How does Romans 3:23 connect with Genesis 3 regarding the fall of man? Romans 3:23—The Universal Diagnosis “for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.” • One sweeping statement. No one is exempt: “all have sinned.” • “Fall short” pictures an archer’s arrow dropping before the target; humanity consistently misses God’s perfect standard. • “Glory of God” recalls His radiant holiness revealed throughout Scripture (Exodus 33:18–23; Isaiah 6:3). Genesis 3—The Historical Root of the Problem • Eden was the first setting where God’s glory was experienced without hindrance (Genesis 2:25). • The serpent’s deception (Genesis 3:1–5) enticed Adam and Eve to doubt God’s word, aiming directly at His glory. • Eating the forbidden fruit produced immediate consequences: – Spiritual death (Genesis 2:17). – Separation and shame (Genesis 3:7–10). – Curses affecting every area of life (Genesis 3:14–19). • Romans 5:12 connects the dots: “sin entered the world through one man, and death through sin, and in this way death came to all people”. Tracing the Line: How the First Sin Becomes Every Sin 1. Inheritance of a fallen nature – Psalm 51:5: “Surely I was brought forth in iniquity.” – Ephesians 2:3: “by nature children of wrath.” 2. Personal participation – James 1:14–15 shows desire conceiving sin in each heart. – Romans 3:10–18 strings together Old Testament citations to display universal corruption. 3. Ongoing shortfall of God’s glory – Isaiah 59:2: sins “have hidden His face” from us. – 1 John 1:8: “If we say we have no sin, we deceive ourselves.” Supporting Passages that Link Romans 3 and Genesis 3 • Romans 3:19–20—Law reveals sin; Genesis supplied the first command that revealed disobedience. • Romans 3:21—“apart from the Law, the righteousness of God has been revealed” echoes God’s promise of a Deliverer in Genesis 3:15. • Romans 8:20–22—Creation’s groaning traces back to the ground cursed in Genesis 3:17. Good News Foreshadowed in Both Chapters • Genesis 3:15 offers the first gospel hint: the woman’s offspring will crush the serpent’s head. • Romans 3:24 proclaims the fulfillment: “and are justified freely by His grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus”. • 1 Peter 1:18–20 shows Christ foreknown “before the foundation of the world,” answering the need exposed in Genesis 3 and confessed in Romans 3. Living in Light of the Connection • Recognize personal sinfulness—not just Adam’s story, but ours. • Rest in the provided righteousness of Christ, the remedy unveiled from Eden forward. • Reflect God’s glory now by walking in the Spirit (Galatians 5:16–25), anticipating the day when His glory will be fully restored in us (Romans 8:29–30). |
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