the Lord God made tunics of skin and sent them out of the garden (Genesis 3:12,23)

As we have already said, the fig leaves were an inadequate covering for Adam and Eve’s guilt and shame. In order for the covering to be adequate, something had to die. The Scriptures tell us “Almost everything is purified with blood, and without the shedding of blood there is no forgiveness” (Hebrews 9:22). In fact, the tunics of skin God provided for Adam and Eve foreshadowed the temple sacrifices. and these in turn foreshadowed the shedding of Christ’s blood on the cross. This covering did not of course, restore Adam and Eve to their former glory. This would only happen the other side of the cross, and even then (now) it is a process which is not automatic (2 Corinthians 3:18).

It was a new beginning for Adam and Eve, yes God had covered their sin, but at the same time they were thrust out into a hostile world. An as in any new situation, there were lots of things they would need to learn. So it was then, so it is now. When we turn to the Lord, and our sins are covered by the blood of Jesus Christ, we are nevertheless still in a hostile world, and we need to learn how to navigate it. We are to be wise as serpents, and as harmless as doves (Matthew 10:16), we are to be in the world but not of the world (John 17:16), we are to be salt and light Matthew 513, 14), we are to be ambassadors of Christ (2 Corinthians 5:20).

This is a process, we will not reach majority overnight. When we are new to the faith, we need to desire the sincere milk of the word (1 Peter2:2). We need to grow in grace and love. We need each other, Satan loves to isolate us, he is a roaring lion seeking whom he may devour (1 Peter 5:8). In particular, we must not neglect to fellowship with the saints (Hebrews 10:25). Within the fellowship we can be nurtured, and yes at times, as we stick with it, engage in the often painful process of being sharpened as iron sharpens iron (Proverbs 27:17). We are soldiers in a war to the death with the enemy of our souls. We need persistence, overcoming joy. We need to take up our cross daily and follow Him ( Luke 9:23). We are called to die! And so yes indeed we need Him, we need His Word, and we need the fellowship of the saints!

Father, salvation is a free gift, but our sanctification will cost us everything we have. Thank You that You have not left us alone, You have given us Your Spirit, You have given us Your Word, and You have given us the fellowship of the saints! Thank You that You have promised never to leave us nor forsake us. Thank You that the joy of the Lord is our strength. Praise the Lord hallelujah Amen