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Baptists/Perfect Eden and Perfect Heaven

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Expert: - 3/14/2006


Question
I understand that the Garden of Eden was perfect and so is Heaven.  If this is true, how can evil (Lucifer) be in the Garden of Eden prior to Adam and Eve and how could Lucifer be kicked out of Heaven for rebelling God?(there must be free will in Heaven ? true?)

Answer
Satan or Lucifer was created with a free will as were all of the angels.  He was the top angel or the covering cherub that flew/hovered above the throne of the Godhead.  When he actually got the idea that he could be like God we really do not know but it was sometime before he used the serpent to tempt Eve.  

Maybe since all the angels came to report and worship the Lord all that adoration made him desire it or even delude him into thinking they were actually paying him homage.  We may never know.  God may or may not reveal that to us or it may come out at his judgment as we will be there to help with judging the angels.  When it happened isn't really significant. When he blew it he was able to convicne a third of the angels to go with him so he does have a rather silver tongue.  After all, he is the father of lies.  

Isa 14 - says he is fallen from Heaven yet his final imprisonment in Hell would be future.  

Job 1 - He is walking to and fro from the earth but he has access to Heaven but his position is gone.  Why doe she go there?

Rev 12:10 And I heard a loud voice saying in heaven, Now is come salvation, and strength, and the kingdom of our God, and the power of his Christ: for the accuser of our brethren is cast down, which accused them before our God day and night. (KJV)

This is where he loses access to the throne room completely and can no longer accuse us before God.  

Luke 10:18 And he said unto them, I beheld Satan as lightning fall from heaven. (KJV)

Now was Jesus referring to the initial casting out of heaven when satan lost his position or was He referring to His foreknowledge of the Revelation passage?  I believe He was referring to the first time though He did see the second and final one through His foreknowledge/omniscience.

Both Lucifer and Adam and Eve were created with a free will and both chose to fall through unbelief, but thanks be to God that they and we were able tobe redeemed.  Satana and the angels have no such opportunity as they had greater revelation and dwelt in Heaven.

I hope this has been of some help to you. May God bless you as you seek His will through His Word.

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Volunteer

Dr. Ronald E. Shultz

Expertise

I am more of a polemicist than an apologist. I especially desire to answer questions concerning discipleship/holiness, "gray areas", etc. If all you wish is an argument then I am not your man. Sincere seekers only need e-mail me.

Experience

I have ministered in several states since my conversion in 1975. I participate in many forums and have written two books.

Organizations
American Association of Christian Counselors since 2009
Texas Civil Defense since 2008
American Legion since 2002
Honorable Order of Kentucky Colonels, since 1994
Life Member NCOA, 1973
Dover AFB Honor Guard, 1971-73

Publications
Poem, "Cowboy Up" published in an anthology by American Poets Society, 2004
Author, Jail House Religion, Xulon Press, 2004
Author, The Power of Holy Women, Xulon Press, 2003
Messianic Literary Corner published 45 poems, 2003+
Tract “Which Way To God” published on http://www.tracts.com/whichway.html, 1998
Several poems published on various web pages, 1997,1998,1999
Author, Metamorphosis, copyrighted, partially published collection of poetry, 1968-94
Article, “Why I Prefer Expository Preaching”, published in Canyonview Bible Seminary's Expositor, 1988

Education/Credentials
Doctor of Theology, Slidell Baptist Seminary, Slidell, LA, 2001, Summa Cum Laude
Master of Theology, Christian Bible College, Rocky Mount, NC, 2000, Summa Cum Laude
Bachelor of Religious Education , Administration minor, Piedmont Baptist College, Winston-Salem, NC, 1982, Cum Laude
Evangelical Teacher Training Association, Teachers Diploma, Winston-Salem, NC, 1982
Other study: Community College of the Air Force, Maxwell AFB, AL - 1975-78
Upper Iowa University, Fayette, IA - 1976-77
Interim Ministry For Today's Churches - 2000


Awards and Honors
Heritage Registry of Who's Who, 2006-2007
Editor's Choice Award, International Library of Poetry, 2003
America's Registry of Outstanding Professionals 2001-2002
Stratmore Who's Who, 2001-2002
Guest Speaker Texas A&M, Commerce, 1999
Gubernatorial Commendation by Texas Veterans Commission, 1999
Dallas VA Certificate of Pride in Public Service, 1999
Guest on the Kevin Bullard radio program KPBC AM 770,1997
Who's Who in the South and Southwest, 1996
Editor's Choice Award, National Library of Poetry, 1995
Who's Who in Poetry, 1992
United States Army Achievement Medal, 1990
Personal testimony dramatized for international radio program Unshackled, 1986
Outstanding Young Men of the South, 1981
United States Air Force Commendation Medal, 1978
Two USAF suggestion awards, 1976
NCO of the Quarter, 1975
Freedom Foundation Award, 1975

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