Fall

The fall of humanity and creation in Gen. 3 becomes one of the major themes throughout the Bible, for it explains all that is wrong with the world, as well as the need for redemption that is developed throughout the Bible. Because Adam and Eve were rulers over creation and thus responsible for it, their sin drastically and directly affected all of the creation as well. And even though Adam bore the privilege of headship, he also bore the responsibility for their decision and how it affected creation. This is why even though Eve was the one who sinned first, Adam was held responsible for the fall of humanity and creation by Yahweh in His Word (Rom. 5:12-14; 1 Cor. 15:22).

It is important to understand that the sin of Adam and Eve was against Yahweh, not against each other, the animals, or the planet. Therefore, the only way to bring redemption to humanity and creation would be by reconciling humanity to Yahweh. No amount of social justice, environmental preservation, or education can fix what is wrong with the world. Only by reconciling the sin barrier between Yahweh and humanity can the rest of creation experience redemption.