Our Sin and Response – Genesis 3:7-10

Sin and Repentance
In Genesis 3:7-13, we see the effects of sin on Adam and Eve as their minds have been corrupted by sin. They no longer have the blessed union with Holy God but are ashamed and hide from Him while perpetuating their sin by trying to deal with sin in a sinful way.

God is holy
He is pure, free from any stain, perfect, immaculate. When we usually define God’s holiness we mean God is separate. The word holy itself means separate, derived from a word that means ‘to cut’ or ‘to separate’. R. C. Sproul explains “God’s holiness is more than just separateness. His holiness is also transcendent… When the Bible calls God holy, it means primarily that God is transcendentally separate. He is so far above and beyond us that He seems almost totally foreign to us.” God is holy also means he is pure and without sin. All that He is and does is holy. The angels in heaven cry out ‘Holy, holy, holy’ in worship because God is primarily and perfectly holy (Isaiah 6:1-3, Revelation 4:8). God’s holiness cannot tolerate sin and so sinners are unable to stand or even look upon God without terror and shame (Exodus 33:20, Isaiah 6:5)

What is sin?
R. C. Sproul helps explain that “first, sin is a debt; second, it is an expression of enmity; third, it is depicted as a crime.” Sin is a moral debt to God because we are His creatures created for a purpose. It is our duty and work to give glory to God and keep His commands but when we disobey, we incur a spiritual debt. That debt for even a single sin is more than we can pay.

Sin is also hatred towards God. Every sin begins in our hearts and minds as an attitude of hatred against God and a love for something else. Sin is not merely an action but thoughts and words which will be held accountable for.

Sin is also a crime against God’s law. When we transgress God’s commands we are criminals against the righteous and holy of God. A crime deserves judgment and punishment and we are sinners guilty before God the Judge. Not only do we commit crimes but as sinners, we enjoy and encourage those crimes in ourselves and others. Therefore our sins should not be taken lightly as they are serious violations of God’s law. God hates sin because sin is evil and deserves to be hated. One day it will be punished unless we repent and receive forgiveness.

The sinful response to sin
Adam and Eve took from the tree and ate the fruit that God forbid. Immediately their eyes were opened and they saw they were naked. They felt ashamed and covered themselves with leaves. But their coverings could not hide their sin and guilt. They hid from God out of fear of His holiness.

God is so patient towards sinners for He desires repentance. He calls to us like He called to Adam, “Where are you?” and “Did you disobey me?” He is merciful to withhold immediate judgment, giving us an opportunity to confess and repent. Yet, like Adam and Eve, we avoid repentance and excuse our sin. We avoid confession and even blame others. Even when we know that God knows all our sins, we still refuse to confess. Sin breaks our relationship with the Lord. We are no longer seeking Him in a loving obedient relationship but instead run away and desire to escape Him.

Repentance
However all attempts to avoid the reality and consequences of our sin are futile. There is only one way to be rid of our sin, and that is repentance. God promises that if we repent we will be forgiven and saved (Acts 2:36-38). It is not works, it is not payment or tribute that God requires of us. It is simply and mercifully the act of repentance in faith. Sinner and Christian alike, turn from your sin, stop defending or excusing your sinful ways, but repent! It is much more joyful and wonderful to repent before Holy God than to enter the trial in judgment.

Remember the parable of the prodigal son (Luke 15:11-32). See how miserable that son was while he faced the consequences of his sinful actions. When the pitiful son returns, the father only has love and blessing for the repentant son. Not a hint of scorn or rebuke. It was complete forgiveness and full restoration. Our heavenly Father is waiting for our repentance also, promising to pour out his grace and mercy. It is unexpected and unbelievable that God would love the sinner as much as He does. Why should you reject repentance when repentance leads to the wonderful grace of God? Instead, do not delay but quickly repent and believe and be saved.