EGW WritingsGenesis 3

Ellen G. White · Page 2 of 2

Genesis 3:9-15

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 8 (1893)

Ms 17, 1893

8LtMs, Ms 17, 1893, par. 4

God gave them fruit of every description; but He wanted them to know that He was the proprietor. When they partook, they disobeyed the word of God, and became transgressors, and when God came to visit them in the garden, Him whom they used to welcome when they saw Him approach, they hid from His face. When God said, “Adam where art thou?” and after Adam replies, He tells him, You have been eating of the tree of knowledge. [Genesis 3:9-11.] Did God leave him then? No. No, God gave them a star of hope to illuminate the dark future. And the first gospel sermon was preached by God Himself. Genesis 3:15.

Genesis 3:12-13

Steps to Christ

Chapter 4—Confession

SC 40.2

After Adam and Eve had eaten of the forbidden fruit, they were filled with a sense of shame and terror. At first their only thought was how to excuse their sin and escape the dreaded sentence of death. When the Lord inquired concerning their sin, Adam replied, laying the guilt partly upon God and partly upon his companion: “The woman whom Thou gavest to be with me, she gave me of the tree, and I did eat.” The woman put the blame upon the serpent, saying, “The serpent beguiled me, and I did eat.” Genesis 3:12, 13. Why did You make the serpent? Why did You suffer him to come into Eden? These were the questions implied in her excuse for her sin, thus charging God with the responsibility of their fall. The spirit of self-justification originated in the father of lies and has been exhibited by all the sons and daughters of Adam. Confessions of this order are not inspired by the divine Spirit and will not be acceptable to God. True repentance will lead a man to bear his guilt himself and acknowledge it without deception or hypocrisy. Like the poor publican, not lifting up so much as his eyes unto heaven, he will cry, “God be merciful to me a sinner,” and those who do acknowledge their guilt will be justified, for Jesus will plead His blood in behalf of the repentant soul.

Genesis 3:13

Christ Triumphant

Results of Opposing God’s Plans, January 20

CTr 26.1

And the Lord God said unto the woman, What is this that thou hast done? And the woman said, The serpent beguiled me, and I did eat. Genesis 3:13.

Genesis 3:14-17

Conflict and Courage

Taught by Nature, January 13

CC 19.1

But ask now the beasts, and they shall teach thee; and the fowls of the air, and they shall tell thee: or speak to the earth, and it shall teach thee: and the fishes of the sea shall declare unto thee. Who knoweth not in all these that the hand of the Lord hath wrought this? Job 12:7-9.

CC 19.2

Although the earth was blighted with the curse, nature was still to be man’s lesson book. It could not now represent goodness only; for evil was everywhere present, marring earth and sea and air with its defiling touch....

CC 19.3

In drooping flower and falling leaf Adam and his companion witnessed the first signs of decay. Vividly was brought to their minds the stern fact that every living thing must die. Even the air, upon which their life depended, bore the seeds of death.

CC 19.4

Continually they were reminded also of their lost dominion. Among the lower creatures Adam had stood as king, and so long as he remained loyal to God, all nature acknowledged his rule; but when he transgressed, this dominion was forfeited. The spirit of rebellion, to which he himself had given entrance, extended throughout the animal creation....

CC 19.5

But man was not abandoned to the results of the evil he had chosen. In the sentence pronounced upon Satan was given an intimation of redemption.... This sentence, spoken in the hearing of our first parents, was to them a promise. Before they heard of the thorn and the thistle, of the toil and sorrow that must be their portion, or of the dust to which they must return, they listened to words that could not fail of giving them hope. All that had been lost by yielding to Satan could be regained through Christ.17Education, 26, 27.

CC 19.6

After the transgression of Adam, God might have destroyed every opening bud and blooming flower, or He might have taken away their fragrance, so grateful to the senses. In the earth seared and marred by the curse, in the briers, the thistles, the thorns, the tares, we may read the law of condemnation; but in the delicate color and perfume of the flowers, we may learn that God still loves us, that His mercy is not wholly withdrawn from the earth.18The S.D.A. Bible Commentary 1:1085.

Genesis 3:14-19

Conflict and Courage

Cursed! January 12

CC 18.1

Unto the woman he said, I will greatly multiply thy sorrow and thy conception; ... and thy desire shall be to thy husband, and he shall rule over thee. And unto Adam he said, ... cursed is the ground for thy sake; in sorrow shalt thou eat of it all the days of thy life. Genesis 3:16, 17.

CC 18.2

Eve was told of the sorrow and pain that must henceforth be her portion.... In the creation God had made her the equal of Adam. Had they remained obedient to God—in harmony with His great law of love—they would ever have been in harmony with each other; but sin had brought discord, and now their union could be maintained and harmony preserved only by submission on the part of the one or the other. Eve had been the first in transgression; and she had fallen into temptation by separating from her companion, contrary to the divine direction. It was by her solicitation that Adam sinned, and she was now placed in subjection to her husband....

CC 18.3

Eve had been perfectly happy by her husband’s side in her Eden home; but, like restless modern Eves, she was flattered with the hope of entering a higher sphere than that which God had assigned her. In attempting to rise above her original position, she fell far below it. A similar result will be reached by all who are unwilling to take up cheerfully their life duties in accordance with God’s plan. In their efforts to reach positions for which He has not fitted them, many are leaving vacant the place where they might be a blessing....

CC 18.4

When God made man, He made him ruler over the earth and all living creatures. So long as Adam remained loyal to Heaven, all nature was in subjection to him. But when he rebelled against the divine law, the inferior creatures were in rebellion against his rule. Thus the Lord, in His great mercy, would show men the sacredness of His law, and lead them, by their own experience, to see the danger of setting it aside, even in the slightest degree.

CC 18.5

And the life of toil and care which was henceforth to be man’s lot was appointed in love. It was a discipline rendered needful by his sin, to place a check upon the indulgence of appetite and passion, to develop habits of self-control. It was a part of God’s great plan for man’s recovery from the ruin and degradation of sin.16Patriarchs and Prophets, 58-60.

Genesis 3:15

Christ Triumphant

God Put Satan on Notice, January 22

CTr 28.1

And I will put enmity between thee and the woman. Genesis 3:15.

Manuscript Releases, vol. 9 [Nos. 664-770]

MR No. 700—Satan’s Confederacy of Evil Angels and Evil Men

9MR 108.1

Here [Luke 22:64, 65] we see how professedly righteous men can act out the spirit of Satan to carry their wicked purposes through envy and jealousy and religious bigotry. That enmity was spoken of in the first gospel sermon spoken in Eden. “And I will put enmity between thee and the woman, and between thy seed and her seed; it shall bruise thy head, and thou shalt bruise His heel” (Genesis 3:15). This enmity was revealed as soon as man transgressed God’s holy law. His nature was changed. It became evil. He was in harmony with the prince of darkness, and there was a confederacy formed. There is no warfare between Satan and the sinner, between fallen angels and fallen men. Both possess the same attributes, both are evil through apostasy and sin. Then let all who read these words understand for a surety that, wheresoever transgression against God’s holy law exists, there will always be a league against good. Fallen angels and fallen men will unite in desperate companionship. Satan inspires the disloyal elements to work in harmony with his spirit.

