THE FALL, FACT OR FICTION?
Genesis 3:1-6 records man’s first sin and the fall of mankind into sin’s
corruption and bondage. This account has been called fictitious by many who
likely do not want to face the truth that it teaches.
Some call this account a fable. They argue that we all know snakes do not talk
except in fables. However, in the book of Numbers, the false prophet Balaam was
confronted by a talking donkey when he, for money, was about to curse God’s
people. Others call the account a legend. Legends usually involve superhuman
individuals doing heroic deeds. We do not find Adam slaying dragons, but he
appears as a normal man in a garden.
Others consider the fall a myth. A myth can be meant to tell a religious truth,
but it is essential to be a myth that it not to be taken literally. C. S. Lewis
who made his reputation dealing with mythology says, “I know what a myth is and
I know that this is not one of them.”
Lastly, some call the account a parable. When one reads the many Bible parables
and then reads Genesis 3:1-6, one must conclude a great difference. Parables
have one point. What would be that one point? And why is it not that one point
in the balance of scriptures?
By contrast we have the simple unfolding of the history of man. God made man
upright, but he fell into sin, bringing corruption upon himself and all mankind.
Adam, the first man, represented the human race. Romans 5:15 says, “Many died by
the trespass of the one man.” Also, I Corinthians 15:21-22 says death came
through a man, and in Adam all die. Therefore, not only does everyone sin and is
guilty of his own deeds (Romans 3:23), but we are all guilty in Adam’s sin and
pass it to the entire human race. This is called guilt by imputation. This is
very hard for us to accept, for it seems unfair and unworthy of God. In reality,
it is another act of God’s grace, for it is on the basis of representation that
God is able to save us. Just as Adam is fallen man’s representative and all in
him die, so Christ has become regenerated man’s representative and all in Him
live; “For as by one man’s disobedience many were made sinners, so also by one
Man’s obedience many will be made righteous.” (Romans 5:19).
It is necessary for us to accept his verdict on our fallen nature and turn to
Christ for imputed righteousness and gracious salvation. The fall is fact, not
fiction.