We are in the middle of a sermon series in the book of Genesis. Genesis 3:15 tells us of two seeds: the seed of the serpent and the seed of the woman. We are all born as the seed or children of the serpent. It’s obvious by our characteristics (John 8:44). But thankfully, we do not have to remain under his dominion, the seed of the woman, Jesus Christ has crushed his head. All those who rely on His holy life, substitutionary death, and victorious resurrection are transformed from the kingdom of darkness into the kingdom of light (Colossians 1:13)

Pastor Vance is now comparing and contrasting the two Falls of Genesis 3 and 4. He reminded us today of the intense and exponential spread of sin. How quickly mankind went from rebelliously eating the fruit in Genesis 3, to fratricide in Genesis 4, to violence and wickedness of every person in Genesis 6. We are compelled to see sin’s characteristics. And whether you are a seed of Satan or of the Servant, we all have this serpentine sinful rebellion in our hearts. If you are a believer, you have the hope that one day, this sin will be pulled up by the roots never to tempt or molest us again. And in the darkness of our sinfulness, we are absolutely amazed at the grace and mercy of God in these opening chapters of the story of redemption.

The context of both the Falls was that of fellowship. Adam and Eve enjoyed a fellowship with God like that of the Holy of Holies. They enjoyed closeness in His presence. Cain had fellowship outside the garden though the means of an alter. The circumstances of the Falls were that of temptation. Inside the garden Adam and Eve were tempted from without, the Serpent tempted them. Outside the garden, Cain was tempted from inside. Adam and Eve were seduced. Cain wanted to get in seclusion to carry out his evil deed.

Today, Pastor Vance added another similarity of the Fall. He developed the idea of the investigation of the Falls though interrogation. God confronts both groups. Inside the garden we see the guilt and fear of Adam and Eve. When we sin, we often fear God and hide. But what is God’s disposition towards these two sinners? God is seeking a confession by confronting. His confrontation is one of mercy, patience and love. Adam and Eve were the first to hide in fear, guilt, and shame from God, but they certainly weren’t the last. Adam and Eve were the first for God to seek and to save, and by His grace, they aren’t the last to receive His loving confrontation. God wasn’t seeking information from Adam and Eve. God knows all things at all times. God is seeking a confession so He can mitigate (make less severe, serious or painful) their sins. Their initial response was to blame shift, but then they both did confess “and I ate”

God desires a humble honest confession. In Luke 18 Jesus gives a parable of two men going to the temple to pray, a Publican and a Pharisee. The Pharisee couldn’t think of one confession he needed to make to God. The Publican couldn’t even lift his eyes as he confessed his sins. Christ said only one went away justified.

Contrasting his parents, Cain had no fear or remorse. God asked him a question, and he responds with a lie. And again, we see God’s kindness and grace. God takes the initiative to seek out murderous hate- filled Cain. We praise God for such grace. Cain lies and then asks God a contemptuous question. He lied to cover his sin. So in light of Cain’s serpentine behavior, we are forced to reflect on our own lives. So, I ask you and Pastor Vance asked us: Are you honest with God? When God is asking your questions, do you respond in truth or in lies? Are you honest with others? And perhaps most important, are you honest with yourself? How can there be much hope for someone who has believed their own lies? Yet God is seeking. God is taking the first steps towards you. God is asking you the questions so that you can confess and He can forgive. How are you responding to His questions?