COV LIFE BLOG

Genesis 3 – The Deception of Sin, the Punishment for Sin, and Provision for Sin

HEART PREPARATION
“This multiform corruption of nature therefore ought not only not to be minimized, but to be as much as possible magnified. It ought to be shown that man is not only fallen from the image’ of God, from the knowledge of God, from the knowledge of all other creatures, and from all the dignity and glory of his nakedness, into ignorance of God, into blasphemies against God, and into hatred and contempt of God; but that he is fallen even into enmity against God; to say nothing at the present time of that tyranny of Satan to which our nature has by sin made itself the basest slave. These things, I say, are not to be minimized, but to be magnified by every possible description of them; because if the magnitude of our disease be not full known, we shall never know nor desire the remedy. Moreover the more you minimize sin, the less you make grace to be valued.”
Martin Luther

SCRIPTURE FOR REFLECTION
Romans 5:12
Therefore, just as through one man sin entered into the world, and death through sin, and so death spread to all men, because all sinned.

1 Corinthians 15:56-57
The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law; but thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.

MEDITATION ON THE SERMON PASSAGE
Read Genesis 3.

As you read this passage, heed the warning of Martin Luther that we not overlook or minimize this familiar text. Remember the great tragedy of the Fall and the great tragedy of your own sin and its consequences. Also remember the one promised in verse 15 who will crush the serpent.

PREPARATION FOR THE LORD’S SUPPER
Martin Luther continues in his discourse on Genesis 3:

“What we have to consider therefore is the Word. For that, against which Eve sinned, was the Word of God. As great therefore as was the Word, so great was the sin which Eve committed against the Word. It was under this sin that all nature fell, and under which it still lies. For, how can nature overcome that sin. It is of a magnitude infinite and inexhaustible. Consequently, to overcome this sin there is need of him who brings with him an inexhaustible righteousness, even the Son of God.”

As we come to the table this week, remember the one who brings with him an inexhaustible righteousness. Remember him, the one who took your punishment, set you free, and bought your redemption with his body and blood. And as you remember, rejoice.

SONG FOR THIS WEEK
There Is A Fountain by William Cowper