What we had, and lost, and can have again
Lessons from the Garden of Eden Text: Genesis 1-3
What we had… (who we were)
Five Characteristics of Humanity in the Garden
Physical life Gen. 2:21-23, 3:23, I Cor. 14:7
Spiritual life Gen. 2:7, 2 Cor. 4:16
` Significance Gen. 1:26-28, Psm. 8:4-8
Safety / Security Gen. 1:29, Phil. 4:19
Social Satisfaction Gen. 2:18
Original Creation
Body Mind Will Spirit Emotions
We were physically alive - with body in union with spirit
We were spiritually alive – with spirit in union with God
What we lost…
The Results of the Fall Physical life of suffering Gen. 3:14-19 Spiritual death Gen. 2:17, Rom. 5:12
Lost knowledge of God Gen. 3:7-8, Eph.4:17-18
Loss of innocence Gen. 3:10, 4:5-7
Loss of peace
Loss of acceptance Gen. 2:18, Isaiah 59:1-2
Loss of security Gen. 2:10, Ezra 9:7
Loss of significance Rom. 6:19, Gal. 5:22-23
Fallen Creation Spiritually dead
A Corrupt mind – loss of the knowledge of God
Ignorance & deception
A depraved will – loss of innocence
The elevation of self
Emotional dysfunction – loss of peace
Fear, anxiety, depression, anger & shame
What we can have again…
The offer of life “in Christ”
Physical life (redeemed) Rom. 6:13, 8:18-23, 12:1
Spiritual life (restored) John 20:31, 1 John 5:20
Acceptance “in Christ” 1 Peter 2:9, Rom. 15:7
Security “in Christ” John 10:28-29, Eph. 1:13-14
Significance “in Christ” John 1:12-13, 1 John 3:1-2
Life “in Christ”
We are spiritually alive – our spirit in union with God
We are given the mind of Christ 1 Cor. 2:16, Rom. 12:2
We are given the Spirit to produce the fruit of the Spirit
Gal. 5:22-23
We are given the Spirit of God to help us do the will of God
Gal. 5:16
JESUS offers us:
Acceptance
Affirmation of worth
Eternal significance
Relational belonging
(all free, but for a limited time)
2 Cor. 6:2 “… now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation.”