What is Sin? Studies in Genesis

What is Sin? Illustrated by Adam and Eve Illustrated by Cain Illustrated by the Anti-Diluvian World

The Biblical Record of Adam and Eve The serpent tempted Eve, assailing the character and truthfulness of God, employing the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes and the pride of life. After eating of the forbidden fruit, she gave to her husband, and he also ate (Gen. 3:1-7, 8-24).

Relevant Lessons from Adam and Eve Adam and Eve disobeyed divine instructions that were clearly and effectively communicated. They compounded their offense by engaging in subsequent self- justification. The consequences of their sins affected their descendants.

The Biblical Record of Cain Cain brought an offering to the Lord of the fruit of the ground, but the Lord had no regard for his offering. In contrast, Abel (by faith) offered to God a better sacrifice than Cain. Instead of repenting, Cain became angry with Abel, rejected the counsel of God, and subsequently slew his brother (Gen. 4:1-15; cf. Heb. 11:4; 1 John 3:11-12; Jude 11).

Relevant Lessons from Cain Cain sinned in a variety of ways: in disobeying God’s instruction regarding sacrifice; in being angry with his brother without cause; and in wantonly shedding innocent blood. He did not resist temptation, master his emotions or sinful desires, or control his actions.

The Biblical Record of the Anti-Diluvian World Lamech, a descendant of Cain, evidenced even greater violence, and is the first person mentioned in the Bible to practice polygamy (Gen. 4:17-26). Subsequent generations fell deeper and deeper into sin, until wickedness and violence were great on the earth and the thoughts of man’s heart were on evil continually (Gen. 6:1-12).

Relevant Lessons from the Anti-Diluvian World Problems arise whenever men ignore God’s pattern for marriage. Material progress is no substitute for spiritual growth. When corruption and violence permeate society, it incurs divine judgment.

Conclusion Jesus Christ offers deliverance from the curse of sin and death (Rom. 5:12-15; 1 Cor. 15:20-22) Although we live in a world that is becoming more and more like the time of Noah, we would be foolish to forget the certainty of divine judgment (Matt. 24:36-39; 2 Pet. 2:4- 10).