Satan’s Deceptionعينة

The Far-Reaching Effects of Sin

Since the fall, three fundamental traits have polluted [human] consciousness, attesting to the far-reaching effects of sin.

From Dignity to Shame. Sin’s first fingerprint upon people was shame. Adam and Eve’s home had been the Garden of Eden, where they walked with God in a magnificent relationship of love and trust with no consciousness of shame. When they were separated from God’s life, their God-given dignity was lost, and shame’s dark shadow was cast.

When people are separated from the light found in God’s presence, their limitations become evident. They see themselves as naked and ashamed. They are vulnerable to negative influences that manipulate them. They hide in the darkness of night, cringing from the light, secretly committing evil deeds, knowing something is amiss. Separated from God, their unnatural sense of guilt and shame becomes the norm.

From Equality to Separation. Sin’s second fingerprint was the separation between God and people and within the human family. Adam and Eve were created in God’s image, as an expression of God. Their one-flesh relationship with each other was a beautiful reflection of God’s oneness. Sin slashed through the relationship between the Creator and His human family. They were no longer one with their Creator nor with each other.

People were created to have fellowship with God and one another and to live together in community and harmony. Because of sin, people became alienated from God and were separated from each other, building walls of distrust and suspicion. Loneliness and isolation are now common human ills. Murder, abuse, jealousy, and envy remind us that without God’s unifying life, we can never experience oneness with others.

From Purpose to Fear. Sin’s third trademark was a deep fear. Adam and Eve’s distrust led them to disobey their Creator, and they became afraid of Him and each other. Their created purpose was replaced with a terrifying sense of insecurity. Fear is the primary motivation that rages and burns in the human heart and is behind many evils that people commit.

People of almost every religion fear the god or gods they worship. The scars of sin have distorted their perceptions. Many Christians also live in fear that they may do or say something that will offend God. But when we are reconciled to Him, we have a restored relationship with God. Our fear is replaced with confidence in God-given acceptance. We were not created to live in fear.

God, thank You for receiving me in Your throne of love and grace.