Women:

A Biblical

Profile

HARVESTIME INTERNATIONAL INSTITUTE

This course is part of the Harvestime International Institute, a program designed to equip believers for effective spiritual harvest.

The basic theme of the training is to teach what Jesus taught, that which took men who were fishermen, tax collectors, etc., and changed them into reproductive Christians who reached their world with the Gospel in a demonstration of power.

This manual is a single course in one of several modules of curriculum which moves believers from visualizing through deputizing, multiplying, organizing, and mobilizing to achieve the goal of evangelizing.

These courses are available via the Internet free of chrage or on computer diskette for a small fee. For further information write:

Harvestime International Institute

3092 Sultana Dr.

Madera, California 93637

U.S.A.

© Harvestime International Institute

TABLE OF CONTENTS

How To Use This Manual      .           .           .           .           .           .           .           .           I

Suggestions For Group Study.           .           .           .           .           .           .           II

Course Introduction    .           .           .           .           .           .           .           .           .           1

Course Objectives      .           .           .           .           .           .           .           .           .           2

1. In The Beginning              .           .           .           .           .           .           .           .           3

2. The Fall of Woman          .           .           .           .           .           .           .           .           11

3. Strange and Virtuous Women      .           .           .           .           .           .           .           23

4. The Book Of Ruth            .           .           .           .           .           .           .           .           36

5. The Book Of Esther          .           .           .           .           .           .           .           .           49

6. The Relationship Of Jesus To Women     .           .           .           .           .           .           58

7. The Ministry Of Jesus To Women           .           .           .           .           .           .           66

8. Women In The Book Of Acts       .           .           .           .           .           .           .           76

9. Women In The Epistles: Specific Ministries       .           .           .           .           .           83

10. Women In The Epistles: Position In The Church           .           .           .           .           89

11. Women In The Epistles: Specialized Instructions          .           .           .           .           100

12. Your Place In Ministry    .           .           .           .           .           .           .           .           113

13. Challenges And Distinctions       .           .           .           .           .           .           .           129

14. Ministry To Women        .           .           .           .           .           .           .           .           139

15. All The Women Of The Bible     .           .           .           .           .           .           .           152

Answers To Self-Tests.          .           .           .           .           .           .           .           167

HOW TO USE THIS MANUAL

MANUAL FORMAT

Each lesson consists of:

Objectives: These are the goals you should achieve by studying the chapter. Read them before starting the lesson.

Key Verse: This verse emphasizes the main concept of the chapter. Memorize it.

Chapter Content: Study each section. Use your Bible to look up any references not printed in the manual.

Self-Test: Take this test after you finish studying the chapter. Try to answer the questions without using your Bible or this manual. When you have concluded the Self-Test, check your answers in the answer section provided at the end of the book.

For Further Study: This section will help you continue your study of the Word of God, improve your study skills, and apply what you have learned to your life and ministry.

Final Examination: If you are enrolled in this course for credit, you received a final examination along with this course. Upon conclusion of this course, you should complete this examination and return it for grading as instructed by your teacher.

ADDITIONAL MATERIALS NEEDED

You will need a King James version of the Bible.

I

SUGGESTIONS FOR GROUP STUDY

FIRST MEETING

Opening: Open with prayer and introductions. Get acquainted and register the students.

Establish Group Procedures: Determine who will lead the meetings, the time, place, and dates for the sessions.

Praise And Worship: Invite the presence of the Holy Spirit into your training session.

Distribute Manuals To Students: Introduce the manual title, format, and course objectives provided in the first few pages of the manual.

Make The First Assignment: Students will read the chapters assigned and take the Self-Tests prior to the next meeting. The number of chapters you cover per meeting will depend on chapter length, content, and the abilities of your group.

SECOND AND FOLLOWING MEETINGS

Opening: Pray. Welcome and register any new students and give them a manual. Take attendance. Have a time of praise and worship.

Review: Present a brief summary of what you studied at the last meeting.

