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Predicament of Our First Parents
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Adam understood that his companion had disobeyed the com-
mand of God. There was a terrible struggle in his mind. He mourned
that he had permitted Eve to wander from his side. But now the deed
was done; he must be separated from her whose society had been
his joy.
How could he endure this? Adam had enjoyed the companion-
ship of God and of holy angels. He understood the high destiny
opened to the human race if they remained faithful to God. Yet
all these blessings were lost sight of in the fear of losing that one
gift which, in his eyes, was of more value than every other. Love,
gratitude, and loyalty to the Creator—all were swept aside by love to
Eve. She was a part of himself, and he could not endure the thought
of separation. If she must die, he would die with her. Might not the
words of the wise serpent be true? No sign of death appeared in Eve,
and he decided to brave the consequences. He seized the fruit and
quickly ate.
After his transgression, Adam at first imagined himself entering
upon a higher state of existence. But soon the thought of his sin
filled him with terror. The love and peace that had been theirs was
gone, and in its place they felt a sense of sin, a dread of the future,
a nakedness of soul. The robe of light that had enshrouded them
disappeared, and to replace it they tried to make a covering for
themselves. While naked, they could not meet the eye of God and
holy angels.
They now began to see the true character of sin. Adam criticized
his companion for leaving his side and permitting herself to be
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deceived by the serpent. But they both flattered themselves that
the God who had given them so many evidences of His love would
pardon this one transgression; they would not be subjected to so
terrible a punishment as they had feared.
Satan gloated. He had tempted the woman to distrust God’s love,
to doubt His wisdom, and to transgress His law; and through her he
had caused the overthrow of Adam!
The Sad Change That Sin Produced
The great Lawgiver was about to make known to Adam and Eve
the result of their transgression. In their innocence and holiness