Season 4 Podcast 71 Milton’s Paradise Lost Bk XII, Pt XLIII, “Expelled From Eden, Pt III”

Season 4 Podcast 71 Milton’s Paradise Lost Bk XII, Pt XLIII (43), “Expelled From Eden, Pt III” This session is from Book XII, Pt XLIII (43) of Milton’s Paradise Lost. Podcast 71 is entitled “Expelled from Eden, Pt III.”  In the prologue to Book XII, Milton writes.The Angel Michael continues from the Flood to relate what shall succeed; then, in the mention of Abraham, comes by degrees to explain, who that Seed of the Woman shall be, which was promised Adam and Eve in the Fall; his Incarnation, Death, Resurrection, and Ascention; the state of the Church till his second Coming. Adam greatly satisfied and recomforted by these Relations and Promises descends the Hill with Michael; wakens Eve, who all this while had slept, but with gentle dreams compos'd to quietness of mind and submission. Michael in either hand leads them out of Paradise, the fiery Sword waving behind them, and the Cherubim taking their Stations to guard the Place.In the previous Podcast Michael showed Adam the wickedness that brought about the flood. He also showed Michael that the seed of Noah would also eventually become very wicked; therefore, the Lord chose Abraham as the patriarch through whom all the children of the earth would be blessed. Michael finished speaking and Adam speaks.Here Adam interpos’d. O sent from Heav’n, Enlightner of my darkness, gracious things Thou hast revealed, those chiefly which concern Just Abraham and his Seed: now first I find Mine eyes true opening, and my heart much eased, Erwhile perplext with thoughts what would become Of me and all Mankind; but now I see His day, in whom all Nations shall be blest, Favor unmerited by me, who sought Forbidden knowledge by forbidden means. This yet I apprehend not, why to those Among whom God will deign to dwell on EarthSo many and so various Laws are giv’n; So many Laws argue so many sins Among them; how can God with such reside?Adam, conscious of his role in bringing evil into the world, asks Michael how God can reside with man when they become so sinful. Michael explains that man was given laws or commandments to reveal their natural depravity. Without law there is no sin.  In other words, sin is violation of law. Man can only recognize sin through law. However, man does not have the power of atonement. The blood of bulls and goats is insufficient. More precious blood must be paid, meaning, of course, Jesus Christ, the just for the unjust. However, they can only recognize Christ through faith. Only through Christ can they find peace of conscience.  Ceremonial law is insufficient. Also, imperfect man cannot atone for his own sins. Doubt not but that sin Will reign among them, as of thee begot; And therefore was Law given them to evince Their natural pravitie, by stirring up Sin against Law to fight; that when they see Law can discover sin, but not remove, Save by those shadowy expiations weak, The blood of Bulls and Goats, they may conclude Some blood more precious must be paid for Man, Just for unjust, that in such righteousness To them by Faith imputed, they may find Justification towards God, and peace Of Conscience, which the Law by Ceremonies Cannot appease, nor Man the moral part Perform, and not performing cannot live.Only through Christ can mankind be justified. The purpose of the Mosaic law is to prepare them to believe in the Savior. The Mosiac Law is a type and shadow of things to come, what Milton calls, “From imposition of strict Laws, to free Acceptance of large Grace.” He tells Adam that only faith in Christ can save them not works. They must make a higher covenant than the covenant of the Law of Moses. The higher covenant requires even greater discipline.