Lesson: Discuss each section of the chapter using the HEADINGS IN CAPITAL BOLD FACED LETTERS as a teaching outline. Ask students for questions or comments on what they have studied. Apply the lesson to the lives and ministries of your students.

Self-Test: Review the Self-Tests students have completed. (Note: If you do not want the students to have access to the answers to the Self-Tests, you may remove the answer pages from the back of each manual.)

For Further Study: You may do these projects on a group or individual basis.

Final Examination: If your group is enrolled in this course for credit, you received a final examination with this course. Reproduce a copy for each student and administer the exam upon conclusion of this course.

II

Module:         Specialization

Course:          Women: A Biblical Profile

INTRODUCTION

There are many voices in the world today speaking on behalf of women.

∙We have heard the voice of what has been termed in some nations "women's liberation" calling for equal rights for all women everywhere.

∙In other nations, the voice of tradition has been raised demanding that women be kept in subjection.

∙Theologians have debated extensively regarding the role of women in the Church.

∙We have heard the voices of psychologists, educators, and philosophers with their various views on womanhood.

In general, concern with the subject of women has focused on their purpose and position in society. Many modern movements promoting liberation for women have overreacted to the problems and concerns faced by women.

The movement towards liberation for women is not new. It can be traced back to the first woman, Eve, who sought liberation from God's rules. But true liberation for women comes only through Jesus Christ and recognition of the patterns and principles governing womanhood revealed in God's Word, the Bible.

This course summarizes all the Bible teaches regarding women. It is not only as a study guide, but a reference tool as it lists all the passages about women and references to all the individual women mentioned in the Word of God.

Now, "Let the earth hear His voice" on the subject of womanhood as we develop from Scripture: "Women: A Biblical Profile."

COURSE OBJECTIVES

Upon completion of this course you will be able to:

∙          Summarize the history of women as revealed in the Bible.

∙          List the purposes for which women were created.

∙          Contrast the traits of the two classes of women described in Proverbs.

∙          Explain the role of women during the earthly ministry of Jesus Christ.

∙          Summarize the Biblical position of women as revealed in Acts and the Epistles.

∙          Document with Scripture the ministry opportunities open to Christian women.

∙          Summarize the book of Ruth.

∙          Summarize the book of Esther.

∙          Continue independent study of women from a Scriptural perspective.

∙          Communicate what you have learned to other women.

∙          Start a ministry to women.

CHAPTER ONE

IN THE BEGINNING

OBJECTIVES:

Upon completion of this chapter you will be able to:

            ∙          Write the Key Verse from memory.

            ∙          Provide Scriptural references on the origin of woman.

            ∙          Summarize the divine creation of woman.

            ∙          Describe her Biblical relationships to God and man.

            ∙          Identify the original purposes for which man and woman were created.

KEY VERSE:

So God created man in His own image, in the image of God created He him; male and female created He them. (Genesis 1:27)

INTRODUCTION

The book of Genesis in the Holy Bible is referred to as the book of beginnings. It records the beginning of the world, of man and woman, of sin and God's plan for salvation, and the formation of the nations.

The first chapter of Genesis describes the creation of the world. The second chapter tells of the creation of man with a reference to woman in 1:27. The main references describing the origin of woman are Genesis chapter 2:

And the Lord God said, it is not good that the man should be alone; I will make him an help meet for him.

And the Lord God caused a deep sleep to fall upon Adam and he slept; and He took one of his ribs and closed up the flesh instead thereof;

And the rib, which the Lord God had taken from man, made He a woman, and brought her unto the man.

And Adam said, This is now bone of my bones, and flesh of my flesh; she shall be called Woman, because she was taken out of Man.

Therefore shall a man leave his father and his mother and shall cleave unto his wife; and they shall be one flesh. (Genesis 2:18, 21-24)

The Bible reveals that woman was:

CREATED BY GOD:

Genesis 2:7 states that man was created by God from the dust of the earth. God breathed into man the breath of life, and he became a living soul. God decided it was not good for Adam to be alone (Genesis 2:22). God caused a deep sleep to fall on Adam, then He took one of his ribs and from it created the first woman who was named Eve.

