Articles
Turning Points in Bible History - 1
Life often flows along in a predictable way. But occasionally storms blow through that alter the landscape. Everything seems to change; we are disoriented and must adapt to new surroundings. In the next several articles we will note some of these turning points in Bible history.
The first turning point, one that changed the entire world and the nature of life itself, was the sin of Adam and Eve (Gen 3). Our oldest ancestors enjoyed fellowship with God, eternal life, full protection and provision, and fulfilling purpose. And all that was forfeited with one decision.
Life suddenly became difficult, troubled by guilt and shame, and terminal. Banned from Eden, placed under extreme rigor (excruciating childbirth; strenuous labor in a hostile environment), and facing the self-doubt that comes with failure, Adam and Eve ushered in a new world antagonistic to man.
Paul cites Adam as an antitype of Christ: “Through one man sin entered the world, and death through sin, and thus death spread to all men, because all sinned” (Rom 5:12). Adam set a pattern we have all followed. But what was lost in Adam was restored in Christ: “Even so through one Man’s righteous act the free gift came to all men, resulting in justification of life” (Rom 5:18). We can help make this world a better place, but earthly Eden is gone. Heaven, however, is within our reach.
