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In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth.¹ After he created man,² God chose a place on earth distinct from all the rest for the LORD God would walk on it.³ Within the boundary known as Eden, God planted a garden. And out of the ground the LORD God made to spring up every tree that is pleasant to the sight and good for food. . . . A river flowed out of Eden to water the garden, and there it divided and became four rivers. . . . The LORD God took the man and put him in the garden of Eden to work it and keep it.⁴

The word Eden is associated with the Hebrew word for “pleasure”. Thus, the Vulgate reads “paradisum voluptatis”; while the Douay-Rheims Bible, And the Lord God had planted a paradise of pleasure.⁵ No surprise that the Psalter boldly declares, For a day in your courts is better than a thousand elsewhere. I would rather be a doorkeeper in the house of my God than dwell in the tents of wickedness. For the LORD God is a sun and shield; the LORD bestows favor and honor. No good things does he withhold from those who walk uprightly. O LORD of hosts, blessed is the one who trusts in you!⁶

Let us backtrack to the beginning. Notice that God didn’t create hell. Could it be that the place or sphere is man’s creation? Is it a realm or paradigm where man chooses to be his own god and eases God out of the picture? The man deliberately renames his wife and calls her Eve.⁷ Give us a king to judge us! So God obliges—Now then, obey their voice; only you shall solemnly warn them . . .⁸ Even Lucifer lost his place from Eden, who was an anointed guardian cherub, blameless till unrighteousness was found in him. Your heart was proud because of your beauty; you corrupted your wisdom for the sake of your splendor. I cast you to the ground; . . . All who know you among the peoples are appalled at you; you have come to a dreadful end and shall be no more forever.⁹

For am I now seeking the approval of man, or of God? Or am I trying to please man? If I were still trying to please man, I would not be a servant of Christ.¹⁰

Ouch! Paul the apostle (meaning “person sent”) was likewise alluding to the handpicked children of God. Let’s face it, we all have our biases; we formulate our perspective through our filters. We choose the voices we listen to. We cling hard to our false beliefs despite knowing truth—conflicting attitudes, beliefs or behaviors that Psychology theorizes as Cognitive Dissonace.¹¹ To nurture a calloused, hardened heart is a dangerous place to be. When we are no longer teachable and hungry for the Word nor enjoy the fellowship of His children, it is like seeking a place without God’s presence—a living hell.

Yes, God loves us unconditionally that he gave his Beloved Son to die for all¹²; but do not take his righteousness lightly. God hates evil—thus let us offer to God acceptable worship with reverence and awe, for our God is a consuming fire.¹³ And we, his children, cannot condone evil. As obedient children, do not be conformed to the passions of your former ignorance but as he who called you is holy, you also be holy in all your conduct, since it is written, “You shall be holy, for I am holy.”¹⁴

What are basic principles that we may adhere to for our own protection? How may we be guided with our choices?

1. Die to self and choose to abide by Jesus. And a voice came out of the cloud, saying, “This is my Son, my Chosen One: listen to him!”¹⁵

2. Consider the fruit. You will recognize them by their fruits. Are grapes gathered from thornbushes, or figs from thistles? So, every healthy tree bears good fruit, but the diseased tree bears bad fruit. A healthy tree cannot bear bad fruit, not can a diseased tree bear good fruit. Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. Thus you will recognize them by their fruits.¹⁶

Take no part in the unfruitful works of darkness, but instead expose them. For it is shameful even to speak of the things that they do in secret. But when anything is exposed by the light, it becomes visible, for anything that becomes visible is light. Therefore it says, “Awake, O sleeper, and arise from the dead, and Christ will shine on you.”¹⁷

Our choices, our company, our life should reflect the God we worship. Our Father in heaven hallowed be your name. Your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. . . And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil.¹⁸ AMEN!