The Diagnosis
The gospel provides real hope and the answers to age old questions. In Genesis 3 there are four lies that Satan presents to Eve that appear to have positive benefits yet only result in misery and death.[i] The first is in the idea that we can discover our own truth and is found in verse 1 when the serpent asked “Did God actually say, ‘You shall not eat of every tree in the garden’?” The reality is that without God we can do nothing and that if we seek truth outside His truth it will inevitably be a departure from the truth since Jesus is the way, the truth and the life (John 14:6).
The second is in verse 4, “You will not surely die.” and is the premise that we can overcome death. Whilst Hebrews 9:27 tells us that it is appointed for man to die once and then the day of judgement, New Age advocates the view of reincarnation and multiple births rather than being born again (regeneration by God’s grace and the Holy Spirit). The irony was that the fall did result in death.
The third lie is in verse 5, “Your eyes will be opened.” This is a huge temptation giving a false promise that we can expand our consciousness. Whilst knowledge increased, Adam and Eve were no longer innocent and the knowledge they and their ancestors have acquired has resulted in destruction and many false theories, religions and philosophies.
The fourth lie is from verse 5 in that we can become like God. That was the same sin that Satan succumbed to which we read about in Isaiah 14:12-21 and Ezekiel 28:11-19. It is open rebellion against God and wanting to claim what is rightfully His. This also results in death.
The Shifting of Responsibility
God graciously gives Adam and Eve the opportunity to confess their sins before He provides a means of restoring them. Before the verdict is given, they play the original blame game. Adam blames Eve and even states “the woman whom you gave to be with me, she gave me fruit of the tree and I ate.” Adam was blaming Eve and even attempting to put the responsibility for his actions on God!
Eve blamed the serpent. “The serpent deceived me and I ate.” Who do we blame for our sins and our actions; God, our neighbour or the devil? The problem is actually with us. We may be tempted by others, but we are condemned by our own actions. The ideas of discovering truth independently from God, overcoming death, expanding our consciousness and becoming God didn’t live up to their expectations but resulted in death.
God’s Provision and Promise of Redemption
The makeshift garments from fig leaves were not sufficient to deal with the problem behind their nakedness. Animal skins had to be provided since a sacrifice had to be made which involved blood and death to atone for sin. This would point to the sacrifice of our Lord at Calvary. Our righteousness is as filthy rags yet the Lord clothes us in righteousness.
Genesis 3:15 is that wonderful first prophecy in Genesis which foretells the Messiah born of a woman (Joseph had no physical relations with Mary before Yeshua (Jesus) was born) and the promise of redemption through a Divine Saviour. Satan bruised our Lord’s heel, yet the Lord will soon crush Satan under your feet (Romans 16:20).
In stark contrast with the old lie, the Lord Jesus is the truth and His Word is the truth and He sanctifies us by the truth. He gives us everlasting life when we come to a position of faith when we trust in Him, not in ourselves. He can fill our minds with the revelation of knowledge and wisdom of Him. Rather than becoming ‘gods’ we are to imitate Him and become more like Him in our character for His glory and not for ours.
[i] James Watkins Sharing the Old Story with New Age Believers http://www.jameswatkins.com/newage.htm Please note that whilst the archived article is useful, I don’t necessarily agree with everything posted on that particular site…