Manuscript Releases, vol. 19 [Nos. 1360-1419]

MR No. 1387—The Lot of God’s People in a World of Sin; Peter’s Denial and Jesus’ Trial; Satan’s Confederacy of Evil Angels and Evil Men

19MR 169.1

Here we see how professedly righteous men can act out the spirit of Satan to carry their wicked purposes through envy and jealousy and religious bigotry. That enmity was spoken of in the first gospel sermon in Eden. “And I will put enmity between thee and the woman, and between thy seed and her seed; It shall bruise thy head, and thou shalt bruise His heel” [Genesis 3:15]. This enmity was revealed as soon as man transgressed God’s holy law. His nature was changed. It became evil. He was in harmony with the prince of darkness, and there was a confederacy formed. There is no warfare between Satan and the sinner, between fallen angels and fallen men. Both possess the same attributes, both are evil through apostasy and sin. Then let all who read these words understand for a surety that, wheresoever transgression against God’s holy law exists, there will always be a league against good. Fallen angels and fallen men will unite in desperate companionship. Satan inspires the disloyal elements to work in harmony with his spirit.

Manuscript Releases, vol. 17 [Nos. 1236-1300]

MR No. 1237—Testimony Concerning the Views of Prophecy Held by John Bell—Part II

17MR 7.4

The message proclaimed by the angel flying in the midst of heaven is the everlasting gospel, the same gospel that was declared in Eden when God said to the serpent, “I will put enmity between thee and the woman, and between thy seed and her seed; it shall bruise thy head, and thou shalt bruise his heel” Genesis 3:15]. Here was the first promise of a Saviour who would stand on the field of battle to contest the power of Satan and prevail against him. Christ came to our world to represent the character of God as it is represented in His holy law; for His law is a transcript of His character. Christ was both the law and the gospel. The angel that proclaims the everlasting gospel proclaims the law of God; for the gospel of salvation brings men to obedience of the law, whereby their characters are formed after the divine similitude.

Manuscript Releases, vol. 13 [Nos. 1000-1080]

MR No. 1029—Words of Instruction on Administration and Medical Missionary Work

13MR 210.1

God said to the serpent, “I will put enmity between thee and the woman, and between thy seed, and her seed; it shall bruise thy head, and thou shalt bruise his heel” [Genesis 3:15]. There is much work to be done in the vineyard of the Lord. Never are God’s workmen to accuse one another. Time is short; the end of all things is at hand. Our work is not to repress and hinder, but to encourage and restore. All who will cooperate with the Redeemer in bruising the head of the serpent will be doing the work which the Lord has appointed them. But God has not given men the least intimation that they are to bruise their fellowmen. Their warfare is to be directed against the power of Satan. Those who cooperate with Christ will give no place to the devil but, uniting under the blood-stained banner of Prince Emmanuel, will repress every evil word and work. They are never to use their power to weaken the influence of those who are trying to work for God.

Manuscript Releases, vol. 13 [Nos. 1000-1080]

MR No. 1074—J. H. Kellogg in Need of Conversion; God’s Law the Standard of Righteousness

13MR 382.4

After seducing Adam and Eve, Satan was sentenced [This sentence which was implemented partially at the crucifixion, will be executed fully at the beginning of the millennium. See Revelation 20:1-3, Where “The bottomless pit” Represents this earth in A chaotic state. See also Early Writings, 39-40, 290; The Great Controversy, 485, 657-661; The S.D.A. Bible Commentary 5:1149, 1150; The Desire of Ages, 761] to confinement to this globe. “I will put enmity between thee and the woman, and between thy seed and her seed; it shall bruise thy head, and thou shalt bruise His heel” [Genesis 3:15]. This curse has reference chiefly to the originator of sin, the devil, and not to the serpent, the medium. Satan and his associates fell under the curse.

Manuscript Releases, vol. 12 [Nos. 921-999]

MR No. 999—Christ as Sacrifice and High Priest

12MR 398.2

When Christ died on the cross, Satan triumphed, but his triumph was short. The prophecy was made in Eden. “I will put enmity between thee and the woman, and between thy seed and her seed; It shall bruise thy head, and thou shalt bruise His heel” [Genesis 3:15]. Christ was nailed to the cross, but thus He gained His victory. Through death He destroyed him that had the power of death. By becoming the Sin-bearer, He lifted from the human race the penalty of transgression. In His own body He paid the penalty of that on which the power of Satan over the human race is founded, even transgression.

Patriarchs and Prophets

Chapter 4—The Plan of Redemption

PP 65.4

To man the first intimation of redemption was communicated in the sentence pronounced upon Satan in the garden. The Lord declared, “I will put enmity between thee and the woman, and between thy seed and her seed; it shall bruise thy head, and thou shalt bruise his heel.” Genesis 3:15. This sentence, uttered in the hearing of our first parents, was to them a promise. While it foretold war between man and Satan, it declared that the power of the great adversary would finally be broken. Adam and Eve stood as criminals before the righteous Judge, awaiting the sentence which transgression had incurred; but before they heard of the life of toil and sorrow which must be their portion, or of the decree that they must return to dust, they listened to words that could not fail to give them hope. Though they must suffer from the power of their mighty foe, they could look forward to final victory.

Prophets and Kings

Chapter 58—The Coming of a Deliverer

PK 681.2

The first intimation of such a hope was given to Adam and Eve in the sentence pronounced upon the serpent in Eden when the Lord declared to Satan in their hearing, “I will put enmity between thee and the woman, and between thy seed and her seed; it shall bruise thy head, and thou shalt bruise His heel.” Genesis 3:15.

PK 685.1

From the day the Lord declared to the serpent in Eden, “I will put enmity between thee and the woman, and between thy seed and her seed” (Genesis 3:15), Satan has known that he can never hold absolute sway over the inhabitants of this world. When Adam and his sons began to offer the ceremonial sacrifices ordained by God as a type of the coming Redeemer, Satan discerned in these a symbol of communion between earth and heaven. During the long centuries that have followed, it has been his constant effort to intercept this communion. Untiringly has he sought to misrepresent God and to misinterpret the rites pointing to the Saviour, and with a great majority of the members of the human family he has been successful.

PK 701.3

In the wilderness of temptation, in the Garden of Gethsemane, and on the cross, our Saviour measured weapons with the prince of darkness. His wounds became the trophies of His victory in behalf of the race. When Christ hung in agony upon the cross, while evil spirits rejoiced and evil men reviled, then indeed His heel was bruised by Satan. But that very act was crushing the serpent’s head. Through death He destroyed “him that had the power of death, that is, the devil.” Hebrews 2:14. This act decided the destiny of the rebel chief, and made forever sure the plan of salvation. In death He gained the victory over its power; in rising again, He opened the gates of the grave to all His followers. In that last great contest we see fulfilled the prophecy, “It shall bruise thy head, and thou shall bruise His heel.” Genesis 3:15.

Christ Triumphant

Enmity Between Christ and Satan, January 23

CTr 29.1

And I will put enmity between ... thy seed and her seed; it shall bruise thy head, and thou shalt bruise his heel. Genesis 3:15.

