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  THE ADAM
  by W.J. Erdman
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Summary: The book is a story of man, focusing on his imperfections,
failure, and relationship with God, emphasizing the importance of
fearing God and keeping His commandments.

Topics: "Human Nature", "Judgment And Accountability"
Scripture References: Ecclesiastes 3:10, Ecclesiastes 6:12, Ecclesiastes 7:29, Ecclesiastes 12:13

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DESCRIPTION
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In this sermon by W.J. Erdman, the focus is on the book of Ecclesiastes,
emphasizing the ultimate duty of man to fear God and keep His
commandments. The term 'the Adam' is used to represent the entire human
race, highlighting the imperfection and failure of humanity in
fulfilling this duty. Despite the ideal of man being to fear God and
obey His commands, the reality of judgment for both good and evil deeds
reveals the inadequacy of man's efforts to earn acceptance before God.
The book of Ecclesiastes is portrayed as a reflection on the struggles
and uncertainties faced by humanity, rather than the experiences of a
wise and unfallen Adam.

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CONTENT
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Proof is found in the more literal reading of the Conclusion; "The end
of the matter, the whole, let ns hear; fear God, and keep His
commandments, for this is the whole of man," or "this is the whole man."

The word for man is "the Adam," the generic name of the race. This
"whole duty" is truly the ideal man, but the expectation of judgment of
things evil as well as of good implies the failure and imperfection of
this very Adam; and so for him law and duty can be no ground of
acceptance before God. It is, then, the book of man. The word Adam is
found more than two score times, while the name of man as an individual
but six times, and, as of a mortal, twice.

Already midway in the book we are told plainly it is all about man,
Adam, the race: "Whatsoever hath been the name thereof was given long
ago, and it is known that it is Adam." But the experiences are not those
of Adam, wise and unfallen and at home with God, but of one who knows
not " what is good for man in' his life all the days of his vain life,
which he spendeth as a shadow."

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Source: https://sermonindex.net/speakers/wj-erdman/the-adam/
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