Fall of Mankind and Gods Response to It - Essay Example

?THE 1001 FALL OF MANKIND AND GOD’S RESPONSE TO IT due: Word count 005 words IntroductionGenesis is the first book contained in the bible. This book explains about a number of “beginnings”. That is the creation of the world, first man and woman, and the disobedience of man. Genesis 3 brings an understanding of the requirement of a Savior and the redemption of the Word (Troyer 2007: 180). This book reveals the drastic sinful act and result on mankind’s rebellion towards God (Veith 2002:33). The biblical book of Genesis is not only a theological and chronological storyline, but it also a prophetical description of events as in Genesis 3:15. Exegesis of Genesis 3: 1-24 This book begins with the temptation of mankind via Satan slandering God to Eve through angelic disguise. The snake was a creature created by God, but it was a sneaker creature as compared to the other animals created. Satan chooses to use the serpent as it had a crafty character (genesis 3:1). The Devil in dwelt the snake and it is his tone of voice that was heard by Eve. The serpent began a conversation with Eve in relation to God’s prohibition to the tree in the center of the Garden of Eden (Westbow Press 2013: 127). The expression used by the serpent to Eve was very meticulous; it was a rhetorical question. The woman replied by saying that they were allowed all other fruits except the one in the middle of the garden. The serpent brushes this aside to concentrate in on God’s ruling out of the tree of understanding of good and wickedness (Kvam 1999 et al: 431). This term, “or you will die” is used three times in verses 3 and 4. It is unclear what Eve comprehended concerning the demise for none of the animals created had passed away. This term may have been communicated by God to the man and woman (Williams 2010: 17). According to the Bible, there are three types of demise: the spiritual death which transpires in Genesis 3, the physical death which outcomes (Genesis 5), and the eternal death as an outcome of man’s bolshie, defiant heart (Revelation 2:11). Genesis 3: 4-5 reveals how Satan assaulted God’s authenticity as well as the genuineness of God’s word; this was evident from Satan’s denial of God’s statement. There was limited truth in the words uttered by Satan, consumption of the fruit could not make man reason or “be like God”. The offer given to Eve was too intoxicating. Eve was tempted in three stages: first: she saw that the tree was good for food, second: that it was pleasant to the eyes, and thirdly: that it was desirable to make one wise. This reveals the threefold development of temptation to the actual act of sin. Eve later on acted towards Adam in the same manner that the serpent acted towards her. According to the book written by Milton, Paradise Lost, Adam ate the fruit so that he would not be separated from Eve (Milton & Stallard 2011: 38). Immediately after the consumption, they knew they were naked and sewed leaves together to cover their nakedness (Genesis 3:7). The opening of their eyes was not a substantial opening of the eyes but the realization of their nakedness and loss of the glory they had enjoyed. In the conversation that proceeds, God does not come to Adam to rebuke him or exile him from Paradise, but to bring him to his senses. God asked a rhetorical question “Where are you” so that Adam and Eve could realize what they had done. According to Clark Pennock, (2002) The Most Moved Mover, this rhetorical question is used to develop an aspect in God’s character known as “Open Theism”. Adam did not answer with remorse, but with self-justification, thereby bringing punishment upon himself. Adam blamed the woman, and even God Himself forgetting that he was responsible for his own actions. This is in line with Flip Wilson’s theology; “The Devil made me do it!” is no more of a justification than “Cultural atmosphere forced me to do it” or “Genetic factors prompted me to do it,” God did not question the serpent; instead, it is judged as being a puppet of the evil one (Genesis 3:13-15). Adam and Eve were judged, as well (Genesis 3: 16- 17). Eve’s judgment was a painful childbirth, and desire for her husband who will rule over her. Adam’s judgment was death, and struggle for food. The snake’s verdict was to crawl on its belly and everlastingly be an enemy to humankind. The husband’s dominion over his wife was symbolized by his naming her (Genesis 3:20). God established the covenant of grace in redeeming care by clothing them in a garment of skin. God then sent them out of the Garden of Eden and He put winged angelic creatures to protect the environment, which was off-limits to human kind. The cherubim later appear in tabernacle/ temple art as symbolism that that place was sacred. Conclusion The judgment given by God was fair, considering the fact that He gave man an opportunity to repent, but he ended up blaming the woman. Sin committed by Adam and Eve, affected all creation (Genesis 3: 14-24. When man sinned, his spiritual fellowship with God died. The passage, (Genesis 3:1-12), is basic in the complete comprehension of the world’s current suffering of sin, sickness, injustice, and evil. The strained interactions of the human race are a direct result of the original, willful disobedience (Cronk 1990: 40). God’s plan is to restore the world back to its original form. This is by Him sending His son, Jesus the Messiah who will come for all humans (3:15). Jesus is the one who crushes the head of the serpent. By his death and resurrection, Jesus made it possible for is to be free from bondage to Satan. Jesus is the one who reverses the consequences of sin (Mitchell & England 2007: 23). God is willing to work with fallen mankind and by His grace provides promises, covenants (unconditional and conditional), sacrifice, and worship (Pinnock 1996: 28). Bibliography CRONK, G. (1990). The message of the Bible: an orthodox Christian perspective. Crestwood, N.Y., St. Vladimir's Seminary Press. (1982). Holy Bible the new King James version. Nashville, T. Nelson. KVAM, K. E., SCHEARING, L. S., & ZIEGLER, V. H. (1999). Eve and Adam: Jewish, Christian, and Muslim readings on Genesis and gender. Bloomington, Indiana University Press. MILTON, J., & STALLARD, M. S. (2011). Paradise lost: the biblically annotated edition. Macon, GA, Mercer University Press. MITCHELL, E. A., & ENGLAND, A. (2007). Old Testament survey: a student's guide. Nashville, B & H Academic. PINNOCK, C. H. (2002). Most moved mover: a theology of God's openness. Carlisle, Paternoster Press [u.a.]. PINNOCK, C. H. (1996). Flame of love: a theology of the Holy Spirit. Downers Grove, Ill, IVP Academic/InterVarsity Press. (2013). Ramifications in genesis 1-3. [S.l.], Westbow Press. TROYER, D. O. (2007). Genesis 1-2-3: creation: then and now. [S.l.], Xulon Press. VEITH, W. J. (2002). The Genesis conflict. Delta, BC, Amazing Discoveries. WILLIAMS, J. J. (2010). One new man: the cross and racial reconciliation in Pauline theology. Nashville, Tenn, B & H Academic. Read More