THE FALL AND FEAR

The nightmare begins with the mention of a certain serpent’s presence in the Garden of Eden. The narrative describes this animal with features quite strange to us. It is said that the serpent spoke and seemed to have legs, later being cursed to crawl on its belly.

But the dual meaning becomes clear. The serpent wasn't acting alone. Satan was using the animal to deceive human beings:

“The great dragon was hurled down—that ancient serpent called the devil, or Satan, who leads the whole world astray. He was hurled to the earth, and his angels with him” (Revelation 12:9 NIV).

Through the serpent, Satan incited the humans to disobey God by eating the fruit that had been forbidden. He lied, telling them they would not die but would become “like God, knowing good and evil.” Indeed, they came to know good and evil, but not like God—instead, as mortal beings condemned to spiritual, moral, and physical ruin, eventually experiencing death:

“By the sweat of your brow you will eat your food until you return to the ground, since from it you were taken; for dust you are and to dust you will return” (Genesis 3:19 NIV).

Satan’s goal (through the serpent) in telling these lies was to destroy the communion that the first couple had with God—something he himself had lost forever.

Humanity’s inclination toward habits that served the serpent’s interests would become the most tragic marker of their existence. Only the Creator’s saving grace — through the blood of the perfect Lamb — would one day restrain that sinful bent (Romans 3:3-25).

The Death of Innocence

The serpent’s words worked. Adam and Eve ate the forbidden fruit and fell. They felt fear when they realized the Lord was approaching. It’s strange, but sin makes us afraid of God’s presence.

Their innocence died, which became evident when they realized they were naked and felt ashamed. All creation was affected by that decision (Genesis 3:17-19).

They also grabbed leaves to try to cover their nakedness (Genesis 3:7). This act represents humanity’s first attempt to make themselves right before God through their own efforts. However, God would soon show that the relationship between Him and humankind could never be restored by human initiative. Only God’s action could repair the damage caused by sin (Genesis 3:21).