Critically analyse the fall of mankind in Genesis 3 and God's response Essay

Critically analyse the fall of mankind in Genesis 3 and God's response to it - Essay Example Exegesis of Genesis 3: 1-24 This book begins with the temptation of mankind via Satan slandering God to Eve through angelic disguise. The snake was a creature created by God, but it was a sneaker creature as compared to the other animals created. Satan chooses to use the serpent as it had a crafty character (genesis 3:1). The Devil in dwelt the snake and it is his tone of voice that was heard by Eve. The serpent began a conversation with Eve in relation to God’s prohibition to the tree in the center of the Garden of Eden (Westbow Press 2013: 127). The expression used by the serpent to Eve was very meticulous; it was a rhetorical question. The woman replied by saying that they were allowed all other fruits except the one in the middle of the garden. The serpent brushes this aside to concentrate in on God’s ruling out of the tree of understanding of good and wickedness (Kvam 1999 et al: 431). This term, â€Å"or you will die† is used three times in verses 3 and 4. It is unclear what Eve comprehended concerning the demise for none of the animals created had passed away. This term may have been communicated by God to the man and woman (Williams 2010: 17). According to the Bible, there are three types of demise: the spiritual death which transpires in Genesis 3, the physical death which outcomes (Genesis 5), and the eternal death as an outcome of man’s bolshie, defiant heart (Revelation 2:11). Genesis 3: 4-5 reveals how Satan assaulted God’s authenticity as well as the genuineness of God’s word; this was evident from Satan’s denial of God’s statement. There was limited truth in the words uttered by Satan, consumption of the fruit could not make man reason or â€Å"be like God†. The offer given to Eve was too intoxicating. Eve was tempted in three stages: first: she saw that the tree was good for food, second: that it was pleasant to the eyes, and thirdly: that it was desirable to make one wise. This reve als the threefold development of temptation to the actual act of sin. Eve later on acted towards Adam in the same manner that the serpent acted towards her. According to the book written by Milton, Paradise Lost, Adam ate the fruit so that he would not be separated from Eve (Milton & Stallard 2011: 38). Immediately after the consumption, they knew they were naked and sewed leaves together to cover their nakedness (Genesis 3:7). The opening of their eyes was not a substantial opening of the eyes but the realization of their nakedness and loss of the glory they had enjoyed. In the conversation that proceeds, God does not come to Adam to rebuke him or exile him from Paradise, but to bring him to his senses. God asked a rhetorical question â€Å"Where are you† so that Adam and Eve could realize what they had done. According to Clark Pennock, (2002) The Most Moved Mover, this rhetorical question is used to develop an aspect in God’s character known as â€Å"Open Theismâ₠¬ . Adam did not answer with remorse, but with self-justification, thereby bringing punishment upon himself. Adam blamed the woman, and even God Himself forgetting that he was responsible for his own actions. This is in line with Flip Wilson’s theology; â€Å"The Devil made me do it!† is no more of a justification than â€Å"Cultural atmosphere forced me to do it† or â€Å"Genetic factors prompted me to do it,†