writing through the bible - Writing 2, book 1

​“Now the serpent was more subtil than any beast of the field which the LORD God had made. And he said unto the woman, Yea, hath God said, Ye shall not eat of every tree of the garden?” Genesis 3:1

Genesis chapter 3 reveals many things to the Bible student. First, it reveals certain things about Satan. His name “serpent” for example, this name, one of his many, reveals certain qualities of our adversary (1 Pt 5:8). Satan reveals that he is subtil or as some definitions state “shrewd, crafty, and sly.” 

Second, we see that both the husband and the wife knew God’s law (Genesis 2:16-17; 3:3). We also see that Satan knew what God had commanded as well, however, this did not stop him from encouraging Eve to disobey God, this he did by altering God’s command. Eve committed an error by following what someone had said instead of what God had commanded, today, just like Eve, we sin if we do the same. 
 
Third, we learn that there were two trees in the midst of the garden and only one was forbidden at this time (Gen 2:9, 16-17), the “tree of knowledge of good and evil”. The Tree of Life is not mentioned as being off-limits, not until Genesis 3:22. When Adam and Eve sinned, physical death entered the world, and the ability to live forever ended. The Tree of Life was no longer available to them and Satan’s lie “you shall not surely die” proved to be just that, a lie. They died spiritually and would begin to die physically. The guarding of the way to the Tree of Life further emphasizes this. 

Fourth, we learn that sin separates man from God. While God knew physically where Adam and Eve were, spiritually they were separated because of their sin. We have this reminder when God asks the question “Where art thou?” (Genesis 3:9) Sin separates man from God and this is the very first example of such a separation (Isaiah 59:2). The question is more related to their spiritual whereabouts than it does their physical. 

While we could look at many other lessons from Genesis 3 sin has been a problem from the very beginning of time. Mankind has from the beginning struggled with temptation and God from the beginning has always punished those who disobeyed Him.

Let us learn from the actions of Adam and Eve and remember who our true enemy is and that he is dangerous, and his attacks should be taken seriously. 

Let us remember the warning from God, that if you disobey there will be consequences. Thankfully, God in His mighty love and mercy made it possible for our sins to be forgiven and our spots to be washed away in the blood of His Son.

Let us always be mindful of the consequences of sin and learn from those who have gone before us.