Adam and Eve: A Man, Woman, a Garden and Sin

Adam and Eve were the first people to populate God's new creation. They were placed by God in the Garden of Eden. It was a utopia unparalleled by human invention. Though the location of the Garden of Eden is a debatable topic, the description of it in Genesis leaves no question as to the beauty and extravagance of God's garden.

This was the perfect home for man. It was created before sin. Its beauty was perfect. The lush vegetation contained fruit trees never before known to man. This garden was full of color, a beautiful array of flowering colors, pleasing to the sight. The aroma was surely one of sweetness, and the food brought healing to Adam and Eve's mortal bodies. It was pure paradise.

Because of sin, they were driven from the garden and began a life that would end in physical death in a hostile environment. Their sin was the beginning of sin in God's creation, and human history from that day has felt its effects. Through the "seed" of the woman we see the first glimmer of hope for man, an answer for his sin.

In Genesis, the first book of the Bible, we discover some important principles pertaining to the God’s creation of the world. First, that man is distinguished from the rest of God's creation (Gen. 1:1, 26). Secondly, that life comes from God (Gen. 2:7; Gen. 2:18, 21-22). And, that the role of women in marriage is determined by the purpose and order of her creation (1 Tim. 2:12-15). We also see some principles that pertain to marriage. These are, that marriage establishes a close union (Gen. 2:23); marriage creates a new home (Gen. 2:24); and that marriage is permanent (Mathew 19:4-6).

The main idea that most people to take away from the story of creation is how sin entered the world through Satan’s deception of Adam and Eve (Gen. 3:1, 6). As a result of their sin the consequences were: physical death; banishment from the tree of life (Gen. 3:19; 1 Cor.15:22; Rev. 22:2); woman's submission to her husband (Gen. 3:16; 1 Tim. 2:11-15); pain in childbirth (Gen. 3:16); man will toil in order to eat (Gen. 3:17-19); spiritual death, "for all have sinned" (Rom. 5:12-14).

Put into simpler terms it means: Satan deceives (2 Cor. 11:3; 1 Pet. 5:8); Satan's deception includes the lust of the flesh, lust of the eye, and the pride of life (1 John 2:15-17); sin causes pain and suffering; women are to submit to men; man must work; and spiritual death is a consequence of personal sin.

Now as bad and depressing as all of this might sound, God does offer a glimmer of hope. He offers a promise of forgiveness (Gen. 3:15; Rom. 16:20). What did this mean for sinful, disobedient man? It meant that God devised a plan for man's redemption (Eph. 1:4; Rom. 8:28-30), and that Satan will be crushed (Rev. 20:10).

Questions:

1. How is man different from the other forms of life in the world?
2. How is man created in the image of God?
3. In what ways is a wife to be a helper to her husband?
4. What was Jesus' answer when questioned about divorce?
5. What kind of influence should parents have on their married children?
6. What is the meaning of the statement, "Cursed is the ground for your sake" (Gen. 3:17)?
7. Is sin something we inherit? Prove your belief with scripture.
8. How was the temptation of Eve similar to the temptation of Jesus (Mat. 4)?
9. Why is there pain and suffering in the world?
10. When did God plan man's redemption? Cite scripture.

Prayer: Dear Lord, thank you for all that you do. The love of life, the peace in my heart all comes from your grace. Please help me to show your love and grace to others as you have done for me. Thank you Lord for being a part of my life. Amen

God bless you,

Team CHBM