Adam called his mate woman, which means "she-man" or "joined to man," because she was taken out of man. This is where the word "woman" originated.

CREATED IN THE IMAGE OF GOD:

Genesis 2:26-27 documents that God created both male and female in His image:

And God said, Let us make man in our image, after our likeness...So God created man in His own image, in the image of God created He him; male and female created He them. (Genesis 1:26-27)

MAN'S FIRST RESPONSIBILITY

Adam and Eve were told by God to:

            ∙          Be fruitful.

            ∙          Multiply.

            ∙          Replenish the earth.

            ∙          Subdue the earth.

            ∙          Have dominion over every living thing on earth. (Genesis 1:28)

It is interesting to note that God's first command to man and woman was to "be fruitful." The Harvestime International Institute, of which this unit is a specialized course, follows the theme

of spiritual harvesting, or fruitfulness, in its curriculum. Spiritual fruitfulness is a Biblical concept traced from this initial command to the final harvest among the nations prophesied in the closing book of Revelation.

Adam and Eve were to be fruitful in each area of their triune nature, physically, spiritually, and mentally as they replenished the earth, subdued and took dominion over it.

WOMAN'S RELATIONSHIP TO GOD

Woman was created by God, in the image of God, with an eternal soul (Genesis 2:7) related to God in a special union. This relationship is spiritual because God is a spirit (John 4:24). God enjoyed a spiritual relationship with Adam and Eve (Genesis 3:8). This union was broken due to man's fall into sin, but God provided a plan to restore man's spiritual relationship with his Creator. You will learn more about this in the next chapter.

WOMAN'S RELATIONSHIP TO MAN

The relationship of woman to man was one of:

LOVE:

Although this is not a study of the subject of Biblical types, a word on this subject needs to be presented in order to understand the original relationship of woman and man. When we speak of a Biblical type, we are referring to the fact that some incidents recorded in Scripture are not only important in themselves, but are examples of even greater spiritual truths.

Many people and incidents of the Old Testament are "types" of spiritual truths revealed in the New Testament. The study of types is one form of Bible study which Harvestime International Institute teaches in the course entitled "Creative Bible Study Methods."

The creation of woman from man is an example of the type of relationship that would later exist between Jesus Christ and the Church. While Adam slept, his side was opened and woman was created. Centuries later when Jesus Christ hung on the cross for the sins of all mankind, through the great sleep of His death the Church was created. Christ's side was pierced with a spear and there came forth a creative flow of blood to redeem and water to purify the Church:

...Even as Christ also loved the Church, and gave Himself for it;

That He might sanctify and cleanse it with the washing of water by the Word. (Ephesians 5:25-26)

The creation of woman speaks of a love relationship, similar to that which exists between Christ and the Church. This is a deep, enduring, spiritual love, not a sensual relationship based on external charm or beauty.

COMPANIONSHIP:

God said it was not good for man to be alone. He intended for man and woman to be companions.

HELPFULNESS:

God said He would create a "help meet" for man (Genesis 2:18). The same Hebrew word for help meet, Azyer, occurs forty times in the Old Testament and is often used to speak of God as helper of His people. The word does not mean subjection, as God is certainly not subject to man. Rather, it pictures a giving, loving, caring, relationship of help similar to that which exists between God and man.

COMMITMENT:

Genesis 2:24 speaks of the relationship of commitment between man and woman. The man is to:

            Leave his father and mother:              Mental commitment.

            Cleave unto his wife:                          Emotional commitment.

            They shall be one flesh:                      Physical commitment.

Love, companionship, commitment, and a mutual helping relationship are qualities of the union God designed between man and woman.

