Overview
Genesis 3 is a very important chapter in the Bible. In it is found the divine explanation of the present fallen condition of mankind. We learn of the subtle devices of our enemy, Satan. We see the effects of sin upon mankind and the environment, and we hear prophesied and promised, for the first time, the gracious provision of salvation which God has made for us.
After Adam and Eve disobeyed God and ate from the forbidden tree of good and evil, the Lord God came walking, as usual, in the garden where He would have fellowship with Adam and Eve. However, this time the condition of Adam and Eve and their response to God was radically changed. Instead of happily receiving the Lord’s presence, they hid amongst the bushes. God, who knows all, knew where Adam was hiding, yet He called out to him, “Where are you?”. He wanted Adam to come out, stand before Him, and confess his sin openly. God’s inquiry was addressed to the condition of man, rather then to his place of hiding.
What condition was this, and what are the results of sin?
(1) The first result of sin we see is shame. Adam and Eve recognized that they were naked, not only physically, for their new sinfulness was brought out in plain view (cf. John 3:20).
(2) Sin brings fear. They were afraid to approach the Holy God, knowing they had disobeyed Him and that they would now have to be judged.
(3) Sin brings enmity. Adam did not protect his wife; rather he blamed her. Their love was not as it was. There was also enmity to the serpent. And sin brings enmity to God, for man and God became separated.
(4) Sin brings death. The Bible says, “the wages of sin is death” (Romans 6:23) Adam and Eve died an spiritual and moral death. Their close fellowship with their loving Creator and their innocence was forever gone. Now they were filled with decay and death.
(5) Sin brings suffering. Mankind and even the earth was cursed because of Adam’s sin. Adam and Eve were expelled from the beautiful garden and now had to work very hard to get the land to produce food. Suffering and difficulties became a usual way of life.
The Lord God, however, did not abandon them. His gracious pursuit showed kindness and mercy. He called out unto Adam to recover and reclaim him. Before God pronounced judgment upon the human race, He pronounced salvation – the messianic promise in Genesis 3:15c that the seed of woman, that in Jesus, will crush the serpent’s (Satan’s) head. This is evidence of God’s love and deep desire to save mankind. The sin of man was not a surprise to God. God had provided redemption even before the foundation of the world. His plan was to save mankind from his sin and suffering. What a great love God has for you!
We no longer need to approach God with fear and shame, rather we can now approach Him with humble boldness of we be clothed and armed with the righteousness of Christ, for nothing but this will cover the shame of our nakedness. Therefore, put on the Lord Jesus Christ and draw near unto God (Revelation 3:18; 2Corinthian 6:7).
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