Before we explore how God dealt with sin in the world, let us understand the sequence of events that precipitate a need to do that.I say dealt because it is a done deal.
Genesis 3:16 To the woman he said, “I will surely multiply your pain in childbearing; in pain you shall bring forth children. Your desire shall be contrary to your husband, but he shall rule over you.”
The title “Poor Eve” is merely my way of seeing Eve as a victim of Satan’s plot. Coming in disguise, not revealing himself as an ArchAngel, Satan engages her in conversation with evil intent.
Genesis 3:1 Now the serpent was more crafty than any other beast of the field that the Lord God had made. He said to the woman, “Did God actually say, ‘You shall not eat of any tree in the garden’?”
Satan challenges her on her understanding of God’s instruction. Liars always begin by challenging our understanding, trying to instill doubt.
Genesis 3:3 but God said, ‘You shall not eat of the fruit of the tree that is in the midst of the garden, neither shall you touch it, lest you die.’”
Where did Eve get the idea that she was not allowed to touch the fruit of that tree? God’s instruction to Adam did not include a no touch clause. Neither do the scriptures tell us that God gave Eve any instructions directly. There are no scriptures indicating Adam told Eve and added the no touch clause.
This is the first clue in Satan’s challenge. Do we have a proper understanding of God’s Word or do we fill in the blanks with our own thoughts.
Revelation 22:18 I warn everyone who hears the words of the prophecy of this book: if anyone adds to them, God will add to him the plagues described in this book,
If only Eve had a bible to read God’s Word, maybe she would have read this warning. But she did not but she walked with God every morning. We can only imagine what God might or might not have said to Eve. Now we find ourselves with no answers to questions we should not have floating around in our minds.
“If it were me” is the beginning of an act of pride and the beginning of sorrows.
If only we had some way to ask God directly about things we do not know.
Ah, but we do. God provided a way.