Selected Messages Book 1

Chapter 35—“Tempted in All Points Like as We Are”

1SM 254.1

Selected Messages Book 2

The Three Angels’ Messages in their Larger Setting

2SM 106.2

The message proclaimed by the angel flying in the midst of heaven is the everlasting gospel, the same gospel that was declared in Eden when God said to the serpent, “I will put enmity between thee and the woman, and between thy seed and her seed; it shall bruise thy head, and thou shalt bruise his heel” (Genesis 3:15). Here was the first promise of a Saviour who would stand on the field of battle to contest the power of Satan and prevail against him. Christ came to our world to represent the character of God as it is represented in His holy law; for His law is a transcript of His character. Christ was both the law and the gospel. The angel that proclaims the everlasting gospel proclaims the law of God; for the gospel of salvation brings men to obedience of the law, whereby their characters are formed after the divine similitude.

Testimonies for the Church, vol. 9

“Followers of God, as Dear Children”

9T 283.2

Every truly converted soul can say: “I am but a little child; but I am God’s child.” It was at infinite cost that provision was made whereby the human family might be restored to sonship with God. In the beginning, God made man in His own likeness. Our first parents listened to the voice of the tempter and yielded to the power of Satan. But man was not abandoned to the results of the evil he had chosen. The promise of a Deliverer was given. “I will put enmity between thee and the woman,” God said to the serpent, “and between thy seed and her seed; it shall bruise thy head, and thou shalt bruise his heel.” Genesis 3:15. Before they heard of the thorn and the thistle, of the sorrow and toil that must be their portion, or of the dust to which they must return, they listened to words that could not fail of giving them hope. All that had been lost by yielding to Satan could be regained through Christ.

That I May Know Him

Divine Enmity in the Soul, January 10

TMK 16.1

And I will put enmity between thee and the woman, and between thy seed and her seed; it shall bruise thy head, and thou shalt bruise his heel. Genesis 3:15.

The Acts of the Apostles

Chapter 22—Thessalonica

AA 222.1

Plain and specific prophecies had been given regarding the appearance of the Promised One. To Adam was given an assurance of the coming of the Redeemer. The sentence pronounced on Satan, “I will put enmity between thee and the woman, and between thy seed and her seed; it shall bruise thy head, and thou shalt bruise his heel” (Genesis 3:15), was to our first parents a promise of the redemption to be wrought out through Christ.

The Faith I Live By

First Promise of Redemption, March 10

FLB 75.1

And I will put enmity between thee and the woman, and between thy seed and her seed; it shall bruise thy head, and thou shalt bruise his heel. Genesis 3:15.

The Great Controversy

Chapter 30—Enmity Between Man and Satan

GC 505.1

“I will put enmity between thee and the woman, and between thy seed and her seed; it shall bruise thy head, and thou shalt bruise his heel.” Genesis 3:15. The divine sentence pronounced against Satan after the fall of man was also a prophecy, embracing all the ages to the close of time and foreshadowing the great conflict to engage all the races of men who should live upon the earth.

The Great Controversy (1888 ed.)

Chapter 30—Enmity Between Man and Satan

GC88 505.1

“I will put enmity between thee and the woman, and between thy seed and her seed; it shall bruise thy head, and thou shalt bruise his heel.” [Genesis 3:15.] The divine sentence pronounced against Satan after the fall of man, was also a prophecy, embracing all the ages to the close of time, and foreshadowing the great conflict to engage all the races of men who should live upon the earth.

The Spirit of Prophecy, vol. 4

Chapter 25—Enmity Between Man and Satan

4SP 324.1

Christ Triumphant

They Also Will Persecute You, November 11

CTr 322.2

Herod and the wicked authorities killed the Just One, but Christ never killed anyone, and we may attribute the spirit of persecution—because people want liberty of conscience—to its origin, Satan. He is a deceiver, a liar, a murderer, and accuser of the brethren and sisters. He loves to see human misery. He exults in distress, and as we view the cruel persecutions of those who would obey God according to the dictates of their own consciences, we may know that this is the mystery of iniquity. The Lord said to Satan, that old serpent, “It [the Seed of the woman] shall bruise thy head, and thou shalt bruise his heel” (Genesis 3:15). Christ in a special manner bruised the head of the serpent, but the prophecy is far-reaching. It is a declaration of an unwearied conflict between Christ and His followers, and Satan and his angels and human agencies on this earth, to the close of time.

The Upward Look

God Does Not Change, October 31

UL 318.1

And I will put enmity between thee and the woman, and between thy seed and her seed; it shall bruise thy head, and thou shalt bruise his heel. Genesis 3:15.

To Be Like Jesus

The Promise of Redemption, February 3

BLJ 42.1

I will put enmity between you and the woman, and between your seed and her Seed; He shall bruise your head, and you shall bruise His heel. Genesis 3:15, NKJV.

BLJ 42.4

But mortals were not abandoned to the results of the evil they had chosen. In the sentence pronounced upon Satan was given an intimation of redemption. “I will put enmity between thee and the woman,” God said, “and between thy seed and her seed; it shall bruise thy head, and thou shalt bruise his heel” (Genesis 3:15). This sentence, spoken in the hearing of our first parents, was to them a promise. Before they heard of the thorn and the thistle, of the toil and sorrow that must be their portion, or of the dust to which they must return, they listened to words that could not fail of giving them hope. All that had been lost by yielding to Satan could be regained through Christ.

Sermons and Talks, vol. 2

Manuscript 21, 1895

2SAT 111.2

The gospel was first proclaimed in Eden. “I will put enmity between thee and the woman, and between thy seed and her seed; it shall bruise thy head, and thou shalt bruise his heel” [Genesis 3:15]. But through ages of sin the image of God was almost obliterated from the earth. Satan said, Humanity cannot keep the law of God. I can take their minds and mold and fashion them so that they will not regard the law of God.

Testimony Treasures, vol. 3

“Followers of God, as Dear Children”

3TT 430.1

From Trials to Triumph

Chapter 22—A Revival and a Riot at Thessalonica

TT 118.3

1. The sentence pronounced on Satan, “I will put enmity between thee and the woman, and between thy seed and her seed; it shall bruise thy head, and thou shalt bruise his heel” (Genesis 3:15), was to our first parents a promise of the redemption through Christ.

From Heaven With Love

Chapter 12—The Wilderness Temptation

HLv 69.4

Satan had known that he did not hold absolute sway over the world. There was seen in men a power that withstood his dominion. See Genesis 3:15. In the sacrifices offered by Adam and his sons he discerned a symbol of communion between earth and heaven. He set himself to intercept this communion. He misrepresented God and misinterpreted the rites that pointed to the Saviour. Men were led to fear God as one who delighted in their destruction. The sacrifices that should have revealed His love were offered only to appease His wrath.

From Heaven With Love

Chapter 63—Jesus Acclaimed as Israel’s King

HLv 386.1

Adam will tell you: It is the seed of the woman that shall bruise the serpent’s head. See Genesis 3:15.

From Eternity Past

God Promises a Saviour

EP 33.1

In the sentence pronounced on Satan in the garden, the Lord declared, “I will put enmity between thee and the woman, and between thy seed and her seed; it shall bruise thy head, and thou shalt bruise His heel.” Genesis 3:15. This was a promise that the power of the great adversary would finally be broken. Adam and Eve stood as criminals before the righteous Judge, but before they heard of the toil and sorrow which must be their portion or that they must return to dust, they listened to words that could not fail to give them hope. They could look forward to final victory.

