In light of our recent discussions on the tree of knowledge of good and evil, here is a golden oldie discussion from 2015.
I was also interested in this quote from Nee's
Latent Power of the Soul on the tree of knowledge of good and evil.
"I have frequently spoken on the spiritual meanings of the
tree of the knowledge of good and evil and the tree of life. The meaning of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil is independence, the taking of independent action. The tree of life, though, signifies dependence or reliance on God. The significance of this tree further tells us that Adam's original life is but a human life, and that therefore he needs to depend on God and receive God's life in order to live. But the tree of the knowledge of good and evil discloses that man does not need to depend on God but he can work and live and bear fruit all by himself. Why do I bring up these matters? Simply to show you the cause of Adam and Eve's fall. If we can release Adam's latent power we too may work wonders. But are we permitted to do so?
Satan knew there was such wonder-working strength in man, hence he tempted man to declare his independence from God. The fall in the Edenic garden was none other than man taking independent action, separating himself from God. Upon learning the story of the fall in the garden, we can perceive what the purpose of Satan was. He aimed at gaining the soul of man. And when man fell, his original ability and miraculous strength all fell into Satan's hand. "
The first time I heard "The Latent Power of the Soul" mentioned by Lee in a meeting, he added at the end, something like "You don't need to read this book. It's not for you."
So of course, I immediately went out to a bookstore, found it, bought it, and read it...cover to cover. I read through it again today and have a new perspective on what he was saying.
I beg you,
don't follow the above link, don't download this .pdf, and don't read this 28 page title. It's not for you.
Nell