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04. Man in need of redemption.
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04. Man in need of redemption215. Why are human beings in need of redemption?
Since the fall into sin, all human beings have been sinners: they have been tempted to sin by the evil
one. No human being can live without sin. Each one is mired in sin. It is from this condition that God
desires to liberate—in other words, redeem—mankind.
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The fall into sin and its consequences: see Questions 88. et seq.
216. What does “redemption” mean?
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The original meaning of “redemption” had to do with the act of untying ropes and shackles. In the
context of the sacrifice of Jesus, “redemption” refers to the liberation of human beings bound by the
shackles of the evil one.
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217. Where does evil come from?
It is impossible to rationally comprehend or explain where evil comes from.
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218. What is evil?
Evil is a destructive power opposed to God.
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219. How does evil reveal itself?
Evil reveals itself in various ways, for example, in the form of destruction, lies, envy, or greed. It
ultimately leads to death.
220. Does evil also exist as a person?
Yes. Evil is also manifest as a person and, among other things, is called the “Devil” or “Satan” (cf.
Matthew 4: 1; Mark 1: 13). As an enemy of Christ, he is also described as the “Antichrist”.
,221. How did evil come to mankind?
God gave human beings the opportunity to decide for obedience or disobedience toward Himself.
When human beings turned away from God and decided for disobedience toward Him, evil was
manifest. Evil is thus not created by God, but likely permitted by Him in that He did not prevent human
beings from making their own decision.
222. Will evil always exist?
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No. Evil will not always exist. The power of the evil one has already been broken by Jesus Christ. In 1
John 3: 8 it says the following concerning this: “For this purpose the Son of God was manifested, that
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He might destroy the works of the devil.” After the kingdom of peace, evil will be given one last
opportunity to stand up in opposition to God. Thereafter it will be fully neutralised. In the new creation,
evil will have no place.
Kingdom of peace: see Questions 575. et seq.
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223. What is related in Holy Scripture concerning the fall into sin?
God had commanded Adam and Eve not to eat of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, which
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stood in the middle of the garden of Eden. God also made them aware of the consequences of
breaking this commandment: “For in the day that you eat of it you shall surely die” (Genesis 2: 17).
The Devil influenced the first human beings and awakened doubt in God’s word: “You will not surely
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die. For God knows that in the day you eat of it your eyes will be opened, and you will be like God,
knowing good and evil” (Genesis 3: 4, 5). Adam and Eve gave in to temptation. They rebelled against
God, transgressed His commandment, and ate of the fruit of the tree. This disobedience toward God
is described as the fall into sin.
224. What were the consequences for mankind of the fall into sin?
The fall into sin brought about changes in the lives of human beings, which they could not reverse.
They began to be afraid of God and hid themselves from Him. The relationship of human beings
, toward one another also suffered, as did their relationship with the creation. Since then, the life of
man has been filled with toil—and has been limited: “For dust you are, and to dust you shall return”
(Genesis 3: 19).
Another consequence of the fall into sin was the separation between mankind and God: God drove
the first two human beings from the garden of Eden (cf. Genesis 3: 23-24).
“Therefore the Lord God sent him out of the garden of Eden to till the ground from which he was
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taken. So He drove out the man; and He placed cherubim at the east of the garden of Eden and a
flaming sword which turned every way, to guard the way to the tree of life.”
Genesis 3: 23-24
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225. What was God’s position toward fallen mankind?
God’s love for mankind remained intact even after the fall into sin. Despite their disobedience, God
attended to them: in His loving care, God even clothed Adam and Eve with tunics of skin (cf. Genesis
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3: 21).
The love of God for fallen mankind is revealed in perfect fashion in the send God’s love for mankind
remained intact even after the fall into sin. Despite their disobedience, God attended to them: in His
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loving care, God even clothed Adam and Eve with tunics of skin (cf
Genesis 3: 21).
The love of God for fallen mankind is revealed in perfect fashion in the sending of Jesus Christ, who
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conquered sin. “Therefore, as through one man’s offence judgement came to all men, resulting in
condemnation, even so through one Man’s righteous act the free gift came to all men, resulting in
justification of life. For as by one man’s disobedience many were made sinners, so also by one Man’s
obedience many will be made righteous” (Romans 5: 18-19).
226. How was the further development of mankind after the fall into sin?
After the fall into sin, the sins of mankind increased at an appalling rate: first Cain slew his brother
Abel even despite God’s warning (cf. Genesis 4: 6-8).
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