From Here to Forever

Chapter 30—Satan and Man at War

HF 312.1

“I will put enmity between thee and the woman, and between thy seed and her seed; it shall bruise thy head and thou shalt bruise his heel.” Genesis 3:15. This enmity is not natural. When man transgressed the divine law, his nature became evil, in harmony with Satan. Fallen angels and wicked men united in desperate companionship. Had not God interposed, Satan and man would have entered into an alliance against Heaven, and the whole human family would have been united in opposition to God.

From Splendor to Shadow

Chapter 58—Darkness Precedes the Dawn

SS 353.2

Hope was given first to Adam and Eve in Eden when the Lord declared to Satan, “I will put enmity between thee and the woman, and between thy seed and her seed; it shall bruise thy head, and thou shalt bruise his heel.” Genesis 3:15. As the guilty pair listened, they were inspired with hope, for they discerned a promise of deliverance from ruin. They need not yield to despair. The Son of God was to atone with His own blood for their transgression. Through faith in the power of Christ to save, they might become once more the children of God.

Christ in His Sanctuary

Chapter 1 - Christ in the Sacrificial System

CIHS 29.1

Christ in His Sanctuary

Study Questions

2. What meaning did the declaration of Genesis 3:15 have for Satan? For Adam and Eve? (19)

From the Heart

A Redeemer Is Promised, May 10

FH 142.1

And I will put enmity between you and the woman, and between your seed and her Seed; He shall bruise your head, and you shall bruise His heel. Genesis 3:15.

From the Heart

Enmity, God’s Gift, June 2

FH 165.1

I will put enmity between you and the woman, and between your seed and her Seed; He shall bruise your head, and you shall bruise His heel. Genesis 3:15.

The Great Hope (Condensed)

Chapter 2—Hope for Triumph Over Evil

GrH_c 5.1

Homeward Bound

Hostilities, November 4

HB 337.2

I will put enmity between thee and the woman, and between thy seed and her seed; it shall bruise thy head, and thou shalt bruise His heel.” (Genesis 3:15.) The divine sentence pronounced against Satan after the fall of Adam and Eve was also a prophecy, embracing all the ages to the close of time and foreshadowing the great conflict to engage all the races of mankind who should live upon the earth.

Homeward Bound

Satan’s Claim, November 8

HB 341.4

Since the announcement to the serpent in Eden, “I will put enmity between thee and the woman, and between thy seed and her seed” (Genesis 3:15), Satan had known that he did not hold absolute sway over the world. There was seen in humanity the working of a power that withstood his dominion. With intense interest he watched the sacrifices offered by Adam and his sons. In these ceremonies he discerned a symbol of communion between earth and heaven. He set himself to intercept this communion. He misrepresented God, and misinterpreted the rites that pointed to the Saviour. People were led to fear God as one who delighted in their destruction. The sacrifices that should have revealed His love were offered only to appease His wrath. Satan excited people’s evil passions, in order to fasten his rule upon them. When God’s written word was given, Satan studied the prophecies of the Saviour’s advent. From generation to generation he worked to blind the people to these prophecies, that they might reject Christ at His coming.—The Desire of Ages, 114, 115.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 4 (1883 - 1886)

Ms 62, 1886

4LtMs, Ms 62, 1886, par. 64

Herod and the wicked authorities killed the Just One, but Christ never killed anyone, and we may attribute the spirit of persecution—because men want liberty of conscience—to its origin—Satan. He is a deceiver, a liar, a murderer, and accuser of the brethren. He loves to see human misery. He exults in distress, and as we view the cruel persecutions of those who would obey God according to the dictates of their own consciences, we may know that this is the mystery of iniquity. The Lord said to Satan, that old serpent, “It [the Seed of the woman] shall bruise thy head, and thou shalt bruise His heel.” Genesis 3:15. Christ in a special manner bruised the head of the serpent, but the prophecy is far-reaching. It is a declaration of an unwearied conflict between Christ and His followers, and Satan and his angels and human agencies on this earth, to the close of time.

God’s Amazing Grace

In Eden, May 3

AG 131.1

I will put enmity between thee and the woman, and between thy seed and her seed; it shall bruise thy head, and thou shalt bruise his heel. Genesis 3:15.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 4 (1883 - 1886)

Ms 60, 1886

4LtMs, Ms 60, 1886, par. 5

After Adam and Eve had fallen, the gospel was presented. They were told that a Saviour would be provided and that the Seed of the woman should bruise the head of Satan who was the instigator of sin, and that Satan should bruise His heel. Genesis 3:15. Christ “was wounded for our transgressions, He was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon Him.” Isaiah 53:5. When He came to this world, He laid aside the glory that He had before the world was, and He clothed His divinity with humanity. What a display of unselfishness on the part of our Saviour! Christ saw that it was impossible for man to overcome and become a conqueror in his own strength.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 6 (1889-1890)

Ms 22, 1890

6LtMs, Ms 22, 1890, par. 1

In Eden the gospel of a coming Saviour was proclaimed. No sooner was the promise given that the seed of the woman should bruise the serpent’s head than Christ was revealed as the Redeemer of mankind. [Genesis 3:15.] Through Him alone could be fulfilled God’s purpose to prevent heathenism and idolatry from becoming universal. The promise of His coming was the star of hope that shed its bright beams across the desert over which the church was to make her way to the consummation of her hopes.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 8 (1893)

Lt 124, 1893

8LtMs, Lt 124, 1893, par. 24

The wise general of fallen angels calculated that if he could induce men as he had angels to join in rebellion, he would use them as his agents of communication with men to league in rebellion against heaven. Just as soon as one separates from God, he has no power of enmity against Satan. The enmity on earth between men and Satan is put there supernaturally. Unless the converting power of God is brought daily to bear upon the human heart, there will be no inclination to be religiously inclined, but men will choose to be captives of Satan rather than free men to Jesus Christ. “I,” says God, “will put enmity.” [Genesis 3:15.] Man cannot put it. When the will is brought into subjection to the will of God, it must be through man’s inclining his heart and will to be on the Lord’s side.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 8 (1893)

Ms 16, 1893

8LtMs, Ms 16, 1893, par. 2

God told them not to touch the tree of knowledge. But here the tempter came in, and instead of obeying the words of God they listened to the tempter and obeyed his words. What was the result? They were excluded from their Eden home. When God made inquiry, they told Him about it. The voice said to them to eat and they obeyed it. Then was the first gospel sermon preached to Adam and Eve in Eden. Genesis 3:15. Well now, let us thank God for this, that the serpent cannot touch our head unless we give it to his control.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 8 (1893)

Ms 2, 1893

8LtMs, Ms 2, 1893, par. 3

The gospel was first preached in Eden. Genesis 3:15. Satan cannot touch the head; praise God for that wonderful work of God in the salvation of man! There is victory for man. The devil will use your mind if you give it to him. When Christ came into our world [to] break every yoke, He did not rank among the highest, [or] richest. He was from Nazareth. He worked at a carpenter’s trade; He honored labor. Does He not know all about His subjects?

