In this episode of Making Great Saints, Dr. Michael Fonseca talks about the fall of man. Walking us through the story of the first sin in Genesis 3, he shares how in the beginning, Adam and Eve were in a harmonious and covenant union with God, each other, themselves, and creation. To maintain this harmonious relationship, God asks Adam and Eve to remember that while they are made in His image and likeness, they are not God.
In succumbing to temptation, Adam and Eve usurp God’s authority and usher in disorder and disharmony into their relationship with God, each other, themselves, and creation.
Then the eyes of both of them were opened, and they knew that they were naked
Genesis 3:7
Dr. Fonseca then illustrates their behavior in more detail after the first sin. Adam and Eve experience themselves as naked and know shame (Genesis 3:7). They also blame one another (Genesis 3:12-13). They are fearful, distrustful, and selfish. Sin leads them to self-preservation and their behavior towards each other and God is divisive.
In taking time to reflect, we can see similarities in our own lives. How is our relationship with God, others, and ourselves impacted when take control, usurp God’s authority, and make ourselves the lord of our own lives? In contrast, how do we experience life when we respect God’s sovereignty and trust in His goodness and promises?
A Message of Hope
Dr. Fonseca ends with a message of hope, of how God will restore us to His image and likeness and a harmonious relationship with Himself, each other, ourselves, and all of creation.
*Scripture texts above are taken from the New American Bible, revised edition.