LAW & RESPONSIBILITY: Genesis 2:17 In the garden, Adam was given the law by God. We may ask why, and did Adam have Free Choice? Once the law was revealed to Adam, and that he knew and understood God’s word that the tree was prohibited, he became accountable to that knowledge. What would he do? Here is a very important lesson: When we understand, we become responsible!
An example: once an individual receives his drivers license, he is responsible for adhering to the rules of the road. He cannot claim that he ‘didn’t know’ the speed limit or that parking beside a fire hydrant was not allowed. He is bound by the rule of having a license. Therefore: Understanding is the basis that makes us responsible. “For all who have sinned without the Law will also perish without the Law, and all who have sinned under the Law will be judged by the Law” Romans 2:12. For those who do not know God’s way, will ‘perish’ in their obliviousness. Once the law is in place, and we know it, we are bound by that law. Adam now knew and understood the consequences. See also, John 12:47, 48.