Introduction to Biblical Theology - Dr. Thomas Schreiner - Lecture 02

Summary

The conflict between the offspring of the woman and the serpent is still ongoing.

• The ultimate offspring of Genesis 3:15 is Jesus.

• Human beings are either the offspring of the woman or the serpent.

• The parable of the wheat and tares also illustrates this conflict.

• Cain is the offspring of the devil while Abel is the offspring of the woman.

• Abel's sacrifice was accepted, possibly due to offering the best portions.

• The conflict between the two sides continues today.

Abel's faith in God led him to behave in a certain way

• Cain killed Abel due to jealousy

• The K Knights were the children of the serpent while the Sethites were the children of God

The power of human sin is enormous.

• Angels come to earth as human beings and can eat and have sex.

• In Genesis 6, the seed of the serpent are trouncing the offspring of the woman.

• Noah is righteous and blameless but isolated.

• The sinfulness of all our hearts is far greater than we know.

• This is why we have a big problem sharing the gospel with people.

God forgives sinners and his judgment is righteous

• Muslim man suggests forgiving children like God does

• Comparison of Greek gods to God's righteous judgment

• Possibility of a covenant with Adam and parallels to Noah's Ark

God reestablishes the covenant with Adam to preserve humans in history

• God establishes days and seasons again

• All creation is placed under human authority

• God provides food for humans

• The image of God is still in man

• The covenant with Adam is renewed

The covenant with Noah was a sign and seal of God's promise to not destroy the human race until His purposes are fulfilled.

• The covenant also gave a means to restrain human evil with the government given to deter evil.

• Whoever kills a person with malice aforethought is to be put to death because they have murdered someone made in God's image.

Biblical text contradicts creative solutions

• Smart people have different reasons but show me the text.

• Full ramifications of sin worldwide and evil in human hearts massive

• Human beings scattered, evil offspring multiply

• Tower of Babel: humans reaching for heaven

• Tallest building in the world: what humans can do but problem remains

Living life without God is the fundamental sin.

• People think they can make a name for themselves without God, but it's just a narrative.

• We can have a just and caring society without God, but it's a dangerous illusion.

• Evil never wins in the end, God always rules.

• Concentrated evil is the danger of the human race coming together.

• Communism and Nazism are examples of how evil breaks out in unjust societies.

Key Points

1. Influence of Pastors: Pastors play a significant role in shaping the biblical understanding of their congregations (00:07).

2. Central Theme - Kingdom of God: Understanding the Kingdom of God is emphasized as a central theme in biblical theology (03:03).

3. Scripture Contextualization: It is crucial to understand Scripture within its historical and canonical context (08:03).

4. Genesis and Theology:

   • Genesis highlights God's sovereignty and the Trinitarian nature of creation (10:15).

   • Humans are made in God's image to act as His vice-regents, reflecting their role and dignity (15:49).

   • Adam is seen as a king and priest in the Garden of Eden, representing God's presence (18:23).

5. The Fall: Adam and Eve's failure to obey God's authority results in sin entering the world (23:12).

6. Impact of Sin: Sin has affected all of creation, leading to its current fallen state (25:20).

7. Humanity's Sinful Legacy: Adam's transgression has deeply impacted humanity, as depicted in biblical genealogies (29:51).

8. Bible Translations and Theology: Dr. Schreiner discusses aspects of Bible translations and various theological perspectives on Scripture (32:10).

9. The Offspring Conflict

   • The narrative of Genesis 3:15 introduces the conflict between the offspring of the woman and the offspring of the serpent.

   • Romans 16:20 highlights the ultimate victory of the offspring through Christ, the fulfillment of the promise.

10. Wheat and Tares Analogy

    • Jesus' parable illustrates that humanity is divided into children of the kingdom (offspring of the woman) and children of the evil one (offspring of the serpent).

    • John 8:44 emphasizes this division, stating, "You are of your father the devil."

11. Cain and Abel: A Pattern of Conflict

    • Abel, representing the offspring of the woman, offers an accepted sacrifice due to his faith, contrasting with Cain, who embodies the offspring of the serpent and ultimately kills Abel.

    • The acceptance of Abel's sacrifice is rooted in faith, as noted in Hebrews.

12. The Flood and Human Sin

    • The flood signifies the widespread wickedness of humanity, illustrating the magnitude of human sin.

    • Genesis 6 states that every inclination of the human heart was evil, showing the gravity of sin.

