Rebellion and sin (Genesis 3)

The beauty and order that we have been presented with in chapters 1 and 2 are shattered as we move into chapter 3. The human beings make the choice that they want to 'be like God and know what is good and what is bad'. The decision is taken to try to usurp the powers which belong to God alone. Verses 1-7 described how, of their own free will, they take the action to obtain the knowledge which will overwhelm and destroy them. Their disobedience to God immediately destroys their relationship to each other and they feel shame and guilt. It is not necessary to theorize about the snake. What is significant is that the nature of a tempter or temptation is seen to be subtle. A temptation can present an attractive, even seemingly virtuous aspect. A tempter can present evil in a way that makes it seem good.

3: 1-7 shows in a brilliant and concise way the nature of sin. Sin is essentially rebellion against God, arising from the denial of love and trust towards God. When man tries to obtain the powers which belong to God and which only God can control, when man considers himself equal to God, then this arrogance makes him ignore what God has shown him to be right and good and for his benefit. Man has been entrusted by God to use, enjoy and care for the earth, but he is master of the world only as long as he realizes his ultimate dependence on God who created him and who gave him life.

3: 7-24. The rest of the chapter spells out the consequences of the first sinful act. We move from the nature of sin to its results. Man's friendship with God and the relationship of blessing that he has enjoyed with God, changes to fear of God; the man and woman hide from him (3: 8). What had been innocent and good becomes shameful (3: 10). The relationship between man and woman is spoilt (3: 12 and 16).pain will be part of human experience (3: 16). Man will have to toil and struggle to meet his needs and death will be his end (3: 17-19). The earth itself is under a curse.

Into this dark situation, God alone brings hope. God looks for man even while man rebels against him. 'That evening they heard the LORD God walking in the garden, and they hid from him among the trees. But the LORD God called out to the man, "Where are you?" This is a true picture of God's attitude to human beings throughout the Bible. God looks for them and calls them, even while they are running away from him. God wants man to enjoy and share his love and care, and he takes the initiative in showing man the way back to him. Man must bear the consequences of his sin, but he is not beyond the reach of God's love.

3: 23-24 show the beginning of a different kind of life for human beings, but God's love still reaches out to them. God provides clothing for them (3: 21) and the means by which they can find food (3: 23). In the picture presented of God's continuing care for his creatures who have withheld their trust and love from him, we have the beginning of the great Biblical theme of salvation through God's grace or free offering of his love to man.

The very important ideas about the nature and activity of God, the relationship of God and man, human nature, salvation and grace, which have been shown in Genesis 1-3, make this Bible passage the starting point of Biblical theology.

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