Genesis 3 The Fall

Fall of Man by Michelangelo (Sistine Chapel; 1512)

The Fall of Man by Cornelius Van Haarlem (1562-1638) The Fall of Man by Cornelius Van Haarlem (1562-1638). Note the goat (represents oppressors, wicked men, and demonic forces)

The Fall of Man by Hugo van der Goes (1440-1482). Note the serpent!

The Fall The Fall is the most pivotal moment in Human history The Fruit is Eaten The Results of the Fall Guilt Before God The Judgment The Abnormal Universe Separations

The Fruit is Eaten Genesis 3:6 Flow is from the internal (thought world)  external world 2 Corinthians 11:3 (we to may be beguiled) Temptation is possible when bound up in the man-woman relationship Two major drives in Man: To have a relationship w/God and to have a relationship with the opposite sex The wrong relationship with a man/woman can either lead us astray or force us to choose God (and face heartbreak)

The Results of the Fall Clearly outlined in Romans 5:12-19 From the Fall onwards man was and is a sinner Christians themselves were once rebels Thus we have the basic flow of history after the Fall: Man is in rebellion against God and in under God’s judgement

Guilt Before God Adam and Eve realized what they had done (Genesis 3:6-7) They made coverings for themselves (made from plant material) God re-clothes them in animal skins (more next week) Once confronted by God they begin to pass the guilt from themselves to another (Genesis 3:8-13)

The Judgment First, God speaks to the serpent Second, God speaks to Satan Third, God speaks to Eve

The Abnormal Universe Note that almost all of God’s judgments relate to the external world Although God was responsible for Creation, He could still affect it through fiat (His word). Creation is not a closed system. The earth is now abnormal In God’s judgment toil is involved Man’s toil will end at the second kind of death Christianity does not begin with Jesus Christ

Separations Separation is another theme of Genesis Separation between Man – God Separation between Man – Himself Separation between man – man Now we have two humanities – those still in rebellion and the redeemed. Another explanation for Evil – Man’s Free Will

Discussion Questions What are the greatest seductions and temptations of the modern world?

Discussion Questions What are the greatest seductions and temptations of the modern world? How do they relate to the seductions and temptations Adam and Eve faced?

Discussion Questions What are the greatest seductions and temptations of the modern world? How do they relate to the seductions and temptations Adam and Eve faced? How do Adam and Eve’s roles in the story differ?

Discussion Questions What are the greatest seductions and temptations of the modern world? How do they relate to the seductions and temptations Adam and Eve faced? How do Adam and Eve’s roles in the story differ? In what ways do those differences influence how we understand male-female relations and marriage today?

Discussion Questions Francis Schaeffer expresses the idea that, post- Fall, pure democracy is not possible. Some structure is required. Comments?