It is estimated that over 100,100,000,000 (over 100 billion!!) people have lived on the earth since the beginning of time. According to the Bible, it all began with just two people. “God created man in His own image, in the image of God he created him; male and female he created them…” (Gen. 1:27). Adam and Eve became earth’s first human family and the beginning of the entire human race. Their lives and choices have affected every person since.
To be created in “God’s image” means to share in God’s “communicable attributes” (life, personality, truth, wisdom, love, holiness, justice) and so have the ability for spiritual fellowship with Him. People were made for a love relationship with God, and He walked and talked with people before they rebelled against Him.
Adam and Even sinned by disobeying God and broke their fellowship with Him. The penalty for sin is separation from God – also known as “Death” (Gen. 3:19; Rom 6:23). This is the penalty for every sinner. The Bible says, “all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God” (Rom 3:23). The word “sin” was used in archery to describe an arrow that had fallen short of its target. The word “all” means over 100 billion people (and still counting) have fallen short of God’s glory. Man’s sin has marred the beauty of God’s glory in all of creation.
SCRIPTURE DESCRIBES SIN’S EFFECT ON CREATION.
Genesis 3
Romans 5:12-14
Romans 8:19-22
Ephesians 2:1-3
Day 3 of 7 from 2012 Mission Discovery Devotional
