I once read a book that spoke about temptation and sin. It advised readers to be careful about playing with temptations. The author utilized the metaphor of a chasm or deep hole and warned readers to be careful about trying to get as close as possible to the edge of the fall to see how close one can get without falling in. Many of us end up blundering because of this same issue. This seems to be a thing with us humans. We try to get as close as possible to temptations, sometimes, to test our abilities to withstand the pressure, some are fortunate, while others are not. Our first parents, Eve especially, learnt the hard way. Today we reap the consequences of this dreadful mistake. From the Garden of Eden’s experience, we can determine that both Adam and Eve made steps toward temptations that eventually led to their downfall. The Bible records the warning issued by God to the couple, stating: “Of every tree of the garden you may freely eat; but of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil you shall not eat, for in the day that you eat of it you shall surely die.” (Genesis 2:16, 17) This article will therefore look at five steps in the perfect couple’s fall from grace.
Step 1: Separation
The first issue that the couple ran into was the separation of Eve from her husband. Conveniently, it would seem, the serpent—Satan, was right on hand to lure the woman into the trap of temptation. Isolated and mesmerized by a talking serpent Eve was enamoured by the novelty of this talking creature. It is said that two heads are better than one and there is a great probability that had Adam, been by her side or vice versa, he would have been able to caution her against this amusing sight. Nicholson (1978) agrees by stating, it is always easier to persuade an individual to do wrong when he is detached from protective surroundings. Had Eve remained with her husband, his presence would have been a protection to her, and the story would doubtless have had a different ending. Sin is often most appealing in moments of isolation, whether isolation from positive influences or simply being in solitude.
Step 2: Admiring Evil
However, Eve’s separation was only one of five major steps, she began to admire the tree for its attractive features and noble qualities. According to Genesis 3:6a “So when the woman saw that the tree was good for food, that it was pleasant to the eyes, and a tree desirable to make one wise, she took of its fruit and ate.” It is always the long gaze or the second look that results in an entrapment with sin. In fact, the Bible states that humanity is lured into sin because we admire evil in the world. “For all that is in the world—the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life—is not of the Father but is of the world.” (1 John 2:16) The eyes often cause us to wander. The ears and mouth must also be guarded in this matter as well. As Ellen G. White (1952) warns, you will have to become a faithful sentinel over your eyes, ears, and all your senses if you would control your mind and prevent vain and corrupt thoughts from staining your soul. It is incumbent on us therefore to be vigilant and sober (1 Peter 5:8)
Step 3: Distrusting God’s Word
In addition to the fact that she was overwhelmed by the admiration of what she saw and being separated from her husband, Eve manifested distrust in God’s clear words. Initially, God had said, “In the day that you eat of it you shall surely die” (Genesis 2:17). However, upon the approach of the tree and captivated by the exchange with the serpent, Eve began to doubt the plain warning that was given by God. Despite quoting what God said in verse 2, she seemed hypnotized by the prospect of disobeying God and yet being able not to suffer death. Satan adjusted the statement of God by adding the negative adverb “not”— “you shall not surely die” (Genesis 3:4). This was enough to appease the already paralyzed Eve. Like a fly-on a glue trap, she seems unable to escape the Devil’s allure and was surrendered to any suggestions of the tempter.
Step 4: Eating the Forbidden
By the time the serpent was done with his arguments against God’s command, the lonely woman was in too deep to resist the offer to eat and so she did. Eve ate of the tree, according to the Bible “she took of its fruit and ate.” ((Genesis 3:6 According to Nichols (1978) having coveted that to which she had no right, the woman proceeded to transgress one commandment after another. She next stole God’s property, violating the eighth commandment. Nichols is indicating that this was an act of covetousness in addition to the lack of trust in the word of God.
Step 5: Taking Down Others with You
If eating the fruit was not bad enough, Eve went further to share it with her husband. According to the text (New King James Version Bible, 1982, Genesis 3:6a), she took of its fruit and ate. She also gave to her husband with her, and he ate. The Bible says (New King James Version Bible, 1982, Proverbs 1:10), “if sinners entice thee consent thou not.” Adam, however, was now in a quandary and he took sides with his wife. The offer by Eve for him to eat the fruit was seemingly impossible to resist given his commitment to her and her safety. He then joins her in sin. Nichols (1978) equates her action to murder, By eating the forbidden fruit and giving it to her husband she also transgressed the sixth commandment. This was the nail in the coffin of the couple’s immortal existence.
Conclusion
The steps individually may have lesser or greater impact but the progressive movement of the perfect couple into the fangs of the serpent’s temptations is a lesson to us. Be careful of how you meddle with sin or become ensnared by its dazzling attractions. Novelty is usually a recipe for excitement to the curious and especially isolated person. Therefore, learn how to avoid isolation and practice to guard the avenue of the soul. While being alone is good for personal reflection keep in mind that there is a difference between being in private and being in secret. Secrecy is a hotbed for temptation. So, be careful of how close you seek to get to evil before falling in—avoid it! It is important not to take others with us in our temptations.
References
Nichol, F. D. (1978). The Seventh-Day Adventist Bible Commentary, vol. 1. Review and Herald Publishing Association, 230–231.
White, E. G. (1952) The Adventist Home. Hagerstown, MD: Review and Herald Publishing Association.
New King James Version Bible
Preserved for A Purpose 