway!  Just as the human lifespan shortened as sin continued to ravage mankind, so the human gene pool surely degenerated.  Adam and Eve possessed no genetic mistakes.  They were created physically perfect.  Everything God made was "very good" (Genesis 1:31).  Their genes were perfect--no mistakes.  But when sin entered ht world, God's perfect creation began to generationally degenerate.  Cain was in the first generation of children ever born.  He, as well as his brothers and sisters, would have received virtually no imperfect genes from Adam and Eve, so their offspring would have been genetically sound.  Sadly, sin began to work its destructive force against the beauty of God's creation, and by the time of Moses, degenerative mistakes would have built up in the human race to such an extent that it became necessary for God to forbid brother-sister marriages.  Also, there were plenty of people on the earth by then, and there would have been no reason for close relations to marry.

I believe this argument is plausible.  Regardless, the Bible is still God's Word and God's ways are perfect.  I still say we underestimate the toll that sin has taken on humankind and this planet.  This venue does not allow me to go into more detail, but I'm thankful for the information provided by www.bibleexplorer.com.  I drew heavily from their research.  If your curiosity has peaked, log on to that site and type in "Where did Cain get his wife?" Questions like yours make me appreciate the integrity of the Scriptures even more!

Perhaps you have a question that you'd like for me to address? Send it to me by facebook or email it to: loomisrl@windstream.net.

Does the Holy Spirit convict a person of "sin" or of "righteousness?"

Let's go to Jesus' discourse in John 16:7-11 to answer this question.  "Nevertheless I tell you the truth.  It is to your advantage that I go away; for if I do not go away, the Helper will not come to you; but if I depart, I will send Him to you.  And when He has come, He will convict the world of sin, and of righteousness, and of judgment:  Of sin, because they do not believe in Me.  Of righteousness, because I go to My Father and you see Me no more; Of judgment because the ruler of this world is judged."

According to this passage, the three important tasks of the Holy Spirit are:

1. Convincing the world of its sin and calling it to repentance,
2. Showing the standard of God's righteousness to anyone who believes because Jesus would no longer be present on earth, and
3. Demonstrating Christ's judgment over Satan.

A good word to use instead of "convict" is "convince."  To summarize these verses we can accurately say, "When we confess our sin, God declares us righteous and delivers us from judgment for our sins."  To further lend understanding, let's look at it this way.

1. The Holy Spirit initially draws us to Christ by convincing us we are sinners who need salvation.  I was drawn to Christ when I was convicted of my sinful condition before God, and was wonderfully converted at the age of 14.
2. THEN, the same Holy Spirit Who convicted e about my sins, put upon me the righteousness of Jesus!  Now the Spirit convicts (convinces) me continually; He reminds me when I sin and when I don't sin that I AM HIS RIGHTEOUSNESS.

To answer this question, the Holy Spirit, in the initial experience of conversion, convicts us of sin.  He then immediately places upon us Jesus' robe of righteousness.  Subsequently, we no longer are what sin says we are, but who God says we are.  The Spirit works continually to convince us of our righteous standing.  In other words, sin no longer has dominion over us, but now we walk in His righteousness.  At salvation we are cleansed by the blood.  Afterwards, we must see ourselves as saved, washed, cleansed, delivered, healed, etc.; and that's what the Holy Spirit works to convince us of.

Do you know what I often hear from already saved people?  They say things like, "I'm bad," "I'm not worth anything," "I don't deserve God's goodness," or "I'm bound by (whatever)..." Usually, these people admit they've been saved, but they experience difficulty walking in the righteousness of Christ.  So, the Holy Spirit works tirelessly to show them (convince them) of God's better way.  Before we receive salvation, we can rightfully say, "I am a sinner."  The Holy Spirit then convinces us of our need for salvation.  Afterwards, however, we should learn to say, "I'm righteousness "  Not perfect--but righteousness!   Many believers continue to sow into their already forgiven sins after they come to Christ!  Their walk is characterized by shame, unhealthy guilt, condemnation and fear.  They live in a perpetual state of unfounded rejection.

When we receive and understand this revelation, the same Holy Spirit who initially exposed our sinful condition, now teaches us how to live soberly, righteously and godly in this present world" (Titus 2:17).  The Spirit is a teacher, Who works continuously to convince us of the dynamics of the imputed righteousness of Christ which was placed upon us at conversion.