SELF-TEST

1.         List the main Biblical references describing the creation of woman.

_______________________________________________________________________________

_______________________________________________________________________________

_______________________________________________________________________________

2.         Check the item on the list below which is NOT one of the original purposes given to man and woman by God.

            _____Multiply

            _____Be fruitful

            _____Subdue the earth

            _____Organize cities and communities

            _____Have dominion over all living things

            _____Replenish the earth

3.         Check the one correct answer. The relationship between women and God is:

            _____Physical only, as we are made in His image.

            _____Not only physical but also a spiritual relationship.

            _____Not possible, due to the fall of man into sin.

4.         List the four main relationships that should exist between man and woman. Provide the proper Bible reference for each relationship.

                        Relationship                                       Reference

             (1)______________________________________________________________________

            (2)______________________________________________________________________

            (3)______________________________________________________________________

            (4)______________________________________________________________________

5.         Check the correct statement regarding the word "help meet" as it is used of woman in relationship to man in Genesis 2. Help meet...

            _____ Means woman is to be like a servant to man.

            _____ Means the same as God being a help meet to His people.

            ______Is not a scriptural term for the relationship of man and woman.

6.         Write the Key Verse from memory:

_______________________________________________________________________________

_______________________________________________________________________________

_______________________________________________________________________________

_______________________________________________________________________________

(Answers to tests are provided at the conclusion of the final chapter in this manual.)

FOR FURTHER STUDY

Expand your knowledge about the beginning. Study each Bible reference and summarize what it teaches about creation as illustrated by the example.

Reference                                                                               Summary

______________________________________________________________________________

Exodus 20:11                          God created the world in six days, rested the seventh and called                                                 this day the Sabbath.

Nehemiah 9:6

Job 12:9

Job 26:7

Job 38:4-7

Psalm 24:2

Psalm 33:6

Psalm 95:5

Psalm 102:25

Psalm 104:5

Isaiah 40:28

Isaiah 45:12

Isaiah 48:13

Acts 4:24

Acts 7:50

Acts 14:15

Hebrews 11:3

CHAPTER TWO

THE FALL OF WOMAN

OBJECTIVES:

Upon completion of this chapter you will be able to:

            ∙          Write the Key Verse from memory.

            ∙          Describe the initial fall of woman into sin.

            ∙          List the penalties of sin.

            ∙          Identify the Bible reference which gives the first promise of a Savior.

            ∙          Recognize the cycle of temptation and sin.

KEY VERSE:

And I will put enmity between thee and the woman, and between thy seed and her seed; it shall bruise thy head, and thou shalt bruise his heel. (Genesis 3:15)

INTRODUCTION

Genesis 3 is perhaps the most tragic chapter in the entire Bible, yet at the same time the most wonderful. Before proceeding with this lesson read Genesis 3 in your Bible.

THE TEMPTATION

Satan enters the scene in Genesis chapter 3 as a serpent, which is another name for him (see Revelation 12:9). He actually appeared in the shape and form of a serpent or snake. To fully understand Eve's temptation, we must note God's initial instructions to man:

And the Lord God commanded the man saying, Of every tree of the garden thou mayest freely eat;

But of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, thou shall not eat of it;

            for in the day that thou eatest thereof, thou shalt surely die.

(Genesis 2:16-17)

The first step in Eve's fall into sin was being in the wrong place. In Genesis 3 we find her near the forbidden tree. Proverbs states of the path of wickedness:

Avoid it, pass not by it, turn from it, and pass away. (Proverbs 4:15)

Second, Eve should never have entered into conversation with Satan whose first words questioned the instructions given by God:

And he said unto the woman, Yea,hath God said, Ye shall not eat of every tree of the garden? (Genesis 3:1)

Questioning the truth of the Word of God is often how Satan starts the temptation process. In answering Satan, Eve misquoted God's Word. She added to God's instructions as well as minimizing the penalty for sin:

But of the fruit of the tree which is in the midst of the garden, God hath said, ye shall not eat of it, neither shall ye touch it, lest ye die. (Genesis 3:3)

Compare this verse with Genesis 2:16-17. God did not say "neither shall ye touch it." This is added by Eve. Right from the beginning, man started adding his ideas, instructions, and legalism to the Word of God. God also said "thou shalt surely die." This was the penalty for eating of the tree. Eve changed this to "lest ye die," meaning "you might die."

