Copyright © 2006 By Doug Lawrence. All Rights Reserved.
Catechism Of The Catholic Church Reprinted With Permission.
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Adam and Eve (and their offspring) separated from God by sin
and under the certain domination of Satan, were also "locked in"
to a sinful lifestyle, precluding the "routine" absolution of their
sin(s) until Satan's "hold" over them could be broken.
This had nothing to do with sex. God presided at their marriage and blessed their
union. Adam's deliberate sin (throwing in with Satan) was the problem. Even if
God chose to immediately forgive Adam and Eve and restore grace to their souls,
the devil enjoyed so much power over the earth (because Adam had foolishly, but
legally, transferred it to him), that Satan would have quickly found a way to lead
them right back into sin, and as ruler, would never allow repentance to occur.
Remember Don Corleone's (actor, Al Pacino) famous line from the movie,
"The Godfather, Part III" as the sick and aging mob boss attempts to
repent and become legitimate, but finds that his life-long partners in crime
won't go along? "Just when I thought that I was out … they pull me
back in."
In His infinite wisdom, God knew that Satan would have to be
cast out first. Then, sins could be forgiven and grace restored.
That's why both a Redeemer
and an incorruptible Church
are necessary for our salvation.
Coming Up In Part 3:
Free Will, Faith and Redemption
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