Journeying in Genesis: The Refreshment of Innocence

“And the man and his wife were both naked and were not ashamed.”

Genesis 2:25

What a moment in time, revealing the wonder of a sin-free existence. Adam and Eve are the only humans who lived in God’s perfect order. I can’t wait for that kind of freedom. We have it now through salvation in Christ, but the ultimate will be in eternity when we are rid of these flesh bodies that are so prone to wander.

Some think they are doing others a favor by telling them they should never feel shame or guilt; just embrace whatever we do with pride. But guilt and shame are actually good things in this fallen world when they sound the alarm that we have sinned against God. They are there by His grace to lead us to repentance and cleansing. Romans 8:1 tells us that in Christ, there is no condemnation! Jesus paid the price to remove our guilt, and roll away our shame. Acts 3:19-21 says,

“Repent therefore, and turn back,

that your sins may be blotted out,

that times of refreshing may come

from the presence of the Lord,

and that he may send the Christ appointed for you, Jesus,

whom heaven must receive until the time for restoring all the things

about which God spoke by the mouth of his holy prophets long ago.”

There is future restoration ahead, but for now we can be free of the guilt and shame caused by sin, because of Jesus. To despise the cross and attempt to remove shame another way is futile. Our place in Genesis today is a reminder of all that Christ came to restore. He endured the cross to remove our shame and restore us to innocence. May His name forever be praised!