Go Deeper

More Key Bible Verses

Read Genesis 2 & 3.

Genesis chapters 2 & 3 explain the relationship God had with Adam and Eve and what happened to that relationship because of their disobedience. Take note of how the serpent, Satan, uses half-truths and misquotes from God’s words to deceive Adam and Eve. Take note also of how God justly and lovingly deals with Adam and Eve.

Read and study the following quotes from A Humanitarian in the Face of Rebellion chapter 2 of God—The Ultimate Humanitarian.

Sometimes the devastation of Fall into sin is downplayed or even turned into a good thing. See the Fall for what it was sin and destruction, but also take note of how God responded.

From a human perspective eating a piece of fruit doesn’t seem serious – at least not serious enough to bring sin and death to the entire human race! That is why this story is so valuable. It reveals that the human perspective is wrong. It exposes the deadly nature of all sin. It underscores there are no harmless or minor sins. Sins are not simple mistakes. Every sin is an act of disrespect and rebellion against God. So much so that even one sin makes people guilty of breaking all of God’s commandments.

God—The Ultimate Humanitarian, 12

Imagine being God. Imagine the anger, the hurt, and the disappointment he could have rightfully had. So what does he do? First take note of what he doesn’t do. He doesn’t immediately destroy them. Neither does he wait for them to come to him with their heads hanging down. Instead he takes the initiative and goes to them! He gently draws a confession of sin out of them. He remains committed to them even when Adam dares to point the finger of blame at him! Later in Genesis 3 we see God giving clothing to Adam and Eve. Even by driving them out of paradise, God was blessing them. If they would have remained, they would have eaten of the tree of life resulting in their living forever in their wretched, fallen state. In the face of terrible ingratitude and rebellion, God remained a humanitarian. He continued to act for the welfare of the human race.

God—The Ultimate Humanitarian, 14-15

Nothing good resulted from the Fall. At the Fall, however, something good happened. We have already seen how God did not abandon mankind. Instead he sought them out and provided for them. But he gave them something much more valuable than clothing. He gave them hope by giving them a promise of a Savior.

God—The Ultimate Humanitarian, 16

In the Garden of Eden we see the beginning of a pattern which will continue until the end of time: God persistently showing love to the human race even though mankind persists in sinning against him. His is an incredible, out of this world type of love. His is the love of the ultimate humanitarian.

God—The Ultimate Humanitarian, 17-18