The Fall: How Human Brokenness Begins

The Webster American 1828 Dictionary defines sin as: The voluntary departure of a moral agent from a known rule of rectitude or duty prescribed by God. Meaning sin is the willing choice of a moral person to turn away from a known standard or right conduct or duty given by God. This includes, not only wrongful actions, but also the neglect of known responsibilities, as well as sinful thoughts, intentions, words, and desires—it’s literally anything that stands in opposition of God’s commands or law or simply missing the mark.

Adam was given a command by God. In Genesis 2:17, The Lord God placed Adam in the Garden and told him that he may freely eat the fruit of every tree in the Garden, except one. The tree of the knowledge of good and evil; if he eats from this tree, it would be the cause of his demise—death. God then crafted a woman from the rib of the man—Adam—and brings her to him and they are joined together. God created Adam and Eve with perfection and they were called to live in a perfect relationship with God in the Garden. In their pure state, they both were united and untouched by shame and fear. Life in this moment is beautiful. Then comes the fall, offered by the conniving serpent. Quickly the scriptures turn our gaze to how wholeness can be lost once freedom meets disobedience. Genesis Chapter 3 and 4 shows us that once sin enters the world it spreads quickly through human relationships. Shame is replaced by innocence, fear replaced trust, and harmony was replaced by blame. Humanity's relationship with God was fractured by sin. Suffering and death has entered our world but through God’s mercy he offers hope.

In Genesis 3:15, God promised that the offspring of the woman would one day crush the serpent’s head. This verse points to our redeemer Jesus Christ who defeated sin and death on the cross. Jesus conquered the grave and offers salvation to all who believes. Because of Christ, believers are offered forgiveness, healing, and newness of life. Jesus resurrection shows us that sin and death did not have the final word. While there’s still brokenness in our world, we have the hope and joy of knowing that the people who put their trust in Jesus Christ are given the chance to experience restoration and transformation. Jesus has called us to love each other, carry each other’s burdens, and live a life that is obedient to God—undoing the pattern of blame, violence, and separation.  

Genesis Chapter 3 and 4 gives us the origin of sin and human brokenness, but that is not the end of our story. Jesus has provided us a way to overcome sin and has given us restoration for brokenness. Jesus has made a way for us to live free from shame and condemnation. We can wake up every day hopeful knowing that we have a Savior that cares about us, remembering that he laid down his life for us. If you are a believer in Jesus Christ, you have been gifted God’s Holy Spirit. So, we can talk to our counselor and lay at his feet our burdens so in return we can be gifted with his peace.

But here’s the ultimate gift: Because of Christ's saving grace, humanity can move forward with hope, knowing that forgiveness is available to all who believe, and complete restoration will one day be fulfilled in God’s Kingdom when Jesus returns.