Contributor: Folashade Morakinyo
INTRODUCTION
In the first chapter of Genesis, we learned how God created the world and saw that everything He made was good. In the second chapter, we saw what life was like in the Garden of Eden and the close relationship between man and God. Today, we will look at Genesis 3 to understand the first sin and its consequences. May the Lord help us understand in Jesus’ name.
THE FALL
The Fall, in this chapter, brought by the disobedience of Adam and the woman to God’s instructions in Genesis 2:16-17 (NKJV), God commanded: “And the Lord God commanded the man, saying, ‘Of every tree of the garden you may freely eat; but of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil you shall not eat, for in the day that you eat of it you shall surely die.’”
The Serpent was used of the devil as his tool. The Bible’s description of the serpent is found in Job 26:13; Isaiah 59:5; Proverbs 30:19; Numbers 21:6; Exodus 7:11
“Cunning” meant the serpent was very clever in deceiving people (having or showing skill in achieving one's ends by deceit or evasion- can achieve something and exonerate itself)
The serpent then asked a question, probably because the serpent wasn’t sure of the exact instruction God gave them or wanted her to say some certain words. Using the CEV or Easy translation of the Scriptures, John in Matthew 3:7 called the Pharisees and Sadducees snakes; an attribute they exhibited was asking Jesus questions so they can trap Him; Jesus also called them snakes in Matthew 12:34.
The woman entertaining the serpent made her to start thinking differently about the instruction that was given to them by God. Listening to the serpent allowed her to be deceived. Instead of rejecting the temptation, she considered it. This is why we must not entertain thoughts of sin but focus on good and godly things (Philippians 4:8).
In Genesis 3:4-5, the serpent assured the woman of a different result apart from what God told them that eating the fruit would not lead to death but would instead make her wise like God. She believed this lie and ate the fruit, then gave it to Adam, who also ate (Genesis 3:6-7).
Disobedience to God’s instruction brought about the fall of mankind from grace, from abundance from being and living as a man and woman of the spirit to being conscious of the flesh. This broke man’s relationship with God, the Creator, the Father, the Provider and their covering and made man become unworthy of God presence, filthy, naked, and ashamed.
They lost their close relationship with God and became aware of their weakness and guilt (Genesis 3:8-9; Jeremiah 23:24).
GOD’S DISAPPOINTMENT AND MAN’S EXCUSES
When God came looking for them, He asked, “Where are you?” (Genesis 3:9). This question was not about their physical location but about their spiritual condition. Instead of admitting their mistake, Adam blamed Eve, and Eve blamed the serpent (Genesis 3:11-13). This shows how people often refuse to take responsibility for their actions. Making excuses for sin only takes us further from God’s grace,make us linger longer in the state of confusion and exposure (exposure outside the covering and saving grace of God) It is like shutting the door against the only One who can save us.
THE CONSEQUENCES OF SIN
Sin always brings consequences. In Genesis 3:14-17, we see the results of Adam and Eve’s disobedience:
The Serpent’s Curse (Genesis 3:14-15):
• The serpent was cursed to crawl on its belly.
• Enmity (hatred) was placed between the serpent and the woman, pointing to the ongoing spiritual battle between good and evil.
The Woman’s Consequence (Genesis 3:16):
• Pain in childbirth increased.
• The relationship between man and woman changed, leading to struggles in submission.
The Man’s Consequence (Genesis 3:17-19):
• The ground was cursed, making work difficult.
• Man would now experience physical death—returning to the dust from which he was made.
Throughout the Bible, we see that disobedience always has consequences. For example, Saul lost his kingdom because he did not obey God (1 Samuel 15:2-3, 6, 10, 14-15, 22-23).
Children are instructed to honour their parents- disobedience to this also has its consequences (Exodus 20:12; Ephesians 6:1-4; Colossians 3:20).
These and many more examples remind us that rejecting God's instructions is not without consequences.
GOD’S LOVE AND REDEMPTION
Even though Adam and Eve sinned, God still showed love and mercy. He made clothes for them to cover their shame (Genesis 3:21). This act symbolized how God still cared for them despite their sin. God also had to remove them from the Garden of Eden so they would not eat from the tree of life and live forever in sin (Genesis 3:22-24). This was not just punishment but also protection. In the Old Testament, people had to make sacrifices for their sins (Leviticus 4:23-24). But these sacrifices were only temporary. The final solution came through Jesus Christ. Hebrews 9:28 says: “So Christ was offered once to bear the sins of many.” Jesus' death and resurrection restored what was lost in Eden. Through faith in Him, we can be forgiven and have eternal life.
CONCLUSION
The story of the Fall teaches us important lessons about sin, consequences, and God's love. Adam and Eve disobeyed and suffered for it, but God did not abandon them. Instead, He made a way for humanity to be restored. We must learn from their mistake and choose obedience to God. By following Jesus, we can live under His grace and protection.
May God help us to walk in obedience and righteousness in Jesus’ name. Amen.
