Temptation From Genesis 3: 1-7 Would Lead To The Fall Of Man

Thesis Statement

The following is an analysis of how the temptation described in Genesis 3:1-7, would lead to the “fall of man” and explore the responsibility which falls not only on Eve (Gen. 3) or Adam (Rom. 5:12, 19) but instead illustrates the fault each played within the fall.

Introduction

The Christian understanding of the fall of humanity is largely based on the texts of Genesis 3:1-24 and strongly utilizing Romans 5:12, 19 to support the doctrine. Genesis 1:31 reveals: “God saw everything that he had made, and indeed, it was very good.” In Genesis, the nature of man is described as harmonious. Humanity and the earth were complete, healthy, and free of disease. Unfortunately, this would shift immediately following the events of Genesis 3 when the serpent smoothly implanted the seeds of doubt and persuaded Adam and Eve to take of the fruit from the Tree of Knowledge. In one choice nature would begin to deteriorate as sin entered into the world, leading to the fall of man. The punishment for the choice of Adam and Eve involved the need for mandatory labor, the introduction of shame and guilt, and eventual death. The following is an analysis of how the temptation described in Genesis 3:1-7, would lead to the “fall of man” and explore the responsibility which falls not only on Eve (Gen. 3) or Adam

Jewett points out this would be a faulty assumption: “We know what the fall is: a free and responsible decision on man’s part to disobey his Maker. But why he should have made such a fateful decision we do not know.” The desire to answer the reason for this choice eluded Adam, as he even places the blame on Eve, in an attempt to conciliate the guilt and shame he felt by yielding to temptation. The reason why continues to remain elusive today. No plausible answer can be given to explain the why only the how. Temptation had a role in the fall; however, the role does not explain the