It has been said that the real division of the Bible is not between Malachi and Matthew, but between Genesis 2 and Genesis 3. When we decide to read the Bible from beginning to end, it isn't long before we see a change of tone. We notice a great contrast from the perfection and innocence of the first two chapters of Genesis to the lawlessness which constitutes Genesis chapter 3 onward. What is the cause for all this commotion and disruption? The answer is a word that is not politically correct in the dream-like society of today. The answer is sin.

Sin made its first appearance in the world in the event recorded in Genesis 3:6. What is sin? Sin is the transgression of the law of God (I John 3:4). "All unrighteousness is sin" (I John 5:17 - KJV). James said, "Therefore to him that knoweth to do good, and doeth it not, to him it is sin" (James 4:17).

Where does sin some from? James 1:14-15 says, "But every man is tempted, when he is drawn away of his own lust, and enticed. Then when lust hath conceived, it buyeth forth sin: and sin, when it is finished, bringeth forth death." Sin comes from being tempted and drawn away, and temptation comes from the devil himself. Temptation itself is not sin. Sin occurs when one gives into the temptation.

Sin leads to death (Rom. 6:23, Gen. 2:17). Sin is what causes separation between us and God Almighty (Isaiah 59:1-2).

Who can sin? Anyone who is capable of understanding and comprehending the will of God, and chooses to do the opposite. Who is going to sin? Everyone who has reached this point of maturity (Rom. 3:23).

All of these basic elements were present in Genesis chapter 3. God's will was made known (Gen. 2:17), and was fully understood by Adam and Eve (Gen. 3:2, 3). The serpent (the devil) tempted Eve. She was enticed and drawn away by her own lust.

Notice how the serpent achieved his mission. First of all, he lied to her. He took the truth of God and turned it into a lie. All he did was add one word to the words God had spoken. God said "thou shalt surely die," the serpent said "thou shalt not surely die."

Satan also tempted her with power. He told her if she ate of the fruit which God said not to, that "ye shall be as gods, knowing good and evil" (Gen. 3:5). In verse 6 we read how Eve, followed by Adam, took the bait that was placed before them.

Eve gave in to temptation and sin entered into the world of perfection and innocence. Sin has been sweeping over the world like a wild fire ever since. Adam and Eve separated themselves from God. When we sin, we are separated from God. "All have sinned, and come short of the glory of God" (Rom. 3:23). That is the bad news. Read next week to begin learning about the "good news."