For Glory and Joy - Part 3
A Devotional based on the Westminster Shorter Catechism Lord’s Day 6
Q. 13. Did our first parents continue in the estate wherein they were
created? A. Our first parents, being left to the freedom of their own will,
fell from the estate wherein they were created, by sinning against God.
Q. 14. What is sin? A. Sin is any want of conformity unto, or transgression
of, the law of God. Q. 15. What was the sin whereby our first parents fell
from the estate wherein they were created? A. The sin whereby our first
parents fell from the estate wherein they were created, was their eating
the forbidden fruit.
Things are not the way they should be. The Bible tells us that when God
created man and woman, they were created good in a pristine condition;
without sin, without conflict between us. Humanity was at peace with
God, living in a covenant relationship with Him. We even read in Gen. 3
that God walked with Adam and Eve in the garden. Today it is Paradise
Lost. There is war, disease, broken relationships, broken lives. We feel
separated from God, and we struggle to do the right we know we ought
to do. Things are not the way they should be. How did things go so
wrong? The catechism summarizes Gen. 3 saying that, “Our first parents,
being left to the freedom of their own will, fell from the state wherein
they were created, by sinning against God.” God gave the
commandment: “Do not eat of the Tree of the knowledge of good and
evil.” But with the commandment came the choice; follow His
commandment and live in the garden with Him, or break His
commandment and face certain death. Our first parents were given the
choice, and had the free will to choose to obey or disobey God’s decree.
Our parents sinned, disobeying God’s sovereign will. Sin is the willful act
that goes against God’s will, and it is also the passive inaction that leaves
His will undone. Adam and Eve chose to eat from the forbidden tree,
sinning against God’s commandment. But our parents are not alone in
their abuse of their free will. This week, let us honestly reflect on our
lives and confess the many ways that we have sinned against God’s will,
by our action or inaction, that we may be made right with God. Prayer
Almighty God, we are all too aware of our sins, they are always before us,
ready to condemn us. But you promise that there is no condemnation for
those who are in Christ Jesus. Set us free from our sins, that we might
enjoy true communion with you again. In Jesus’ name. Amen. Gen 3:6-8,
13; II Cor 11:3; I John 3:4; James 4:17; Rom 3:23