The Fall of Man

Genesis 3

The first sin was a like the first cloud of a thunderstorm. It started out small, but soon blackened out the whole heavens. According to Paul, by one man, Adam, sin entered the world, and death infected every human being. Yet, by another Man, Jesus Christ, came resurrection and life (1 Corinthians 15:21—22). Within Genesis 3, we can observe some tremendous principles. Consider the following—

1. A satanic teaching. Satan told Eve that, “You won’t surely die,” in verse four. Here we can see Satan’s character bright and clear. Notice that Satan doesn’t say, “There is no God,” but takes a softer approach by suggesting that God doesn’t really mean what He said, of if He does He is such a good God of mercy that He’ll just turn a blind eye. Satan’s great and primary purpose is to so mar the design and image of God in man’s eyes. Do you think for a minute Satan is concerned about you? Satan’s everlasting target is God, and he gets to God through us. There is a war in the unseen spirit world, and we are but tools in Satan’s hand as he tries, in vain, to destroy the Lord by ruining His character in the eyes of His children.

2. Some worldly reasoning. Eve saw because she looked, and, the more she looked the more she desired and when the desire became overpowering, a deliberate act followed: she took the fruit. Then, amazingly, not satisfied with just taking for herself, she gave, she literally passed the germ of sin to her husband.

If we look at the process dispassionately, it must have looked something like this:

• Listening to the tempter;
• Forgetting God’s mercies;
• Looking at the forbidden thing;
• Wishing it wasn’t forbidden;
• Doubting God’s word;
• Believing Satan’s lie; and finally,
• Giving in to the temptation.

3. Desperate works. Immediately following the sin, the couple began sewing fig leaves together to cover themselves up, verse seven. Indeed, their eyes had been opened. Sin always opens the eyes of believers to see their own weaknesses, while it blinds the eyes of the ungodly. We see in this a vain attempt to cover their sinful selves. The words of Proverbs 28:13 are stinging: He who conceals his sins does not prosper, but whoever confesses and renounces them finds mercy. When we sin, the first thing we should do is not try to cover it up, but confess it right away and receive forgiveness, 1 John 1:9.

4. Hiding in plain sight. Not only did they try to cover themselves up, but they tried to hide from God. Notice this: they hid among the trees of the garden; among the very blessings God had given them. How many believers today still hide behind the gifts of God while they live in sin? God calls out to all like that; it is absolute folly to hide from God. Sin always separates us from God.

5. God seeking. In verse nine we read a most amazing thing: God condescending to seek out sinful man. This is nothing less than the call of grace. God is always the first one to seek. At what point do you suppose Adam and Eve would have sought out God? God asked, “Where are you?” This question shows a few things—

• It reveals great compassion; this is the Good Shepherd seeking the lost ones;
• It awakens conviction in the sinning soul, which leads to a deep soul searching;
• It demands confession, they unburdened themselves to the Lord; and,
• It suggests judgment: God knew where they were.

6. Making excuses. Verse 12 is sort of sad. In this verse we see the pattern set for ages to come. Adam and Eve passing the blame for their sin; it was her fault, it was the snake’s fault; indeed, it was everybody’s fault except for the ones who committed the sin. God does not justify the boaster; He justifies the believer.

7. A Merciful covering. Despite the sin, despite the judgment, God made a covering for man. Man’s best efforts can never cover his nakedness in the sight of God. These coats of skin suggest sacrifice. Also of significance is the word “atonement” means “covering.” Adam’s coving was the covering of another. It was of God’s making and His giving; it was a demonstration of the powerful righteousness of God.