From Glory to Ruin: The Fall of Humanity

 

Summary

In this sermon, we explore the profound transformation of humanity from its original state of righteousness and fellowship with God to its current fallen condition. Initially, humanity was created in the image of God, living in harmony and bliss, free from toil and sin. However, the present state of humanity is starkly different, marked by moral, spiritual, and physical degradation. The central question addressed is: What caused this drastic change?

The sermon delves into various theories that attempt to explain humanity's fallen state, such as dualism, evolution, and the absence of knowledge. However, these are contrasted with the biblical doctrine of the Fall, which is presented as historical fact rather than allegory or myth. The Fall is described as an event where sin and temptation entered humanity from an external source—Satan, using the serpent. This external temptation led to a series of steps: doubt in God's word, desire for forbidden knowledge, and ultimately, disobedience.

The consequences of the Fall are manifold. Humanity became conscious of its flesh, experienced shame, guilt, and fear of God, and lost its fellowship with Him. Spiritual death ensued, and humanity was expelled from paradise, now facing toil and physical death. Despite these consequences, humanity retained its intellectual capabilities, though a decline in moral and spiritual faculties followed.

The sermon emphasizes that sin was possible because of humanity's free will and spiritual personality, made in the image of God. This free will, while allowing for a relationship with God, also exposed humanity to the possibility of sin. The distinction between humanity and fallen angels is noted, suggesting that humanity's temptation came from outside, whereas the angels' fall was internal, possibly explaining why salvation is offered to humanity but not to angels.

Ultimately, the sermon paints a picture of humanity as a once-glorious creation now in ruins, akin to a grand building fallen into disrepair, with the haunting inscription: "Here God once dwelt."

Key Takeaways:

- Humanity was created in the image of God, living in a state of original righteousness and fellowship with Him. This original state was marked by harmony, bliss, and freedom from toil and sin, reflecting God's glory. However, the current state of humanity is drastically different, characterized by moral, spiritual, and physical degradation. [01:19]

- Various theories attempt to explain humanity's fallen state, such as dualism, evolution, and the absence of knowledge. These are contrasted with the biblical doctrine of the Fall, which is presented as historical fact. The Fall is described as an event where sin and temptation entered humanity from an external source—Satan, using the serpent. [08:59]

- The consequences of the Fall include consciousness of flesh, shame, guilt, fear of God, loss of fellowship with Him, spiritual death, and expulsion from paradise. Despite these consequences, humanity retained its intellectual capabilities, though a decline in moral and spiritual faculties followed. [29:32]

- Sin was possible because of humanity's free will and spiritual personality, made in the image of God. This free will, while allowing for a relationship with God, also exposed humanity to the possibility of sin. The distinction between humanity and fallen angels is noted, suggesting that humanity's temptation came from outside, whereas the angels' fall was internal. [27:09]

- Humanity is likened to a once-glorious creation now in ruins, akin to a grand building fallen into disrepair, with the haunting inscription: "Here God once dwelt." This imagery underscores the profound loss and the calamitous nature of sin and evil. [39:54]

Youtube Chapters:

- [00:00] - Welcome
- [00:25] - The State of Fallen Man
- [01:39] - The Change in Humanity
- [02:34] - The Question of Salvation
- [03:25] - Refuting Other Theories
- [04:53] - Dualism and Evolution
- [06:09] - Resistance and Knowledge
- [08:59] - The Biblical Doctrine of the Fall
- [10:49] - Allegory and Myth
- [12:46] - The Historical Account
- [14:21] - The Serpent and Temptation
- [18:26] - Sin from the Outside
- [21:39] - The Act of Disobedience
- [24:27] - Refusal to Submit to God
- [29:32] - Consequences of Disobedience
- [39:54] - Humanity's Ruined State

Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide

Bible Reading:
1. Genesis 3:1-24
2. 2 Corinthians 11:3
3. Romans 5:12

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Observation Questions:

1. According to Genesis 3, what were the steps that led to the Fall of humanity? How did the serpent's temptation unfold? [20:19]

2. In 2 Corinthians 11:3, Paul refers to the serpent deceiving Eve. How does this reference support the historical account of the Fall as presented in Genesis? [16:11]

3. Romans 5:12 states that sin entered the world through one man. How does this verse connect to the consequences of the Fall described in Genesis 3? [35:28]

4. What are some of the immediate consequences of the Fall mentioned in Genesis 3, and how do they manifest in humanity's relationship with God and creation? [29:32]

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Interpretation Questions:

1. The sermon suggests that humanity's free will, made in the image of God, allowed for the possibility of sin. How does this concept of free will impact our understanding of human responsibility and the nature of sin? [27:09]

2. The distinction between humanity's external temptation and the angels' internal fall is noted in the sermon. How might this distinction explain why salvation is offered to humanity but not to angels? [28:16]

