The Scarlet Thread (Part Two): FOUND
Posted on July 15, 2007
Genesis 3:8-13
ONE GREAT TRUTH: There is always a consequence for sin, temporal and eternal. But through faith in Jesus Christ, the eternal consequences of sin can be forgiven.
I. God’s holiness demands judgment toward sin.
A. Temporal.
1. The serpent was cursed to its belly. (v. 14)
2. Satan was cursed to destruction. (v. 15) This verse is really the beginning of the “scarlet thread.” It gives a prophecy of two great realities that have been proven through the centuries of history.
a. Satan would strike the heal of Jesus on the cross.
b. Jesus would crush the head of Satan in His resurrection and return.
3. The woman was cursed to have pain in childbearing and the corruption of God’s intention for shared marital partnership into a mutual desire for domination. (v. 16)
4. The ground (the natural universe) was cursed in the aftermath of sin. (vs. 17-18)
5. Adam was cursed to die. (v. 19)
B. Eternal.
There are always temporal consequences for sin, but the greatest consequence is eternal. It is the eternal separation of unrepentant sinners from God forever in hell. This is the ultimate expression of the word “death.” “Born once, die twice; born twice, die once.” - Unknown
Romans 6:23a; Revelation 20:14-15
II. God’s mercy provides salvation for sinners.
A. Faith is God’s requirement of every person who will ever be saved.
Ephesians 2:8
B. In response to faith, God provides deliverance and salvation to all who will have it.
1. Temporal. (vs. 22-24) God removed Adam and Eve from the garden to limit the natural effects of sin by time and space. Death becomes deliverance for the believer.
2. Eternal. Romans 6:23b