Genesis gives us a picture of man's origin, his fall, and God's provision for his salvation. Because the Bible is indeed the inspired Word of God, we can depend upon Genesis being absolutely correct in every detail.
As we have seen, man was created to have fellowship with God, but because of his stubborn self-will, he chose to go his own independent way and fellowship was broken. This is what the Bible calls sin.
As a result of the fall of Adam, all mankind inherited a sin nature. The apostle Paul writes, "Sin entered the world through one man, and death through sin, and in this way death came to all men, because all sinned" (Romans 5:12).
It is this first act in the drama of mankind that sets the stage for all that is to follow. If there had been no sin, there would have been no need for redemption, and no need for a Bible to tell us the way of redemption.
This lesson focuses on the origins of man and sin and the results of the fall. As you study, relate the events of our earliest history to the condition of our present world and how it affects you today.
Origin of Man
How did our world come into existence? (Genesis 1) What was the condition of the world and everything that was in it at this time? (Genesis 1:10,12,18,21,25)
How did the first man come into existence? (Genesis 1:27) Was he an intelligent being at this time? (Genesis 2:20) How do you know?
How was the first woman brought into existence? (Genesis 2:21-22)
Origin of Sin
What was man's commission from God? (Genesis 1:28-30) What was man's relationship with God at this time?
How would you describe Satan's personality characteristics when he appeared as a serpent, confronting Eve? (Genesis 3:1-5) How has he used these same personality characteristics in confront you?
Whose word did Satan question? (Genesis 3:1) Did Eve answer truthfully? (Genesis 3:2-3, look particularly at the last phrase of verse 3, then at 2:17)
In light of I John 2:16, analyze the temptation and list the three parts (Genesis 3:6)
Why was it wrong for Adam and Eve to eat of this tree? (Genesis 2:16-17)
Sin's Result
What was the result of the sin of the man and the woman? (Genesis 3:7-8)
What was the penalty for each of the following: The serpent, the woman, and the man? (Genesis 3:14-19) How was the man's relationship with God altered? (Genesis 3:8-10)
What did God promise regarding Satan's destiny? (Genesis 3:15)
The "seed of the woman" is the way the Bible describes the entrance of Christ into the world -- conceived of the Holy Spirit, born of a woman, without a human father. (Matthew 1:18-23) In light of this, explain the correlation between Christ's first and second coming in this verse.
Life Application
How does Adam and Eve's sin affect you today? (Romans 5:12)
Starting with Genesis 3:15, God begins to point to the time when the penalty for sin would be paid on man's behalf by the seed of the woman. In the chart below, notice the prophecies pointing to Christ and their fulfillment in Him.
ACTION PROMISE FULFILLMENT
1. Born of a virgin Genesis 3:15;
Isaiah 7:14 Matthew 1:18-23
2. From the nation of Israel Genesis 12:3;
Numbers 24:17,19 Matthew 1:1-17
3. Tribe of Judah, family of David Genesis 49:10;
Isaiah 11:1,10 Luke 1:31-33
4. Born in Bethlehem Micah 5:2 Luke 2:4,6,7
5. Time of coming Daniel 9:24-26 Galatians 4:4
6. Part of childhood in Egypt Hosea 11:1 Matthew 2:14,15
7. Suffering and atonement Isaiah 53:4-6 2 Corinthians 5:21
8. Triumphal entry Zechariah 9:9 Matthew 21:2,4,5
9. Crucifixion Psalm 22 Matthew 27
10. Resurrection Psalm 16:9,10 Acts 2:31,32
These are only a few of the more than three hundred Old Testament references to the coming of the Messiah that were fulfilled in the life, ministry, death, and resurrection of Jesus.
Look up all the references listed there regarding the promises and their fulfillment and read them. What is the overall picture they present to you?
Read Romans 3:23 and 6:23. Describe what Jesus' death and resurrection means to you.
Adapted from The 10 Basic Steps Toward Christian Maturity, by Bill Bright, co-founder of Campus Crusade for Christ. © Cru. All rights reserved.
