Ground Zero for Sin
What is the first recorded sin in the Bible? One might conclude that “ground zero” for sin happened in the Garden of Eden when Adam and Eve disobeyed God and ate from the tree that was forbidden to them. The Bible recorded it in Genesis 3:1-13.
Even though the sin of Adam and Eve occurred in the earliest annals of human history, it was not the origin of sin. Sin occurred in the realms of heaven sometime prior to the creation of Adam and Eve. If not, the serpent would not have existed in the Garden.
Isaiah 14 describes the downfall of a king. The description apparently makes reference to the motivation behind the downfall of Satan and his fellow rebellious angels. The earthly king simply embodies the arrogance and pride that caused Satan to betray God.
Isaiah 14:13 states, “But you said in your heart, ‘I will ascend to heaven; I will raise my throne above the stars of God, and I will sit on the mount of assembly in the recesses of the north.’” This king mirrored Lucifer, a powerful angelic being whose beauty and glory were beyond any mortal creature, who arrogantly attempted to usurp the recognition and status belonging only to God. As a result, God judged him and his legions and cast them out of heaven.
Note how the serpent tempted Adam and Eve. He made an appeal to the very same arrogance and pride that caused him to stumble and fall. He said to them, “For God knows that in the day you eat from it your eyes will be opened, and you will be like God…” Genesis 3:5a
Thus comes the scriptural truth that says, “Pride goes before destruction, And a haughty spirit before stumbling.” Proverbs 16:18. Hubris normally precedes a fall.
Pride appears to be at the very root of original sin, both in heaven and on earth. John Stott seemed to be extremely accurate in his assessment that “Pride is more than the first of the seven deadly sins; it is itself the essence of all sin”. It may very well be Ground Zero for sin.
Proverbs 6:16-19 lists seven things that are an abomination to the Lord. Pride heads the list. The Bible supports the idea that pride and arrogance are opposed by God. James 4:6 says, “God is opposed to the proud, but gives grace to the humble.” Proverbs 16:5 uses even stronger language. It says, “Everyone who is proud in heart is an abomination to the LORD; assuredly, he will not be unpunished.”
C.J. Mahaney, in his book on humility, gives a reason why God hates pride so passionately. He wrote, “Pride is when sinful human beings aspire to the status and position of God and refuse to acknowledge their dependence upon Him.”
The second portion of Mahaney’s definition is where the rubber meets the road. How often is it that we fail to acknowledge our dependence on God and go along our merry way living life as though we are in control of it? If that reflects the presence of pride in one’s life, Lord have mercy on us.
Take a moment and reflect upon the possible presence of pride in your life and ask the Lord to help you take a journey to learn about humility. After all, being humble is being like Jesus who said, “Come to Me, all who are weary and heavy-laden, and I will give you rest. 29 “Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.”
Something to think about…