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 8 (1893)

Ms 9, 1893

8LtMs, Ms 9, 1893, par. 22

Satan came to Adam and Eve in Eden and held a conversation with Eve. He said God was restricting her from knowledge, and so flattered her that she listened to all his suggestions. God did not want her to know evil. God wanted them to be instructed in good only. But Adam and Eve fell, and the garment of light no longer covered them. Adam hid himself and did not go to meet God. God used to commune with him. The following are the words of the first gospel sermon, and it was preached in the garden of Eden. “And I will put enmity between thee and the woman, and between thy seed and her seed: it shall bruise thy head, and thou shalt bruise his heel.” [Genesis 3:15.] Satan cannot touch the head, nor the reason unless we give it to him. By [our] stepping on his ground, he gets possession. He cannot read our thoughts.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 10 (1895)

Ms 21, 1895

10LtMs, Ms 21, 1895, par. 7

The gospel was first proclaimed in Eden. “I will put enmity between thee and the woman, and between thy seed and her seed; it shall bruise thy head, and thou shalt bruise his heel.” [Genesis 3:15.] But through ages of sin the image of God was almost obliterated from the earth. Satan said, Humanity cannot keep the law of God. I can take their minds and mold and fashion them so that they will not regard the law of God. But God looked down upon our earth, and seeing that the time had come, Christ the King of glory was born a helpless babe in Bethlehem. He who is from everlasting, and who is enshrouded in light unapproachable, He who fills all heaven with the train of His glory, looks upon sin as the only hateful thing that there is in our world, and yet He consented that His only begotten Son, sinless and holy, should take the sin of the world upon Himself.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 10 (1895)

Ms 74, 1895

10LtMs, Ms 74, 1895, par. 4

We want to know God, for “this is life eternal, that they might know thee, the only truth God, and Jesus Christ whom thou hast sent.” [John 17:3.] We want our interest, our affections, centered upon heavenly things. When man had sinned, when he had transgressed the law in Eden, the race was sunk in ruin. But the promise was, that the Seed should bruise the serpent’s head. [Genesis 3:15.]

Lift Him Up

Sacrifices and Ordinances Revealed God’s Divine Love, January 12

LHU 26.4

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 11 (1896)

Ms 32, 1896

11LtMs, Ms 32, 1896, par. 7

The message proclaimed by the angel flying in the midst of heaven is the everlasting gospel, the same gospel that was declared in Eden when God said to the serpent, “I will put enmity between thee and the woman, and between thy seed and her seed; it shall bruise thy head, and thou shalt bruise his heel.” [Genesis 3:15.] Here was the first promise of a Saviour that would stand on the field of battle to contest the power of Satan and prevail against him. Christ came to our world to represent the character of God as it is represented in His holy law, for His law is a transcript of His character. Christ was both the law and the gospel. The angel that proclaims the everlasting gospel proclaims the law of God; for the gospel of salvation brings men to obedience of the law, whereby their characters are formed after the divine similitude.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 11 (1896)

Ms 77, 1896

11LtMs, Ms 77, 1896, par. 3

The Lord pronounced a curse on man for the transgression of His law and a curse upon the earth because of man’s sin. Although Adam was still permitted to tend the garden and to be a laborer together with God, after his disobedience he was to earn his bread by the sweat of his brow. Then God, in Eden, gave the first gospel sermon. The Lord said to the serpent, “I will put enmity between thee and the woman, and between thy seed and her seed; it shall bruise thy head, and thou shall bruise his heel.” [Genesis 3:15.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 12 (1897)

Ms 110, 1897

12LtMs, Ms 110, 1897, par. 1

“And I will put enmity between thee and the woman, and between thy seed and her seed; it shall bruise thy head, and thou shalt bruise his heel.” [Genesis 3:15.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 12 (1897)

Ms 104, 1897

12LtMs, Ms 104, 1897, par. 24

Here we see how professedly righteous men can act out the spirit of Satan to carry their wicked purposes through envy and jealousy and religious bigotry. That enmity was spoken of in the first gospel sermon in Eden. “And I will put enmity between thee and the woman; between thy seed and her seed; it shall bruise thy head, and thou shalt bruise his heel.” [Genesis 3:15.] This enmity was revealed as soon as men transgressed God’s holy law. His nature was changed. It became evil. He was in harmony with the prince of darkness, and there was a confederacy formed. There is no warfare between Satan and the sinner, between fallen angels and fallen men. Both possess the same attributes, both are evil through apostasy and sin. Then let all who read these words understand for a surety that wheresoever transgression against God’s holy law exists, there will always be a league against good. Fallen angels and fallen men will unite in desperate companionship. Satan inspires the disloyal elements to work in harmony with his spirit.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 12 (1897)

Ms 143, 1897

12LtMs, Ms 143, 1897, par. 10

The enmity referred to in the prophecy in Eden was not to be confined merely to Satan and the Prince of life. It was to be universal. Satan and his angels were to feel the enmity of all mankind. “I will put enmity,” said God, “between thee and the woman, between thy seed and her seed; it shall bruise thy head, and thou shalt bruise his heel.” [Genesis 3:15.] The seed of Satan is wicked men, who resist the Spirit of God, and who call the law, as did their father the devil, a yoke of bondage. “Sin is transgression of the law,” said Christ. “He that committeth sin is of the devil.” [1 John 3:4, 8.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 12 (1897)

Ms 101, 1897

12LtMs, Ms 101, 1897, par. 37

When Christ died on the cross, Satan triumphed, but his triumph was short. The prophecy was made in Eden, “I will put enmity between thee and the woman, and between thy seed and her seed; it shall bruise thy head, and thou shalt bruise his heel.” [Genesis 3:15.] Christ was nailed to the cross, but thus He gained His victory. Through death He destroyed him that had the power of death. By becoming the Sin-bearer, He lifted from the human race the penalty of transgression. In His own body He paid the penalty of that on which the power of Satan over the human race is founded, even transgression.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 12 (1897)

Ms 106, 1897

12LtMs, Ms 106, 1897, par. 7

Obedience to every word that proceeds from the mouth of God is required. Had Christ conceded one jot or tittle of this, the hostility of Satan and his army would not have burst upon Him with irrepressible fury. He was able to perform marvelous works, and had He but allowed some license to sin, had He permitted evil passions to go unrebuked, men would have given Him their homage. But He rebuked all sin and hypocrisy, and they said, He is an imposter. Satan and his angels united with the priests and rulers in mocking and deriding the Son of God. Thus were the words fulfilled, “Thou shalt bruise his heel.” [Genesis 3:15.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 14 (1899)

Ms 78, 1899

14LtMs, Ms 78, 1899, par. 4

Those who know not God and Jesus Christ whom He has sent are under the rule of the enemy, in bondage to his will. He rules the mind and the affections by his satanic spirit. But Satan was made to understand the meaning of the words spoken in Eden, “I will put enmity between thee and the woman, and between thy seed and her seed; it shall bruise thy head, and thou shalt bruise his heel.” [Genesis 3:15.] The seed of the woman that he would have crushed out of existence, God said should bruise his head. Christ came into the world to dispute the claims of Satan. A stronger than the strong man armed was on the field of battle. He alone could dispossess him of his weapons and limit his power.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 15 (1900)

Ms 43, 1900

15LtMs, Ms 43, 1900, par. 27

The first gospel sermon was preached in Eden. Adam and Eve had transgressed the commandments of God, the simple command of their Maker. Eve had believed the misrepresentation of Satan, and harkened to his suggestions, and eaten of the fruit of the forbidden tree. The plan of salvation was announced in Eden after the sin of Adam. God said, “And I will put enmity between thee and the woman, and between thy seed and her seed; it shall bruise thy head, and thou shalt bruise his heel.” [Genesis 3:15.] Christ laid aside His glory. He, “for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame.” [Hebrews 12:2.]

