Genesis 3:15 – The First Gospel

And I will put enmity between you and the woman,
    and between your offspring and hers;
he will crush your head,
    and you will strike his heel.”
Genesis 3:15

The fall of Adam and Eve brought judgment by God.  Genesis 3:15 provides redemption from God.

Like two sides of the same coin, our God is compassionate as well as just.  Into the ocean of sin and judgment of Genesis 3, He drops a life preserver in verse 15:  “…he will crush your head.” This, of course, points to the victory Jesus will have over the evil one.  God’s prophecy is the first gospel, the promise of a future redemption for all of mankind.

God makes a down payment on this future redemption by killing an innocent animal to cover the nakedness of Adam and Eve (Genesis 3:21).  This points to the redemption we all have in Jesus Christ, the innocent Son of God who died to cover our sin.  The cross is the ultimate victory over the serpent, the fulfillment of the promise in Genesis 3:15.

Adam and Eve were covered in animal skins.  We are covered by the blood of Christ.

Adam and Eve were sent to live out of the garden.  Jesus sends us out with a message to the world.

Because He died sacrificially for us, we can live gratefully, obediently, and joyfully for Him.  Jesus’ first post-resurrection words were uttered to women and included an assignment:  “Go and tell…” Matthew 28:10.  The magnitude of our sin and our fall coupled with the magnanimity of His provision should both compel and propel us forward to proclaim both his justice and his redemption.

Are we ready to be faithful to the privilege and the call to “go and tell?” Where shall I go and whom shall I tell?  Whether across the street, across town, or across the world, we are compelled and propelled by his justice and by His love. The message we carry is the good news– the gospel.

God first revealed His plan for redemption in Genesis 3:15.  Has His message of redemption transformed your heart?  If so, then how can you not share this good news with others?

Lord, bring someone across my path today.  Give me courage and give me words to share the life-changing love of Jesus.