13. Covenant with Noah

    • God establishes a covenant with Noah, reestablishing order after the flood, yet human sin persists.

    • The rainbow serves as a sign of God's promise, indicating that humanity will survive until divine purposes are fulfilled.

14. Capital Punishment and Human Value

    • The command regarding capital punishment emphasizes the value of human life, created in God's image.

    • The text argues that murderers should face consequences due to the intrinsic value of human beings.

15. Tower of Babel: The Human Desire for Autonomy

    • The Tower of Babel exemplifies humanity’s attempt to reach God without Him, symbolizing the fundamental sin of self-reliance.

    • This narrative reflects the belief that evil can thrive when humanity seeks to operate independently of God.

16. Ongoing Conflict

    • The lecture emphasizes that the conflict between the offspring of the woman and the serpent continues throughout history and still resonates today.

    • Despite the apparent dominance of evil, the narrative reassures that God will ultimately prevail.

17. Value of Biblical Theology

    • The lecture underscores the significance of biblical theology in understanding the overarching themes of sin, redemption, and divine promise throughout Scripture.

    • Faith is portrayed as the root of righteous actions, framing the narrative in a broader theological context.

Article

The Battle of the Offspring: Understanding Genesis 3:15 and Its Implications

In the rich tapestry of biblical theology, Genesis 3:15 stands as a pivotal verse, often referred to as the "protoevangelium," or the first gospel. This verse introduces the conflict between the offspring of the woman and the serpent, setting the stage for the ongoing struggle between good and evil throughout Scripture. In a recent discussion, key insights were shared regarding this foundational theme, exploring its implications for humanity and the unfolding narrative of redemption.

The Conflict of Offspring

Genesis 3:15 prophesies a victory for the offspring of the woman, indicating that while the serpent will strike at the heel of this offspring, ultimately, the offspring will crush the serpent's head. This conflict is not merely a historical event but a spiritual reality that continues to resonate today. The Apostle Paul echoes this theme in Romans 16:20, where he states that "the God of peace will soon crush Satan under your feet." This connection highlights the continuity of God's redemptive plan from Genesis to the New Testament.

The discussion further elaborates on the idea that humanity is divided into two groups: the offspring of the woman and the offspring of the serpent. Initially, all humans are born as children of the serpent, but through regeneration, they can become children of God. This dichotomy is illustrated in Jesus' parable of the wheat and tares, where the good seed represents the children of the kingdom, while the weeds symbolize the children of the evil one.

Abel and Cain: A Case Study

The story of Cain and Abel serves as a poignant example of this conflict. Abel, representing the offspring of the woman, offers a sacrifice to God that is accepted, while Cain, the offspring of the serpent, becomes jealous and ultimately murders Abel. The narrative emphasizes that Abel's acceptance was rooted in his faith, as highlighted in Hebrews 11:4, which states that "by faith Abel offered to God a better sacrifice than Cain did." This distinction between faith and works is crucial; Abel's faith led him to offer a sacrifice that pleased God, while Cain's lack of faith resulted in his destructive actions.

The discussion draws parallels between Cain's actions and the broader conflict between good and evil. Just as Cain sought to eliminate Abel, the offspring of the serpent throughout history have attempted to extinguish the light of the offspring of the woman. This theme culminates in the New Testament with Herod's attempt to kill Jesus, the ultimate offspring of the woman.

The Nature of Sin and Redemption

As the narrative progresses, the discussion highlights the pervasive nature of sin. After the flood, humanity is given a fresh start with Noah, yet the inclination of the human heart remains evil. Genesis 8:21 states, "the inclination of the human heart is evil from youth onward," underscoring the need for redemption. The reestablishment of the covenant with Noah serves as a reminder that while God is committed to preserving humanity, the fundamental problem of sin persists.

The conversation also touches on the significance of the Tower of Babel, where humanity's desire to make a name for themselves leads to their scattering. This event illustrates the futility of attempting to achieve greatness apart from God. The desire to build a tower to reach the heavens symbolizes humanity's inclination to seek autonomy and self-sufficiency, a theme that resonates throughout history.

The Role of Government and Restraining Evil

In the aftermath of the flood, God establishes a framework for human governance to deter evil. The principle that "whoever sheds human blood, by humans his blood will be shed" (Genesis 9:6) emphasizes the sanctity of human life, made in God's image. This command serves as a foundational principle for justice and order in society, reflecting God's concern for right and wrong.

