Genesis 3:8-13
Categories: Bible Study LessonsWhen Israel arrived at the foot of Mt. Sinai, Moses was commanded to set up barriers to make a separation between Israel and God the reason being, “lest he break out against them” (Exodus 19:23-24). Later, the people had no trouble keeping the command to distance themselves from God, because they saw the majestic destructive force of the Almighty (Exodus 20:18-20).
In our text today Israel learns the reason why there exists a barrier between themselves and God. When Adam and Eve disobeyed they learned shame which includes here the dread of being found out. Here then is part of separation between God and man. Man breaks God’s law and dreads a confrontation with a just lawgiver. The confrontation only increases our awareness of how guilty man is. Man makes his defense. Woman makes her defense. The defense is wholly and utterly inadequate. Adam and Eve are guilty. God changes from a role of fellowship to that of being Judge. God and man can no longer fellowship because God is holy and man is unholy.
From the very beginning of the record of God’s dealings with man we learn of consequences for sin. It amazes me that to this very hour there are those who read this same Bible and make the claim that God will not punish sin eternally as He said he would. God, however, has appointed one to judge (Acts 17:30-31; John 12:48) and has appointed a time for judgment (John 5:28-29) and has appointed a means of judgment (2 Thessalonians 1:7-10).
Further lessons from this text include:
The futility of hiding sin from God.
God doesn’t accept a defense that puts the blame on another. We are guilty of our own sins (Ezekiel 18:20).
God doesn’t accept a claim of deception as a mitigating factor.