Dispensations—Man Under Trial

Innocence
Definition
A dispensation may be defined as a period in time in which God manifests Himself in some particular relationship to man, having reference in all cases to the trial of the human race.
What is Innocence?
What is a state of innocence? It is not a condition of ignorance, because Adam had knowledge, and what knowledge it was, to be able to name all of God's creatures: "Whatsoever Adam called every living creature, that was the name thereof." Gen. 2:19. One sometimes hears the thoughtless query: Why could not God have created man incapable of sinning? Had He done so, man would have been a mere automaton, incapable of responding to the divine mind, incapable of virtue; in a word, he would not have been a moral being at all, but a mere creature void of personality. Innocence therefore is not a state of virtue, but a state of never having fallen. It is not a goal of attainment, but virtue, purity, righteousness, holiness, are objects which the Christian in his practical life seeks to exhibit. "Not as though I had already attained," says the apostle, "but... I press toward the mark." Phil. 3:12-14. Adam was created innocent but not holy.