Genesis three is often referred to as the story of the fall. When you read the chapter,
however, the fall happened within a short time—verses 1-6. It is more correct to say that
Genesis three is the story of salvation from the fall.
In order to save Adam and his wife from the fall into sin and misery, a number of things
needed to happen. All that was needed is embedded in the text, either by direct a
promise (verse 15) or symbolised in God’s response (verses 21, 24). The problem of sin
was addressed from three different dimensions.
- The first dimension addresses the powers of evil. Satan and the power of
death, hell and the grave must be destroyed (verse 15). - The second dimension is Godward—the wrath of God must be satisfied. The
wages of sin is death, as God had told Adam (verse 3). Someone, a substitute,
must die for the sin committed (verses 15 and 21). - The third dimension addresses the needs of Adam and his wife. They need
complete and perfect righteousness if they were going to be accepted by God again
(verse 21).
Despite being subjected to the pain and futility of this fallen world (verses 16-19,
Romans 8:18-20), Adam and his wife believed the promises of the gospel. God
removed their own worthless efforts of fig leaves, and covered their nakedness in the
skins of an animal, pointing to the death of a substitute who would stand between them
and God. They found a covering, and peace in the hope of the One who would come.
As God promised the redeemer did come. It is Jesus, God and man, combined in one
person forever as the only mediator between a holy God and sinful man. He entered
into conflict with Satan, destroyed him, removed the sting of death and got victory over
the grave (1 Corinthians 15:54-57). In that conflict with Satan, as the Redeemer entered
into the realms of death, he absorbed and satisfied the wrath of God as he paid the
wages of sin (Romans 6:23).
Yes, the Redeemer’s heel was bruised as he crushed Satan’s head. But remarkably,
although he descended into hell and into death for three days, the injuries of the conflict
were not fatal. He rose from the dead, victorious over the grave and he ascended to the
right hand of God the Father. There, in heaven, today he lives for his people.
Believe it … rest in it … enjoy it … live it … preach it … praise him for it!