To summarize, the Holy Spirit both convicts of sin and righteousness!  Hallelujah!

Perhaps you have a question that you'd like for me to address? Send it to me by facebook or email it to: loomisrl@windstream.net.

Should Christians preach against Santa Claus?

I received this question:

"Our former pastor and church absolutely forbid us to acknowledge Santa Claus.  As a matter of fact, he openly preached against Santa.  What are your feelings?"

I had hoped the church (body of Christ) had pressed past such things, but I guess not.  I will answer your question, not meaning any disrespect toward your former pastor.  This is me speaking, okay?

Santa Claus was always part of our Christmas celebrations during my boyhood.  As a matter of fact, I must say the Ole' Boy was quite good to me then, and continues to delight my holidays!  I choose not to engage in the Santa Claus debate.  Frankly, I think it's a mute point.  Believe me, there are far more important matters to preach about.  I'm just real sure God is not sitting on His universal throne, wringing His hands over whether or not you and I embrace Santa Claus!

Sadly, some pastors put their personal convictions on to their congregations and preach them as doctrine.  Jesus warned us about such matters.  Obviously, the Bible does not address the matter of Santa Claus, so that automatically places his involvement in your life in the "non-essential, it-doesn't-matter" category.  If Santa Claus is an unnecessary fabrication in your mind, then don't place his picture on your front door.  If your Christmas would not be the same without the legendary, jolly fat man, then remember to leave him refreshments close to your Christmas tree on Christmas Eve!

In our home, our four kids wrote Santa detailed letters, listing their Christmas "wants."  We then mailed those letters to Lori's dad, and he called the kids on the telephone, talking in his deep "Ho-ho-ho" voice, so as to disguise himself   Our kids got the biggest charge out of this annual gig!  That is, of course, until they were old enough to recognize Papa's voice.  At that point Santa became a fond memory.

You see, there are what I call "essentials" in the Christian life, and there are "non-essentials."  The virgin birth is an example of a non-negotiable essential.  Santa Claus definitely fits in the "non-essential, it-doesn't matter" category.  Naturally, we taught our children the true meaning of Christmas as soon as they were old enough to understand.  As a matter of fact, one of our household traditions was the reading of the Christmas story recorded in Luke 2 before the kids opened their gifts.

I just don't get hung up over such matters.  Who cares?  Santa Claus and Christmas trees are neither evil nor good.  They are neutral expressions of holiday tradition.  And God doesn't care either way!  Remember, you asked!

I can't close without telling this true, delightful story.  Dr. and Mrs. Harry Yates sang and spoke one year during our senior adults Christmas dinner.  Harry, being the prankster that he is, walked into the room wearing a Santa hat.  One of our precious saints, however, did not appreciate Harry's red fur-lined cap.  He said to Pastor Yates, "I don't appreciate you wearing a Santa cap in the church."

I'll never forget what happened next.  Harry looked at the dear man and replied, "What?  You mean after all I've done for your family?  After all those years of climbing down your chimney, risking life and limb to deliver Christmas gifts to your children, and this is the thanks I get?"  The man's countenance changed dramatically.  He was totally bewildered and speechless!  He walked away in a fog!

If Santa Claus is part of your Christmas celebration--fine.  If not, that's fine, too.  Just don't tell the rest of us who enjoy the spirit of giving that because he misrepresents the real meaning of Christmas, we are wrong to acknowledge him.  Leave such matters in the hands of individual believers.

Finally, allow me to end with an easily recognized quote:  "Ho-ho-ho, Merry Christmas!"

Perhaps you have a question that you'd like for me to address? Send it to me by facebook or email it to: loomisrl@windstream.net.

I have to work out my own salvation with fear and trembling? Huh?

What did it mean when Paul told the believers at Philippi to work out their own salvation with fear and trembling?

First, let me tell what this verse is NOT saying!  In no way is Paul suggesting that salvation is obtained by works.  We adamantly believe that we are saved by grace through faith.  Paul emphatically maintains in Romans 3:28 and many other places in the New Testament "that a man is justified by faith apart from works of the law..."

Like any other verse, we need to look at the text immediately before and after it to correctly ascertain its true meaning.  This somewhat suspicious verse is quite readily explained when we look at it within its proper context.

Here's what Paul says in Philippians 2:12, "So then, my beloved, just as you always have obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your salvation with fear and trembling."

