The Human Condition

Genesis 3:23-24; Romans 5:18-21

We are living during a time between paradises. In the beginning, God placed humanity in the Garden of Eden, a place of no pain or suffering. It was perfect, yet Adam and Eve chose their own way instead of God’s. The perfect relationship between God and humanity was broken, as it is now. Don’t despair though! God loved his creation enough to send Jesus, who offers us reconciliation. Though we live at this time, we await when Jesus will come to us again. Then we will be living in paradise, in the light of God’s face. The relationship between us will be broken no more. Take heart from this future as we deal with our present condition. 

Questions for further thought:
1. Was it right for all of humanity to fall through the actions of one man and women? (When thinking on this question, imagine the fall as a betrayal of trust between two friends.)

2. Why are you living now, in the in-between time? What’s your purpose here?  

Challenge: Make a table with consequences of our broken relationship with God on one side, and the way those will be healed someday on the other. Try to be personal, not just general.