Global Warming?

Posted by Devin Roush in 2nd Coming | Comments Off on Global Warming?
30October2015

You hear an awful lot these days on the topic of global warming.  Is our planet’s climate getting hotter?  Some think so.  Some don’t.  I’m not writing this article to persuade you one way or another.  I do, however, want to make you aware of the fact that there is a “global warming” that you need to be aware of and take very seriously; and it has nothing at all to do with Al Gore.

Notice what we read in 2 Peter 3:10-13:

“But the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night, in which the heavens will pass away with a great noise, and the elements will melt with fervent heat; both the earth and the works that are in it will be burned up. Therefore, since all these things will be dissolved, what manner of persons ought you to be in holy conduct and godliness, looking for and hastening the coming of the day of God, because of which the heavens will be dissolved, being on fire, and the elements will melt with fervent heat? Nevertheless we, according to His promise, look for new heavens and a new earth in which righteousness dwells.”

Personally, I couldn’t care less about whether or not the climate of our planet is increasing or decreasing.  Why?  Because I trust what God has told us in His Word.  Have you considered Genesis 8:22?

“While the earth remains, seedtime and harvest, cold and heat, winter and summer, and day and night shall not cease.”

The only “global warming” that you need to be concerned about is that which will occur on the earth’s final day.  Really, you only need to be “concerned” if you are living in an unsaved condition.  We’re told that in addition to the heavens and earth being burned up on the Day of Judgment, so also, those who have failed to obey the gospel will be “punished with everlasting destruction from the presence of the Lord.” (2 Thessalonians 1:3-10)

The eternal fires of hell are not prepared for you.  Jesus said that they are “prepared for the devil and his angels.” (Matthew 25:41)  God so loved you that He gave His only begotten Son, Jesus Christ, as a sacrifice to pay the penalty for your sins so that you could inherit the “kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world.” (John 3:16; 2 Corinthians 5:21; Matthew 25:34)

How can you accept the grace that God has shown?  Jesus said that “he who believes and is baptized will be saved.” (Mark 16:16)  Do you believe?  Do you believe the gospel message which is the good news of how Christ died, was buried, and then rose again, overcoming death.” (1 Corinthians 15:1-4) If so, then “why are you waiting?  Arise and be baptized, and wash away your sins, calling on the name of the Lord.” (Acts 22:16)

You may have noticed in 2 Peter 3:10 that the end of time is going to come “as a thief in the night.”  In other words, it is something that is going to be unexpected.  How many times have we seen men claim to know when the end of time is going to be only to be proven wrong?  Jesus said that only God knows when that Day will be. (Matthew 24:36)

So how are you feeling?  Maybe an appropriate question is: do you feel lucky?  Perhaps, like Felix (Acts 24:24-25), you’re thinking, “I know I need to give my life to Christ, but I’ll do it later.  Now isn’t a good time.”  If that’s the case, let me ask you this: when will be a good time?  What if you don’t live to see tomorrow? (James 4:13-14)  What then?

Would you accept the loving invitation of Christ that we find in Matthew 11:28-30?

“Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light.”

That Day has not yet come, we’re told, because God’s will is for all to be saved. (2 Peter 3:9)  He loves you.  Christ loves you.  Don’t go on living in fear.  Realize the love of God while it is yet called “today.”  Let His perfect love cast out your fear! (1 John 4:18)

Saved through Childbearing?

Posted by Devin Roush in That's a Good Question | Comments Off on Saved through Childbearing?
23October2015

“Yet she will be saved through childbearing—if they continue in faith and love and holiness, with self-control.” (1 Timothy 2:15)

Have you ever wondered what on earth Paul is talking about in this verse? Women have to have kids to be saved? Who’s “they?” ARGH!

When we break the verse down and look at it in its proper context, however, it becomes much easier to understand what Paul, through the Spirit (1 Corinthians 2:13), is saying.

What is the context?

“Let a woman learn quietly with all submissiveness. I do not permit a woman to teach or to exercise authority over a man; rather, she is to remain quiet. For Adam was formed first, then Eve; and Adam was not deceived, but the woman was deceived and became a transgressor.” (1 Timothy 2:11-14)

Women are not to teach men or exercise authority over them. Rather, they are to remain quiet (in submission). The reason the word “remain” is used goes back to the beginning with Adam, Eve, and “the fall.”

