The Fall: A Tapestry of Sin and Grace
November 12th, 2009 | by Ed |I’m presently teaching a series from the book of Genesis entitled Beginnings.
This Sunday, I’ll be teaching from Genesis 3 on the radical change that took place as a result of the Fall. While Genesis 3 catalogs the consequences of sin and God’s pronouncement of curses, Genesis 3 also introduces an aspect of God’s character and nature that is revealed by man’s sin—grace! Grace comes into focus through the lens of our sinfulness; we cannot appreciate the greatness of God’s grace without understanding the depths of our sin.
Out of the storm clouds of judgment streaks a beam of grace and hope. The good news of the gospel is pronounced and demonstrated here in Genesis 3. The “seed of the woman” will one day crush the head of the Evil One who has unleashed such pain upon the human race and mankind shall once again be heirs to the glorious destiny for which it was created.
Meanwhile, God makes provision for the forgiveness of man’s sin through the blood of a substitutionary sacrifice when He clothes Adam and Eve in animal skins. And God establishes a means by which man can continue to come to God. What an amazing display of grace!
The consequences of sin will create hardship, pain, suffering and friction in relationships, but God begins to unfold a remarkable plan of redemption that will not only restore the human race but will magnify the glory of His grace.
Genesis 3 teaches us about the serious effects of sin but, at the same time, reminds us that “When sin abounded, grace superabounded” (Romans 5:20).
You don’t want to miss this Sunday. You’ll discover:
- The world’s first fashion statement (”Fig Leaf Fashions”)
- Why it’s not your fault (”The Blame Game”)
- Why men brag and women nag (”The Battle of the Sexes”)
- How “Sweaty Brow” got his name (”A Harvest of Thorns and Thistles”)
- What really happened when man was driven from the garden (”Exiled”)
Hope you’ll be there this Sunday.