What Happened to Us in Eden? - Psychology of the FallSample

CURSE OR CONSEQUENCES?

I suspect that, just as in the story from Judges—where God’s action was, broadly speaking, to withdraw His rescue from idolatrous Israel—something similar may be happening with the “rule” spoken over the first woman (and by extension over all of us). God does not desire it, but He permits it.

After the curses and consequences we know so well:

• the woman’s desire would continue to be for her husband (perhaps an orientation toward him to recover the intimacy and relationship that were lost?),
• and in response, he would rule over her,
• and, looking at the world around us, I don’t think God actively enforces this as part of the curse—but at most, and that is no small thing, He restrains it.

This brings me back to Revelation 12, because that is exactly what happens with the woman clothed with the sun. Whoever she ultimately represents, she is still a woman under God’s care, protected from the rage of Satan. His destructive power over her is restrained for a set time—and no longer. The same is true for the rest of her offspring. This alone should move us to worship and gratitude.

Have you ever considered how the woman carries not only the curses of childbirth and being ruled by her husband, but also the curse on the ground and on labor, as well as the perpetual enmity with Satan and between their offspring? That is terrifying! But even more terrifying is that our life companions, instead of recognizing this and seeking to alleviate those effects, have often chosen to perpetuate the consequences of the Fall. Many men—and, I must add, some women too—have taken it almost as a mission to ensure it happens. And for that, all of us will also give an account.

God does not only bless. In His justice, He also curses the wicked, and He brings judgment on His own as well. This is undeniable in Scripture. At times, His discipline feels like training, like that of an athlete. At other times, it comes as punishment—because that is what it is when needed—just as any loving father disciplines his children. And He is the ultimate, perfect Father.