Order Of Service

Genesis 3:15; Genesis 3:21

Genesis 3:15

And I will put enmity between thee and the woman, and between thy seed and her seed; it shall bruise thy head, and thou shalt bruise his heel.

Genesis 3:21

Unto Adam also and to his wife did the Lord God make coats of skins, and clothed them.

Introduction

The term “original sin,” first used by St. Augustine, the African church scholar, has always provided a lot of theological pondering and debate. So let’s address some of the theological elephants in the room.  These elephants always show up when the third chapter of Genesis is studied or discussed in Sunday School, Bible Class, or just in general casual conversations about the Bible.

Some theologians, even today, wish God had not given humans free will, and therefore, it would have been impossible for Adam and Eve to have eaten the forbidden fruit and committed the first human sin. This “original sin” corrupted and tainted the entire human race for each successive generation and led to wars, racism, misogyny, injustice, dishonesty, and plain old low-down disgusting meanness.

Others theologians wonder why the tree, which produced the forbidden fruit, was put in the garden in the first place. This may really sound absurd, but there was a time in church history, during the twelve days of Christmas celebration, when Adam was praised for committing the sin, and God was thanked for allowing him to commit it. Their reasoning was had Adam not sinned, there would not have been a need for a Savior, and Jesus would not have come to earth. Thus: no angels; no wise men; no manger scene; no Christmas carols; no Christ Child to love; and no gospels written.

Still, other theologians ponder why God dealt so harshly with Adam and Eve on their first infraction and quickly kicked them out of the garden. Why didn’t He just reprimand them and let them stay in the garden, since they were newly created and did not have the wisdom of experience?

Theologians may use fancy academic terms, but all of us have pondered the same questions. If the truth be told, most of us have pondered about the action or inaction of God, especially when we see evil running rampant or good people enduring suffering.

The late E. V. Hill said, with truth and holy humor, “We should not be too hard on Adam and Evil for disobeying God, because if they had not committed the original sin, somebody else surely would have done it by now, and that person could have easily been me or somebody I know.”

For those who feel guilty after questioning God, remember atheists don’t question God because they don’t believe He exists. Only people of faith question God. We do it when present reality does not appear to match with what we in faith believe. Remember, the great Biblical characters questioned God. Even Abraham, the father of the faithful, asked in Genesis 18:25, “Shall not the judge of all the earth do right?”    

We will understand it better by and by; and then, it won’t even matter because we will be so busy singing with the angels, strutting and prancing down the streets paved with gold, and worshipping our Lord and Savior. It just won’t matter when we get to heaven.

Be that as it may, God is sovereign and can do whatever He wants to do without getting permission from anyone.  His ways are not our ways. His thoughts are not our thoughts. He sees the end that we do not see. However, God is big enough to accept the pondering and questions that people of faith have.

There is some good news! The good news is that, immediately after the original sin was committed, God predicted and prescribed a remedy in Genesis 3:15. In fact, the only remedy that works - the saving work of Jesus Christ. The seed of woman would provide the solution - not the seed of man.  A virgin would bear our Savior. Theologians call Genesis 3:15 the “protoevangelium,” meaning the first gospel of a coming Savior. Please remember, the gospel is the story of Jesus coming to earth to provide a plan of salvation. Genesis 3:15 is also the first recorded prophecy in the Bible. This prophecy was given directly by God, without a human prophet. In addition, as you can see, it is a messianic prophecy.

The covering of them with animal skins in Genesis 3:21 is the first mention of innocent sacrifice. The innocent animal had to be slain to harvest its skin. This is a type or shadow of the sacrifice of Christ on Calvary. Perhaps, the skin was still bloody when applied to them. We don’t know.

Let’s look at some of the implications of these two Scriptures as we begin to celebrate the birth of our Savior.

Exposition

1. A Perfect Plan Of Salvation Was Devised.

   (It Was Unique.)    

   (It Was Planned Before The Foundation Of The Earth.)

   (It Included A Virgin Birth.)

   (It Included Imperfect People.)

   (It Was Based On Love - John 3:16.)

2. The Perfect Plan Would Be Costly To The Implementer.

    (Jesus Left His Throne In Glory.)

    (The Pretty Little Baby In The Manger Would Be Crucified As An Adult.)

    (Christ Had To Go To The Cross To Implement The Plan.)

    (He Would Be Deceived And Abandoned By His Disciples.)

    (His Earthly Mother Would Have To Grieve In Agony.)

3. The Perfect Plan Would Defeat The Works Of Satan.

    (Yokes Are Broken.)

    (Beauty Comes From Ashes.)

    (Guilt Is Removed.)

    (Satan Has No Control Over Our Lives.)

    (We Have Victory Through The Blood Of Jesus.)

Closing Thoughts

Philosophers and theologians will continue to ponder the existence of sin and evil. They call this study “theodicy.” I am glad Jesus came to earth to save us from our sins. The Word made itself flesh and dwelled among us and we were able to see His glory! Give God Glory! Give God All The Glory!

Related Scriptures

Genesis 3:1-24; Romans 5:12-21; Galatians 4:4-5

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