Genesis 3–4; Moses 4–5

This Week's Reading

This week's reading in Genesis and Moses covers the profound moments of the Fall, the expulsion from Eden, and the early struggles between good and evil. It teaches that while sin entered the world through disobedience, God's plan was never to destroy humanity but to redeem it. The scriptures reveal that Adam and Eve's transgression was necessary for us to gain agency, experience mortality, and ultimately receive the joy of redemption through Jesus Christ. Their story illustrates that even in our fallen state, we are not abandoned but are loved by a Father who prepared a Savior before the world began.

Key Passages

• Genesis 3:22–24 After Adam and Eve ate the forbidden fruit, God protected them from living forever in their fallen state by placing cherubims and a flaming sword to guard the way to the tree of life.
• Genesis 4:6–7 The Lord spoke to Cain with compassion, asking why he was angry and teaching that if we do well we are accepted, yet sin lies at the door waiting for us to yield to it.
• Moses 4:1–2 Satan offered to redeem mankind and take God's honor, but the Beloved Son declared that the Father's will be done and that all glory belongs to Him forever.
• Moses 4:10–11 The serpent tempted Eve by promising they would become like gods knowing good and evil, directly appealing to their desire for power and knowledge apart from God.
• Moses 5:11–12 Eve responded with faith, recognizing that without transgression there would be no seed, no knowledge of good and evil, and no joy of redemption or eternal life.

Questions to Ponder

1. How does the account in Moses help you understand why God allowed Satan to offer to redeem mankind before His Son did?
2. In what ways can you choose to "do well" today so that you are accepted by the Lord, even when sin lies at the door?
3. Why might Eve have felt glad about her transgression if she understood it was necessary for us to gain agency and experience redemption?
4. How does the image of the flaming sword guarding the tree of life help you appreciate the importance of staying close to God's commandments?

A Thought to Take Home

Even though we live in a fallen world, the scriptures assure us that Jesus Christ is the Redeemer who came before the foundation of the world to save us. We are not left to face our struggles alone; the Lord speaks to us with love and offers guidance whenever we feel wroth or tempted. By trusting in His plan and keeping His commandments, we can find joy in our redemption and walk in eternal life with Him.

Moses 4:1–2 Genesis 3:22–24 Moses 5:11–12