3. The sermon describes humanity as a "once-glorious creation now in ruins." How does this imagery help us understand the depth of humanity's fallen state and the need for redemption? [39:54]

4. How does the concept of a "shortcut" to divine knowledge, as mentioned in the sermon, relate to modern temptations and the pursuit of quick solutions in spiritual growth? [22:41]

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Application Questions:

1. Reflect on a time when you doubted God's word or love, similar to Eve's experience. How did that doubt affect your actions, and what steps can you take to strengthen your trust in God? [21:06]

2. The sermon highlights the importance of recognizing external temptations. What are some external influences in your life that may lead you away from God's will, and how can you guard against them? [18:26]

3. Consider the concept of spiritual death and separation from God as a result of sin. How can you actively work to restore and maintain your fellowship with God in your daily life? [32:09]

4. The sermon mentions humanity's intellectual capabilities despite the Fall. How can you use your intellectual gifts to glorify God and serve others in your community? [35:47]

5. The imagery of humanity as a "ruined building" suggests a profound loss. In what areas of your life do you feel this sense of ruin, and how can you invite God to begin a process of restoration? [39:54]

6. The sermon discusses the consequences of the Fall, including shame and guilt. How do these feelings manifest in your life, and what practical steps can you take to experience God's forgiveness and healing? [29:32]

7. Reflect on the idea of taking "shortcuts" in your spiritual journey. Are there areas where you are tempted to bypass God's process for growth? How can you commit to following God's path, even when it seems slow? [22:41]

Devotional

Day 1: Created in God's Image, Now Fallen

Humanity was initially created in the image of God, living in a state of original righteousness and fellowship with Him. This original state was marked by harmony, bliss, and freedom from toil and sin, reflecting God's glory. However, the current state of humanity is drastically different, characterized by moral, spiritual, and physical degradation. The transformation from a state of divine harmony to one of brokenness is profound. It serves as a reminder of the glory that once was and the fall that now defines human existence. This change is not just a historical event but a present reality that affects every aspect of human life. The loss of original righteousness and the ensuing separation from God highlight the need for redemption and restoration. [01:19]

"For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, and are justified by his grace as a gift, through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus." (Romans 3:23-24, ESV)

Reflection: In what ways do you see the effects of humanity's fallen state in your own life, and how can you seek God's restoration today?


Day 2: The Fall as Historical Fact

Various theories attempt to explain humanity's fallen state, such as dualism, evolution, and the absence of knowledge. These are contrasted with the biblical doctrine of the Fall, which is presented as historical fact. The Fall is described as an event where sin and temptation entered humanity from an external source—Satan, using the serpent. This understanding of the Fall as a real, historical event underscores the seriousness of sin and its consequences. It is not merely a myth or allegory but a pivotal moment in human history that has shaped the world as we know it. Recognizing the Fall as historical fact calls for a deeper understanding of sin's impact and the need for a Savior. [08:59]

"Therefore, just as sin came into the world through one man, and death through sin, and so death spread to all men because all sinned." (Romans 5:12, ESV)

Reflection: How does viewing the Fall as a historical event change your perspective on sin and its impact on your life?


Day 3: Consequences of the Fall

The consequences of the Fall include consciousness of flesh, shame, guilt, fear of God, loss of fellowship with Him, spiritual death, and expulsion from paradise. Despite these consequences, humanity retained its intellectual capabilities, though a decline in moral and spiritual faculties followed. This duality of retaining intellect while experiencing moral and spiritual decline highlights the complexity of the human condition post-Fall. The awareness of sin and its consequences can lead to a sense of despair, but it also opens the door to seeking redemption and restoration through Christ. Understanding these consequences is crucial for recognizing the depth of humanity's need for salvation. [29:32]

"And you were dead in the trespasses and sins in which you once walked, following the course of this world, following the prince of the power of the air." (Ephesians 2:1-2, ESV)

Reflection: What are some specific areas in your life where you feel the consequences of the Fall, and how can you invite God's healing into those areas?


Day 4: Free Will and the Possibility of Sin

Sin was possible because of humanity's free will and spiritual personality, made in the image of God. This free will, while allowing for a relationship with God, also exposed humanity to the possibility of sin. The distinction between humanity and fallen angels is noted, suggesting that humanity's temptation came from outside, whereas the angels' fall was internal. This highlights the unique nature of human temptation and the role of free will in the human experience. Free will is a gift that allows for genuine love and relationship with God, but it also carries the responsibility of choosing obedience over sin. Understanding this dynamic is key to navigating the challenges of faith and obedience. [27:09]

"For you were called to freedom, brothers. Only do not use your freedom as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another." (Galatians 5:13, ESV)

Reflection: How can you use your free will today to choose obedience and deepen your relationship with God?