Today, there is the same tendency to minimize the penalty for sin. People say, "Surely a righteous God could not send anyone to Hell!" Actually, God does not send anyone to Hell. Man chooses to go there by his own sinful actions. The penalty for sin remains everlasting separation from the presence of God in Hell. People often do not identify sin for what it is. Abortion is called a method of "birth control" instead of murder. Adulterous relationships are sometimes referred to as "affairs."

In answering Eve, Satan contradicted God's Word:

And the serpent said unto the woman, Ye shall not surely die;

For God doth know that in the day ye eat thereof, then your eyes shall be opened, and ye shall be as gods, knowing good and evil. (Genesis 3:4-5)

On the following chart, note the misuse of God's Word in the first temptation:

It is important to recognize this pattern, for it is one Satan still uses when he tempts you to sin. He accuses the Word of God and tries to cause discontentment. Eve was holy before God in the beautiful environment of the garden, yet Satan made her discontent. He made her believe she could become like a god and know everything. Discontent leads to sin. For example, unhappiness with financial situations causes men to rob, steal, and cheat. Discontent with marriage leads to adulterous relationships.

Satan wanted to alienate (separate) Eve from God. Satan claimed God knew she would receive great benefits from eating of this tree. She would be more knowledgeable and become like a god. In essence he was saying, "God must not think much of you, Eve, to deny you this wonderful opportunity." Eve should have answered, "I am already like God," because she was created in God's image.

Always remember: Sin usually comes disguised as opportunity.

THE FALL

Genesis 3:6 describes the darkest moment in human history:

And when the woman saw that the tree was good for food, and that it was pleasant to the eyes, and a tree to desired to make one wise, she took of the fruit thereof, and did eat, and gave also unto her husband with her; and he did eat. (Genesis 3:6)

Note the progression into sin:

It is important to note this pattern, as it is the same pattern followed by people today as they fall into sin. First, Eve was in the wrong place. She put herself in a place where she was likely to be tempted. Then she listened to the enemy, Satan.

Next she looked longingly upon that which God had forbidden. Temptation here was still at a distance, but then Eve proceeded to take and eat from the tree. She partook of that which God had labeled SIN.

The final result was that her sin affected Adam when she gave the fruit to him and he ate. When you sin, it usually affects those around you and when they sin, they enter the same destructive cycle of sin.

Psalms warns of a similar progression:

Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful.

But his delight is in the law of the Lord; and in his law doth he meditate day and night. (Psalms 1:1-2)

First you walk in the temptation of sin. If you do not flee, you will soon be standing (pausing) to think about it. Finally, you will be sitting in the seat of the scornful or settling down in the place of sin.

Look at the following diagram. No matter where you are in the cycle of temptation and sin, the cycle can be broken through the power of Jesus Christ who paid the penalty for the sin of all mankind.

The Cycle Of Sin

∙          Walking in the place of temptation ➱

            ∙          Enticing others to sin ➱

                                    ∙          Hearing Satan's voice ➱

                                                ∙          Partaking: Entering into the sin ➱

                                                            ∙          Seeing the forbidden sin, admiring it ➱

                                                                        ∙          Taking (accepting) the temptation to sin.

The cycle of sin can be broken at any point through the power ofthe cross of Jesus Christ. On the cross, Jesus paid the penalty for sin. He bruised the head or power of Satan so you can be delivered from both the power and penalty of sin.

If the cycle is not broken in your life, then you will influence others around you. You will entice them to sin and the cycle will continue in their lives. Thus, it becomes a continuous chain spreading throughout the world. The cycle can only be broken by the power of the Gospel message of the death of Jesus for sin and His resurrection power over death, Hell, and Satan.

There are only two cycles in the world today in which men exist. One is the cycle of sin. The other is the cycle of salvation: Hearing the Gospel, understanding it, accepting it as truth, partaking of the plan of salvation, and leading others to Jesus Christ.

In which cycle do you want to spend your life?