Lift Him Up

The Hope of the Ages, January 13

LHU 27.3

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 16 (1901)

Ms 55, 1901

16LtMs, Ms 55, 1901, par. 7

God said to the serpent, “I will put enmity between thee and the woman, and between thy seed, and her seed; it shall bruise thy head, and thou shalt bruise his heel.” [Genesis 3:15.] There is much work to be done in the vineyard of the Lord. Never are God’s workmen to accuse one another. Time is short; the end of all things is at hand. Our work is not to repress and hinder, but to encourage and restore. All who will co-operate with the Redeemer in bruising the head of the serpent will be doing the work which the Lord has appointed them. But God has not given men the least intimation that they are to bruise their fellow men. Their warfare is to be directed against the power of Satan. Those who co-operate with Christ will give no place to the devil, but, uniting under the blood-stained banner of Prince Emmanuel, will repress every evil word and work. They are never to use their power to weaken the influence of those who are trying to work for God.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 17 (1902)

Ms 135, 1902

17LtMs, Ms 135, 1902, par. 21

From the beginning there has been opposition between the forces of good and evil. God declares, “I will put enmity between thee and the woman, and between thy seed and her seed; it shall bruise thy head, and thou shalt bruise his heel.” [Genesis 3:15.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 19 (1904)

Ms 5, 1904

19LtMs, Ms 5, 1904, par. 18

After seducing Adam and Eve, Satan was sentenced to confinement to this globe. “I will put enmity between thee and the woman, and between thy seed and her seed; it shall bruise thy head, and thou shalt bruise his heel.” [Genesis 3:15.] This curse has reference chiefly to the originator of sin, the devil, and not to the serpent, the medium. Satan and his associates fell under the curse. Unless man is given the converting grace of heaven, he will have no disposition to oppose Satan’s counsels and will become the enemy’s willing dupe. It is God alone who puts enmity to sin in the human heart. The Lord gives man a new mind. He causes the conflict that will not submit to Satan’s deceptive reasoning. It is God who makes a conflict where heretofore there has been unity of action. It is the Lord’s purpose that depraved human nature should, through His divine power, be provided with a renovating energy.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 19 (1904)

Ms 72, 1904

19LtMs, Ms 72, 1904, par. 6

When Adam and Eve were placed in the garden of Eden, they were innocent and sinless, in perfect harmony with God. Enmity had no natural existence in their hearts. But when they transgressed, their nature was no longer sinless. They became evil; for they had placed themselves on the side of the fallen foe, doing the very things that God specified they should not do. Had there been no interference on the part of God, man would have formed a firm alliance with Satan against heaven. But when the words were spoken, “I will put enmity between thee and the woman, and between thy seed and her seed; it shall bruise thy head, and thou shalt bruise his heel” [Genesis 3:15], Satan knew that although he had succeeded in making human beings sin, although he had led them to believe his lie, and to question God, although he had succeeded in depraving human nature, some arrangement had been made whereby the beings who had fallen would be placed on vantage ground, their nature renewed in Godliness. He saw that his acting in tempting them would react upon himself, and that he would be placed where he could not become conqueror.

19LtMs, Ms 72, 1904, par. 15

The Lord calls upon the one who has been working unrighteousness to put away his sins and be converted. Unless the transforming grace of Christ is poured into his soul, he will refuse to oppose the works of Satan. The human agent who is worked by the power of Satan will close the door of his heart to every appeal made by the Saviour. He will refuse to hear the words, “Behold, I stand at the door, and knock. If any man hear My voice, and open the door, I will come in and sup with him, and he with Me.” [Revelation 3:20.] And the God of heaven will not exercise His power to force man to practice righteousness with the heart in determined resistance. “There shall be enmity between thee and the woman, between thy seed and her seed.” [Genesis 3:15.] We pray that this enmity may be more decidedly seen, that righteousness may be exalted and sin called by its right name.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 21 (1906)

Ms 34, 1906

21LtMs, Ms 34, 1906, par. 26

It is best for us to be sensible now in these last days and understand whether we are worked by the seducing party or united with Christ and His angels. God has limited the power of Satan’s working to this world. And it is this world that has been engaged in the warfare of expelling Satan, coming out from his seducing methods, and calling sin, sin, and righteousness—the element of heaven—by its right name. The only hope for the sinful race is to believe in the Lord Jesus Christ. There is the promise, Genesis 3:15.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 22 (1907)

Ms 111, 1907

22LtMs, Ms 111, 1907, par. 8

Every truly converted soul can say, “I am but a little child; but I am God’s child.” It was at infinite cost that provision was made whereby the human family might be restored to sonship with God. In the beginning God made man in His own likeness. Our first parents listened to the voice of the tempter and yielded to the power of Satan. But man was not abandoned to the results of the evil he had chosen. The promise of a Deliverer was given. “I will put enmity between thee and the woman,” God said to the serpent, “and between thy seed and her seed; it shall bruise thy head, and thou shalt bruise His heel.” [Genesis 3:15.] Before they heard of the thorn and the thistle, of the sorrow and toil that must be their portion, or of the dust to which they must return, they listened to words that could not fail of giving them hope. All that had been lost by yielding to Satan could be regained through Christ.

The Three Angels’ Messages

“To every nation, tribe, tongue, and people”

3AM 53.1

Same gospel declared in Eden—The message proclaimed by the angel flying in the midst of heaven is the everlasting gospel, the same gospel that was declared in Eden when God said to the serpent, “I will put enmity between thee and the woman, and between thy seed and her seed; it shall bruise thy head, and thou shalt bruise his heel.” [Genesis 3:15.] Here was the first promise of a Saviour that would stand on the field of battle to contest the power of Satan and prevail against him. Christ came to our world to represent the character of God as it is represented in His holy law, for His law is a transcript of His character. Christ was both the law and the gospel. The angel that proclaims the everlasting gospel proclaims the law of God; for the gospel of salvation brings men to obedience of the law, whereby their characters are formed after the divine similitude.—Manuscript 32, 1896 (December 6) (Selected Messages 2:106)

Lift Him Up

The True Character of God in Christ, January 14

LHU 28.1

I will put enmity between you and the woman, and between your seed and her seed; he shall bruise your head, and you shall bruise his heel. Genesis 3:15, RSV.

Manuscript Releases, vol. 14 [Nos. 1081-1135]

Importance of Walking in the Path of Obedience

14MR 154.2

From the beginning there has been opposition between the forces of good and evil. God declared, “I will put enmity between thee and the woman, and between thy seed and her seed; it shall bruise thy head, and thou shalt bruise his heel” [Genesis 3:15].

Genesis 3:15-19

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 18 (1903)

Ms 139, 1903

18LtMs, Ms 139, 1903, par. 23

The enmity between the seed of the woman and the serpent is clearly defined by the Lord. “And I will put enmity between thee and the woman, and between thy seed and her seed; it shall bruise thy head, and thou shalt bruise his heel.” “And unto Adam He said, Because thou hast hearkened unto the voice of thy wife, and hast eaten of the tree, of which I commanded thee, saying, Thou shalt not eat of it: cursed is the ground for thy sake; in sorrow shalt thou eat of it all the days of thy life; thorns also and thistles shall it bring forth to thee; and thou shalt eat of the herb of the field. In the sweat of thy face shalt thou eat bread, till thou return unto the ground; for out of it wast thou taken; for dust thou art, and unto dust shalt thou return.” [Genesis 3:15, 17-19.]

