After Adam and Eve “fell” in the Garden of Eden, spiritual death occurred. To cover their nakedness they sewed fig leaves together. This was man’s first attempt to cover his sinful condition by the works of his own hands. The loving Lord God, however, replaced those fig leaves with garments made from animal skin. This speaks of our need to be covered by the work of God, and pictures the perfect blood sacrifice that would one day atone for the sins of mankind.
You see, sincerity or zeal for one’s belief is not enough to get one into heaven. Also, contrary to popular opinion, all roads do not lead to God. Only one does. Jesus is the tunic that covers our naked condition; any other method or system of salvation is just another fig leaf. “This is a faithful saying and worthy of all acceptance, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners”. (1 Tim 1:15) Only by the grace8 provided through Jesus as the perfect sacrificial Lamb can our debt of sin be removed, and we are brought into living fellowship with Him.
The Lord God asked Adam the question, “Where are you?” Ask yourself that question. Where are you spiritually? Are you hiding behind a religious fig leaf today, or are you redeemed by the blood of the Lamb?
As we begin our day this morning, may each of us reflect on our relationship with Jesus. Self examination is often painful, but necessary. The One who said, “Remember Me” also invites us to get our hearts right with Him. Remove that fig leaf of religion or self justification today. Confess your sins to Jesus and turn from your own way of living. Stop striving! Stop kicking against His work.
Instead, believe, for Jesus taught: “This is the work of God, that you believe in Him whom He has sent.” Receive Him, and the rest that He has promised you.
