Adam and Eve: Are they the parents of us all, and why is this subject important?
Today, some Bible teachers debate whether Adam and Eve are the parents of us all. The Bible indicates several things: 1. Adam was the first man, 2. Eve was the first woman, 3. All mankind descends from them.
The Bible states in 1 Corinthians 15:45 “the first man Adam was made a living soul,” and, in the genealogy of Christ, It refers to Adam as the son of God (Luke 3:38). These statements show that Adam was the first man, but was Eve the first woman? In the garden, Adam was the only human living (Gen. 2:18), so God chose to create a help meet for him (Gen. 2:18). While Adam slept, God formed a woman from one of Adam’s ribs (Gen 2:22). Adam called his wife Woman “because she was taken out of Man” (Gen. 2:23).
We have seen that Adam and Eve were the first man and woman, but were there more people in the garden? Since Adam had been alone and Eve became “the mother of all living” (Gen. 3:20), we can conclude that there were no other people in the garden from whom we might have descended. Furthermore, God implies all women are the daughters of Eve (1 Timothy 2:9-15) and that all people descended from Adam (1 Cor. 15:22, 2 Chr. 25:4 ). We are all “of one blood” (Acts 17:26).
Did God use evolution to create man? Man could not be formed by evolution because evolution uses death. In Romans 5:12 and 1 Corinthians 15:22, God clearly states that death came through sin, and sin came through man. Additionally, mutations would not provide a good vehicle for evolution since they tend to be harmful, not beneficial (e.g. cancer, protein dysfunctionality, etc.). Even the time period of creation does not allow for evolution: “And the evening and the morning were the sixth day” (Gen. 1:31).
“Why is all this important?” you might ask. Here are several reasons. First, special creation shows that God is a good Creator. He did not use death and suffering when He formed man. Instead, God breathed the breath of life into him. (He even got Adam in on the action when He took Adam’s rib!) God’s creation was surely very good! Second, we see that all men have the image of God. If we were to suppose that some humans were not created in the image of God (as Adam’s descendants), we might not treat them according to the Golden Rule. Sadly, we have seen humans stripped of their dignity in our past. Third, the Bible does not appear to contradict itself when Adam is referred to as a real man. The doctrine of inerrancy is thus bolstered in our minds. Last, all men have the opportunity to accept Christ (2 Pet. 3:9, Jn. 3:16, Tit. 2:11, 1 Cor. 15:22).
"For there is no difference between the Jew and the Greek: for the same Lord over all is rich unto all that call upon him. For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved" (Rom. 10:12-13).
Comments
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Happy New Year! Welcome to the forum.
You seem to have a good understanding of the origin of man/woman. With your understanding, does it approves interracial marriages? CM
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