Consequences of the Original Sin
Immediately following Adam’s and Eve’s choice to rebel against God’s singular command, the eyes that were blinded by Satan’s lies were opened (Genesis 3:7).
- Guilt was known.
- Shame was felt.
- They did what they could to hide their sin.
- And they avoided their righteous Creator.
But God took the initiative. God sought them out.
And they heard the sound of the Lord God walking in the garden in the cool of the day, and the man and his wife hid themselves from the presence of the Lord God among the trees of the garden. But the Lord God called to the man and said to him, “Where are you?” And he said, “I heard the sound of you in the garden, and I was afraid, because I was naked, and I hid myself.” He said, “Who told you that you were naked? Have you eaten of the tree of which I commanded you not to eat?”
Accusations harden the will, but questions stir the conscience. By asking questions, God sought to gently lead them to repentance in order to renew their relationship.
But then came the final consequence—blame-shifting. Adam blamed Eve and God. Eve blamed the serpent. Adam listened to Eve. Eve listened to the serpent. But NO ONE listened to God!
And so it is with us. When we sin…
- Our conscience is guilty.
- We feel ashamed.
- We try to cover up our sin.
- We hide from God and others.
- And we shift the blame.
When we sin we don’t listen to God’s words, but to our own sinful heart. We act in the same way as our original parents. Then, too often, when the Holy Spirit confronts us we shift the blame to others. Instead, let us learn to follow King David’s example of repentant prayer in Psalm 51. If it’s been awhile since you prayed this Psalm back to God, from your heart, admitting your sins to Him, then spend some time there today.
[Adapted from the sermon, The Beginning of the End. Search on the sermon title here.]
RECOMMENDED READING: Good News About Satan: A Gospel Look at Spiritual Warfare
