The Two Trees, Part 3

Reformed Theology, as critiqued by Shawn McCraney, posits that God predetermines everything, including which individuals are saved, denying any role of free will or human choice in salvation, resulting in a view of God characterized as electing some for salvation and others for eternal damnation. McCraney argues that this theology distorts the essence of scripture and is promoted by figures like Jeff Durbin and James White, who interpret biblical texts in a way that deviates from their straightforward meaning, silencing opposing views by dismissing the understanding of critics.

Reformed theology and other man-made doctrines, like Mormonism, can lead followers away from the true faith and love promoted by the Spirit, as it transforms believers into reflections of their doctrines' founders rather than seekers of God in spirit and truth. The teaching emphasizes that God evaluates hearts over doctrines and promotes "The Great News," which emphasizes an understanding of scripture that transcends traditional interpretations of the "Good News" received by early Christians.

Christ fulfilled the Gospel by completing the Law and the Prophets, offering Himself for humanity's sins, which led to a new era where His efficacious work is operational for all—past, present, and future—granting spiritual reconciliation to all, irrespective of their belief. This Great News signifies that while everyone is reconciled to God, only those who choose to follow God's ways in spirit and truth will enter the heavenly Kingdom, embodying the spiritual triumph over death and evil through Christ's resurrection and the promise of a spiritual New Jerusalem.

Yeshua's return marked the overcoming of spiritual obstacles imposed by Adam, achieving total victory by reconciling the world to God and defeating spiritual death. This message of love and choice emphasizes that all have been spiritually restored like Adam and Eve, with the freedom to choose between the path of eternal life or remaining outside the Kingdom, underscoring God's victory through His Son and the Good News introduced by Yeshua.

The teaching emphasizes that God offered Adam and Eve a choice, represented by the two trees in the Garden of Eden, highlighting the significance of free will and unconditional love. Additionally, it explains that the Fruit of the Tree of Knowledge of Good and Evil, though singular, intermingles good and evil, leading to spiritual death when relied upon over a direct connection with God.