This verse is a reminder to us that the original sin was self-will, an unwillingness to remain where God has placed us.

One of the hardest tests we Christians experience is that of remaining in the prison where God permits us to be placed. We are prevented from doing what we desire, getting what we want. We cry out in our prison, but none hears.

Then we have a choice. We can break out of our circumstances, or we can remain and submit to God, waiting for Him to release us.

In order to break out we have to break God's laws. If we do, and God still intends to save us into His Kingdom, He will capture us again and then our prison will be much worse.

The original sin of Satan and his angels was that of not remaining where God had placed them. This was the mother of all the sins that now afflict mankind.

No Christian will be glorified with Christ and ride on the war stallions until he or she has been proven faithful, has been willing to stay on the cross until the Lord is satisfied concerning his obedience.

When Christ appears we shall appear with Him, but only if He has become our life. Christ does not become our life until our former adamic life has been crucified. Our prison, our personal cross, is the engine of destruction that God has tailored to our unique personality. It is not an obstacle we are to attempt to get around. It is the means of destroying our self-will, our unwillingness to submit meekly to Christ no matter how much we dislike our circumstances.

Remember, the only path to the crown of glory is through the boring, sometimes painful prisons we are called upon to endure. To not be willing to abide in the situation where Christ has placed us is to forfeit our crown of glory; and, in fact, may place our very salvation in danger.

If anyone tells you Christians are not to suffer, ask him for chapter and verse.

Even as Sodom and Gomorrha, and the cities about them in like manner, giving themselves over to fornication, and going after strange flesh, are set forth for an example, suffering the vengeance of eternal fire. (Verse 7)

The United States of America is given over to sexual immorality and perversion. Those who promote moral filth are often wealthy and politically powerful. Instead of denouncing such ungodly people, our political leaders bow to the pressure.

There is, however, a God in Heaven. He did not punish Sodom and Gomorrah with the lava from erupting volcanoes, as some assume. The Bible says these two prosperous farming areas suffered the punishment of eternal fire. Eternal fire comes down from Heaven. It is a destructive force, an example of the fiery energy that created the galaxies of stars.

God loves people dearly. There is none other who loves as God does. But God cannot accept sexual perversion. The fire that left Sodom and Gomorrah smoking ruins, the downpour of salt on the plain that covered Lot's wife, reveal the awful wrath of a loving God.

You can imagine how God views America, considering the widespread acceptance of sexual perversion and the murdering of babies when they come to term.

To be continued.