We have an enemy; a very crafty enemy. He cannot come against
God directly, so he delights in tempting God’s children to fall.
Genesis chapter three describes his move against two perfect
individuals living in ideal conditions. His temptation was subtle,
using a suggestion rather than a direct attack .
Eve fell because she listened to a creature rather than the Creator.
This led to questioning God’s word. She entertained the suggestion
rather than promptly refuting it. She looked, considered, delighted
and finally took it and ate the fruit. She considered the temptation
too long without taking the thought captive. Furthering her guilt,
she influenced Adam to eat. Rather than correct his wife, he too
ate.
When Adam and Eve faced the reality of their failure, they tried to
hide themselves from God’s presence rather than confessing their
guilt. They even tried to further hide themselves with man-made
coverings. When confronted, they each tried the familiar blame
game. Human nature has not changed.
God’s reaction to sin was severe. It involved banishment from His
immediate presence and fellowship. Not only was mankind cursed
but nature also. It also involved the innocent being slain to provide
the covering since there is not forgiveness without the shedding of
blood. The consequence was irreversible and affects all humanity.
But look at the great love and provision of God. Although justice
had to take place, He did not give up on them, but sought them and
took the initiative to restore them. He was not impressed with their
self-covering but provided the only appropriate covering which
required blood sacrifice. We now revel in Christ’s covering of blood.
