The Root of the Problem in Eden
But when we look more deeply, the fruit itself was not the root of the problem.
The root of the problem was that humanity began to doubt God.
The serpent did not begin the temptation by denying God’s existence. Adam and Eve already knew God. They walked with Him and heard His voice.
Instead, the serpent attacked God’s character.
He planted a question:
Can God truly be trusted?
The serpent led the humans to wonder whether God might be withholding something good from them. Perhaps God did not completely desire what was best for them. Perhaps they were better able to determine good and evil for themselves.
That Is When Rebellion Began
Rebellion is more than breaking a command.
Rebellion is choosing to trust our own judgment more than we trust God.
Humanity says within the heart:
I know a better way. I will determine good and evil for myself. I do not need to depend completely on God.
From that moment onward, human history became a long testimony to the consequences of living by our own wisdom, separated from the wisdom of the Creator.
Abraham Chose to Trust
Yet in the midst of a world continually trying to determine its own way, the Bible introduces us to a man named Abraham.
Scripture says of Abraham:
Abram believed the LORD, and He counted it to him as righteousness.
— Genesis 15:6
What made Abraham different?
He chose to trust God.
Not because he had all the answers.
Not because his circumstances were favorable.
Not because he had seen complete evidence.
But because he knew God’s character.
Emunah — God Is Dependable
In Hebrew, the concept of faith is related to the word emunah, which carries the sense of faithfulness, firmness, reliability, and trustworthiness.
Faith is not merely believing that God exists.
Faith is recognizing that God is so dependable that we dare to entrust our lives to Him.
In other words, faith says:
God is faithful. God can be trusted. God is steadfast. God does not change.
Therefore, I dare to place my life in His hands.
Our Struggle Is Still the Same
Is not our struggle today still the same as it was in Eden?
When prayer remains unanswered, we are tempted to take control ourselves.
When God’s way differs from what we desire, we begin to question His wisdom.
When circumstances become difficult, we begin to think that our way may be better than God’s way.
Yet genuine faith always brings us back to one simple confession:
Lord, I may not understand what You are doing, but I know that You are worthy of my trust.
That is the opposite of the rebellion in Eden.
And that is the faith God counts as righteousness.
Have a great day, family in Christ.