TEXT: Gen2:16-17; Gen 3:1-7

• In the dispensation of innocence under the terms of the Edenic Covenant we see:

I. The Requirements of Edenic Covenant/TheTestA. To propagate the race (Gen 1:28)

B. To subdue the earth for man (Gen 1:28)

C. To care for the garden and eat of its fruit (Gen 2:15)

D. To abstain from eating of one tree (Gen 2:16)

E. Obedience was the test, or responsibility to God as the Almighty, the Lord and Master of His creation

• F. Why did God make man so that he could sin– 1. So that man could choose to obey God—

God gets glory from voluntary obedience, and the purpose of God is always to bring glory to Himself (1 Chron 16:24-28; 29:11; Ps 19:1; Ps 21:5; Ps 29:2; Ps 79:9; Isa 43:7; Rom 8:18; Rom 15:7; 2 Cor 4:4; Phil 2:9-11; Jude 25; Rev 19:1)

II. The Result

• A. Disobedience—man chose not to obey the Almighty

• B. What did sin do?– 1. Separated man from God (Gen 3:8; Eph

2:1; Rev 20:14)– 2. Distorted man’s view of God–he was

now afraid of the One who created and loved him (Gen 3:9)

• C. What is the difference between innocence and righteousness?– 1. Righteousness involves a choice to

do right—or (in the case of one who is no longer in innocence) a choice to be restored to that which is right

– 2. Innocence has never had to choose

III. God’s Provision

• A. He clothed them (Gen 3:21)– 1. Accepting this clothing required that

they give up the fig leaves of their own making and accept God’s provision (John 14:6)

– 2. It also required the shedding of blood–a provision of grace (Heb 9:22)

• B. He promised a Redeemer (Gen 3:15, cf Gen 22:8) not because of what they deserved, but because of God’s grace