Refton Brethren in Christ Church

God is holy - which means He is perfect in His goodness

Quote: Christopher Morgan and Robert Peterson write that it’s a mistaken assumption of ours if we believe “our condemnation is based on a rejection of the gospel. Scripture teaches that our condemnation is based on the fact that we are sinners, not because at some point in time we rejected the gospel … Furthermore, God’s wrath is revealed against everyone who suppresses his truth revealed through creation … Strictly speaking, the Bible denies that there are persons who have never heard of God.” (Faith Comes by Hearing)

The Old Testament uses the word “satan” a couple dozen times ... But here’s the thing: It’s not a name. We know this because most of the time it shows up in the OT as “the satan.”

satan = adversary; prosecutor or challenger

It's a job description

Quote: "The Old Testament never uses the word saṭan of the serpent figure from Genesis 3." (The Unseen Realm, Heiser)

Satan outright contradicts Yahweh’s command… he says in Genesis 3:4, “You will not certainly die… For God knows that when you eat from it your eyes will be opened, and you will be like God, knowing good and evil.”

Satan had an evil desire for power, and it was that same desire that he used to tempt Adam and Eve.

Adam wasn't deceived. He knew what he was doing.

Who is the "he" that will crush Satan's head?

Quote from Scott: "Do you see how essential it is that we understand just how sinful we are? I think one of Satan’s biggest lies is that we’re good people. Because the more we elevate ourselves, the more we lower God in our hearts - and that’s been Satan’s intention since the Garden of Eden."

Recommended Resources:
1. The Unseen Realm, by Dr. Michael S. Heiser
2. Ask NT Wright Anything Podcast, episode 28