Eden After the Fall and the Heavenly Council of Sons

The Garden of Eden was taken up from the earth after man’s transgression to preserve it from the blight of sin3SG 83.2+1. While it is currently removed from our sight, it will one day descend again with the holy city, more beautiful and gloriously adorned than when it was first removed3SG 83.2.

The Immediate Consequences of Sin

After Adam and Eve disobeyed the command regarding the tree of knowledge of good and evil, they were immediately affected by their choice Genesis 3:6.

• Loss of Innocence: The halo of glory and light that covered them as a garment departed, leaving them to feel the shame of their nakedness Genesis 3:71SM 270.1+1.

• Separation from the Tree of Life: Because eating from the tree of life would perpetuate a state of sin, God made it necessary for the holy pair to be driven from the garden Genesis 3:22-24PH086 31.2+1.

• Guardian of the Way: To ensure that no sinner could reach the tree and live forever in rebellion, God placed cherubim and a flaming sword at the east of the garden to keep the way Genesis 3:24PH086 31.2+1.

The Blight upon Nature

The fall did not only affect humanity but also brought a curse upon the entire physical worldHSFD 28.1.

• The Earth Marred: The ground was cursed for man's sake, and instead of yielding only fruit and flowers, it began to produce briers, thorns, and thistles Genesis 3:17-18RH March 17, 1904, par. 4+1.

• Labor and Toil: Man was no longer able to dress the garden in blissful ease but was commanded to till the ground and eat bread by the sweat of his face until returning to the dust Genesis 3:19, 23SYNPT 139.2+1.

• Traces of Love: Despite the curse, God did not destroy every opening bud or take away the fragrance of the flowers, allowing these remaining beauties to testify that His mercy is not wholly withdrawnRH March 17, 1904, par. 4+1.

The Future Restitution

The story of Eden does not end with its removal; it is central to the plan of salvation and the ultimate restoration of the earthST February 17, 1909, par. 3+1.

• Return of the City: At the end of one thousand years, the holy city, which contains the paradise of God and the original garden of Eden, will descend from heaven3SG 83.2.

• Restoration to Original Glory: Through the sacrifice of Christ, the work of the fall will be undone, and everything lost in the transgression will be regainedST February 12, 1885, par. 12.

• A Perfect Home: The earth will be regenerated and restored to its Edenic purity, becoming the eternal abode of the righteous where they may once again walk and talk with God1SP 12.1+2. 🌿✨

Job 2:1

1 Again there was a day when the sons of God came to present themselves before the LORD, and Satan came also among them to present himself before the LORD.

Job 1:6

6 Now there was a day when the sons of God came to present themselves before the LORD, and Satan came also among them.

The "sons of God" who gathered to present themselves before the Lord were the representatives of unfallen worlds and holy angels who met in a celestial council at the gates of heavenSDP 28.2+1. These beings came from the vast, unfallen universe that God created and maintains through His infinite powerAH 548.1+1.

The Assembly of the Sons of God

The universe is not a silent void but is filled with created intelligences who maintain a living connection with their Creator16MR 119.4+1.

• Representatives of Other Worlds: According to the government of heaven, representatives from each unfallen world meet in council at the gate of heaven Job 1:6SSP 218.1.

• The Identity of the Sons: These "sons of God" include the holy angels and the rulers of worlds that never fell into sin, all of whom were created by God to reflect His glory Job 38:7SSP 339.1+1.

• The Contrast with Christ: While angels and unfallen beings are called sons by creation, and redeemed humans are sons by adoption, Christ alone is the "only begotten Son" by birth and right Hebrews 1:5CHR 12.1+1.

Satan’s Presence at the Council

Satan’s appearance at these meetings was not as a welcomed guest, but as a usurper and an accuserGC 395.3+1.

• A Usurped Position: Satan was originally a son of God by creation, but after being cast out of heaven, he claimed the right to represent the earth because he had led man to transgress and had taken the planet under his power Job 1:7SWk 26.2+1.

• The Accuser of the Brethren: Standing in the midst of the heavenly assembly, he used these occasions to bring malicious complaints against the children of God, such as Job and Joshua the high priest Revelation 12:1021MR 450.2+1.

• The Limits of His Access: Following the death of Christ on the cross, the last link of sympathy between Satan and the heavenly world was broken, and his disguise was torn away before the unfallen angelsST August 27, 1902, par. 14+1.

The Purpose of the Meeting

These gatherings are part of the divine administration of a perfect and just governmentST August 27, 1902, par. 14+1.

• Vindicating God's Law: The heavenly universe watched the controversy on earth with intense interest to see the honor of God's law vindicated16MR 119.4+1.

• Witnessing Human Experience: The unfallen beings and angels survey the ground occupied by the church and cooperate with human agents to save those under temptation9MR 158.2+1.

• Progressive Knowledge: Throughout eternity, the redeemed will join these unfallen beings to share the treasures of wisdom and knowledge gained through ages of contemplating God's handiworkAH 548.1+1. 🌌✨