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Theological Studies: Holiness In Genesis Chapter 3 Week One Core Competency Project Doctrine of Holiness November 10, 2006 HOLINESS IN GENESIS CHAPTER 3 EXEGESIS � Old Testament Context o Genesis chapter three picks up the story of creation at the point of the deception and fall of humankind. To this point Adam and Eve (not yet named so) had existed in perfect (holy) harmony with their creator. Very few commands had been given to them, but the one of greatest importance was to not eat of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil which God had placed in the center of the Garden. Before we read of the fall itself it is important to note what is allowing the fall. God has, in His creation of humankind, created a being with whom He can be in relationship with, a being who is able to make choices, and thus a being who is able to obey or disobey. This foundation is integral to everything else that we find in God�s word. God is not a stagnant God, nor are we a stagnant creation. God did not create drones that have no choice but to serve, worship, and obey Him with their every waking breath. Rather, we are free to choose and respond to His love. In chapter three Adam and Eve are given their first (recorded) choice to obey or disobey a command of God. It is their choice to disobey. It is my belief that it was more the appeal of the tree itself, both its fruit and the thought of gaining wisdom than the acts of the serpent that led to their disobedience. As Greathouse writes, �The woman makes no response to the serpent�s charge; she focuses only on the potential of the tree, which she saw as �good for food,� �a delight to the eyes,� and above all �desirable for gaining wisdom��that is, the knowledge of good and evil� (41). This is important because it shows right away the power that the world itself could and did have over the thoughts of Adam and Eve. So again, this passage puts into context much of the New Testament thought concerning turning away from the things of the world and dedicating our lives in holiness to God. � The Original Author�s Intent o The obvious intent of this passage and all of Genesis is to lay the foundation for the beginnings of the earth and subsequent formation of God�s people, that is, Israel. o More specifically, Genesis chapter three exists to explain the current state of humankind and why we are forced to work our way back into holy relationship with God. What this passage does not do is tell how we are to return to that holy relationship. � A Contribution to our Understanding of Holiness o This passage does set the framework, a before and after of sorts, for the state of holiness. The unfortunate fact is that we now have an after and before for which we much strive. We do not begin life in holy communion with God as Adam and Eve did. Rather, we begin life separated from God and must work our way back into holy relationship with Him. A few important quotes from Greathouse: � �Sin is the delusion of self-sovereignty� (41). � �Each person is lured or enticed when by his own desire� (43). � �Sin is a matter of disobedience, of rebellion against God, of an effort to be �like God� (3:5)�and therefore independent of God� (43). � �The sin that brought a deprivation of the holiness in which man was created resulted in moral depravation for Adam�s race� (43). � Spiritual Lessons o The fact that we are able to respond is just as significant as how we respond. We should honor God for giving us the ability to choose to say yes to Him. This choice is what truly allows us to give authentic glory and praise to our Creator. o Be aware of both the tempter and the temptation. Eve was able to put aside the tempter, but was overtaken by the temptation itself. � In My Own Words o And so the crafty serpent set out to twist the words of God and deceive Eve and her husband. �Did God tell not to eat of any tree in the garden?� he cunningly asks. �Well,� responds Eve, �there is this one tree in the middle. He told us not to eat of it, and if we do, we will surely die!� �Ha!� says the serpent, �That�s nonsense. God just doesn�t want you to be wise like He is, able to know what is good and what is evil.� But Eve, more entranced by the tree itself and the possibility of gaining wisdom decides to disobey God and sinks her teeth into one of the pieces of fruit. Enthralled by the fantastic taste of the fruit, she gives some to her equally curious husband who willingly partakes as well. To their surprise, they do not feel accomplished in their feat, but rather are immediately aware of their nakedness and are brought to shame. They attempt to cover themselves with leaves (which must have been amusing to watch) all the while trying to hide from God, knowing they had disobeyed Him. God seeks them out and questions them as to how they know they are naked. �The serpent made me do it!� cries out Eve. �That woman you put with me here made me do it!� exclaims Adam. And so all three, the serpent, Eve, and Adam are punished for their actions. The serpent must now crawl on its belly, woman will now experience extreme pain in childbirth, and men will have to toil in the fields for food, which will also produce thorns and weeds. As a final act of punishment, God makes for them more suitable clothing and tells them to hit the road, shutting them out of Eden, with a great flaming sword blocking the way back in. SPIRITUAL FORMATION EXERCISE A Poem: Deception It was an autumn afternoon The sun slightly shadowed by the gaze of the moon The tree stood strong Yet wavering in the wind As two newly made Not yet had they sinned. Leaves falling in the season�s array Somehow predicting these two�s dismay A command had been made From their creator above Obey me this day Abide in my love. For ye I have placed many a tree Of fine fruit and delicacy But of but one in the middle placed Do not in your ignorance choose to partake. A slithering evil, craftier than all God�s being selfish; you can eat of them all! Captured by the beauty and image of the tree She ate the fruit and passed it along As they fell from innocence And their Creator�s holy song. SUMMARY AND APPLICATION Perhaps the greatest lesson that I have learned through my study this week has been has desired to be in holy relationship with us from the very beginning of time. How amazing it is that we have a Creator who willingly chose to make a creation that could choose to respond to Him. Today, through Christ we have the opportunity to seek out restitution from the fall, and realize our true potential as children of God. We have a calling to be perfect as our heavenly father is perfect, which is no more than saying, be perfect as Adam and Eve were perfect before they chose disobedience. For we cannot hope to achieve divinity, but we can hope and strive to achieve holiness before God. Word Count: 1263 |