One person sarcastically commented: “The God who cannot forgive Adam and Eve for just eating an apple, how can he forgive any other sin.” It is pitiable, that this person neither understands the magnificent holiness of God, nor the magnitude of sin. For them, forgiveness of sins through the Lord Jesus Christ will remain a mystery.
Holiness: God is Holy, morally upright, righteous, pure, and cannot be corrupted. (Revelation 4:8) He will never compromise His holiness.
Sin: Sin refuses to trust God, His Goodness, and His Word. It is expressed in wrong choices, rebellion, and disobedience. It is not just eating the forbidden fruit (not apple), but disbelieving God, rejecting his authority, and ignoring the consequences of disobedience. It is failing to measure up to God’s standards.
God’s Law: God’s universe is orderly. Laws, regulations, norms, and rules govern every aspect of life. God’s law is predictable and consistent. The law of gravity for example is consistent and predictable.
Consequences: Violations of laws and principles have effects or consequences. A man jumping from a cliff must face consequences, the law of gravity will pull him down to death. God’s Law states: “The wages of sin is death.” (Romans 6:23) When Adam and Eve sinned, they were spiritually dead, physically alive. Hence, they hid themselves when God came to meet them.
Forgiveness: The consequence of sin is death, then forgiveness is to give New Life. First, Punishing Adam and Eve will not wash away their sin. It is like beating a dead serpent. Second, As spiritually dead beings, they cannot pay restitution or compensation. Third, God should forgive them, but Holy God cannot violate His laws. An innocent animal was sacrificed, and the first couple were clothed with skin jackets. That pointed to the holy Son of God, the Lamb of God who will shed His blood and give a garment of salvation to those who believe.
Faith: The Holy God demands that humans believe in His provision to forgive sins, the Lord Jesus Christ who died on the cross, buried, and rose again.
Do I understand God’s Holiness and His provision for forgiveness?