FROM COVERING WITH LEAVES TO COVERING BY GOD
By Rev. Samuel Arimoro
Main Text: Genesis 3:7-21
Key Verse: “Unto Adam also and to his wife did the LORD God make coats of skins, and clothed them.” (Genesis 3:21)
Supporting Texts: Isaiah 61:10, Zechariah 3:3,-5, Romans 13:14, Hebrews 9:22, Revelation 3:18
INTRODUCTION
When Adam and Eve sinned, their first instinct was to hide their shame through self-effort. Fig leaves represented man’s attempt to deal with guilt without God. However, human solutions can never permanently cover spiritual nakedness.
God’s response reveals a deeper truth: only God can provide true covering. The garments of skins introduced sacrifice, blood, and divine intervention, pointing prophetically to redemption through Christ.
This message highlights the danger of self-righteousness and the power of divine covering. Understanding the difference between leaves and God’s covering helps believers walk in freedom, assurance, and restored identity.
1. MAN’S FIRST RESPONSE TO SIN WAS SELF-COVERING
Human nature attempts to hide failure rather than seek God’s mercy.
a) Fig leaves represent human effort (Genesis 3:7)
Man attempted to cover shame through personal ingenuity.
b) Self-covering is temporary and ineffective (Isaiah 64:6)
Human righteousness cannot remove guilt.
c) Fear replaces confidence (Genesis 3:10)
Shame drives man away from God’s presence.
d) Self-effort avoids accountability (Proverbs 28:13)
Covering sin delays healing.
Biblical Example:
Adam and Eve sewed fig leaves instead of returning immediately to God.
2. FIG LEAVES SYMBOLISE RELIGIOUS PRETENCE
Religion without redemption produces hypocrisy and insecurity.
a) Outward appearance replaces inward transformation (Matthew 23:27)
Pretence hides inner decay.
b) Religious activity cannot remove guilt (Hebrews 10:1-4)
Rituals cannot cleanse the conscience.
c) Pretence thrives in fear of exposure (John 3:19-20)
Darkness avoids the light.
d) God rejects false coverings (Zechariah 3:3-4)
Filthy garments must be removed.
Biblical Example:
Joshua the high priest stood in filthy garments until God clothed him anew.
3. GOD’S COVERING REQUIRED SACRIFICE
True covering comes at the cost of blood and life.
a) Covering required the shedding of blood (Hebrews 9:22)
Sin demanded atonement.
b) God initiated the sacrifice (Genesis 3:21)
Redemption began with God’s action.
c) Innocent life paid the price (Isaiah 53:5)
Substitution is central to redemption.
d) Sacrifice restored dignity (Isaiah 61:10)
God clothed man with honour.
Biblical Example:
The slain animal in Eden foreshadowed Christ’s sacrifice on the cross.
4. GOD’S COVERING RESTORES IDENTITY AND ACCESS
Divine covering does more than hide sin; it restores relationship.
a) God’s covering removes shame (Romans 8:1)
There is no condemnation in Christ.
b) It restores confidence before God (Hebrews 4:16)
Access to God is renewed.
c) It redefines identity (2 Corinthians 5:17)
The covered becomes a new creation.
d) It grants spiritual authority (Luke 10:19)
Restoration brings empowerment.
Biblical Example:
The prodigal son was clothed with a robe, restoring his sonship.
5. LIVING DAILY UNDER GOD’S COVERING
Believers must choose divine covering continually.
a) Putting on Christ daily (Romans 13:14)
Covering is maintained through submission.
b) Walking in the light (1 John 1:7)
Transparency preserves fellowship.
c) Rejecting self-righteousness (Philippians 3:9)
Dependence remains on grace.
d) Abiding in obedience (John 15:4)
Obedience sustains divine covering.
Biblical Example:
Believers who walk in obedience remain clothed in righteousness.
CONCLUSION
Fig leaves represent every human attempt to manage sin without God. They may conceal temporarily but can never heal permanently. God’s covering, however, brings forgiveness, restoration, and renewed access to His presence.
Believers must abandon self-effort and embrace divine grace. When God covers, shame is removed, identity is restored, and destiny is preserved. Living under God’s covering is the key to walking in freedom and confidence.
PRAYER POINTS
1. Father, remove every false covering from my life in Jesus name
2. Lord, clothe me with Your righteousness and grace in Jesus name
3. Every shame and guilt in my life be washed away in Jesus name
4. I receive the covering of the blood of Jesus over my life in Jesus name
5. Let every effect of sin be permanently removed in Jesus name
6. I reject self-righteousness and embrace divine grace in Jesus name
7. Restore my confidence and access to Your presence in Jesus name
8. Let my identity in Christ be fully established in Jesus name
9. I choose to walk daily under God’s covering in Jesus name
10. I shall not be exposed to shame or reproach in Jesus name
