“And they heard
the sound of the LORD God walking in the garden in the cool of the day, and
Adam and his wife hid themselves from the presence of the LORD God among the
trees of the garden.” (Gen 3:8 NKJ)
the sound of the LORD God walking in the garden in the cool of the day, and
Adam and his wife hid themselves from the presence of the LORD God among the
trees of the garden.” (Gen 3:8 NKJ)
When Adam and Eve
disobeyed — sinned — they were ashamed and hid themselves from the Lord as he
walked in the Garden. This is a function of the conscience and those who are
not ashamed have spiritually cauterized it against God’s truth. It is as if they
have branded themselves with the marks of sin (Romans 1: 20-31;1 Timothy
4:1-3).
disobeyed — sinned — they were ashamed and hid themselves from the Lord as he
walked in the Garden. This is a function of the conscience and those who are
not ashamed have spiritually cauterized it against God’s truth. It is as if they
have branded themselves with the marks of sin (Romans 1: 20-31;1 Timothy
4:1-3).
Why didn’t Adam and
Eve run to God, repenting and begging for mercy? Why did they wait for him to
“discover” their sin? Did they want justice instead of forgiveness?
Did they think he would never know? As we reflect on sin and sin’s consequences,
these are questions with no concrete answers. Other than hiding from God, we
have no concrete evidence as to their responses.
Eve run to God, repenting and begging for mercy? Why did they wait for him to
“discover” their sin? Did they want justice instead of forgiveness?
Did they think he would never know? As we reflect on sin and sin’s consequences,
these are questions with no concrete answers. Other than hiding from God, we
have no concrete evidence as to their responses.
Dr. Calvin Miller
wrote, “To repent is to live. To be smug in our own self-righteousness is
to die.” After God explained the consequences of their disobedience, Adam
and Eve must have repented because God prepared a sacrifice and covered their nakedness.
The choice was then and still is simple. We can say, “I am not a sinner.
Why do I need forgiveness?” and die. We can say, “I am sorry, forgive
me” and live. This simple choice is ours.
wrote, “To repent is to live. To be smug in our own self-righteousness is
to die.” After God explained the consequences of their disobedience, Adam
and Eve must have repented because God prepared a sacrifice and covered their nakedness.
The choice was then and still is simple. We can say, “I am not a sinner.
Why do I need forgiveness?” and die. We can say, “I am sorry, forgive
me” and live. This simple choice is ours.
Yes, disobedience
and sin is shameful! Yet, the most regrettable shame is the rejection of the
only one who can cleanse us from the sin. We do not disparage those caught up
in sin’s evil bondage. Stoning the victim is not the response of those who have
already been delivered.
and sin is shameful! Yet, the most regrettable shame is the rejection of the
only one who can cleanse us from the sin. We do not disparage those caught up
in sin’s evil bondage. Stoning the victim is not the response of those who have
already been delivered.
Instead, we
encourage sin’s victims to listen to the sound of God’s voice calling to them
from the garden of grace and mercy . . . “For God so loved the world that
He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish
but have everlasting life. For God did not send His Son into the world to
condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be saved.” (John
3:16-17 NKJ)
encourage sin’s victims to listen to the sound of God’s voice calling to them
from the garden of grace and mercy . . . “For God so loved the world that
He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish
but have everlasting life. For God did not send His Son into the world to
condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be saved.” (John
3:16-17 NKJ)
Dear Father, thank
you for delivering us from sin and shame through Jesus Christ our Lord and
Savior. Empower us with an attitude of continuous repentance and faith and
grace. This I pray in the name of Jesus. AMEN
you for delivering us from sin and shame through Jesus Christ our Lord and
Savior. Empower us with an attitude of continuous repentance and faith and
grace. This I pray in the name of Jesus. AMEN
Trust Christ to
forgive your sin and shame today,
forgive your sin and shame today,