Introduction

Welcome, dear friends, to this blessed gathering where we open our hearts to the divine word of God. We are here, not by coincidence, but by divine appointment. We are here because we yearn to delve deeper into the mysteries of our faith, to understand the profound truths that lie within the pages of the Holy Bible.

Today, we turn our focus to Genesis 3, where we encounter the first sin and its consequences, yet also find God's mercy and the promise of salvation. This passage is a mirror, reflecting our own failings and God's unending grace. It's a testament to the human condition and God's steadfast love.

Charles Spurgeon, the revered preacher once said, "By perseverance, the snail reached the ark." This quote encapsulates the essence of our faith journey. Like the snail, we may falter, we may stumble, yet we press on, knowing that our ultimate destination is the ark of salvation.

Consequences of Crime and Sin

In the garden, we see the first act of disobedience, a transgression against the divine command. This act of defiance, committed by Adam and Eve, is not merely a historical event, but a reflection of the human propensity to sin. It's a mirror that reveals our own failings, our own tendency to stray from God's commands.

The serpent, the craftiest of all creatures, tempts Eve with the promise of wisdom, of becoming like God. Eve succumbs to this temptation, and Adam follows suit. They eat the forbidden fruit, and in doing so, they commit the first sin. This act of disobedience carries severe consequences, not just for Adam and Eve, but for all of humanity.

The first consequence is a loss of innocence. Before the fall, Adam and Eve lived in perfect harmony with God, with each other, and with nature. They were innocent, unblemished by sin. But after they eat the forbidden fruit, their eyes are opened, and they realize they are naked. They feel shame for the first time, and they try to cover their nakedness with fig leaves. This loss of innocence is a direct result of their disobedience.

The second consequence is a broken relationship with God. Before the fall, Adam and Eve enjoyed a close, intimate relationship with God. They walked with Him in the garden in the cool of the day. This broken relationship with God is a direct result of their disobedience.

The third consequence is a curse. God curses the serpent for deceiving Eve. He also pronounces a curse on Adam and Eve. To the woman, He says, "I will make your pains in childbearing very severe; with painful labor you will give birth to children. Your desire will be for your husband, and he will rule over you." To Adam, He says, "Cursed is the ground because of you; through painful toil you will eat food from it all the days of your life." This curse is a direct result of their disobedience.

Finally is death. Before the fall, Adam and Eve were immortal. They had access to the tree of life, which granted eternal life. But after they sin, God banishes them from the Garden of Eden. He places cherubim and a flaming sword to guard the way to the tree of life. As a result, Adam and Eve become mortal. They are destined to die, to return to the dust from which they were taken. This death is a direct result of their disobedience.

Compassion in the Midst of Condemnation

As we delve deeper into Genesis 3, we are confronted with a stark reality ... View this full PRO sermon free with PRO