Read Genesis 3:15-24. List the various ways that God judged Adam and Eve both positively and negatively in this passage.

First God begins this judgement scene by talking about the enmity that will exist between the woman’s seed and the serpent. The negative aspect of this enmity is the bruising of the heel of the woman’s seed but the woman’s seed will crush the serpents head. This enmity itself is also a blessing. This means that mankind will have the ability to resist the Satan. In this judgement scene the woman is punished with pain during birthing children. We also see that man must work by the sweat of his brow to produce food for his family.

In the midst of this we see that God covers Adam and Eve with clothing which He provides. This sounds like how in the final judgement though we have messed up, we can be covered by God through Jesus. The act of God providing clothing for Adam and Eve was a gracious act. Their sins had left them naked, yet the grace of God has clothed them. This clothing symbolizes the righteousness of Christ.

How does the truth of Christ as our substitute in judgment make that judgment positive for us? Why must we always keep that important truth in mind when we think about judgment?

We must remember that Jesus paid it all. All the sins that we deserved punishment for Jesus already suffered for. By His stripes we are healed. The judgement is something we do not have to fear because we have an assurance in Jesus Christ that our sins are forgiven , and we are covered in His blood. Jesus is our lawyer and the Judge is our Father, we are on the winning side!

Prayer: Father please help us to see the positive side of the Judgement. Thank you in Jesus name name.