For a few days we want to post what I am calling “Genesis Renewed.” The “renewal” was in my own heart. For the most part we will engage in devotional thoughts rather than doctrinal thoughts, although, of course, devotional thoughts must always be founded on sound doctrine.
·
3:10: John wrote, “perfect love casts out fear”
(1 John 4:18). In Genesis Adam was
afraid of God. The reason was because he
had sinned, and fear was part of the “death” that came upon Adam, and me,
because of sin. I confess: when I think
of the life to come there is an aspect of fear in my thoughts sometimes. It indicates I am still giving sin power it
does not deserve, and not giving God the honor He deserves for all He did to
provide for my salvation. This is not
just a failure to obey, to think properly.
It is a failure in relationship.
It is a leftover in this man who once lived “in sin” but now lives “in
Christ.” Lord, help my unbelief. Father, that I might love you with all
my heart, mind, soul and strength.
·
3:12-13: Both Adam and Eve told the truth. True, they did blame others. But both said “and I ate.” And note, there was truth in the “blame.” And, in fact, God began His pronouncement of
judgment against Satan, then judged the two people who were guilty. Furthermore, let us not forget that Eve was
truly deceived as 1 Tim. 2:14 says. Satan
attacked her with the best he has to offer: it looks good, it’ll feel good, and it
will make you important. Because of the
deceit she “fell” into transgression.
·
3:17: Adam, however, went in with eyes wide
open. God said, “Because you have heeded
the voice of your wife.” Eve
sinned. But that does not excuse Adam.
·
3:15: Don’t forget. The first Messianic prophecy was given to the
Serpent, to Satan. He must be
crushed. He bears a specific
responsibility. And, by the way, Satan has
been crushed (Colossians 2:13-15). Paul says that Jesus has disarmed the principalities
and powers. The advantage that Satan had
in the Garden of Eden has been lost.
Jesus has triumphed over him and those who have sided with him.
·
3:5,22: One last thing. Satan was right in saying that Adam and Eve
would become like God, knowing good and evil.
God had already observed good and evil in Satan’s pride in heaven. Up until that moment in the Garden, Adam and
Eve were innocent. Now they knew.
So here is something I need to remember. In the context of evil and rebellion Adam and
Eve and Satan said things that were right. I must not underestimate the necessity of “the
renewing of the mind” (Rom. 12:2). Apart
from that I continue to be “conformed to this world,” the world ruled by the
god of this age, Satan.
And one other thing. I also need to understand that Jesus Christ
my Lord, in one weekend, provided all that was needed to overcome all that went
wrong in the Garden of Eden. That is why
perfect love casts out fear. There is
nothing left to fear in light of Calvary and the empty tomb.
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