Fall

<<man’s original sin; our potential>>

The Fall

This is the term given to the major incident when Adam and Eve disobeyed God (Gen 2:16,17, 3:1-11). This sinful act of rebellion was a catastrophic blunder causing not just the first humans to fall out of intimate relationshipwith God and His high ideals but it

Christ died to remedy the situation

affected, and continues to influence, all aspects of God’s creation (Gen 3:16-19). This sinful nature or bias towards evil was passed on to all following generations, resulting in physical death, disease, hardship, and with relationship issues (Ps 51:5; Rom 5:12; 1 Cor 15:21,22). As a result “Mankind loves darkness rather than light because their actions are evil” (Jn 3:19). The case is raised why we should be lumbered with Adam's sin nature, yet we inherit many physical characteristics or traits from our parents. Similarly, the penalty for sin has been passed on too, and although we may not consider this is fair, God says this is the situation.

Having chosen to live independently of the creator in whom is the meaning of our existence, fallen humanity seeks that meaning elsewhere, for it is impossible to cease from fundamentally being spiritual creatures. This search can lead into superstition, idolatry, witchcraft, the occult, unnatural and evil activities, immorality, New Age beliefs and false religions. Satan is happy with people engaging in counterfeits of Godly spirituality, as long as they don’t connect with the real Saviour – Jesus Christ who can save them from a lost eternity. Jesus came (the first Advent) and made it possible for humanity to return to a right relationship with God through the salvation experience. Those that have a real, life-changing encounter with Christ have passed from death to life, and will escape a lost eternity (Jn 3:16,18, 5:24). Salvation is only found in Him (Jn 14:6; Act 4:12; Eph 2:8,9). At the end of this age (the second Advent of Christ) the effects of the fall will be finally outworked as those who continue to practice sin will be banished to hell, for “The wages of sin is [spiritual] death…” (Rom 6:23).

Our very real potential to fall

The focus of ‘fall’ is normally centered on the disastrous episode in the Garden of Eden, yet the Bible says, “All have sinned and fall short [don’t meet His standards] of the glory of God” (Rom 3:23). Besides the ingrained sin

None of us are exempt from the possibility

nature, none of us this side of heaven are immune to Satan’s temptations and each of us have the potential to plunge from a place of victory to defeat. Such a fall is because we disregard His instructions and in rebellion knowingly choose to live life our way – not His as stated in the Bible.

Even when falling has been our experience, we can take comfort from Scripture: “The Lord directs the steps of the godly. He delights in every detail of their lives. Though they stumble, they will never fall [beyond a place where recovery is possible], for the Lord holds them by the hand…The Lord helps the fallen…for though a righteous man falls seven times, he will rise again…” (Ps 37:23,24, 145:14; Prov 24:16). Have the attitude, “…For though I fall, I will rise again…” (Mic 7:8). Don't become a failure by staying down. We are answerable for all we do (Rom 14:12). While there is forgiveness available after sinning and repenting, our wrongdoing should not be a continual habit, a knowingly living in sin (Rom 6:1; 1 Jn 3:9).

It is vital to get the Word of God embedded in your spirit, “Take hold of [God’s] instructions; don’t let them go. Guard them, for they are the key to life’ (Ps 119:11,165; Prov 4:11-13).

In the weakness of our flesh, we are unable to overcome sin because it is so deeply rooted in our human nature. Recognising we are weak and powerless we need to pray, 'Lord, please help me. Give me strength to overcome this weakness'. Prayer is

Say ‘No’ to sin, but ‘Yes’ to God

recognising our dependency on Him. God expects us to be proactive too, by not compromising or exposing ourselves to temptation, in fact the Bible says, “Flee from sexual immorality…idolatry…the love of money…youthful passions” (1 Cor 6:18, 10:14; 1 Tim 6:10; 2 Tim 2:22). Yet not only are we to run from temptation but to pursue after righteousness, godliness, faith, love, steadfastness and gentleness (1 Tim 6:11). Never be content with your current stage in your relationship with Christ and the progress made thus far. Paul said, “I press towards the mark, for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus” – the goal of becoming like Jesus totally, in every part of his personality (Phil 3:13,14). Do I have a similar goal?

Satan brings accusations and condemnation, ‘You are no good, you did it again. You’ll never measure up.’ If we accept these negative thoughts, they will keep us from God and in essence says to Jesus ‘Your blood isn’t good enough to cleanse me of this sin.’ In contrast, the Holy Spirit brings conviction that sheds light on our sin, helps us feel truly sorry, and points us to our Saviour (Jn 16:8). Our response should be to repent and accept Christ’s forgiveness (2 Cor 7:10; 1 Jn 1:9). We must be intentional and aggressive in our pursuit of enjoying and loving God.

To guard against falling we must keep our eyes on Jesus, not the sin that so easily ensnares, monitor the input into our minds, and take captive wrong thoughts that do enter (2 Cor 10:5; Heb 12:1,2). This requires being

When you fall, it is not the end if you repent

intentional as passivity usually leads to stumbling as the greatest battlefield is our minds and this requires constant vigilance. The Bible’s warning is, “If you think you are standing firm, be careful that you don’t fall” for Satan is always on the prowl looking for those who are vulnerable (1 Cor 10:12; 1 Pet 5:8). Be in honest accountability with other discerning and mature believers who are prepared to challenge you about anything they perceive to be not in agreement with Scripture. In turn we are to be sensitive and proactive to help facilitate the restoration into right relationship with God those who have been overtaken in sin (Eccl 4:9-12; Gal 6:1).