Here's the title:
A Biblical explanation of Sin: The Prognosis and Diagnosis
Therefore, while editing it hit me while thinking deeply theologically through the fall of man and God's curse to mankind: WHY God gave those specific curses to men and women? So here is what I amazingly gathered in my study (if you can follow).
Man was created distinct from the rest of creation—in the image of God. This identity gave him the freedom to serve God fully; to pursue work and rule over the created things (Gen. 1). Eden was governed by a couple general laws: (1) Adam was to rule over creation according to God’s image and likeness (Gen. 1:26), (2) serve Yahweh (Gen. 2:15), and (3) reproduce other worshipers (Gen. 1:28). So bottom line was: Love God, rule over the created order, and make more worshipers.
Though Satan could not make Eve sin; he enticed her and challenged the strength of her allegiance to God and reliance upon Him.
He said, “You will not surely die,” the serpent said to the woman. “For God knows that when you eat of it your eyes will be opened, and you will be like God, knowing good and evil.”
More or less saying, "Did God really say..." And challenging God's trustworthiness.
The strength of Eve's allegiance and trust was present prior to this test and temptation, which could have been strengthened if she had passed the test. Therefore, neither God is to blame for Adam and Eve’s idolatry, nor Satan, though he did play a role; Adam and Eve had the ability to overcome sin through trusting their Creator God.
The curse: The punishment for man’s disobedience was a broken relationship between man and God; God’s perfectly created order on earth was handed over to Satan and death would reign. The curse to man was that cultivation or ruling over creation would be burdensome, as all harmony between creation was destroyed. For women, childbirth would be terribly painful and she would desire to reign over her husband.
So, then. Here are my deeply theological thoughts: The broken relationship between man and God was completely restored through Jesus Christ's death and resurrection. And, through the Holy Spirit's (massive) help, we can even have harmonious relationships with other people (i.e., wives out there, we can even die to self...I'm saying, give up that control freak in you...and submit to your husband).
The Final DEEP Answer:
So, why childbirth? It seems that the curses given specially to men and women are to be a constant reminder of how far we fell in our treason against the perfect Creator and how high God lifted us to share in Jesus' inheritance...because he loves us He died in our place!
So, back to childbirth...Sure, not everyone experiences physical childbirth. But, at Creation, God commanded a one-flesh union to be fruitful and multiply...worshipers (because there was no sin in man...yet). (Side note: We can also multiply worshipers through discipleship--Matt. 28:18-20). Now, every time a baby is born through the pain of childbirth--something that would have been joyous of bringing a new worshiper in the world--is now painful because the child is full of sin and death. It is a brilliant reminder to every person on earth (because we've all been born) that we need the only One who can make us into a worshiper--Jesus Christ. Then, we can be born-again (sometimes just as painful for the spiritual parents as physical childbirth!).
The pain in childbirth should make you think of the Creation account, how God made redemption through Christ, and how trustworthy He is! AMEN!
Cool, huh! (If you caught any of those very very deep thoughts!)
P.S. I almost went searching on Google for a "childbirth" picture, but then got scared...not certain what would flash on this large screen. Since God gave us an imagination, just imagine childbirth. See, now you have a picture along with this post :)
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