The Fall – Genesis 3

W hat does the text say? It it literal history? Application to our nature? 123

The Account of the Fall 123

The Account of the Fall Skeptics & Unbelievers 123

The Account of the Fall Skeptics & Unbelievers – Supernatural = Impossible 123

The Account of the Fall Skeptics & Unbelievers – Supernatural = Impossible – Primitive Explanation 123

The Account of the Fall Skeptics & Unbelievers – Supernatural = Impossible – Primitive Explanation – Social / Political Statement 123

The Account of the Fall Skeptics & Unbelievers – Supernatural = Impossible – Primitive Explanation – Social / Political Statement – Nature Relationship 124

The Account of the Fall Skeptics & Unbelievers – Supernatural = Impossible – Primitive Explanation – Social / Political Statement – Nature Relationship – Ancient Creation Myths 124

The Account of the Fall Skeptics & Unbelievers – Supernatural = Impossible – Primitive Explanation – Social / Political Statement – Nature Relationship – Ancient Creation Myths – Evolution Theory 124

The Account of the Fall Literal – Not worded like analogy – Written as and in context with history – Treated as history in Scripture 125

The Account of the Fall Archeology 126

The Account of the Fall Archeology 150

The Account of the Fall Archeology 151

The Account of the Fall Archeology – Warning: Often unclear and controversial interpretations 126

The Account of the Fall Archeology – Warning: Often unclear and interpretations are controversial – Dominant Biblical themes ARE prominent in ancient art and story telling suggesting an original historical event 127

The Account of the Fall Alternate Ancient Accounts – Many, if not most, ancient civilizations have a “Fall” tradition – The existence of fiction does not negate the existence of accurate history 128

The Events of Genesis 3 Prohibition – – “command” (3:11, 17) – Implies ability to understand – Implies ability to keep directive 128

Meaning of the Events Prohibition – – No reason to believe it was not the eating of the fruit – Difficulties because of unknowns Variety Garden gone Tree of life gone 130

Meaning of the Events Prohibition – – Why a prohibition? – Like giving razorblades to a baby? – True love requires the possibility of not loving 130

Meaning of the Events The Temptation – – The Tree Consequence of disobedience? Ability to discern? Wisdom in the sense of God’s wisdom which man cannot / is not to try to attain on his own? 131

Meaning of the Events The Serpent – – “snake” – 2 Co 11:3 – Satan / Devil Re 12:9; 20:2 Note: “more subtle than any beast of the field” (Coffman) 132

Meaning of the Events The Temptation – – Serpent’s first attempt: – “Are there any trees in the garden of which you may not eat” – “Hath God said ye shall not eat of any?” (Pulpit) 132

Meaning of the Events The Temptation – – Woman’s response: – “God has said…” Omits “every” Adds “nor shall you touch it” Uses “lest” 133

Meaning of the Events The Temptation – – Serpent’s second attempt – Denial of “surely die” – Impugned God’s motives 134

Meaning of the Events The Temptation – – Woman’s response “good for food” “pleasant to the eyes” “desirable to make one wise” Cf 1 Jn 2:16 135

Meaning of the Events The Violation – – The woman ate – She gave to her husband and he ate – Note 1 Ti 2:14 135

Meaning of the Events The Consequence – – Eyes opened – Sin known to God Man admits but implicates – Woman – God who “gave” her 136

Meaning of the Events The Consequence – – Eyes opened – Sin known to God Woman admits but implicates – The serpent – Deception 137

Meaning of the Events The Curses – – Serpent On physical instrument On the possessor – Enmity – Conflict – Loss / Victory 138

Meaning of the Events The Curses – – Woman Sorrow / conception multiplied Pain in child bearing Desire for your husband, and he shall rule over you 139

Meaning of the Events The Curses – – Man Ground cursed Eat herb by work Until return to ground 140

Meaning of the Events The Curses – – DEATH Connected to both physical and spiritual death 140

Meaning of the Events The Curses – – Is God Just? Do not underestimate their maturity or intellect A SERIOUS rebellion and inversion of roles has occurred 142

Meaning of the Events The End – – God clothed them – “know good and evil” – Removed from garden & way to tree of life 143