Topical Bible: Industry: Required of Man in a State of Innocence

◄ Industry: Required of Man in a State of Innocence ►

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Topical Encyclopedia

In the biblical narrative, industry and labor are depicted as integral aspects of human existence, even in the state of innocence before the Fall. The concept of work is introduced in the early chapters of Genesis, where God places Adam in the Garden of Eden with specific responsibilities. This portrayal underscores the divine intention for humanity to engage in productive and purposeful activity.

Biblical Foundation

The mandate for industry is first articulated in Genesis 2:15: "Then the LORD God took the man and placed him in the Garden of Eden to cultivate and keep it" . This verse highlights two primary tasks assigned to Adam: cultivation and stewardship. The Hebrew words used here, "abad" (to cultivate or serve) and "shamar" (to keep or guard), suggest a form of work that is both active and protective. This indicates that labor was not a consequence of sin but a divine ordinance for humanity to fulfill its role in creation.

Theological Implications

From a theological perspective, the requirement of industry in a state of innocence reflects the character of God as a Creator who works. Genesis 1 describes God’s creative activity over six days, culminating in the creation of humanity in His image (Genesis 1:27). Being made in the image of God implies that humans are to mirror His attributes, including creativity, productivity, and stewardship. Thus, work is a means by which humans participate in God’s ongoing creative process.

Work as Worship

In the state of innocence, work was an act of worship and communion with God. The absence of toil and frustration in labor, as experienced post-Fall, suggests that work was originally intended to be fulfilling and joyful. The harmonious relationship between Adam, his environment, and God illustrates a model of work that is integrated with spiritual devotion. This is further supported by the notion that the Garden of Eden itself was a sanctuary where God walked with Adam (Genesis 3:8), indicating that work and worship were intertwined.

Implications for Human Purpose

The requirement of industry in a state of innocence also speaks to the inherent purpose and dignity of human labor. By assigning Adam the task of cultivating and keeping the garden, God endowed work with intrinsic value. This counters any notion that labor is merely a means to an end or a burdensome necessity. Instead, it affirms that work is a vital aspect of human identity and purpose, designed to reflect God’s glory and contribute to the flourishing of creation.

Continuity and Change Post-Fall

While the Fall introduced hardship and toil into human labor (Genesis 3:17-19), the original mandate for industry remains. The post-Fall narrative does not negate the value of work but rather transforms it into a redemptive endeavor. Through Christ, believers are called to redeem work from the curse of sin, viewing it as a means of serving God and others (Colossians 3:23-24). This continuity underscores the enduring significance of industry as part of God’s design for humanity.

In summary, the requirement of industry in a state of innocence reveals a divine blueprint for human life that encompasses creativity, stewardship, and worship. It affirms the value of work as an expression of the imago Dei and a means of participating in God’s purposes for creation.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Genesis 2:15
And the LORD God took the man, and put him into the garden of Eden to dress it and to keep it.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

The Conversion of the Jailor of Philippi.
... compelled to betake themselves to honest industry in order ... religion, to which the
people were required to conform ... Man, in a. fallen state, fondly recurs to that ...
/.../dick/lectures on the acts of the apostles/lecture xviii the conversion of.htm

Desire to Please.
... of their form, by their wonderful instinct and industry. ... all these advantages, man
was unsatisfied, he required a being ... is not in the power of man to conserve ...
/.../sainte-foi/serious hours of a young lady/chapter xvi desire to please.htm

Theological Controversies and Studies
... such strict theories about the conditions required for the ... Like Bellarmine Suarez
was a man of great personal ... a book composed by human industry and without the ...
/.../chapter vi theological controversies and.htm

The Close
... what a Harvest they have from their devilish industry. ... writ of the Philosopher's
Stone have required many personal ... For alas, what effect can that man hope from ...
//christianbookshelf.org/allestree/the government of the tongue/the close.htm

Shakers, or the United Society of Believers.
... as to warrant a separation by the laws of God and man. ... "8. Industry, temperance,
and ... All are required to be employed in some manual occupation, according to ...
/.../hayward/the book of religions/shakers or the united society.htm

The Lord's Supper
... What is required for this self-examination? ... Self-love makes a man rather excuse himself,
than ... being so difficult, requires the more impartiality and industry. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/watson/the ten commandments/4 5 the lords supper.htm

The Last Interview of Paul with the Elders of Ephesus.
... purchased with his own blood." They are required first "to ... the latter ought to increase
their industry, that out of ... We see a man intent upon the performance of ...
/.../dick/lectures on the acts of the apostles/lecture xxiv the last interview.htm

Our Spiritual Ancestry
... We are not required to balance the merits and faults of ... He recognized the homely
virtues of industry and thrift ... aim and outcome in the individual man; they are ...
/.../merriam/the chief end of man/i our spiritual ancestry.htm

1875-1877. Mrs. Way's Sewing --Class for Jewesses --Bible Flower ...
... of rest, is at the Home of Industry one of ... judging from all appearances, great caution
is required in the ... the progress of an industrious young man, and being ...
//christianbookshelf.org/lowe/gods answers/chapter vi 1875-1877 mrs ways.htm

Formula Concordi??.
... to wit, goodness, capacity, aptitude, ability, industry, or the ... works, that therefore
good works are necessarily required. ... of their being present man can not be ...
/.../schaff/the creeds of the evangelical protestant churches/formula concordiae.htm