Another Opportunity

When Adam and Eve sinned in the Garden of Eden, they hid from the presence of God. “God called to Adam and said to him, Where are you? (Gen. 3:9 NKJV)

Adam did not understand the implications of his sin, and he did not realize the futility of trying to cover it up. So he threw away an opportunity to confess. I heard your voice in the garden,” he said, “and I was afraid because I was naked; and I hid myself. (v. 10)

But God doesn’t stop with one opportunity. He provides another. And the next time God was more direct with Adam: Who told you that you were naked? Have you eaten from the tree . . . ? (v. 11a)

This time, realizing he had exposed himself and that he could not deny the fact, he tried to blame it on his wife Eve—and missed another opportunity to confess.

Confessing sin doesn’t mean we will not suffer the consequences of our actions. After all, nothing could change the consequences of Adam and Eve’s sin and subsequent Fall. But confessing sin before God brings forgiveness--brings us back into God’s Presence. What a shame to miss those opportunities.

Originally published January 31, 1992.