IMMEDIATE RESULTS OF THE FALL

There were several immediate results of the fall into sin:

KNOWLEDGE OF GOOD AND EVIL:

Immediately after the fall, Adam and Eve were no longer in a state of innocence. They recognized the difference between good and evil and realized they were naked (Genesis 3:7).

SELF-RIGHTEOUSNESS:

Adam and Eve tried to make clothing from fig leaves which is a type (an outward example) of what man tries to do spiritually. Realizing we are sinners, we try to better ourselves. We think self-improvement will correct our sin (Genesis 3:7), but our self-righteousness is as inadequate as the fig leaves were to cover Adam and Eve:

But we are all as an unclean thing and all our righteousness are as filthy rags. (Isaiah 64:6)

FEAR AND SHAME:

When God came to walk and talk with Adam and Eve, they hid themselves in shame and fear (Genesis 3:10). Shame over the past and fear of the future are the basic emotions which generate all other negative emotional responses.

SEPARATION FROM GOD:

God did not remove Himself from man's presence, rather, it was man that removed himself from God. Adam and Eve tried to hide from God. There is another important pattern here. Look at the following chart and note that Adam and Eve:

The knowledge of good and evil, self-righteousness, fear, shame, and separation from God were the immediate results of the fall of man. Other results came with the penalty for sin.

THE MEETING WITH GOD

A special meeting with God followed the fall. God, Adam, and Eve all participated in the conversation:

God..."Where Art Thou?" God's question was not to discover where Adam and Eve were hiding. God is all knowledgeable, and He knew where they were. The reason for His question was to focus attention on their spiritual condition. "Where art thou, Adam? Where are you

spiritually? What has happened?"

God confronts sinful mankind with the same question today. We must recognize our true spiritual condition because without Christ we stand condemned before a holy God.

Adam...Adam answered that he heard God's voice and was afraid because he was naked so he hid himself from God's presence.

God...God's next response was also a question:

Who told thee that thou wast naked? Hast thou eaten of the tree, whereof I commanded thee that thou shouldest not eat? (Genesis 3:11)

God already knew Adam had eaten of the tree. His purpose in questioning was to get Adam to confess his sin:

If we confess our sin, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sin and cleanse us from all unrighteousness. (I John 1:9)

Adam...His answer demonstrated an inability to accept blame. In blaming Eve, he also blamed God:

The woman whom thou gavest to be with me, she gave me of the tree, and I did eat. (Genesis 3:12)

God...Then God asked the woman,"What is this that thou hast done?"

Eve...Following the pattern set by her husband, Eve also refused to accept blame. She blamed the serpent for her sin.

God...The rest of the conversation was dominated by God who pronounced the penalties for sin.

PENALTIES FOR SIN

We previously noted some of the immediate results of sin. Now there are additional penalties as God pronounces judgment on the serpent, man, and woman.

ON THE SERPENT:

l.         Changed physical form: The physical form Satan used for the temptation was cursed. The serpent, or snake, originally walked upright but from this time on wiggled on his belly through the dust.

2.         Enmity between Satan and man: This was the beginning of what we call "spiritual warfare," with Satan struggling for the soul of man. This warfare continues to the present day. Harvestime International Institute offers a course entitled "Spiritual Strategies" which focuses on this spiritual warfare and provides strategies for victory over the enemy.

3.         A crushed head: The third penalty on the serpent is actually a promise to sinful man. Although Satan would "bruise the heel" of man spiritually through sin, the seed (descendant) that would come from woman would crush the head of Satan (Genesis 3:15).

This was the first promise of a Savior for the sin of mankind. Although Satan would affect man through sin, a Savior would be sent by God through woman and the power of sin would be crushed. The tragedy of sin came through the fall of one woman, but redemption would also come through a woman who would birth the Lord Jesus Christ.

ON ADAM:

1.         Labor a weariness: Prior to sin Adam tended the ground in happiness, but now he must to labor hard. The environment of the earth changed. The ground that was once fertile and without pests or weeds became filled with thorns and thistles.

