The Gospel in Genesis Genesis 3:15
1. God’s Purpose is Goodness. Read Genesis 1:4; 1:18; 1:25; for everything that God created, he said it was ‘good’; He reached the pinnacle of His creation in verse 27 (read), and then when he finished creating he said in verse 31….
A. Pretend you were to go out on the streets today and ask people a question. The question is this: “What is good?” What is ‘good’ my friends? On the face, we live in corrupted world; in which things are OK…. So what is ‘good’? In Matthew 19 a man addressed Jesus and said, “Good Teacher, what good thing shall I do that I may have eternal life?” So Jesus said to him, “Why do you call Me good? No one is good but One, that is, God. The point being, God is Good! He defines everything that is good, right, and true! If we see something that God says is ‘good’ then what right have we to say that it is bad? Certainly, understanding God’s goodness is going to take time with Him. Ie.)God walked with Adam and Eve in the garden and they knew what God expected of them and what had been provided them. If God had irrationally ordered their daily lives, then maybe they would have a complaint; but He didn’t. How many people on the street would respond to your question: “God is good!”
B. Secondly; concerning goodness we are given a clue in Genesis 2:18. Relationship is good! Man is not to be left alone in a marriage relationship. And if this is true…and it is; man should also not be alone in other relationships….children, friends, and ultimately God. What good is being alone? In fact, in referring to the man and the women….they will become one flesh. He said, she is a help…in other words a “completer” Man is not complete in goodness without relationship. Now, I said earlier that our good relationship is ultimately with God. If you’re single today, I don’t want you leaving saying, “Well, ‘no wife’ or ‘no husband’ means “no good!” Because ultimately what is truly good, is our relationship with God Himself. Jesus said, “Do you not know that you are the temple of God and that the Spirit of God dwells in you?”
Are you all familiar with the ‘Footprints’ poster that essentially says that when times get rough and there was only one set of footprints in the sand as you walked with God, that this is the time when God carried you. How inspirational, but it’s a lie! What drivel…it all started within a heresy of Gnosticism which saw the remaining footprints on the beach to be ours because it asserted that Jesus did not have a human body that would leave footprints…he was only a phantom. But aside from this, let me ask you this question: “When has God left you?” If you are an unbeliever here today…. “Has God left you?” In John 16:8 the Bible describes how God is working in the lives of people in regards to sin, righteousness and judgment. (read) To some, Christ’s death may seem like Satan’s victory; but it was actually Satan’s destruction. The Spirit of God is here working to lead sinners to the truth. While Satan attempts to deceive people, the Spirit is working to save them. For those who are believers, the Bible says in Ephesians, “he hath chosen us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before him in love: 5 Having predestinated us unto the adoption of children by Jesus Christ to himself, So tell me….in the ‘Footprints’ poster…when did you walk by yourself? When were you not being carried? That poster is not good! When has God left you? Never! He’s always carried you! Always! Now, that’s good!
C. Another obvious observation is that Creation was good! In a scene of the television show ‘Joan of Arcadia’(which is not always theologically correct by the way) Joan asks God to prove that He is God. He asks Joan, “now.. how might I do that?” She says, “do a miracle or something.” God says, “what about that,” as He points to a tree. Joan says in disgust, “It’s a tree!” God responds, “Let’s see you make one!” The Scriptures abound with the majesty of God’s creation. “When I consider Your heavens, the work of Your fingers, The moon and the stars, which You have ordained,” 1 Timothy 4:4 says, For everything created by God is good, and nothing is to be rejected.”
TRANSITION: God’s goodness was exceptionally demonstrated in His Son; mutually lived out in relationships; and observed consistently in His creation. But something is always ‘rearing its ugly head’ in attempts to steal, kill, and destroy God’s ‘good’ creation. I don’t suppose that refers to the head is the serpent. Sin continues to plague men.
2. Separation from God’s Purpose. Let’s read Genesis 6:5. Adam and Eve had a choice, between the goodness of relationship and eternal separation; which has had repercussions ever since.
People do not escape completely the consequences of judgment. The punishment for sin was immediate and yet lasting. You just do not “sin and then that is it!” I had a fellow at my workplace trying to argue that looking at pornography does not affect a person. Of course it does, once you see something, especially in video format, you cannot help but psychologically be affected by it. Many of us can recall things that are imprinted on the mind in such a way that it is unforgettable. Bill Cosby used to remark about going to see horror movies. He said, I had posters in my room of Frankenstein, the Wolfman,… and I was afraid of all of ‘em. But he said that they were so afraid to watch at the movies that they would come out of the theatre with black ju-ju bees stuck to their backs. They were so scared that they were hiding on the floor for the whole movie.
