Filter by Categories
Eden, The Garden, and the Two Trees (Part One)
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by John W. RitenbaughThe Garden of Eden, considered the dwelling place of God on earth, holds a central significance in the unfolding of His purpose. The Scriptures indicate that Eden, meaning delight, was a place that greatly pleased God, a garden of beauty where He took joy in His creation. It was His personal residence on earth, as the Bible notes that He walked in the Garden, establishing it as His home during that time. Regarding its location, the Garden of Eden is tied to the area later known as Jerusalem, the center of God's plan. Directions in Scripture generally orient from Jerusalem, suggesting that Eden was located there, as all nations and events revolve around this focal point. The river flowing out of Eden moved eastward, a consistent pattern God maintains, emphasizing the importance of direction in understanding His purpose. The presence of cherubim on the east side of the Garden indicates a single entry point, underscoring that there is only one way to approach God—traveling west from the east to reach Him. Further evidence ties Eden to Jerusalem through historical and geographical clues. After the Flood, though Eden no longer existed due to the deluge, records of its location persisted, and some descendants of Noah, specifically the Canaanites from Ham's lineage, migrated back toward this area, which became known as Canaan by the time of Abraham. The Bible's focus from Genesis 12 onward centers on this land, particularly Jerusalem, reinforcing that God's program began and continues in this specific location. The mention of the Gihon, a river associated with Eden, appears in Jerusalem during David's time, with a spring east of the city providing abundant water, supporting the notion that Eden was situated there. In contrast, Mesopotamia, often claimed as the cradle of civilization, does not align with the continuity of God's single plan centered in Jerusalem. The Garden of Eden, as the first sacred temple on earth, was where God placed His divine presence and the first humans, making it illogical to position it 500 miles east in Mesopotamia. Instead, Jerusalem remains the consistent focal point of God's purpose from beginning to end.
Eden, The Garden, and The Two Trees (Part Three)
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by John W. RitenbaughEden is identified as the general area of the Promised Land, with the Garden of Eden specifically located on Mount Moriah in the east of Eden. Mount Moriah, also known as the Temple Mount, served as a central point of divine significance. God's house was situated in the midst of the Garden, later represented in the Holy of Holies of the Tabernacle, and subsequently in the Holy of Holies of the Temple. The Miphkad altar, positioned on the southern peak of the Mount of Olives, held a crucial role as the site where the Red Heifer was burned, directly in view of God's place of judgment from the Mercy Seat. It was near this altar that sin was judged and defeated, providing the means of forgiveness and reconciliation to all who believe. Jesus, symbolized as our Red Heifer, facilitated purification from sin through His sacrifice in this vicinity.
Eden, The Garden, and the Two Trees (Part Two)
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by John W. RitenbaughThe Garden of Eden, as the initial dwelling place of God's spiritual creation, holds a significant location within the area later known as the Promised Land. This region, encompassing Mount Moriah and its surroundings, is identified as the very land where Adam and Eve were placed. Mount Moriah, often referred to as the Lord's mount, is associated with the broader Jerusalem area, including the Temple Mount, the City of David on Mount Zion, and the Mount of Olives. This specific area is believed to be the site of the Garden of Eden, aligning with the historical and spiritual significance of the region where God's house on earth was established. The design and orientation of the Garden of Eden mirror the patterns of the Tabernacle and the Temple, which were conceived by God in heaven and replicated on earth. The Garden, like these structures, was an enclosed area with a single entrance on the east side, hedged about to define its boundaries. This enclosure parallels the walls and singular entry points of the Tabernacle and Temple, emphasizing a consistent divine pattern. The interior of the Garden, particularly the midst where the Tree of Life and the Tree of Knowledge of Good and Evil stood, corresponds to the Holy of Holies, God's private dwelling place, approached from the east. Geographically, the Garden of Eden is posited to be on a mountain, as evidenced by a river originating there and dividing into four rivers, indicating a downward flow from an elevated source. This location ties directly to Mount Moriah, specifically the Temple Mount, which is seen as the historical site of God's house and the Garden itself. The proximity of the Mount of Olives, less than a mile east of the Temple Mount across the Kidron Valley, further integrates this area into the sacred geography, reinforcing the notion that the Garden of Eden and the Temple Mount are one and the same location. The presence of cherubim in the Garden of Eden, stationed at the east entrance after the expulsion of Adam and Eve, aligns with their consistent association with God's presence, as seen in heavenly visions and earthly sanctuaries. Additionally, altars associated with the Garden reflect the sacrificial system of the Tabernacle and Temple, with offerings made outside the Garden's inner sanctum, akin to the outer court placements of later altars. This continuity of pattern underscores the belief that the area of Eden, and specifically the Garden within it, remains the focal point of God's attention and provision, from the beginning of His work with humanity to its culmination.
Imagining The Garden of Eden (Part Six)
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughThe rivers identified in the Garden of Eden were given in the context of pre-flood geography, making the use of modern topographical maps irrelevant.
John (Part Twenty-Six)
Sermon/Bible Study by John W. RitenbaughWhile the other accounts of Jesus' trial and crucifixion seem to show passivity, John shows Jesus totally in charge, purposefully and courageously moving.
Abraham's Sacrifice (Part Two): Love Exemplified
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughThe love of Abraham for Isaac serves as an emblem for the love of the Father for His Son and for all the children of Adam and Eve.