‘To the woman he said, “I will surely multiply your pain in childbearing; in pain you shall bring forth children. Your desire shall be for your husband, and he shall rule over you.”‘ (Genesis 3:16)

Since the beginning, women have been required to be in submission to their husbands. This does not mean that they are unequally important to God (Galatians 3:28), but they are to honor the hierarchy God set in order (cf. 1 Corinthians 11:3). This hierarchy does not give men permission to treat their wives as slaves or servants. Rather, it gives more responsibility to the husband to be the right type of example for his wife, the weaker vessel (1 Peter 3:7; Ephesians 5:25-33).

Now, coming back to verse 15…

Who is “she?” There is a Greek grammar rule called Callwell’s Rule which states that the antecedent of a pronoun is the nearest preceding noun. The nearest preceding noun to the pronoun “she,” in verse 15, is “the woman” (v. 14) or “Eve” (v. 13). Therefore, this could be read: “Eve shall be saved in childbearing …”

It is also important to note that most English translations leave out the Greek word “ho” preceding “childbearing.” The word-for-word translation of the Greek text is: “she shall be saved notwithstanding in the (ho) childbearing.” Thus, the suggestion is that Paul is not referencing childbearing in a generic sense, but rather in a specific sense.

All of mankind can be saved because of the birth of the “Seed” of woman, who would bruise the head of Satan (cf. Genesis 3:15). In other words, Paul is explaining that, despite Eve’s sin and the sins of the rest of humanity (Romans 3:23), we can all be saved through Christ.

“But when the fullness of the time had come, God sent forth His Son, born of a woman, born under the law, to redeem those who were under the law, that we might receive the adoption as sons.” (Galatians 4:4-5)

“They” in the second part of the verse 15, refers to women as a whole. Salvation is through Christ for those who continue in “faith and love and holiness, with self control.”

It is interesting to note, in connection with these thoughts, that while Satan misused woman (the helper God appointed to man – Genesis 2:18) to try and destroy man, God used woman to ultimately destroy Satan. Through the seed of woman, Jesus Christ was born and, through Him, all can attain salvation through obedient faith.

“Inasmuch then as the children have partaken of flesh and blood, He Himself likewise shared in the same, that through death He might destroy him who had the power of death, that is, the devil, and release those who through fear of death were all their lifetime subject to bondage.” (Hebrews 2:14-15)

“And having been perfected, He became the author of eternal salvation to all who obey Him” (Hebrews 5:9)

Stop, Drop, and Roll…

Posted by Devin Roush in Food for Thought | Comments Off on Stop, Drop, and Roll…
23October2015

…won’t work in hell.

But, if we STOP sinning (Luke 13:3), DROP into the watery grave of baptism (Romans 6:3-4), and then ROLL the Gospel chariot along until death (Revelation 2:10), we can escape eternal destruction and live with God for all eternity.

“If then you were raised with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ is, sitting at the right hand of God. Set your mind on things above, not on things on the earth. For you died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God. When Christ who is our life appears, then you also will appear with Him in glory. Therefore put to death your members which are on the earth: fornication, uncleanness, passion, evil desire, and covetousness, which is idolatry. Because of these things the wrath of God is coming upon the sons of disobedience, in which you yourselves once walked when you lived in them. But now you yourselves are to put off all these: anger, wrath, malice, blasphemy, filthy language out of your mouth. Do not lie to one another, since you have put off the old man with his deeds, and have put on the new man who is renewed in knowledge according to the image of Him who created him, where there is neither Greek nor Jew, circumcised nor uncircumcised, barbarian, Scythian, slave nor free, but Christ is all and in all.” (Colossians 3:1-11)

Lessons from the Power Strip

Posted by Devin Roush in Food for Thought, Purpose | Comments Off on Lessons from the Power Strip
22October2015

You know, Christians are a lot like power strips.

Think about it…

  • In and of ourselves, we are worthless. (Romans 7:24)
  • Through Christ (the outlet), we can connect to God (the electric company) Who gives us “power” or “life.” (2 Corinthians 3:5-6)
  • Through the power or sufficiency we receive from God through Christ, others are able to connect to us and also experience that power. This correlates to the idea of sharing the gospel. (Romans 1:16)
  • The goal is for each individual to, themselves, plug in to Christ directly once they have “tasted that the Lord is good.” (1 Peter 2:3; Acts 8:36)
  • Men can disconnect themselves from The Source leaving themselves and those who might be plugged into them without power. If we put our faith in men, we can be led astray! (Matthew 7:15)
  • If you plug a power strip into itself, you might not be the brightest crayon in the box. Ironically, men often plug into themselves for sufficiency. Such is futile. (Jeremiah 10:23)
  • Each of us, like a power strip, has a little red switch. This switch must be on for us to be useful. We are called to let our lights shine! (Matthew 5:13-16)
  • We can be plugged in, but leave our switch off. Such renders us useless and displeasing to our Father in heaven. (Matthew 10:32-33)

What a blessing it truly is that we can become useful tools for our Creator! (1 John 3:1) Are you being useful?

