Growing Through Genesis

God had only one prohibition in the Garden of Eden (Genesis 3:3)--eating from one forbidden tree. By choosing to ignore God's authority, Adam and Eve disobeyed their Creator (Genesis 3:6). The devastating results of their rebellious choice are experienced by each of us every day--sin introduced disease and death into the world (Romans 5:12).

"Sin will keep you from God's Word, or God's Word will keep you from sin."

That's how Adam and Eve fell--they ignored God's instructions (Genesis 3:1-7). They exchanged almost all the blessings God had given them for a piece of fruit! What was at stake wasn't just getting more knowledge, but Eve and Adam's relationship with their Maker. The same is at stake for us! No matter what the devil tempts us with (1 Peter 5:8)--spiritual death is waiting for all who disobey God (Romans 6:23).

But instead of destroying Adam and Eve, God started a course of action to restore his relationship with humankind. God's course of action came with a high price tag. The cost? The life of his Son! Jesus Christ paid the debt of sin in full, so the believer can receive eternal life by grace through faith (Ephesians 2:8-9).

Life Lessons from Genesis

• God created you and knows you better than you know yourself
• God created you in his image
• God uses people like you and me--the imperfect, the failures, the flawed--to accomplish his will
• God takes sin seriously, and those who reject his word will experience his condemnation
• God is all-powerful and is able to turn your tragedies into triumphs