Adam and Eve Biography

Desiring creatures formed in His own image, God creates a man upon a virgin planet—then a woman from the man’s substance. A lavish, fruitful garden is their home. The only prohibition levied on the couple is that they refrain from eating from one fruit tree. The story sounds almost fanciful. Yet the couple has names: Adam and Eve, and we soon realize that the fruit itself is not the issue…it possesses no inherent goodness or evil. A personal God is testing the love and obedience of the couple toward Him.

Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden

How long before human corruption—one month, one century? We don’t know. All we know is that the woman is tempted by Satan and eventually succumbs and eats the fruit. She then convinces Adam that it won’t hurt him to do likewise. When God confronts the couple, their shame results in a confused jumble of muttered blameshifting. But the damage has been done.

Then the bombshell strikes. We realize with horror that they represented corporate humanity when they chose to rebel against their Creator. The malignant curse of sin—a corrupt, self-centered nature is now passed on to all subsequent human generations. Mankind is doomed. If at the moment of transgression the couple could have viewed the unspeakable agony and vileness that the Curse has laid upon the human race, surely suicide would have been an irresistible temptation.

But a shining ray of hope splits the murky curtain of gloom as a baby is born in a tiny Judean town. Angels proclaim to poverty-stricken shepherds that the babe is a Savior—the Messiah. The baby grows to sinless manhood–heals, loves, and teaches the multitudes. Finally at age 33 he is nailed to a rugged crossbeam by Roman soldiers at the Place of the Skull. An ugly end to a messianic lunatic? Not quite. Three days later the man is raised from death, the triumphant Son of God!

Adam and Eve’s temptation in the Garden of Eden

But this Son of God is also the Son of Man. He is Jesus, the Last Adam. The first Adam introduced death and condemnation to the human race. The Last Adam introduced life and forgiveness. The first Adam brought alienation from God and hateful division between humans. The Last Adam brought reconciliation with God and loving unification between humans. All those hideous old barriers raised by Adam are now obliterated by Christ. There is hope for a fallen world.

What can we learn from Adam and Eve?

The rebellion of Adam and Eve against God meant horrible consequences for the human race. However, we have no guarantee we would have done any better in their place. We can be everlastingly thankful that the Last Adam, Jesus Christ, is able to forgive us of the guilt and free us from the power of evil that pollutes every heart.

 Bible Verses about Adam and Eve

Genesis chaps. 1-5:5; Job 31:33; Luke 3:38; Romans 5:14; 1 Cor. 15:22, 45; 2 Cor. 11:3; 1 Tim. 2:13; Jude 14

What questions does this chapter help answer?

• Who are Adam and Eve?
• Did Adam and Eve really exist?
• What does the bible say about Adam and Eve?
• How long did Adam and Eve live in the Garden of Eden before sinning?
• Why did Adam and Eve sin?