“Now in a great house there are not only vessels of gold and silver but also of wood and clay, some for honorable use, some for dishonorable. Therefore, if anyone cleanses himself from what is dishonorable, he will be a vessel for honorable use, set apart as holy, useful to the master of the house, ready for every good work.” (2 Timothy 2:20-21)

The Walking Dead

Posted by Devin Roush in Food for Thought | Comments Off on The Walking Dead
22October2015

“And as it is appointed for men to die once, but after this the judgment…” (Hebrews 9:27)

All men die once.

Such is the result of the curse which was brought about by man’s sin in the Garden of Eden (cf. Genesis 3).

Most men die twice.

Physical death is the separation of our soul and spirit from our earthly bodies (James 2:26). There is a death, though, that is spiritual in nature; a separation of our soul and spirit from God. This death is caused by sin.

“Behold, the Lord’s hand is not shortened, that it cannot save; nor His ear heavy, that it cannot hear. But your iniquities have separated you from your God; and your sins have hidden His face from you, so that He will not hear.” (Isaiah 59:1-2)

Those who live long enough so as to be able to determine right from wrong (Deut. 1:39), sadly, due to the influence of our adversary, will eventually choose wrong (1 John 3:4) and fall short of God’s glory (Romans 3:23).

These are the walking dead.

“But she who lives in pleasure is dead while she lives.” (1 Timothy 5:6)

The third death is key.

“But the cowardly, unbelieving, abominable, murderers, sexually immoral, sorcerers, idolaters, and all liars shall have their part in the lake which burns with fire and brimstone, which is the second death.” (Revelation 21:8)

Those who remain in their sins will ultimately be eternally cast from the presence of God. But, there is a way of escape…

The Son of God died on Calvary so that, through His sacrifice and resurrection (2 Corinthians 5:21; 1 Peter 3:21), we could escape the condemnation of sin and be re-born unto a living hope of eternal life!

“There is therefore now no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus, who do not walk according to the flesh, but according to the Spirit.” (Romans 8:1)

“Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who according to His abundant mercy has begotten us again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead…” (1 Peter 1:3)

Here’s the interesting part: To attain this, we have to die!

Die how? Die to sin. Jesus didn’t offer Himself merely so that you and I could be forgiven of our past sins; He died so that we could go forward as a new creation (2 Corinthians 5:17) that, through His power (cf. Ephesians 6:10), conquers sin and works the righteousness of God! This is the idea of repentance and baptism (Acts 2:38). As Christ died, was buried, and rose again, we are called to kill the old man of sin, bury him (cf. Colossians 2:12), and then, having been cleansed by His blood (Revelation 7:14), rise again unto a new life in Christ.

“Or do you not know that as many of us as were baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into His death? Therefore we were buried with Him through baptism into death, that just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life.” (Romans 6:3-4)

“I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me.” (Galatians 2:20)

What are you dead to?

Are you dead to God or are you dead to sin? We are all “the walking dead” in one way or another, but the sense in which you’re dead will determine whether you live eternally with God or suffer eternally in hell. Which path will you choose?

Whom Shall I Release to You?

Posted by Devin Roush in Food for Thought | Comments Off on Whom Shall I Release to You?
21October2015

Shortly before Christ was sentenced to death by crucifixion, Pilate offered the Jews a choice. They could choose to release Jesus or a murderer by the name of Barabbas (Mark 15:7).

Sadly, the Jews chose a murderer over the Son of God:

‘The governor answered and said to them, “Which of the two do you want me to release to you?” They said, “Barabbas!” Pilate said to them, “What then shall I do with Jesus who is called Christ?” They all said to him, “Let Him be crucified!” Then the governor said, “Why, what evil has He done?” But they cried out all the more, saying, “Let Him be crucified!”’ (Matthew 27:21-23)

In a very real sense, you and I are called to choose between Christ and a murderer (John 8:44) every day of our lives.

Whom are you choosing this day (Joshua 24:15)? Will you side with the Son of God via the decisions that you make or will you side with Satan and crucify Christ afresh?

