PART SIX OF "I AM: AN AUTOBIOGRAPHY"

Adam experienced a unique place in the plan of God. Only he was created in the image and likeness of God. He was formed out of the dust of the Earth, while Eve was formed from Adam's rib (Genesis 2:7; 2:21-22). The Father's plan was accomplished by the Son and by the Spirit's breath (Genesis 1:26-27; 2:7; Colossians 1:16). Adam and Eve were innocent when they began life in the perfect image and likeness of God, but it was not long (how long, no one knows) before Adam sinned and ceased to be in His likeness. Just as God had warned, Adam died spiritually the moment he sinned, and no longer had fellowship with God (Genesis 2:17; 3:8; compare John 3:3-8; Ephesians 2:1). From that point on, man is described as being both in the image and likeness of Adam, but only in the image of God (Genesis 5:3; 9:6). The period of innocence was gone. But God stilled loved Him. GRACE!

Noah, a member of the human race that was continuously evil, found grace in God's sight, so obviously He loved him (Genesis 6:8). Abraham, a liar and disobedient, was considered righteous because he believed God; faith is motivated by God's grace and is a gift (Romans 4:3; Galatians 3:6; James 2:23; Ephesians 2:8-9). David, a murderer, was considered a man after God's own heart (1 Samuel 13:14; Acts 13:22). Our God is truly a gracious God. It really is AMAZING GRACE!

The nation of Israel was continuously in a state of rebellion that included the murder of their Messiah, and yet, God has never stopped loving them. He is using the salvation of the Gentiles to provoke Israel to jealousy. He has allowed Israel to be partially blinded so that the rest of the human race will have an opportunity to receive Christ (Romans 11:7-25). Following the "times of the Gentiles," all Israel will be saved (Romans 11:26-32). GRACE!

The Church has not been any more faithful to Christ than Israel. What started out as a body that was one hundred percent filled with the Spirit, soon became anything but perfect (Acts 2; Matthew 13). The parables of the Church age describe it as being infiltrated by tares, birds, and bad fish (13:24, 32, 48). It is hidden and therefore difficult to find (13:33, 44). Revelation Chapters Two and Three are very critical of five of the churches, and other passages describe the Church as becoming apostate (2 Thessalonians 2:3; 1 Timothy 4:1; 2 Timothy 4:3-4). And yet God loves us. GRACE!

Tomorrow, Lord willing, I will try to conclude His "autobiography." For a more complete presentation of tomorrow's post, read my posts dated 1-31-10 to 2-6-10. Each progressive dispensation (period of man's stewardship of the revelation of God) has revealed a clearer understanding of the "Author." What an awesome God we serve!