SEMESTER 1
413 – Man’s Fall and Downward Progression
BIBLE INSTITUTE OF CORRESPONDENCE
COURSE: BIBLE SURVEY I LESSON # 13
MAN’S FALL AND DOWNWARD PROGRESSION
Read: Genesis, chapters 2 through 4.
INTRODUCTION:
1. In soteriology, we have covered man’s fall more extensively, so we will only touch it here to maintain continuity.
2. Like creation, the subject at first occupies relatively little Scripture.
3. There are two things, however, which accentuate its biblical importance:
i. The statement and enlargement of it extends throughout Scripture.
ii. The effect of it is the warrant for all the work of redemption.
4. This lesson will briefly state both the original fall and the downward progress of man.
I. BIBLE VERSUS THE EVOLUTIONARY POSTULATION
1. Scripture clearly teaches that God placed man in a utopia when He created him. (Gen. 2:15-25
)
i. His occupation was like a hobby, not labor. (Gen. 2:15)
ii. He did not live with competition or insecurity. (Gen. 2:16)
iii. There was no animosity from the other creatures. (Gen. 2:19)
iv. There was unity and love between the man and his wife. (Gen. 2:23-25)
1. Scripture clearly indicates a downward movement of man.
i. By man came death. (Gen. 2:17, Gen. 3:6, Rom. 5:12)
ii. Man lost previous positions and privileges. (Gen. 3:17-24)
1. Evolution teaches that man had his start without status, privilege or ability.
i. No original purpose in him or for him.
ii. No dominion over anything (all with equal origin).
iii. He was without intelligence, sex, goal or fulfillment.
1. He, without any of this, having only need, but no knowledge of that need, moved upward to:
i. Distinction, understanding and respect of sex.
ii. Superiority over and use of animal and plant life.
iii. Intelligence, design for self and unlimited potential.
II. MAN FELL FROM ALL THE FOLLOWING
1. A garden of leisure, in which there was no curse.
2. A position of dominion over the earth and its inhabitants.
3. A state of health in which he would live forever.
4. A state in which he could walk and fellowship with God.
III. HIS IMMEDIATE FALLEN POSITION INVOLVED THE FOLLOWING
1. Separation from the presence of God. (Gen. 3:8, Gen. 3:24)
2. Sorrow in child birth. (Gen. 3:16)
3. The curse upon the ground for man’s sake. (Gen. 3:17-18)
4. Labor instead of leisurely occupation. (Gen. 3:18-19)
5. Impending and imminent physical death. (Gen. 3:19)
IV. MAN THEN BEGAN TO PROGRESS DOWNWARDLY
1. He approached God in self-righteousness and rebellion. (Gen. 4:3-7)
2. His wrong attitude toward God and self-wrought hatred for his fellowman, and he subsequently slew his brother.
i. Let it be understood, that all wrong relationships with man start with wrong relationship with God.
3. Instead of repenting, man went out from the presence of the Lord. (Gen. 4:16-18)
4. This society moved into polygamy, a violation of God’s order (Gen. 2:24) and into violence. (Gen. 4:19-24)
5. He then moved to the area of marriage (sexual union, in this case) without regard for divine order. (Gen. 6:2)
6. The climax of this is seen in a totally depraved heart. (Gen. 6:5)