“For it is impossible for those who were once enlightened, and have tasted the heavenly gift, and have become partakers of the Holy Spirit, and have tasted the good word of God and the powers of the age to come, if they fall away, to renew them again to repentance, since they crucify again for themselves the Son of God, and put Him to an open shame.” (Hebrews 6:4-6)

Choose wisely.

The Nephilim

Posted by Devin Roush in That's a Good Question | Comments Off on The Nephilim
21October2015

Gen. 6:1-4 – Now it came to pass, when men began to multiply on the face of the earth, and daughters were born to them, that the sons of God saw the daughters of men, that they were beautiful; and they took wives for themselves of all whom they chose. And the Lord said, “My Spirit shall not strive with man forever, for he is indeed flesh; yet his days shall be one hundred and twenty years.” There were giants on the earth in those days, and also afterward, when the sons of God came in to the daughters of men and they bore children to them. Those were the mighty men who were of old, men of renown.

The word “giants” in the passage above is, in certain translations (ASV, NIV, ESV), rendered “Nephilim.”  This word is found in only one other passage of scripture.  In Numbers 13 the twelve spies, who had gone in to spy out the land of promise, were giving their report.  Note what they (besides Joshua and Caleb – Num. 14:6-9) said:

Num. 13:31-33 – But the men who had gone up with him [Caleb] said, “We are not able to go up against the people, for they are stronger than we.” And they gave the children of Israel a bad report of the land which they had spied out, saying, “The land through which we have gone as spies is a land that devours its inhabitants, and all the people whom we saw in it are men of great stature. There we saw the giants (the descendants of Anak came from the giants); and we were like grasshoppers in our own sight, and so we were in their sight.”

In verse 33 we see the sons of Anak described as “the giants” or “Nephilim” being descendants of those spoken of in Genesis 6:4.

Who were these “men of great stature?”  Some have proposed that the Nephilim were the result of physical unions between angels (“sons of God” – Gen. 6:2, 4) and human beings (“daughters of men” – Gen. 6:2, 4).  This theory, however, does not mesh with other plain passages of scripture which speak to the nature of angels.

  • Angels are spirits (Heb. 1:14).  They do not possess flesh and blood.  You recall that Christ, after His resurrection, when appearing to His disciples stated “a spirit does not have flesh and bones as you see I have.” (Luke 24:39)
  • Jesus stated that angels do not marry like we do as human beings (Matt. 22:30; Mark 12:25).

It is also interesting to note that the wording in Genesis 6:4 does not necessarily infer that “the giants” were the offspring of the unions of “the sons of God” and “the daughters of men.”  It could be read so as to suggest that they simply existed as contemporaries to such offspring.

The conclusion we must draw is that the “Nephilim” or “giants” were human beings “of great stature.” (Num. 13:32)  They are described as “mighty” and “men of great renown.” (Gen. 6:4)

As a quick aside, evidence suggests that Goliath was a descendant of Anak and, as such, one of the last Nephilim we read about in the pages of scripture.  In Joshua 11:21-22 we read that “Joshua came and cut off the Anakim from the mountains: from Hebron, from Debir, from Anab, from all the mountains of Judah, and from all the mountains of Israel; Joshua utterly destroyed them with their cities. None of the Anakim were left in the land of the children of Israel; they remained only in Gaza, in Gath, and in Ashdod.”  Note that the only remaining descendants of Anak (“Anakim”) after Joshua’s conquest were in Gaza, Gath, and Ashdod.  We are told in 1 Samuel 17:4 that Goliath, the Philistine champion, was from Gath.  Just how great of stature was he?  Six cubits and a span equates to roughly 10 feet tall!

One last question remains to be answered.  Who were the “sons of God” and “daughters of men” spoken of in Genesis 6:2 and 4?

The most reasonable view is that the “sons of God” has reference to the descendants of Seth who served the Lord faithfully.  Genesis 4:26 states: “And as for Seth, to him also a son was born; and he named him Enosh. Then men began to call on the name of the Lord.”  To “call on the name of the Lord” is to render obedience to the Lord.

Rom. 10:13-16 – For “whoever calls on the name of the Lord shall be saved.” How then shall they call on Him in whom they have not believed? And how shall they believe in Him of whom they have not heard? And how shall they hear without a preacher? And how shall they preach unless they are sent? As it is written: “How beautiful are the feet of those who preach the gospel of peace, who bring glad tidings of good things!” But they have not all obeyed the gospel. For Isaiah says, “Lord, who has believed our report?”

In the passage above, “calling on the name of the Lord” is a prerequisite for salvation.  It is accomplished by hearing, believing, and obeying God’s instruction.