Genesis 3:15-24

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 15 (1900)

Lt 79, 1900

15LtMs, Lt 79, 1900, par. 9

Thus sin was brought into the world. Through the successive ages sin has increased, for men and women are continually doing as Adam did. One star of hope illumined the dark and dismal future. God said to the serpent, “I will put enmity between thee and the woman, and between thy seed and her seed; it shall bruise thy head, and thou shalt bruise his heel.” [Genesis 3:15.] Thus was given the proclamation of the Redeemer.

15LtMs, Lt 79, 1900, par. 10

Will men curse Adam for transgressing the law of Jehovah, and then continue in sin and disloyalty? Knowing the result of disobedience, will they continue to disobey? Will they give no heed to God’s “Thou shalt,” and, “thou shalt not”? Is He who knows the consequences of sin and yet perpetuates sin less a sinner than was Adam when God closed against him the gate of Paradise, placing an angel with a flaming sword “which turned every way” to guard the tree of life? [Verse 24.] From henceforth man could not touch the life-giving tree; for sin must not be immortalized. Death was the result of sin, and immortality could be found only in Christ.

Genesis 3:16-17

Christ Triumphant

Sin Forced Change in God’s Plans, January 21

CTr 27.1

Thy desire shall be to thy husband, and he shall rule over thee. And unto Adam he said ... Cursed is the ground for thy sake; in sorrow shalt thou eat of it all the days of thy life. Genesis 3:16, 17.

Genesis 3:17

Manuscript Releases, vol. 9 [Nos. 664-770]

MR No. 733—Results of Adam’s Sin

9MR 232.2

A Succession of Falls and Christ’s Victory Over Satan—Adam and Eve transgressed the law of God in Eden. They fell from their high estate, and were driven out from beautiful Eden. Everything that their wants required had been provided for them, and there was only one prohibition laid upon them. The Lord said, “Of the tree of knowledge of good and evil, thou shalt not eat of it” (Genesis 3:17). Many have tried to prove that there was some peculiar quality in the tree which called for this prohibition, but this was not the case. The fruit of the tree of knowledge was not in itself injurious. It was used merely as a test of their obedience to God. Will they be obedient to God’s requirements, or not? We find that Satan came then, just as he comes today, with temptations upon the point of appetite.

Steps to Christ

Chapter 1—God’s Love for Man

SC 9.3

God made man perfectly holy and happy; and the fair earth, as it came from the Creator’s hand, bore no blight of decay or shadow of the curse. It is transgression of God’s law—the law of love—that has brought woe and death. Yet even amid the suffering that results from sin, God’s love is revealed. It is written that God cursed the ground for man’s sake. Genesis 3:17. The thorn and the thistle—the difficulties and trials that make his life one of toil and care—were appointed for his good as a part of the training needful in God’s plan for his uplifting from the ruin and degradation that sin has wrought. The world, though fallen, is not all sorrow and misery. In nature itself are messages of hope and comfort. There are flowers upon the thistles, and the thorns are covered with roses.

The Great Controversy

Chapter 20—A Great Religious Awakening

GC 359.1

“Jesus of Nazareth, the true Messiah,” he said, “whose hands and feet were pierced, who was brought like a lamb to the slaughter, who was the Man of Sorrows and acquainted with grief, who after the scepter was taken from Judah, and the legislative power from between his feet, came the first time; shall come the second time in the clouds of heaven, and with the trump of the Archangel” (Joseph Wolff, Researches and Missionary Labors, page 62) “and shall stand upon the Mount of Olives; and that dominion, once consigned to Adam over the creation, and forfeited by him (Genesis 1:26; 3:17), shall be given to Jesus. He shall be king over all the earth. The groanings and lamentations of the creation shall cease, but songs of praises and thanksgivings shall be heard. ... When Jesus comes in the glory of His Father, with the holy angels,... the dead believers shall rise first. 1 Thessalonians 4:16; 1 Corinthians 15:23. This is what we Christians call the first resurrection. Then the animal kingdom shall change its nature (Isaiah 11:6-9), and be subdued unto Jesus. Psalm 8. Universal peace shall prevail.”—Journal of the Rev. Joseph Wolff, pages 378, 379. “The Lord again shall look down upon the earth, and say, ‘Behold, it is very good.’”—Ibid., page 294.

The Great Controversy (1888 ed.)

Chapter 20—A Great Religious Awakening

GC88 359.1

“Jesus of Nazareth, the true Messiah,” he said, “whose hands and feet were pierced, who was brought like a lamb to the slaughter, who was a man of sorrows and acquainted with grief, who after the scepter was taken from Judah, and the legislative power from between his feet, came the first time, shall come the second time in the clouds of heaven, and with the trump of the archangel,” and “shall stand upon the Mount of Olives. And that dominion once consigned to Adam over the creation and forfeited by him (Genesis 1:26; 3:17) shall be given to Jesus. He shall be king over all the earth. The groanings and lamentations of the creation shall cease, but songs of praise and thanksgiving shall be heard.” “When Jesus comes in the glory of his Father with the holy angels,” “the dead believers shall rise first. 1 Thessalonians 4:16; 1 Corinthians 15:23. This is what we Christians call the first resurrection. Then the animal kingdom shall change its nature (Isaiah 11:6-9), and shall be subdued unto Jesus. Psalm 8. Universal peace shall prevail.” “The Lord again shall look down upon the earth, and say, ‘Behold, it is very good.’”

To Be Like Jesus

Nature Offers Messages of Hope and Comfort, August 13

BLJ 239.5

Yet even amid the suffering that results from sin, God’s love is revealed. It is written that God cursed the ground for man’s sake (Genesis 3:17). The thorn and the thistle—the difficulties and trials that make life one of toil and care—were appointed for our good as a part of the training needful in God’s plan for our uplifting from the ruin and degradation that sin has wrought.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 22 (1907)

Lt 416, 1907

22LtMs, Lt 416, 1907, par. 6

Because of sin, the earth and its inhabitants are defiled and degraded. Unto Adam God said, “Because thou hast harkened unto the voice of thy wife, and hast eaten of the tree of which I commanded thee, saying, Thou shalt not eat of it: cursed is the ground for thy sake; in sorrow shalt thou eat of it all the days of thy life.” [Genesis 3:17.] Again it is written, “The earth also is defiled under the inhabitants thereof; because they have transgressed the laws, changed the ordinance, broken the everlasting covenant. Therefore hath the curse devoured the earth.” [Isaiah 24:5, 6.] And again, “The earth is utterly broken down, the earth is clean dissolved, the earth is moved exceedingly. The earth shall reel to and fro like a drunkard, and shall be removed like a cottage: and the transgression thereof shall be heavy upon it: and it shall fall and not rise again.” [Verses 19, 20.]

Genesis 3:18

Counsels for the Church

God’s Original Plan for Man’s Diet

CCh 221.4

In order to know what are the best foods, we must study God’s original plan for man’s diet. He who created man and who understands his needs appointed Adam his food. “Behold,” He said, “I have given you every herb yielding seed, ... and every tree, in which is the fruit of a tree yielding seed; to you it shall be for food.” Genesis 1:29, A.R.V. Upon leaving Eden to gain his livelihood by tilling the earth under the curse of sin, man received permission to eat also “the herb of the field.” Genesis 3:18.

