Sin Part 1

So here goes...a little pre-exam essay practice.

Let's begin with a look at Genesis 3. Now, I'm not going for a full exegesis and explanation of the account of the fall here. Rather, we will look specifically at a few ideas. First, is the Genesis account literal? Second, what happened because of the fall. Then, we'll turn our attention to a little practical application. What can we learn about the enemies attacks in Genesis 3? What do we learn about responding to temptation? And last, how should the church minister in light of the fall?

I believe the account of Genesis 3 is a literal event. I readily admit that there is opposition to this idea, but I just can't buy into that. There are three things that demand from me a literal interpretation of this.

1. The Witness of Scripture points to a literal fall. Outside of the literal nature of Genesis, Romans 5 speaks of the fall of man and sin literally entering the world through the person of Adam. Also, I Timothy 2:14 speaks of how Eve literally sinned in the Garden. These two passages point to a literal interpretation of Genesis.
2. The Witness of Theology. If we deny a literal fall, we can end up with a serious problem on our hands...the problem of evil. If sin did not literally enter the world through a historical fall, how do even begin to account for the sin that is in the world today? I believe the answers that have been offered are supremely deficient.
3. The Witness of History. Throughout the history of the church, there has been the affirmation of a historical fall. While tradition is not the priority when interpreting Scripture, it can and does inform us and guide us many times in the paths of right interpretation. For instance, if you are the first person to interpret a passage of Scripture a certain way in the history of interpretation, I would be weary of that interpretation.

Since we can affirm a literal fall, what does the Scripture teach are results of the fall?

1. Guilt and shame have entered the world. We see this in verse 7. Adam and Eve hide make loin coverings with fig leaves because of their guilt and shame. Note that guilt and shame were not present until the fall. I leave application of that up to you. I just think that it is interesting, considering the weight those two emotions can bear upon a person.
2. There are distortions in relationships (v. 8-19). Before the fall, Adam and Eve lived in open relationship with one another and before God. After they sin, they hide themselves from both each other and from God. We were created to live in community with one another and to walk openly with God, but that is now impossible because of the presence of sin.
3. Knowledge of good and evil entered (v. 22), but is a perversion and we are not truly like God, as the enemy claimed we would be. Instead, we have an experiential knowledge of evil, and that is a knowledge of evil that God doesn't possess. What a paradox that has been brought about.
4. Death (v.22-24). It is a reality that all face, and while the curse of eternal death is removed from those covered by the blood of Christ, physical death is certain for everyone.
5. Mankind has inherited a sinful nature (Romans 5). We will expound upon this later when we deal with original sin.

Now for a little practical insight from the fall. First, we can decipher some of how the enemy might try to lure our attention. The first thing that he does is test Eve's knowledge of the Scripture. Now, why Adam sits idly by during this is unbeknownst to be, and the Scripture doesn't deal with that. But we do see that her knowledge of the Scripture is tested. Second, the enemy draws into question God's character...God knows you will be like Him and He doesn't want you to experience that good thing.

From Eve's negative response, we see some positive things to keep in mind. The first and foremost is KNOW GOD'S WORD. This is the most basic, yet profitable undertaking for any Christian. Second, Adam and Eve stayed and debated with the enemy when they should have fled his presence. Too often, we flirt with temptation and the line between safe and sin, when we should turn tail and run. After all, has God not promised us every good thing? Yes, sin is tempting and pleasing to the eye and desirable. To not admit that is a great fallacy. But is our God not greater? Does He not desire the better, nay, the best for us?!

As a church, just a quick note. True religion is to care for widows and orphans. I admit that upfront. However, the greatest problem in the world today is not economic. It is not a social problem or an environmental problem. As well-rounded Christian/Churches, we will attend to those problems. But the biggest problem in the world is sin, and for that, the church must champion first and foremost the cause of the gospel. What good is it to feed a homeless man only to see him die without Christ, the only answer for his biggest problem?