Our RestorationSample

From Division to Divine Dignity

In God’s garden-pattern, Adam and Eve represented all of humanity. They were both created in God’s image and likeness. Sin resulted in separation between God and His creation. It also spawned division throughout the human family. That separation has been expressed throughout human history by wars, injustice, and all manner of cruelty among people.

After the fall, Adam blamed Eve for giving him the forbidden fruit, thus blaming God for placing Eve in the garden with him (Genesis 3:12). Eve exposed the serpent and admitted her disobedience. God prophesied to Eve that her husband would begin to rule over her (Genesis 3:16). Sin shattered the beautiful partnership between Adam and Eve. The consequences of their sin continue to influence social norms in every culture of the world.

Inequity was never intended as the pattern for male-female relationships. In many tribal cultures today, women are considered to be of little more value than animals. In more sophisticated societies, gender inequity is more subtle, but still pervasive and debilitating. Even in the Christian world, deeply entrenched bias against women often influences erroneous Bible interpretation, leading to tragic decisions to limit their ministry and the God-image that they bear.

After the fall, Eve bore children. The oldest became jealous of his younger sibling, and murdered him (Genesis 3:8). Sin ravages all our relationships. It has divided couples, children, families, communities, tribes, and cultures. It continues to divide us.

God’s original plan for humanity was disrupted by sin. However, God’s redemptive work in Christ now makes it possible for us to be restored to God and to one another. Christ removed the sin that separated people from God and from each other. In Him, we become a united community of equals, reflecting the oneness of our Creator. All people can be reunited with each other in harmonious and interdependent relationships.

Our restoration, through the power of the gospel, mends the brokenness that has plagued society since humanity’s separation from God’s presence. Derision and division are replaced by restored dignity, dedication, devotion, and even delight. Now, men and women, young and old, rich and poor, educated and illiterate, people of all racial, ethnic, and cultural backgrounds can find their new identity in Jesus Christ. All of us can be reunited with each other on that common ground of faith and trust in Him.

Help me, Lord, to reflect Your beautiful ideals in my relationships with others.