The Ministry of Healing

Selection of Food

MH 295.3

This Day With God

Eat for Strength, July 20

TDG 210.7

God gave Adam charge of the garden of Eden, to dress it and to keep it, and of the trees and herbs bearing seed, He said, “They shall be for meat” (see Genesis 1:29; 3:18). Afterward the eating of flesh meat was permitted as one of the consequences of the fall. Before the flood, no provision was made for the use of animal food....

Life and Health

July 1, 1905

PHJ July 1, 1905, par. 4

Upon leaving Eden, to gain his livelihood by tilling the earth under the curse of sin, man received permission to eat also “the herb of the field.” Genesis 3:18.

Homeward Bound

Appetite Cannot Be Trusted, July 24

HB 229.4

In order to know what are the best foods, we must study God’s original plan for our diet. He who created us and who understands our needs appointed Adam his food. “Behold,” He said, “I have given you every herb yielding seed, . . . and every tree, in which is the fruit of a tree yielding seed; to you it shall be for food.” (Genesis 1:29, A.R.V.) Upon leaving Eden to gain their livelihood by tilling the earth under the curse of sin, mankind received permission to eat also “the herb of the field.” (Genesis 3:18.)

Genesis 3:18-19

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 12 (1897)

Ms 84, 1897

12LtMs, Ms 84, 1897, par. 2

God said to Adam, and to all the descendants of Adam, In the sweat of thy face shalt thou eat bread; for from henceforth the earth must be worked under the drawback of transgression. Thorns and briars shall it produce. [Genesis 3:18, 19.]

Genesis 3:19

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 4 (1883 - 1886)

Ms 75, 1886

4LtMs, Ms 75, 1886, par. 8

My thoughts were first upon the kings who had once traversed these grand halls and figured in these galleries. Where is their human greatness now? “Dust thou art, and unto dust shalt thou return.” [Genesis 3:19.] How many decisions were made in these council rooms that blasted human expectations and deprived those of lofty rank of their earthly honors and of life itself! How much strife for the supremacy has been revealed in these grand halls and chambers! How much lofty grandeur has been here displayed in crowned monarchs of earth!

Heaven

Chapter 11—Some Are Already in Heaven

Hvn 100.1

Moses—Christ Himself, with the angels who had buried Moses, came down from heaven to call forth the sleeping saint. Satan had exulted at his success in causing Moses to sin against God, and thus come under the dominion of death. The great adversary declared that the divine sentence—“Dust thou art, and unto dust shalt thou return” (Genesis 3:19)—gave him possession of the dead. The power of the grave had never been broken, and all who were in the tomb he claimed as his captives, never to be released from his dark prison house.

Patriarchs and Prophets

Chapter 43—The Death of Moses

PP 478.2

Had not the life of Moses been marred with that one sin, in failing to give God the glory of bringing water from the rock at Kadesh, he would have entered the Promised Land, and would have been translated to heaven without seeing death. But he was not long to remain in the tomb. Christ Himself, with the angels who had buried Moses, came down from heaven to call forth the sleeping saint. Satan had exulted at his success in causing Moses to sin against God, and thus come under the dominion of death. The great adversary declared that the divine sentence—“Dust thou art, and unto dust shalt thou return” (Genesis 3:19)—gave him possession of the dead. The power of the grave had never been broken, and all who were in the tomb he claimed as his captives, never to be released from his dark prison house.

From Eternity Past

Chapter 43—The Death of Moses

EP 339.1

But he was not long to remain in the tomb. Christ Himself, with the angels who had buried Moses, came down from heaven to call forth the sleeping saint. Satan had exulted at his success in causing Moses to sin and thus come under the dominion of death. The great adversary declared that the divine sentence, “Dust thou art, and unto dust shalt thou return” (Genesis 3:19), gave him possession of the dead. The power of the grave had never been broken, and all who were in the tomb he claimed as his captives, never to be released.

Genesis 3:21

The Upward Look

Fig Leaves or Christ’s Robe? December 30

UL 378.1

Unto Adam also and to his wife did the Lord God make coats of skins, and clothed them. Genesis 3:21.

Genesis 3:22

Christ Triumphant

Don’t Seek the Knowledge of Fools, January 27

CTr 33.1

And the Lord God said, Behold, the man is become as one of us, to know good and evil. Genesis 3:22.

Genesis 3:22-24

Conflict and Courage

Between God and Man, January 14

CC 20.1

Wherefore he is able also to save them to the uttermost that come unto God by him, seeing he ever liveth to make intercession for them. Hebrews 7:25.

CC 20.2

The Lord did not place in Adam fallen and disobedient, the confidence He placed in Adam loyal and true.... The rewards of heaven are not granted to transgressors....

CC 20.3

The eyes of Adam and Eve were indeed opened, but to what? To see their own shame and ruin, to realize that the garments of heavenly light which had been their protection were no longer around them as their safeguard. Their eyes were opened to see that nakedness was the fruit of transgression. As they heard God in the garden, they hid themselves from Him; for they anticipated that which till their fall they had not known,—the condemnation of God....

CC 20.4

God has declared that man’s only means of safety is entire obedience to all His words. We are not to make the experiment of testing the evil course, with all its results. This will bring weakness through disobedience. God’s plan was to give man clear-sightedness in all his work....

CC 20.5

There was to be co-operation between man and God. But this plan was greatly interfered with by Adam’s transgression. Satan led him to sin, and the Lord would not communicate with him after he had sinned as he did when he was without sin.

CC 20.6

After the fall Christ became Adam’s instructor. He acted in God’s stead toward humanity, saving the race from immediate death. He took upon him the office of mediator. Adam and Eve were given a probation in which to return to their allegiance, and in this plan all their posterity were embraced.19Letter 91, 1900.

CC 20.7

Without the atonement of the Son of God there could have been no communication of blessing or salvation from God to man. God was jealous for the honor of His law. The transgression of that law had caused a fearful separation between God and man. To Adam in his innocence was granted communion, direct, free, and happy, with his Maker. After his transgression, God would communicate to man only through Christ and angels.20The Signs of the Times, January 30, 1879.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 13 (1898)

Lt 31, 1898

13LtMs, Lt 31, 1898, par. 20

Adam and Eve and their posterity lost the right to the tree of life because of their disobedience. “And the Lord God said, Behold, the man is become as one of us, to know good and evil; and now lest he put forth his hand, and take also of the tree of life, and eat, and live forever.” Adam and Eve transgressed the law of God. This made it necessary for them to be driven from Eden and be separated from the tree of life, to eat of which after their transgression would perpetuate sin. “Therefore the Lord God sent him forth from the garden of Eden to till the soil from whence he was taken. So he drove out the man, 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 3:22-24.] Man was dependent on the tree of life for immortality, and the Lord took these precautions lest men should eat of that tree and “live forever”—become immortal sinners.

Genesis 3:24

Darkness Before Dawn

Immortality Forfeited by Transgression

DD 15.1

Had man after his fall been allowed free access to the tree of life, he would have lived forever, and thus sin would have been immortalized. But cherubim and a flaming sword kept “the way of the tree of life” (Genesis 3:24), and not one of the family of Adam has been permitted to pass that barrier and partake of the life-giving fruit. Therefore there is not an immortal sinner.