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The Life and Times of Jesus the Messiah Vol 1 - Predestination

The Life and Times of Jesus the Messiah Vol 1 - Predestination

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<strong>the</strong> great doctrines <strong>of</strong> Original Sin, <strong>and</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong><br />

sinfulness <strong>of</strong> our whole nature, were not held ly <strong>the</strong><br />

ancient Rabbis.' Of course, it is not meant that <strong>the</strong>y<br />

denied <strong>the</strong> consequences <strong>of</strong> sin, ei<strong>the</strong>r as<br />

concerned Adam himself, or his descendants ; but<br />

<strong>the</strong> final result is far fix)m that seriousness which<br />

attaches to <strong>the</strong> Fall in <strong>the</strong> New Testament, where it<br />

is presented as <strong>the</strong> basis <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> need <strong>of</strong> a<br />

Redeemer, Who, as <strong>the</strong> Second Adam, restored<br />

what <strong>the</strong> first had lost. <strong>The</strong> difference is so<br />

fundamental as to render fur<strong>the</strong>r explanation<br />

necessary.*<br />

<strong>The</strong> fall <strong>of</strong> Adam is ascribed to <strong>the</strong> envy <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong><br />

Angels'—not <strong>the</strong> fallen ones, for none were fallen,<br />

till God cast <strong>the</strong>m down in consequence <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong>ir<br />

seduction <strong>of</strong> man. <strong>The</strong> Angels, having in vain tried<br />

to prevent <strong>the</strong> creation <strong>of</strong> man, at last conspired to<br />

lead him into sin as <strong>the</strong> only means <strong>of</strong> his ruin—<strong>the</strong><br />

task being undertaken by Sammael (<strong>and</strong> his<br />

Angels), who in many respects was superior to <strong>the</strong><br />

o<strong>the</strong>r Angelic princes.^ <strong>The</strong> instrument employed<br />

was <strong>the</strong> serpent, <strong>of</strong> b^c* whose original condition

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