Those living faithfully to God are consistently referred to as “children of God” throughout the scriptures:

Deut. 14:1 – You are the children of the Lord your God; you shall not cut yourselves nor shave the front of your head for the dead.

1 John 3:1 – Behold what manner of love the Father has bestowed on us, that we should be called children of God! Therefore the world does not know us, because it did not know Him.

It is logical to conclude, then, that godly men went in to ungodly women which ultimately resulted in those who were godly being corrupted (Gen. 6:5-6).  Herein is yet another lesson for us today!  “Evil company corrupts good habits.” (1 Cor. 15:33)

The Haircut

Posted by Devin Roush in Obedience | Comments Off on The Haircut
21October2015

I read a story once about a teenage boy who had just passed his driving test and inquired of his father as to when they could discuss his use of the car.  The father said that he’d make a deal with his son:

“You bring up your grades from a C to a B average, start studying your Bible, and get your hair cut and then we’ll talk about your use of the car,” the father said.

The young man thought about this proposition and decided that it was a fair offer.  Thus, the deal was made.

After about six weeks had gone by, the father came to his son and said “Son, I’ve observed that you’ve successfully brought your grades up and have been studying your Bible every night.  I’m disappointed, though, that you have yet to cut your hair.”

The boy replied “You know, Dad, I’ve been thinking about that, and I’ve noticed in my studies of the Bible that Samson had long hair, John the Baptist had long hair, Moses had long hair, and lots of people even think that Jesus Himself had long hair.”

The father smiled slightly and asked “Did you also notice that all of those individuals walked everywhere they went?”

This rather humorous story illustrates a very important spiritual truth.  Just as the son in the story above had no chance of getting to drive the car until he decided to cut his hair, we cannot experience the grace of God (i.e. the forgiveness of our sins) until we meet all the conditions that our Heavenly Father has set forth.

We should clarify that there is a difference between the love of God and the grace of God.  Certainly the love of God encompasses all mankind.  This is made evident in various passages such as John 3:16:

“For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.”

It was God’s love (which summarizes His very nature (1 John 4:8)) that motivated Him to bestow grace (defined as a free gift) upon us.  You’ll notice, however, that those who, through Christ, inherit everlasting life are those who believe in Him.  Notice verse 36 of John 3:

“He who believes in the Son has eternal life; but he who does not obey the Son will not see life, but the wrath of God abides on him.” (NASV)

While some translations render the word “obey” in verse 36 as “believe,” the Greek word “apeitheó,” while encompassing belief, is literally defined as disobedience, rebellion, or disloyalty.  Thus we see, as we do throughout the Word of God, that faith is more than belief alone.  It is belief-based action!

Matt. 7:21 – Not everyone who says to Me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ shall enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of My Father in heaven.

We must render obedience if we are to accept the grace that God has made available and our obedience must be complete.  In other words, we must follow all of His commandments, not just a few.  While it was good that the son in our story brought up his grades and started studying his Bible, he had still left undone one of the conditions necessary for being able to use the car.  Likewise, if we believe that Jesus is indeed the Son of God, (Acts 8:36-37) but fail to repent and be baptized, (Acts 2:38) we will find ourselves yet lost in our sins.

Mark 16:16 – He who believes and is baptized will be saved; but he who does not believe will be condemned.

Have you accepted the gift of God today?  If not, why not?  What do you hope, dear friend, to gain by a further delay?  “Behold, now is the day of salvation (2 Cor. 6:2)!”  There’s no one to save you but Jesus.  There’s no other way but His (John 14:6; Acts 4:12).

Rom. 5:1-2 – Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom also we have access by faith into this grace in which we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God.

Tis but a Scratch!

Posted by Devin Roush in Attitudes | Comments Off on Tis but a Scratch!
21October2015

There is an endless variety of ways a person can be physically injured.  Injuries range from the serious (“Argh!  A shark just bit my foot off!”) to the not so serious (“Argh!  I just got a paper cut!” (Note: Some, such as Lemon farmers, might rank paper cuts higher on the scale.)).  Regardless of the seriousness of the injury, however, we all take note when our bodies are hurt.  We all do what we can to help heal and repair ourselves when something is broken.  Surely “no one ever hated his own flesh, but nourishes and cherishes it.” (Eph. 5:29)

It is remarkable, though, that when it comes to spiritual injuries (all of which are “life threatening” – Rom. 6:23), people couldn’t care less.  Imagine for a moment, if you will, how truly horrifying it would be if we suddenly saw everyone around us rendered according to their spiritual condition.  Can you say train wreck?  If we saw everyone based upon their spiritual health, we’d be surrounded by cannonball wounds, missing limbs, and “planks through the eye (i.e. Matt. 7:3).”  In such a scenario, would we dare look in the mirror?

