SIN ENTERED THE WORLD

Right after God judged Adam and Eve because of their disobedience, here's what happened: "Then the man—Adam—named his wife Eve, because she would be the mother of all who live. And the Lord God made clothing from animal skins for Adam and his wife" (Genesis 3:20-21). It is important to note that all human beings came from Adam and Eve. They are our great-great... grandparents. So, it is safe to say that there is only one race on the earth: the human race. We have different ethnicities in this world, but there is only one human race. The other important thing to note is that God did not abandon Adam and Eve but continued to take care of them. For the first time in God's creation, an animal's life was sacrificed to clothe Adam and Eve with its skin. Death came even to all the creation. Romans 5:12 says, "When Adam sinned, sin entered the world. Adam's sin brought death, so death spread to everyone, for everyone sinned." It was the consequences of Adam's sin that all human beings became sinners. We all inherited Adam's sin. Any infants that are born inherit Adam's sin. 

We can see the effect of sin in our lives. All of us aged and eventually die. All of us suffer because of sin. Many people blame God for the sufferings of this world. They say, "If God is good and loving, why does He allow suffering in this world?" They do not understand that all sufferings in this world are the result of disobedience against God. Since God is holy and just, He cannot allow disobedience to go unpunished. His character and love for us demand discipline and correction, for His discipline and correction lead us back to life and restoration. The animal that God sacrificed to clothe Adam and Eve is a picture of our Lord Jesus's death. It was through His death and resurrection that God clothed us with His righteousness. We were naked of our sin and shame, but Jesus washed away our sins with His blood and put His righteousness on us so that we can be restored in our relationship with our Heavenly Father. So when our Heavenly Father sees us, He sees us with our Lord Jesus' righteousness. 

When sin entered this world, this world became susceptible to death and decay. Human beings became prone to all kinds of sickness, violence, crime, and suffering. Sin destroys everything good in us and in this world. The only solution to our sin and suffering is a genuine faith in our Lord Jesus. He is the only way, the only truth, and the only life that can restore us from our sins (John 14:6).  

Questions for application: (Think through these questions carefully, meditate on them while answering them, and let the Spirit of God speak to you.) What is the cause of death and suffering in this world? How did God demonstrate His love to us, despite our disobedience? How can I be forgiven and be clothed with the righteousness of my Lord Jesus? 

Take a moment to write down all your worries today. Then, lift them to God in prayer, surrendering them to His will and trusting in His guidance.

Prayer:

Dear Father in Heaven, thank you for loving me despite my sins. You never give up on me. You correct and discipline me to restore me to the right path. Thank you, Jesus, for washing my sins away and clothing me with your righteousness. I am forgiven and righteous before my Heavenly Father because of what you have done in my life. May my attitude reflect my gratitude before you today. In your name, Jesus, I pray. Amen.