In verses 1-11 Paul encourages these believers to be of the same mind, maintain the same love, be united in spirit and intent on one purpose.  He admonishes them to look out for another's interests, to serve one another and to give themselves to each other in love and humility.  Paul uses Jesus' supreme example of humbling Himself even to the point of death.  Jesus was God and yet He took on the form of a bond servant, was obedient to the Father's plan AND God exalted Him!

Given this backdrop, Paul commends the Philippian believers for always obeying the Lord while he was in their presence.  THEN HE SAYS, "...but now much more in my absence, work out your salvation with fear and trembling."  In other words, Christians should learn to take the initiative when it comes to daily obedience and living for Christ.

One sign of personal spiritual maturity is when a believer does not have to rely on other Christian workers to remain steady in his resolve to serve God.  God wants us to rely on Him and to "work out" our own salvation, instead of depending on our Christian leaders to do it for us!  In essence, what Paul was saying was, "I don't have to be there for you to 'work out your salvation.'"  When I pastored in the South, we referred to folks who just had to have the preacher's input all the time as having "preacher religion."

Encouragers are always welcome, of course, but God wants us to get to the place where we keep "walking" when there's no one to push us along.  Paul reminded the Philippian believers that "it is God who is at work in you, both to will and to work for His good pleasure."  In verse 15 he writes, "...so that you will prove yourselves to be blameless and innocent, children of God above reproach..."  Saints, we don't get to heaven holding on to other believers.  We will arrive safely holding on to Jesus!  So, work out your own salvation, whether you have pastors and other mature believers around you or not.  Remember, "our personal toil is not in vain" (verse 16).

Perhaps you have a question that you'd like for me to address? Send it to me by facebook or email it to: loomisrl@windstream.net.

What Should I Do About My Out-of-Control Kids?

Believe it or not, children not only need boundaries, but they actually respect them.  David said it well in Psalm 51:5, "In sin did my mother conceive me..."  Those cute little bundles of joy soon grow into older children who need to be trained and guided.  We see the sin nature begin to manifest early on!  Children must be taught to understand and obey righteous and reasonable boundaries from a very young age.  If parents don't establish proper boundaries, the children will establish their own, and the end results will produce out-of-control children.

Forget about those humanistic teachers who say that boundaries destroy the child's potential and creative flow.  If you let your child talk back to you and disrespect you at 3 years of age, you may very well be visiting him or her in jail at 23!  Once you give a child boundaries and enforce the consequences of breaking those boundaries, carry through with your "promise."  Don't say, "I'm going to only tell you one more time" (for the fifth time!).  Children need consistency!  Also parents, never allow your children to pit you against one another.  After you come to a mutual decision, support one another.  Your child will soon learn that he cannot manipulate you.

God gives us children and trusts us to help shape their character and behavior and most important, lead them to the Savior.  We do this through instruction, lots of love and godly discipline.  We must be careful not to break their spirit, but we must break their will.  Remember too, there's a difference between disciplining and shaming a child.  Don't say, "You're no good."  Instead say, "Your behavior is not acceptable."  Obedience is learned, and some obedience is learned through suffering.  It worked that way with Jesus.  "Though He was a Son, yet He learned obedience by the things which He suffered" (Hebrews 5:8).

Remember, parents can't wait until their children are 10-12 years old to begin this process.  Training begins during infancy.  All four of my children were taught boundaries from the time they learned to crawl.  We never moved our household trinkets up higher to avoid breakage.  The children received a smack on their hands if they touched them.  If I said, "No, no," that's what I meant, and when they defied the order, they paid the consequences.

Did we spank?  Yes we did!  Reasonably and on their back side!  Pain is a teacher!  Controlled and intentional spanking not driven by anger does not constitute abuse.  It is perhaps unwise to exercise spanking in public, so "minister" to your child in a private place!  Again, humanistic mindsets have many parents afraid to touch their children, so unfortunately many children are growing up without boundaries.  Many children today control their homes and sadly their school classrooms because of this unscriptural practice.  Sometimes I wonder, "Who's the parent and who's the child?"  Reasonable boundaries, an understanding of and love for authority, and the teaching of respect and godliness need to be re-introduced to our children.

Telling parents to "Shut up," rolling of the eyes, the raising of voices, and blatant disobedience all constitute disrespect and eventually produce rebellious kids.  I'm not recommending abuse, of course, but I do recommend that parents start training their children during their formative years.  Don't work to be their friend; be their parent!