Mankind’s first decision to disobey God’s word is revealed to us in the beginning of Genesis, chapter 3. Sin was not introduced when Eve made the choice to eat from the tree of knowledge of good and evil; the choice for sin was introduced when man was given freewill through God’s directive. Therefore, the initial sin of mankind was when Eve blatantly disregarded God’s word and chose to believe Satan in the form of a serpent. The moment we defy God, sin becomes an integral part of our lives.
Satan uses one of God’s own creatures as a catalyst for the fall of man (Genesis 3:1). Crafty and deceiving, the serpent questions the restrictions that God has placed upon Adam and Eve concerning the Garden. Although Eve dismisses the serpent’s statement concerning God’s warning, a seed of doubt has been planted and she begins to question God’s directive. She distorts the meaning of God’s word by adding the phrase “and you must not touch it…” (Genesis 3:2) which only encourages Satan in his attempts to prove that eating the fruit from the forbidden tree would not cause death.
Mankind’s ability to make conscious choices, whether or not they fit with God’s directives, and to self-judge was the initial effect of sin. How can it be considered sin if someone doesn’t realize they are defying God? Considering that Adam and Eve were initially naked in the Garden of Eden (Genesis 2:25) yet they felt no shame would negate that question. However, when they eat from the tree of knowledge and their eyes are opened they realize their nakedness and are ashamed. It also occurs to them that God will realize they are naked as well and they hide from Him in the Garden (Genesis 3:7-10). At this time, they are aware that eating from the forbidden tree was wrong and in defiance of God’s command.
Punishing Adam and Eve by putting them out into the world ultimately spreads sin to all of creation. When God created the heavens and the earth, they were perfect. Now, since the fall of man and...