The discussion raises important questions about the nature of justice and the role of government in restraining evil. While some may argue against capital punishment on the grounds that it contradicts the value of human life, the biblical text presents a different perspective. The argument is not merely about the value of the individual but about the preservation of justice in a fallen world.

Conclusion: The Ongoing Battle

The insights shared in this discussion remind us that the battle between the offspring of the woman and the offspring of the serpent is ongoing. As believers, we are called to recognize the reality of sin and the need for redemption through Christ, the ultimate fulfillment of Genesis 3:15. The narrative of Scripture reveals that while evil may seem to triumph at times, God's redemptive purposes will ultimately prevail.

In a world that often mirrors the chaos of the Tower of Babel, where humanity seeks to build its own kingdom apart from God, we are reminded of the importance of faith and reliance on God's grace. As we navigate the complexities of life, let us hold fast to the promise of victory through Christ, who has crushed the head of the serpent and offers us hope in the midst of conflict.

Study Guide: Biblical Themes and Theology

Key Concepts

Genesis 3:15 - The Conflict Between Offspring

• Victory of the Offspring: The offspring of the woman (Eve) will ultimately triumph over the serpent (Satan) through conflict.

• Scriptural References:

  • Romans 16:20: "The God of peace will soon crush Satan under your feet."

  • Galatians 3:16: The promises were made to Abraham and his seed, referring to Christ as the ultimate offspring.

Two Lineages: Offspring of the Woman vs. Offspring of the Serpent

• Human Nature: All humans are born as offspring of the serpent (sinners) and can only become offspring of the woman (children of God) through regeneration.

• Biblical Examples:

  • Wheat and Tares (Matthew 13): Good seed (children of the kingdom) vs. weeds (children of the evil one).

  • John 8:44: Jesus identifies certain individuals as children of the devil.

Cain and Abel: A Case Study

• Abel's Sacrifice: Accepted by God due to his faith (Hebrews 11:4).

• Cain's Jealousy: Represents the offspring of the serpent; he murders Abel.

• Key Theme: Faith leads to good works; Abel's faith motivated his actions.

The Flood and Noah's Covenant

• Human Wickedness: Genesis 6:5 highlights the pervasive evil in human hearts.

• Covenant with Noah: God establishes a covenant promising not to destroy the earth by flood again (Genesis 9:11).

• Significance of the Rainbow: A symbol of God's promise and mercy.

The Tower of Babel

• Human Ambition: The attempt to build a tower to reach heaven symbolizes humanity's desire to achieve greatness without God.

• Divine Judgment: God confuses their language and scatters them, demonstrating that evil cannot ultimately succeed.

Theological Themes

Sin and Redemption

• Nature of Sin: The text emphasizes the depth of human sinfulness and the need for a redeemer.

• God's Holiness: God's judgment is purposeful and motivated by His concern for righteousness.

Covenantal Theology

• Covenant with Adam: Some theologians argue for a covenant established with Adam, which is renewed with Noah.

• Human Authority: Genesis 9:6 emphasizes the sanctity of human life, as humans are made in God's image.

Role of Government

• Purpose of Government: To deter evil and maintain order in society (Genesis 9:6).

• Capital Punishment: The biblical basis for capital punishment is rooted in the value of human life.

Important Figures

• Noah: A righteous man who represents hope amidst widespread sin.

• Abel: Represents faith and righteousness; his sacrifice is accepted by God.

• Cain: Represents jealousy and sin; his actions lead to murder.

Discussion Questions

1. How does the concept of the offspring of the woman and the serpent shape our understanding of biblical history?

2. In what ways does the story of Cain and Abel illustrate the consequences of sin?

3. What is the significance of the covenant with Noah in the context of God's redemptive plan?

4. How does the Tower of Babel reflect humanity's ongoing struggle with pride and self-sufficiency?

Summary

This study guide encapsulates the essential themes and theological insights from the provided transcript, focusing on the conflict between good and evil, the nature of sin, and God's redemptive plan through covenants. Understanding these concepts is crucial for grasping the overarching narrative of the Bible and its implications for humanity.

Dr. Tom Schreiner is an Associate Dean for the School of Theology and the James Buchanan Harrison Professor of New Testament Interpretation and Professor of Biblical Theology at Southern Baptist Theological Seminary. Prior to joining Southern, he taught New Testament at Azusa Pacific University. He also taught at Bethel Theological Seminary for 11 years. Schreiner is a Pauline scholar who has written extensively on this subject. He is married to Diane and they have four children. Schreiner is a member of Clifton Baptist Church in Louisville, Kentucky.