Wednesday, November 21, 2007

THE THREEFOLD PROGRESSION OF MAN

Augustine, the great theologian, discovered an intriguing progression in the Biblical narrative.

The Bible outlines the possibilities of mankind BEFORE sin came into creation, where we all live now and what God's plan is for our ultimate destiny. These are all summed up in how we relate to sin and death. Augustine called this "The Threefold Progression of Mankind."

1
In Genesis chapters one through three, for mankind it was:
Possible NOT to sin and to die


2
From Genesis chapter three through Revelation chapter twenty, (where you and I live now) for mankind it is:
NOT possible NOT to sin and to die


3
From Revelation chapter twenty-one & two on, for mankind it will be:
Not POSSIBLE to sin and to die