Gen. 3:1-24GODS GRACE IN THE FALL Intro: Ill. The Creation and the fall of man. In that fall, the entire human race was plunged into darkness, sin and death. In that terrible instant when man sinned against God, man died and became spiritually separated from Almighty God. Man also became helpless in his ability to get back in a right relationship with a God. From the moment mankind fell into sin and ruin, God has made it His business to seek fallen man and attempt to establish a relationship with him. This truth is clearly presented in the story of the fall of Adam and the immediate aftermath. As God gives liberty this afternoon, I would like to preach on the thought, Gods Grace In The Fall. I. v. 8HE CAME TO THEM A. Ill. Man had transgressed the commandment of God and had sinned. Now, there was great gulf between God and man Isa. 59:2. (Ill. Apparently it was Gods custom to join Adam in the cool of the day for fellowship and communion. Now, man had sinned and God had every right to stay away, but He came anyway! That is grace! B. Ill. He is still doing that today! When the sinners heart is stirred and he is made aware of the great love of God. That is just the Lord walking in the cool of the day seeking fellowship! (Ill. Jesus Luke 19:10) (Ill. God Eph. 2:1- 9) C. It is grace and grace alone that allows Holy God to come to us! Thank God for Grace! II. v.9-10 HE CALLED THEM A. He didnt just come to look upon their misery., He called out to Adam in an effort to reach him. B. Ill. Man is dead in sin, Eph. 2:1, until God awakens him to that fact. It is only at the call of God that the sinner can be saved John 6:44; John 6:65. C. Again, it is pure grace that Holy God would call any one into love relationship with Himself. (Ill. The disciples Ill. You and me!) III. v. 11HE CONFRONTED THEM A. God challenged man on the basis of His sin. Ill. God wasnt fishing for information, He knew what Adam and Eve had done. He was looking for a confession. What He got was accusation, Ill. V.12. (Ill. Adams double accusation.) B. Ill. This is what God does for the sinner. He reveals to us the sinfulness of our lives and calls upon us to repent. (Ill. John the Baptist Repent Ill. Jesus Repent Ill. John and Herod.) C. Ill. It is pure grace that shows the sinner the error of his lifestyle. Without His revelation, we would continue into Hell Ill. Pro. 16:25. It may be painful to see yourself as you really are, but until you do, you will never see as need to be different! (It is grace that challenges us in our lifestyle! Thank God He doesnt just let us go!) (Ill. The ministry of the Holy Ghost John 16:7-11) IV. v. 12-20HE CHASTISED THEM A. Ill. The various punishments meted out on the sinners. This too was the grace of God. Ill. He would have been within His rights to have killed them outright Gen. 2:17. B. Gods chastening and restraining hand stands as a reminder that there is a price on sin. Imagine for a moment that God just allowed us to go on as we pleased without any checks. We would all sin our way into Hell, or into deep trouble. He chastens us to call our attention away from the pleasure of sin so that we might see the reality of sin. That it is brutal, ugly and defiling! C. Nobody likes chastisement, but it too is a product of Gods grace Rev. 3:19; Pro. 3:11-12. V. v. 21HE COVERED THEM A. Their sin became real when that animal died to cover their nakedness. They instantly realized that they were responsible. It was the grace of God that accepted the sacrifice of an innocent party to atone for the sins of the guilty. B. Our salvation is the same way. It is pure grace that saves the sinner., cleanses him and clothes him the righteousness of Jesus Christ Eph. 2:8. (Ill. Our salvation is free, but it is anything but cheap! Ill. The cross and the awful death Jesus faced there for sinners. It was pure grace in action!) C. Grace is the sinners only hope. Pure grace and nothing they can ever do can atone for sin. It is through grace that we enter salvation. VI. v. 22-24HE COMMANDED THEM A. Ill. The context! Ill. The implications of man being allowed access to the tree of life in a fallen state! What a horrible hell that would have been. Eternally separated from the presence and love of God. His command to cast them out was a command of compassion and grace! B. His grace is evident in our lives in the things He keeps us from. He isnt a cosmic killjoy, He knows what is best for you and me. Therefore, some things are off limits to us as children of God. It is grace that protects us, our testimonies, and our fellowship with the Father. (Ill. Adam thought it was the worst that could happen, when all along it was the best possible solution to a terrible problem.) C. Grace is why you and I can rest assured of a home in Heaven 2 Cor. 12:9. Conc: Thank God for grace this evening. It is evident all the way back to the Garden of Eden. It is still evident tonight! We ought to praise Him for His grace and rest in it with full assurance of faith. His grace truly is amazing!