"Therefore, just as sin came into the world through one man, and death through sin, death came to all people in this way, because all sinned," says Paul (Romans 5:12). The Fall's consequences are numerous and far-reaching. Every aspect of our being has been impacted by sin. It has had an impact on our lives on this planet as well as our eternal destiny.
One of the immediate consequences of the Fall was the separation of mankind from God. Adam and Eve had perfect communion and fellowship with God in the Garden of Eden. That fellowship was shattered when they rebelled against Him. They realised their sin and felt ashamed in front of Him. They fled from Him (Genesis 3:8–10), and man has continued to flee from God ever since. That fellowship can only be restored through Christ, because we are made as righteous and sinless in God's eyes in Him as Adam and Eve were before they sinned. "God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, in order that we might become God's righteousness through him" (2 Corinthians 5:21).
Death became a reality as a result of the Fall, and it affected all of creation. All humans, animals, and plant life perish. The "entire creation groans" (Romans 8:22), anticipating the return of Christ to free it from the effects of death. Death is an unavoidable reality as a result of sin, and no one is exempt. "Sin's wages are death, but God's gift is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord" (Romans 6:23). Worse yet, we not only die, but we also experience eternal death if we die without Christ.
Another consequence of the Fall is that humans have lost sight of their original purpose. The highest goal and purpose of man's life is to glorify God and enjoy Him forever (Romans 11:36; 1 Corinthians 6:20; 1 Corinthians 10:31; Psalm 86:9). As a result, all morality and goodness are based on love for God. The choice of self as supreme is the polar opposite. The essence of the Fall is selfishness, and all other crimes against God follow. Sin is, in every way, a turning inward, as evidenced by how we live our lives. We draw attention to ourselves, our positive qualities, and our achievements. We try to downplay our flaws. We seek out special favours and opportunities in life, hoping to gain an advantage over others. We are hyper-aware of our own desires and needs while ignoring those of others. In other words, we usurp God's role and place ourselves on the throne of our lives.
Humans became depraved as a result of the Fall. Those whose "consciences are seared" (1 Timothy 4:2) and whose minds are spiritually darkened as a result of rejecting the truth were described by Paul (Romans 1:21). Without divine grace, man is completely incapable of doing or choosing what is acceptable to God in this state. "God is hostile to the sinful mind." It does not, and cannot, submit to God's law" (Romans 8:7).
All men would remain in their fallen state unless they were supernaturally regenerated by the Holy Spirit. But, in His grace, mercy, and loving-kindness, God sent His Son to die on the cross and bear the penalty for our sin, reconciling us to God and allowing us to spend eternity with Him. At the Cross, what was lost at the Fall is reclaimed.
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