In the beginning God created man holy, upright, blameless, with his own righteousness. Adam was given one law: “…but of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, thou shalt not eat of it….” Adam disobeyed this one law and the sentence of the law was carried out—Adam died spiritually and lost his righteous standing before God. The moment Adam disobeyed the commandment of God sin entered the world and death by sin.

God, in His infinite wisdom, allows sin for the honor and glory of His Son the Lord Jesus Christ and for the good of His elect people. This (the honor and glorification of Christ) is the reason for all things (I Cor. 8:6 and Hebrews 2:9-10). In the eternal council of God a covenant was made between God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit to elect, save, and call a chosen people out of their sin. To save this people required that they first need something to be saved from; therefore, God allowed Satan (who can do nothing without God’s permission (Job 1:6-12, 2:1-7; Luke 22:31-32; Mark 5:12-13)) to tempt and deceive Eve who in turn convinced Adam to break God’s word and thus sin entered the world. Having sinned, Adam tried to cover himself with the works of his hands (the fig leaves), but God in merciful grace killed a ram and shed the blood of the innocent instead of Adam’s and clothed Adam with its skin. The ram killed is a picture of Christ who died upon the cross bearing my sin and shame that I might be clothed with His righteousness.

Sin by its very existence causes praise, honor, and glory to be given to the Lord of Hosts. Once the Holy Spirit opens the sinner’s eyes and reveals the sinfulness of our hearts by nature that knowledge is used to reveal the attributes of God. The sinner comes to the horrible realization that he “cannot serve the LORD: for He is an holy God; He is a jealous God; he will not forgive your transgressions nor your sins” (Josh 24:19). The sinner also comes to a realization that the wrath of God is upon him. For the Lord is angry with the wicked every day and there is none good but God. Yet, despair not, but praise the Lord God Almighty for He is also merciful, patient, faithful, loving, and gracious.

Adam’s fall in the garden was due to his attack on and disobedience to God’s Sovereignty. Adam disobeyed God’s commandment and God’s Holiness and Justice cried out for payment. But, the mercy of God provided a ransom to pay the debt that we could not pay. Christ Jesus, God, came from glory, dwelt as a man among his creation, lived perfectly obeying God’s law in every point, and in the fullness of time laid down his life taking upon him the curse and wrath of God and paid the debt owed by His elect to God’s justice. What wonderful love, grace, and mercy is displayed by this act. Jesus Christ left glory, dwelt among sinful man who hates Him and His Father, that while we were still in our sin and separated from God—Christ bore the sin of His elect on Calvary (the just for the unjust) that we might be made righteous before God.

The righteousness that Adam was given from God when he was created was fragile and unsure. To keep that righteousness and maintain communion with God was solely dependent on Adam (the creature) to keep the law. Though Adam’s fall condemned the entire race, God’s Lamb (slain from before the foundation of the world) provides a sure and complete righteousness. This righteousness is the righteousness of God (the creator) Himself and is as sure as the promises of God and just as long lasting. Christ Jesus proclaimed on the cross “It is finished” and as proof that the work was done and accepted God the Father raised Him from the dead and He now sits at the right hand of the Father waiting until his enemies are made his footstool.

What is required to be free from the bondage of sin? to enter into eternal rest and be made righteous before God? Simply believe in the Lord Jesus Christ and you shall inherit eternal life.