.
I rather admire the Devil; his mettle is very similar to the determination of a
US Navy SEAL.
I once heard a former SEAL explain that if they were to play hopscotch, it
would turn violent because they don't like to lose . . . at anything. In point of
fact, if they have to die in order to win; they'll do it: no regrets because in
their glossary "quitter" is a dirty word.
When a strong will to conquer is combined with a high IQ, you get a
formidable warrior that should never be taken lightly. The Devil is like Arnold
Swarzenegger's relentless movie character; the Terminator, of whom it is
said: feels neither pain nor pity, nor remorse nor fear. It cannot be reasoned
with nor can it be bargained with, and it absolutely will not stop-- ever! -
until you are dead.
I also admire the Devil's cleverness to shift the blame from himself. For
example: I was initially taught over and over again to believe that the so
called fallen nature is passed down to children by their biological fathers.
Oh? then whence did Eve get it? She was made with human material taken
from Adam's body, but she was born before he tasted the fruit so Adam
couldn't pass the fallen nature on to her by genetic means.
For some time, I believed that the chemistry of the fruit caused Eve's
changes; but when she tasted it, nothing happened. Eve went right on just
as naked and unashamed as before.
FAQ: Well; if it wasn't the fruit, and it wasn't Adam, then by whom and/or
by what?
A: We're left with two options: either God did it to her or the Devil. Well, my
money is definitely on the Devil.
He has the power of death (Heb 2:14) and the ability to tamper with the
human body and the human mind in ways not easily detected; e.g. Luke
13:16, Mark 5:1-5, and Eph 2:2.
The Serpent-- a.k.a. the Devil (Rev 20:2) --was apparently all set and ready
to wield his power the moment that Adam crossed the line and ate the
forbidden fruit. It amazes me how quickly it worked. As soon as Adam tasted
the fruit, they immediately set to work with the fig leaves.
FAQ: Why wasn't Eve effected by the Serpent's power of death when she
tasted the forbidden fruit?
A: It was apparently God's decision that if sin and death were to come into
the world, it would come via a lone male's actions, just as life and
righteousness would later be offered to the world via a lone male's actions.
(Rom 5:12-21)
A: When does the Serpent do his lethal work on people. . . in the womb
or out of the womb?
A: Adam and Eve demonstrate that it can be done on adults, but I'm
guessing that for most of us it's in the womb. (Ps 51:5)
_