The consequences of Adam and Eves’s actions would certainly effect them for their whole lives. “The punishments that Adam and Eve received represent retaliatory justice. Adam and Eve sinned by eating; they would suffer in order to eat. She manipulated her husband; she would be mastered by her husband. The serpent destroyed the human race; he will be destroyed.” And God does not even have to specifically give you punishment because sometimes punishment comes in the natural consequences of the created order. If I defy the gravity that God created, then I might get hurt.
In our case today, we too may also suffer the immediate consequences of sin; yet that may be the easiest to contend with. The most likely scenario is that we will suffer for a longer period of time because of it. Have you come to a place in your life where you think about the consequences of sin? Do you avoid it because of the great damage it can do to you? If you are a believer here today then you know about the struggle with sin. Do not grow weary!
This section of scripture suggests something that is even more extensive though; and that is that the one who sins: just does not care! Adam and Eve’s temptation and desire was to be like God! In Genesis 3:5, the serpent says that your eyes would be opened and you shall be as gods! By the way, after they had sinned, was this the case? Later in Genesis, after the flood when God had commanded people to repopulate the earth; the people had the same mindset.
In Genesis 11:4 they said, “And they said, Go to, let us build us a city and a tower, whose top may reach unto heaven; and let us make us a name, lest we be scattered abroad upon the face of the whole earth.” LET US MAKE US A NAME? In the direct opposition to the authority and majesty of God’s name these people…..oh what a terrible thing after God had shown such great mercy to them and provided for them. Did you know …..that even after Adam and Eve had essentially destroyed their relationship with their Creator, that God continued to provided for them. He loved them so much that He cared how they felt! In Genesis 3:21 it says, “Also for Adam and his wife the Lord God made tunics of skin, and clothed them.” They were the ones exposed, (in more than one way) and yet God provides for them. God even further blessed Adam and Eve with children. Names normally mean something, and sometimes they tell us a bit about the situation. After Cain had murdered Abel, God blessed Adam and Eve with another son and they named him Seth; which means ‘appointed’ and Eve thought that Seth was Abel’s replacement. Seth would be the continuation of a seed lineage; which ultimately leads us to the birth of Christ Jesus. And then again, we question…What can we say is in a name?” Elohim; Jehovah; El-Shaddai; Adonai; and since I am talking about judgment, the Holy One; O’ how great the name of Jesus!
TRANSITION: People will suffer both the short and long-term consequences of sin because God is a holy and just judge. And men continue to resist God; which leads to separation from God. But, even while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us! God has given us a gracious and merciful provision.
3.God’s Gracious and Merciful Provision: Even in a section of Scripture where judgment is pronounced upon the serpent, and upon Adam and Eve; God promises justice. Justice that is filled with the promise of mercy, love, grace, peace, and hope.
In the verses of our study today: Genesis 3: 14-17; we have a judgment given by God to the serpent, the man, and the women. The judgment in these verses extends certain blessings or even cursings to the ‘seed’ of them. (explain that Satan is addressed first, then …then….) Finally, Genesis 3:15 is what is otherwise known as the proto-evangelium or translated, the ‘first gospel’. After cursing the physical serpent, God turned to the spiritual serpent, the lying seducer, Satan, and cursed him. bruise your head … bruise His heel is prophetic of the struggle and its outcome between “your seed” (Satan and unbelievers, who are called the Devil’s children in John 8:44) and her seed (Christ, a descendant of Eve, and those in Him), which began in the garden. In the midst of the curse passage, a message of hope shone forth—the woman’s offspring called “He” is Christ, who will one day defeat the Serpent. Satan could only “bruise” Christ’s heel (cause Him to suffer), while Christ will bruise Satan’s head (destroy him with a fatal blow). In fact, most snakebites are survived; but no snake that has ever had a crushed skull has survived. Paul, in Rom. 16:20 encouraged the believers in Rome when he said, “And the God of peace will crush Satan under your feet shortly” Believers should recognize that they participate in the crushing of Satan because, along with their Savior and because of His finished work on the cross, they also are of the woman’s seed. See Heb. 2:14,15;
In John 1:1; the passage begins with some familiar words, “In the beginning….” This chapter explains how Jesus is the Creator of all things…in fact, the things that are explicitly labeled ‘good!”
God did not simply appear as a man, he became one. As Jesus prayed in John 17:5 he says, “Now Father, glorify Me together with yourself, with the glory which I had with you before the world was.” God’s provision for sin would be the death, burial, and resurrection of His One and Only Son Jesus.
Philippians 2:5-9 says, “Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus, who, being in the form of God, did not consider it robbery to be equal with God, but made Himself of no reputation, taking the form of a bondservant, and coming in the likeness of men. And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself and became obedient to the point of death, even the death of the cross.
In Exodus we are told that the glory of the Lord filled the tabernacle. He dwelt with the Israelites in that time; but in John 1:14 we read, The Word became flesh and made His dwelling among us.”
