Genesis 3
Theme: Original Sin
Key Text: Verse 6

            The Book of Genesis is the book of beginnings, or “firsts.” In the first two chapters alone, we learn of the first day (1:5), the first vegetation (1:11, 12), the first manifestation of light (1:14-19), the first creatures (1:20-25), the first man and woman (1:26, 27), the first garden (2:8), the first law (2:17), the first wedding (2:22-25), and the list goes on. However, we are now confronted with the first sin, and consequently, the first sinner, and God’s first response to both.

1. The Cause Of Sin

            The story before us is the tragically dark account of man’s anarchy and rebellion against His Maker. Here is the record of sin’s invasion of the cosmos. It was in the Garden that “by one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin; and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned” (Rom. 5:12). Although Eve was “deceived  . . . in the transgression” (1 Tim. 2:14), Adam, determining to have it his way, blatantly disobeyed God. In selfish independence, the federal head of the human race plunged himself and his entire progeny into a state of depravity and corruption.

2. The Curse Of Sin

            The actions of the first couple reveal the far-reaching effects of sin. With their consciences defiled in guilt and condemnation, they not only covered up their nakedness with man-made “aprons” (3:7), but “hid themselves from the presence of the Lord God amongst the trees of the garden” (3:8). Too, when questioned by their Maker, Adam blamed Eve for their plight, and she put it off on the serpent. In the end, Adam, Eve, Satan, and the earth were brought under the bondage of the curse.

3. The Cure Of Sin

            Before man was driven out of the Garden of Eden and away from the tree of life, a way back to God and fellowship with Him was re-established. The law of sacrifice was introduced to the guilty pair. “Unto Adam also and to his wife did the Lord God make coats of skins, and clothed them” (3:21). In this divine act of substitutional atonement, the redemptive work of the coming “Seed” (3:15) was portrayed! The offering, that provided a covering God could accept, pointed on to Him Who “suffered for sins, the Just for the unjust, that He might bring us to God” (1 Pet. 3:18).

Illustration

            In the forests of the West Indies, the manchaneel, a very unusual tree, gives forth a deadly poisonous juice. Near this much feared natural enemy, however, grows a special fig, the sap of which, if applied in time, cures the diseases caused by the manchaneel. And, here in the Garden, alongside the terrible sentence of death, the Lord places the healing Gospel of Christ, a remedy for all the deadly effects of sin.