We claim, as Christians, to “walk by faith, not by sight,” (2 Cor. 5:7) but do we really?    Faith, after all, comes by hearing the word of God! (Rom. 10:17)  Upon hearing it, do we then make application?  Do we honestly look into the mirror of God’s word and “tend to our wounds” or do we shrug off our spiritual lacerations as mere scratches that don’t merit our time, effort, and concern?

Jas. 1:21-25 – Therefore lay aside all filthiness and overflow of wickedness, and receive with meekness the implanted word, which is able to save your souls. But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves. For if anyone is a hearer of the word and not a doer, he is like a man observing his natural face in a mirror; for he observes himself, goes away, and immediately forgets what kind of man he was. But he who looks into the perfect law of liberty and continues in it, and is not a forgetful hearer but a doer of the work, this one will be blessed in what he does.

Let us not deceive ourselves into thinking that we have achieved perfection and are above falling short of our Lord’s expectations (1 John 1:8; 1 Cor. 10:12).  This is not to say that we should excuse sin by saying “well, I can’t be perfect.”  We must, however, be humble enough (Jas. 4:10) to recognize that, while we may not see (and hopefully don’t) gaping wounds reflected back at us as we look into His word, there will always be room for improvement (Phil. 3:12-14).

Friends, if you are spiritually wounded this day, why not allow the blood of Christ to heal you?  If you are not a Christian, would you repent and be baptized for the remission of your sins? (Mark 16:16; Acts 2:38)  If you’ve put on Christ, would you confess your sin and turn back to Him? (1 John 1:9; Acts 8:22)  On the battleground for our souls, injuries are bound to occur.  But if we will equip His armor (Eph. 6:10-18) and trust in His saving grace (Rev. 2:10), we will share in His victory over death and sin (1 John 5:4)!

Where Did Cain Get His Wife?

Posted by Devin Roush in That's a Good Question | Comments Off on Where Did Cain Get His Wife?
21October2015

In Genesis 4:16-17, we read: “Then Cain went out from the presence of the Lord and dwelt in the land of Nod on the east of Eden. And Cain knew his wife, and she conceived and bore Enoch.”  Who was this woman?  Where did she come from?  These questions have been fuel for Bible skeptics for years, but the answers are really quite simple.  In Genesis 5:4, we read: “After he begot Seth, the days of Adam were eight hundred years; and he had sons and daughters.”  It is thus apparent that Cain’s wife was one of Adam and Eve’s daughters, his sister.

This seems strange to us today as people don’t marry close relatives, however, in the beginning, such was necessary for mankind to fulfill their directive to “be fruitful and multiply” and “fill the earth and subdue it.” (Gen. 1:28)  Now you might say “Hold on a minute, doesn’t the Bible condemn marrying a close relative?”  Yes, it does; however, such a command was not given until the time of Moses and the giving of the Old Law (Lev. 18:6-18; 20:11-21; Deut. 27:20-23).  Sarah, Abraham’s wife, was his half-sister and such was approved by God (Gen. 20:12).

The genes of Adam and Eve would have been without flaw.  God described his creation as “very good” in Genesis 1:31.  After the curse (Gen. 3) though, imperfections slowly appeared in the human race.  Initially, these would have been small and infrequent making marriages between close relatives a non-issue.  God eventually gave a law prohibiting such unions, however, because as imperfections multiplied with each new generation, there became a greater likelihood that such a union would result in offspring who would be deformed or have other serious physical problems.

The truth of the matter is that all of us, even today, marry relatives because we are all related!  We all are of “one blood.” (Acts. 17:26)  If you don’t marry a relative, you have an entirely different problem!  We don’t marry close relatives today because of the reasons previously discussed, but for Cain, such was not an issue.

Those who claim that Cain’s wife was from another “race” of human beings that God had created are incorrect.  The Bible clearly states that Adam was the first man (1 Cor. 15:45).  You recall that in Genesis 2 when Adam was naming all of the creatures God had made, “there was not found a helper comparable to him.” (vs. 20)  Likewise, the Bible also makes plain that Eve was the first woman.  Genesis 3:20 tells us that “Adam called his wife’s name Eve, because she was the mother of all living.”