Colossians 2 tells us appropriately, “Beware lest anyone cheat you through philosophy and empty deceit, according to the tradition of men, according to the basic principles of the world, and not according to Christ For in Him dwells all the fullness of the Godhead bodily;”
You may ask, what does the incarnation of Jesus have to do with goodness and creation? Well, listen to me carefully! The same ‘good’ creative work that God did as He spoke all things into existence and out of nothing; is the same creative work that He does in a person when He changes their heart. He makes things that are nothing into something by the very power of His Word. Hebrews 4:12 says, “For the word of God is living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart. And it does not stop there, for: “He who began a good work in you will perfect it until the day of Christ Jesus. (Phil. 1:6)”
TRANSITION: As I close, let me tell you why such a costly and great salvation is possible through Jesus Christ. Let me tell you why God is ‘truly good,’ let me add the great sin of man; let me tell you about that first gospel! And when I am finished, I think you will understand why God is not only good, gracious, and merciful; but why we have a great responsibility to share the gospel with others.
4. Invitation and Closing Comments Romans 1:18-23
We spoke of creation’s goodness; which Romans 1:20 says this. (read) Think about this…Does creation, even in its fallen form, make you think about the goodness of our Creator?
We also spoke of sin; which Romans 1:18-19 judges to be ungodly and unrighteous. It says, (read) Do you consider the affect that sin has on your life? What are the immediate and lasting consequences of it?
Finally, we spoke of the goodness of relationship; both with other people and with God. Let’s look at Romans 1:21-23; which says something like this: “I would rather worship a rock or a stick than I would God.” What is most important to you? That thing is your idol! Will you put that idol down and “exchange it for the glory of the incorruptible God?” In fact, when Jesus was on the cross; he still continued in forgiveness by saying “Father, forgive them; for they do not know what they are doing.”
Follow me now to Luke 22:40-44 (read) Now Jesus was praying in Gethsemane and was asking the Fathers will concerning ‘this cup’ Now let me ask you this….What was in the cup?
Romans 1: leads us to an answer….
Romans 1:18 reveals that “the wrath of God is revealed” God’s wrath was in the cup! Ephesians 2:3 addresses believers, “Among them we too all formerly lived in the lusts of our flesh, indulging the desires of the flesh and of the mind, and were by nature children of wrath, even as the rest.” John 3:36 says, “He who believes in the Son has eternal life; but he who does not obey the Son will not see life, but the wrath of God abides on Him.”
Yes, the wrath of God is revealed against ungodliness and unrighteousness. The wrath of God is revealed against sin and it was revealed in a cup that Christ would drink for me and for you! Your Lord’s Supper symbolizes you taking part in that drink offering. John 6:54. All throughout Scripture, from Genesis to John….and even today; God had mercy on sinners! He showed grace and it even says in 2 Peter 3:9; “The Lord is not slow about His promise, as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing for any to perish but for all to come to repentance.”
Let me ask you this in light of God’s wrath, and in light of God’s desire for relationship:
Do you actually believe that Jesus was afraid to go to the cross and suffer for sins?” No, that’s not what he was concerned about. Jesus’ suffering was not primarily what saves us; it was more His substitutionary atonement that did. Daniel 9 says that the Annointed One would make atonement for iniquity. Hebrews 9 says, “nor was it that He would offer Himself often” as they did in the temple yearly; and that “He has been manifested to put away sin by the sacrifice of Himself;” “so Christ has been offered once to bear the sins of many.”
Jesus was concerned about “his Father’s business” He was concerned with righteousness and obedience. Jesus loved his Father so much that he obediently followed His every instruction during his life. Hebrews says, He is the author and perfecter of our faith and further, was without sin. He cared about goodness; and relationship. So much so that when he came closer to giving up His life, he contemplated ‘this cup’ and would ultimately die for you and me with these words: “My God, My God, Why have you forsaken me?”
You see, when you sin against others and think it goes unnoticed then you fail to see that you have ultimately sinned against God Himself. For as much as we hold up being good, and having relationship; Jesus was a greater champion of these!
Jesus being afraid to suffer and die would be like me being afraid that other people will condemn me of my sin. As a sinner, I just do not grasp relationship; I don’t grasp the beauty of creation, nor love! (Now, I would be concerned more if you could broadcast the very thoughts of my heart. In Genesis, we were told what was evil. It wasn’t the actual actions that this verse was so much concerned with, than it was the intents of their hearts!)
But, what Jesus really contended with was the much greater than His suffering and death. He contended with the wrath of God against sinners. He contended with being forsaken by His Father. I mentioned before how God has shown mercy to men all throughout time; yet on a cross outside the city of Jerusalem; God, because He could not look upon sin; forsook His One and Only Son!