2.         Death: The penalty of natural death was imposed on Adam. God said his body would return to the ground, for "dust thou art, and unto dust shalt thou return". Spiritual death was also a penalty of sin. God said "the soul that sinneth, it shall die" (Ezekiel 18:20). Without forgiveness, man would die the spiritual death of eternal separation from God.

ON EVE:

The woman also received penalties for her sin:

1.         Sorrow in childbirth: The curse of pain and sorrow was placed upon the child bearing process.

2.         Subjection: Eve would become subject to her husband. (We will deal more with the concept of submission later in this course as we study the Epistles).

PENALTIES ON BOTH ADAM AND EVE:

God removed Adam and Eve from the beautiful environment of the Garden of Eden to a world filled with sorrow, pain, thorns, and death.

THE PROMISE OF CHRIST

The only bright spot in the entire chapter of Genesis 3 is the promise of the coming Redeemer who would crush the power of Satan (Genesis 3:15).

Note how this was fulfilled in Jesus Christ:

            Sin Brought...                                    Fulfilled In Jesus...

            Travail            Jesus entered into travail for us. (Isaiah 53:11)

            Subjection                   He was made subject to the law that He might redeem us from the                                                 law. (Galatians 4:4)

            Thorns            He was crowned with thorns for us. (Matthew 27:29)

            Sweat                          Jesus sweat great drops of blood for us. (Luke 22:44)

            Sorrow            Surely, He bore our sorrows. (Isaiah 53:4-5)

            Death                          He brought eternal life. (John 3:16)

Jesus bore every penalty for sin. Through His life, death, and resurrection, the head (power) of Satan was crushed.

THE BEGINNING AND THE END

In these first two chapters we have studied events which occurred when the first woman was created. The book of Revelation provides interesting contrasts between the beginning and end. Read Revelation chapters 21 and 22 which describe the final days of time and the new heaven and earth God has planned for His people.

On the following chart, observe the contrasts where every penalty resulting from the sin is eliminated:

            Genesis                                                          Revelation

Paradise closed                                                           Paradise Opened

3:23                                                                            21:25

Dispossession through sin                                          Repossession through grace

3:24                                                                            21:24

Curse imposed                                                            Curse removed

3:17                                                                            22:3

Access to tree denied                                                  Access permitted

3:24                                                                            22:14

Beginning of sorrow, death                                        Ending of sorrow, death

3:16-19                                                                       21:4

Garden defiled                                                            No defilement

3:5-7                                                                           21:27

Man's dominion broken                                              Dominion restored

3:19                                                                            22:5

Evil triumphs                                                              Good triumphs

3:13                                                                            20:10

Walk of God with man interrupted                             Relationship resumed

3:8-10                                                                         21:3

Although the fall of Eve was a sad moment in history, the future for women and all mankind is one of joyful anticipation through Jesus Christ.

SELF-TEST

1.         Which Bible reference is the first promise of a Savior given in Scripture?

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2.         Write the Key Verse from memory.

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2.         Write T in front of each statement that is TRUE. Write F in front of each statement that is FALSE

            a._____Eve misquoted God's Word when she answered Satan.

            b._____Adam blamed the serpent for his sin.

            c._____Eve blamed Adam for her sin.

            d._____Eve tried to minimize the penalty God warned would result from sin.

            e._____The cycle of temptation can be broken at any point through the power

                         of Jesus Christ.

3.         Read each of the penalties for sin listed below. In the space provided before each penalty, write:

            S-If it is a penalty on the serpent.

            M-If it is a penalty on man.

            W-If it is a penalty on woman.

            MW-If it is a penalty on both man and woman.

            a._____Spiritual death.

            b._____Knowledge of good and evil.

            c._____Fear and shame.

            d._____It shall bruise thy head.

            e._____Labor a weariness.

            f._____Sorrow in childbirth.

(Answers to tests are provided at the conclusion of the final chapter in this manual.)

FOR FURTHER STUDY

Continue your study of contrasts between the beginning and the end of the world by using the following chart to study Revelation 20-22.

The Beginning                                                                                               The Ending