This Episode begins by initiating a more detailed study of the events of the fall of Adam and Eve and its subsequent effect on all humanity. The Episode is an attempt to explore these events more closely, unveiling the truth of what happened in the Garden of Eden; considering both the natural and the spiritual realms in which man is intended to live and experience. To do so there need to be laid a foundation of understanding that is to be built upon, a foundation of some key ideas and Biblical concepts. This introductory Episode of “What Really Happened in the Garden” is too much to be discussed in a single setting. Thus, it is divided into four Episodes, each parts; each part set to answer specific questions. This Episode, Part I, addresses the following questions:

1. What is the significance of the Tree of the Knowledge of Good and Evil, and the Tree of Life? Are they really trees with potent fruit or are they symbolic of something spiritual?
2. If man is body, spirit, and soul, how has the fall affected the total man?

We are now ready to build upon the foundation laid by those six scriptures in Part 1of the previous Episode: Eph. 4.20-24; 2 Cor. 5.17; Col. 3.10; Gal. 6.15; Rm. 6.4; and Rm. 7.6 and now attempt to establish the mystery of how those two wills that seemingly act independently of one another come together as one in the new man. Even as man has two eyes to see, both looking at the same objects and giving direction to our walk, in like manner the new man can see as one in the natural as well as in the spiritual and to make godly decisions in life⎯it is part of his or her new nature. After all, life is intended to be spontaneously experienced, as our souls interact with the natural world through our bodies and also interact with the spiritual world through our spirits, we are made complete as our spirits are now bonded in unity with the Holy Spirit; this was as promised by Jesus in Jn. 14.16 “And I will pray the Father, and He will give you another Helper, that He may abide with you forever.”

Just how do we “balance” these two wills: the natural will tied to decision making in the worldly environment, decisions that govern the course of our natural lives, and the spiritual will focused on God but also having influence on our natural lives as well as having eternal implications? However, is the word “balance” the proper term to use; for it implies a proportioning of time, energy, and resources between the two different wills: the natural and the spiritual? Is this what we really want to do, to divide up our time, energy, and resources between worldly and spiritual pursuits? Or, is there something greater than balancing the natural and spiritual wills; is there a dimension “in Christ” in which the two wills actually begin to merge into one? Is there a point where the natural will and the spiritual will seem to come into union with one another and we simply live life guided by one new will? Indeed there is. We must look into this matter of wills more closely because so much depends upon it.