Day 5: Humanity's Ruined State

Humanity is likened to a once-glorious creation now in ruins, akin to a grand building fallen into disrepair, with the haunting inscription: "Here God once dwelt." This imagery underscores the profound loss and the calamitous nature of sin and evil. It serves as a powerful reminder of the glory that was lost and the potential for restoration through Christ. The image of a ruined state calls for reflection on the current condition of humanity and the hope for renewal. It is a call to action to seek God's presence and restoration in a world marred by sin. [39:54]

"Restore us, O God; let your face shine, that we may be saved!" (Psalm 80:3, ESV)

Reflection: In what ways can you seek to restore the areas of your life that feel like they are in ruins, and how can you invite God's presence into those areas today?

Quotes



We examined as far as we can in the light of scriptural teaching what this image of God in men really means we found that he was in correspondence with in fellowship with God reflect something of the glory of God happy care free able to live without tiling eating of the fruit of the Garden in a state of bliss and possessed of an original righteousness an uprightness his moral being and character corresponding to the god with whom he was thus in Fellowship. [00:34:33]

The whole picture is entirely changed and the question to which we must address ourselves obviously therefore is what is it that uh has produced this change we look at men's present moral and spiritual and even physical condition and I say that we see something entirely different we are confronted by a new series of phenomena with regard to life and death and the whole character of human nature and human life in this world. [00:56:36]

There are those who would say that what the Bible calls evil and sin is just uh a kind of resistance that is an essential part of human nature and has which has been put there by God in order that men might have something to overcome and by overcoming it that he should grow now X develops you muscle or if you're using any kind of instrument the way to develop your power is to act against a resistance. [06:09:00]

The whole statement in this chapter is given to us as history there's no suggestion of allegory here at all it offers itself to us as plain unvarnished fact and history and if you begin to say that it isn't history or that parts of it are not history you'll find yourself in an utterly contradictory position for instance we are told there about the punishment that followed men's sin and transgression in verses 14 and 15. [12:43:00]

The first thing he tells us is this that evil and sin and temptation came from the outside they came from Satan using the serpent the thing I'm anxious to emphasize is this there was nothing in men's own Constitution that produced it there was no physical necessity at all to produce it it was nothing sensual in men that produced it it came to men enti enely from the outside and he had a perfect free will to decide what to do with it. [18:26:00]

The woman began to listen to the Slanders of the devil against God she began to doubt God's word and began to doubt God's love then you remember we are told she began to look at the thing at which of which God had prohibited to look then having looked at it and having seen that it was good to eat she began to lust after it and to desire it this thing which had been prohibited and that in turn led her to a definite Act of Disobedience. [20:15:00]

Sin is only only possible to men and was only possible to men at the beginning because he has a free spiritual personality it isn't possible to an animal it's only possible to men men's being made in the image of God in a most extraordinary way made sin possible for him because of his free personality because of his free will the very fact I say that he was made in the image and like of God exposes him in and of itself to this possibility. [27:09:00]

The results are described here very clearly the first thing that we are told is that they became conscious of their flesh it's an extraordinary thing this man as he was made originally by God was quite unconscious about his flesh and about his body the men and the women were naked and that was no trouble to them at all but the moment they said the moment they fall they become conscious of their flesh they become ashamed of it a shame develops in connection with the body. [29:32:00]

The break of this link with God produced a spiritual death in he's he's in an entirely new state and condition the next thing that we are told about him is that he was driven out of paradise out of the garden and not allowed to return there in and of himself and by his own valtion you remember the Flaming sword that was there to guard and to Bar his entry in and of himself he's sent out of paradise he's not allowed to come back. [32:21:00]

There was subsequently a very great decline in men's intellectual and moral and all his other faculties as you see described in the sixth chapter of This Book of Genesis but it didn't happen at once sometimes people think that the moment Adam sinned and fell he fell as far as men can go he didn't he fell in the essential way I've described but there was a decline and a degradation consequent upon that you see he didn't die at once he died some time later. [36:49:00]

When men fell he did not cease to be men he was still men he didn't lose any of his essential qualities or elements or attributes what he lost was that original righteousness that correspondence to God but his intellect remains his power of self analysis remains his understanding remains his will remains these things remain we'll come into to that later in Greater detail but he lost his original righteousness he lost that fellowship with God. [38:09:00]

Men as the result of the Fall reminded him of some of these great buildings which you see in London and in the country and in various Eastern countries where there was once some great palace or great building it's now fallen to ruins and there's a sign outside and the sign says centuries ago such and such a king once dwelt here and John how suggested that written over men everywhere as the result of the Fall is this inscription here God once dwelt. [39:54:00]

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Transcript
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