I was reading Calvin and Hobbes.  Calvin asks Hobbes about the fall, “Do you think babies are born sinful? That they come into the wold as sinners?” Hobbes replies, “No, I think they’re just quick studies!”  The evangelical church still wrestles with a good definition or phrase to describe the fall’s effect on all of us.  I’m no theologian, but I know this — with the fall came the seeds of distrust and doubt that destroyed the ability to have inherently good relationships with one another.

Ok – before you read on.  Just get your Bible out so that you can take a look at the Word. 

Look back at Genesis – chapter 3, especially. The serpent used a very simple question when talking to Eve. He asked her, “Did God really say…?”  He was a tricky creature, planting those first seeds of doubt about God’s goodness. The results of the fall?!?! fear, hiding, and “passing the blame” rather than taking responsibility.

I was thinking about the many ways we tangibly see the negative effects of the fall.  There are relationships that I have valued greatly and poured my heart into – relationships that I have deliberately and with great intentionality invested in – seeing one of those relationships go south is a painful thing!  When love won’t save a relationship, you know you have to let it go.  It hurts!  And yet — this is what we reaped with the fall. 

The fall has a universal reach for sure!

• Romans 3:23: “For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God”.

• Romans 5:12: Explains how sin entered the world through one man and spread to all people.

• Jeremiah 17:9: talks about misplaced worship – describing the human heart as deceitful above all things.

But our hope remains because God created for us a beautiful, perfect communion with Him and with one another.  He created for us an environment where even our nakedness did not interfere with the relationship. But when the seeds of distrust and doubt began to sprout and take root in the very fiber of our being, this became our lot. 

Looking back at Luke 23 and seeing our Savior offer forgiveness during His own suffering, we were shown a beautiful example of grace!  Looking at Romans 5 and being reminded that just as sin increases, so does grace!!  Not just any kind of grace, but God’s grace that overcomes the growth of our fallen nature.  And then looking at Ephesians 2 and being reminded that salvation is a gift that we can receive – not something that we have to earn with our own efforts! 

Yes – I weep for relationships that are lost, but — for every one of those relationships that yet remains and flourishes and grows in grace, truth, love, hope, laughter, joy, and so much more – I do rejoice!  I rejoice because I know that the effects of the fall will necessarily bring weeds with it — but the miracle of grace, the great miracle of Calvary, will inevitably bring beautiful fragrant roses that will not die or fade, but that will bloom even in eternity. 

Sickness, strife, hate, shame, death, lies, self-preservation, manipulation, distrust, doubt, misplaced worship — all these things are the results of the fall.  But the good news is that although we live here on this earth and see and experience the effects of the fall, we can remain hopeful.  We should remain hopeful because there will be a day when every knee will bow and every tongue confesses that He is Lord.  There will be a day when a new heaven and a new earth will come into existence, and when our relationship as servants to and lovers of the ruler of our hearts will be our reality every day! 

We can have restoration and eternal hope!!  Don’t Miss Your Shout Cue!!!

Philippians 2: 9 –11 reminds us of the day in the future when Jesus will receive ultimate exaltation from all of creation.  Revelation 21 tells us all about the time when death shall be no more – not in heaven, nor on earth. No more weeping and wailing!!

We’re quick studies about sin – but we can be changed!

Father, help us!  The matters of the world around us are growing within us seeds of distrust and doubt. These things are touching our hearts and minds and damaging many relationships.  We admit that there have been times when we have chosen fear, hiding, and blaming over honesty and love.  What I am asking is that you remind us of your grace for us. Remind us that no matter what has wounded us, no matter how human love fails, no matter what pains we face – You Grace Is Enough!  Thank you so much for sending our Savior, Jesus Christ, who showed us true pain-filled forgiveness. He showed us how to live better, so I ask that you keep us filled with your Holy Spirit so that we can plant good seeds. Help us to place our trust in Your goodness. Please bring Your peace to our broken places. Help us celebrate good times with gratitude. Make each of us known for how we are redeemed and how great the One we serve has worked in us.  In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen.