The heart of the righteous studieth to answer: but the mouth of the wicked poureth out evil things. Prov 15:28
It would seem that the male and female being created in the image and likeness of the their Creator, then that would infer by implication that they were like their Creator. After all, it is written that God makes all things 'in kind'.
- And God made the beast of the earth after his kind
- and cattle after their kind,
- Let us make man in our image, after our likeness
As you stated, the serpent said they would be like God, so do you think that being like God is the same as being God? So if you believe that man is made in the likeness of God then why would you accuse the serpent of lying if he said they would be like God.
The point is, a serpent is a liar that denies the truth, right?
All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: Tim 3:16
Man was already like God. The manner in which he would come to know good and evil was clearly established: by listening to his Father.
The serpent's issue was NOT that he denied the truth but
perverted it and then suggested that woman disobey her Father. God said "Do not eat of the tree" the serpent told woman to "eat of the tree".
Then this is recorded:
"So when the woman saw that the tree was good for food, that it was pleasant to the eyes, and a tree desirable to make one wise, she took of its fruit and ate."
Then John wrote this, giving further revelation regarding Eve's situation:
"Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. 16 For all that is in the world—the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life—is not of the Father but is of the world. 17 And the world is passing away, and the lust of it; but he who does the will of God abides forever."
Woman saw that the tree was good for food = lust of the flesh
..that it was pleasant to the eyes = lust of the eyes
..desirable to make one wise = pride of life
Here, John explains that Eve's temptation is still the primary temptation of man. Now, it's not that man has a fruit tree from which to eat. No.
It's that man has the ability to choose to live apart from the will of God.
John's admonition is "do not love the world". Here, "world" is the systems the enemy has established based upon wisdom from below. Man, to have eternal life, is to always do the will of Father God.
And regarding this:
All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: Tim 3:16
The lesson is always "don't be evil" and that Satan opposes all that is good for man.
Answer a couple questions for me, will you?
Is the serpent evil?
Did the serpent oppose God?
Please answer these questions with a "yes" or "no".
To be honest, your tone seems like guarded Satanism. Please correct me if I am wrong.