Welcome!
I’m glad you’ve decided to join me on this journey of knowing God’s unfailing love for you. We start at the beginning of the Bible, Genesis Chapter One. There is a saying that the Old Testament is the New Testament concealed, and the New Testament is the Old Testament revealed. As Believers, we sometimes focus on New Testament scripture, thinking the Old Testament doesn’t have much to teach us. However, when the Apostle Paul wrote to Timothy, “All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness” (II Timothy 3:16 NIV), he was referring to the writings we know as the Old Testament. By reading the Old Testament, we can see that God has always loved us and always moved toward us. He is a loving Father Who wants His children always to be close to Him. We are His most treasured creation.
How It All Began
In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth (Genesis 1:1). He created the oceans and the land, the grass and the trees, the fish and the animals. After He created all these things, the earth was ready for His most treasured creation: Humanity.
So God created Adam, the first man, and Eve, the first woman. He made them in His image, and a little lower than the angels, and crowned them with glory and honor (Genesis 1:27, Psalm 8:5). He planted a luxurious garden for them to live in, with everything they needed for life. What’s more, He gave Adam dominion over the earth and all its creatures (Genesis 1:26, 28). Adam was the king.
An Enemy in the Kingdom
But for every kingdom, there is an enemy who wants to take the throne. In Adam’s case, that enemy was Satan, a former angel who had served in God’s throne room. Rebellious Satan had tried to take over God’s kingdom, and failed. God cast him out, never to hold a place of trust or glory again (Isaiah 14:12-15). When God created the earth and put Adam on its throne, Satan saw his chance to take another throne for himself. And slyly, instead of attacking Adam directly, he went for his weakness, Eve.
Eve, the stunning beauty God had made to be Adam’s companion and helper (Genesis 2:18). Eve, who Adam had declared to be “bone of my bones, and flesh of my flesh” (Genesis 2:23). Eve, the only one of her kind among creation (Genesis 2:20-22). When faced with a choice between his woman and his Creator, what would Adam do?
The Enemy’s Attack
Disguised as a serpent, Satan stealthily infiltrated Adam and Eve’s garden home. That crafty creature began his attack by subtly sowing a seed of doubt in Eve, asking, “Did God really say, ‘You must not eat from any tree in the garden’?” Eve, who had not yet been created when God gave the command, answered a partly true answer, “We may eat fruit from the trees in the garden, but God did say, ‘You must not eat fruit from the tree that is in the middle of the garden, and you must not touch it, or you will die'” (Genesis 3:1, 2). The serpent, watering his seed of doubt, replied, “You will not surely die… For God knows when you eat of it your eyes will be opened, and you will be like God, knowing good and evil” (Genesis 3:4, 5).
The serpent’s seed took root in Eve. She turned her eyes to the abundant fruit. It looked delectable, sumptuous, hanging from that forbidden tree. She picked one and took a bite. Then she gave some to Adam, who had been there with her as the serpent planted and watered his doubtful seed. Adam swiftly made his decision and ate the fruit, consciously choosing his companion over his Creator (Genesis 3:6).
And then…
The Fall
With that one bite, Adam gave his kingdom over to Satan. His dominion over the earth and its creatures was gone. Instead, Satan had dominion over him (Romans 5:7).
What’s more, Adam and Eve’s eyes were opened, just as the serpent said they would be. They suddenly understood good and evil. With their understanding, their innocence was gone. They were ashamed.
Most devastating of all, they were separated from God. Their direct connection with their Father and Creator was broken. They would never know that sweet, unhindered communion with Him again.
God’s Preemptive Plan
But even as Adam and Eve turned their backs on God, He did not turn His back on them. He moved toward them and did not abandon them. As God sorrowfully described the consequences of their sin, He also declared His plan for their redemption. Their Creator, Who knew from the beginning how Adam and Eve would use their free will, had no intention of letting Satan reign over His most treasured creation. Satan, who thought he had defeated Almighty God with one simple lie to Eve, learned he would lose in the end and Humanity would take back dominion over the earth (Genesis 3:14-19).
So began God’s plan to redeem humanity from Satan’s grasp and restore us to perfect, unbroken relationship with Him.
The Main Point
From the very beginning of creation, God had a plan to redeem humankind from Satan. He knew Adam would sin and give his kingdom over to Satan, but He was not caught off guard. He did not abandon Adam and Eve. Instead, He told them how He would redeem them. God showed them He did not intend for humanity to be separated from Him. He continued to be the loving Creator, pursuing relationship with His most treasured creation throughout the ages, always calling us to be close to Him.
Over the next several days, read Genesis 1-3 a few times and take special notice of how God prepared the earth for humans. Think about the care He put into planting the garden for them to live in, and how He did not turn His back on Adam and Eve when they sinned. As you read, think about the ways God provides for you. Recognize that He is constantly showing you His unfailing love and never turns His back on you.
How has God shown you His unfailing love? Leave a comment below!