88 In the unfolding of the divine plan, therefore, we see that creation is the first part and is properly designated as the first string upon the harp of God. "God is light, and in him is no darkness at all." (1 John 1:5) All the works of Jehovah are perfect. (Deuteronomy 32:4) Hence we must conclude that all the creatures of Jehovah were in the light, were creatures of light, all happy, all joyful. And when the perfect man and perfect woman were placed in the beautiful garden of Eden, everything there was joyful. To what does the subject of creation herein briefly treated relate? 28. Who is designated in the Bible as the beginning of God's creation? 28. To what does the Genesis account of creation relate? ¶ 29. What earthly creatures did God create before making man? ¶ 29. For what purpose did God create the earth? ¶ 29. Who was the father and who the mother of the human race? ¶ 30. Who was the father and who the mother of Adam? ¶ 30. What power and authority did God give to man at his creation? 30. How did God create man? ¶ 31. Define the soul. ¶ 31. Does the word "soul" apply to any creatures except man? Give Scriptural proof. ¶ 31. Describe the original man's first home. ¶ 32. What is the meaning of the word Eden? ¶ 32. What law did God give to man by which he was to be governed while in Eden? ¶ 33. Describe the creation of Eve. ¶ 34. By obeying God's law, how long could Adam and Eve have lived in Eden? ¶ 34. A "star" is used in the Scriptures to symbolize what? ¶ 35. What is the meaning of the Scriptural term "bright and morning star"? ¶ 35. Who is the most highly honored one in the divine realm? ¶ 35. Who is the Devil or Satan? and who made him? ¶ 36. What was his original name? ¶ 36. How does the Prophet Ezekiel describe Lucifer? ¶ 36. What other beings in heaven are called sons of God? ¶ 37. When God created man, what was the effect upon the host of heaven who observed the creation? ¶ 37. What is the first string upon the divine harp? ¶ 38. Does the revelation of this string cause rejoicing? and if so, by whom? ¶ 38. Who is light and without darkness? ¶ 38. Has God ever created an imperfect creature? ¶ 38. What is the disposition of God's creatures while in harmony with him? ¶ 38. What was the condition in Eden when man was created? T 38. CHAPTER III String 2: Justice Manifested NE of the divine attributes is justice. "Justice and judgment are the habitation of thy throne.' (Psalm 89:14) Divine wisdom devised the great divine program or plan. Divine justice must perform its part in harmony with the other divine attributes. God's law must be unchangeable. God being unchangeable, his creatures can have absolute confidence and faith in him, that he always does exactly as he says. A violation of Jehovah's law must in the exercise of justice be followed by punishment. The prerogative of justice is to see that the law is enforced. The manifestation of justice magnifies the name and the dignity of Jehovah. Without the manifestation of justice it would have been impossible for Jehovah so fully to manifest his love toward man in providing for his redemption and subsequent blessing. When one understands the office of justice and why it was manifested, he rejoices. A failure to understand and appreciate the divine attributes makes it impossible for one properly to appreciate Jehovah's goodness and loving-kindness to mankind. Jehovah is too good to be unjust. He is too wise to make a mistake; he is too loving to be unkind; and his power is always exercised in such a way that ultimate good may result. 40 The manifestation of justice is one of the strings upon the harp of God; but we must see and appreciate it in order to understand the beauty and harmony it brings when used in connection with the other strings. |