Permanently Transient

Romans 3:23

"For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God."

What was the walk out of the Garden of Eden like? Try to imagine that first step leaving paradise. How did Adam and Eve react to what lay before them as they started on a journey without a destination? They didn’t see much of anything during the first few miles. Their heads were most likely lowered in disbelief and shame, trying to understand what had just happened. This was a perfect opportunity to try out a new pastime called “The Blame Game,” where they shifted responsibility for their actions onto each other. This game signaled the first consequence of sin.

“Eve, why did you make me take a bite? I wasn’t even hungry! And, besides, the sun got in my eyes!” “What are you talking about, Adam? God put you in charge. You were the first one He warned about that special tree. Dude, you should have known better! Don’t blame me! So... what do we do now?”

“What?” indeed. What were they going to do in this unknown and hostile environment? Dazed and confused, they knew they had to figure out a way to survive without God’s guidance and support. And they needed to figure it out pretty darn quickly! First, they had to work harder than ever, building a formidable shelter from the scorching sun. As if that wasn’t enough, they also had to deal with this salty wetness dripping into their eyes while working. Let’s not forget about the morning after. “Oh! My aching back!” None of this happened when they lived in their old neighborhood. Additionally, they would have to build another shelter the next night in a new location.

This process would be repeated until a suitable location was found to establish roots, likely very shallow roots. No more daily forecasts of “sunny and mild!” Those shelters additionally had to protect them from voracious beasts. The same animals Adam had given names to and romped with a few weeks prior. No more romping, now! These stalking predators have now added a new item to their menu, Homo Tartare; definitely not vegan!

Childbirth! Whoa! Men can never come close to even imagining it! I’m not even going to try. But, ladies, maybe you can conceive the pain and terror that Eve went through giving birth for the first time. (“Conceive” may have been a poor choice of words, but that’s what started this process!)

An unclear consequence was also present after their eviction from perfection. It would not be a concern that required a shield from the elements of nature. But one that would damage the self-esteem of humanity for generations. The alternative result would provide an arena to develop a new system of management called “religion,” complete with excruciating spiritual and psychological pain. But, that’s another topic for another day.

Can you imagine the profound sorrow Adam and Eve now must have held in their hearts? How did they theorize their previous actions? “I think we’ll call it ‘sin,’ Eve. It’s as good a word as any. What do you think? It’s short! People can remember it easily.” Yeah, too easily! In the beginning, that “sin” was the one and only. It was the prototype and the template for all the rest. It was Original! Nothing to be proud of, to be sure. Nevertheless, this single hereditary sin closed the door between Mankind and his Creator. It forged an impenetrable force shield that no human effort could get around. At least, not a Fallen Human!

But there was One Man who was the perfect choice for the job. He was an expert at breaking the unbreakable, saving the unsavable! And He did it willingly because His Father asked Him to. Fact! By being born, each one of us has sinned. Fact! To be in the presence of a perfect Creator, we, too, must be perfect. Fact! The death and resurrection of Jesus the Christ endowed us with that perfection. And it was a gift we all had the choice of accepting. Fact! If we make the right choice, His cleansing blood will cover us, and we can penetrate the force shield. Fact! We, the cleansed, can finally re-enter through the opened doors of paradise no longer transient and with our heads not directed downward, but held heavenward!

I don’t know what you’ve heard, but the truth is... "For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God." - Romans 3:23