Redemption after the Fall of Man Notes, Quizzes & Revision
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Redemption after the Fall of Man
Topic: The Old Testament β Subject: Christian Religious Education (Age: ~15, Kenyan context). These notes explain how God began to repair the broken relationship with humanity after Adam and Eve disobeyed God (the Fall). They focus on Old Testament signs and promises that point to God's plan of salvation.
- Explain the origin and consequences of sin.
- Describe how God's plan of salvation unfolds in the Old Testament.
- Discuss how Christians respond to God's redemptive work.
- Suggest ways to live out God's redemption in daily Kenyan life (home, school, church, community).
1. Origin of Sin (simple summary)
- Read Genesis 3: Adam and Eve disobey God by eating from the tree God had forbidden. This act is called the Fall. - Sin originated as a choice to disobey Godβs command β a turning away from Godβs will (self-centred choice).
2. Consequences of the Fall
- Separation from God (spiritual brokenness).
- Human suffering: pain in childbirth, hard work, sickness, and death (Genesis 3).
- Broken relationships: blame, shame, conflict between people and creation.
- Introduction of evil, injustice and temptation into the world (affects families, society).
In a Kenyan context, the consequences show up as social problems (unforgiveness, corruption, violence, neglect of the poor) that contradict Godβs intention for community and care.
3. Godβs Plan of Salvation β How it unfolds in the Old Testament
The Old Testament reveals a step-by-step plan in which God promises to restore what was lost. Key stages:
- Protoevangelium (first promise) β Genesis 3:15: God foretells that the offspring of the woman will defeat the serpent. This is the first hint of future deliverance.
- Noahic covenant β After the flood God promises to preserve life (Genesis 9): God remains faithful despite human sin.
- Abrahamic promise β God chooses Abraham and promises blessing to all nations through his descendants (Genesis 12, 15): the idea that God will restore people begins to take a family- and nation-shaped form.
- Exodus and the Law β God delivers Israel from slavery (Moses) and gives the Law (Ten Commandments). The Law shows holy standards and points out sin; rituals (sacrifices, Passover) teach the cost of sin and need for forgiveness.
- Davidic covenant β God promises a lasting kingdom through Davidβs line (2 Samuel 7), pointing to a coming righteous king.
- Prophets β Isaiah, Jeremiah, Micah and others speak of a suffering servant (Isaiah 53), restoration, and a new covenant (Jeremiah 31:31β34) where God will forgive and change hearts.
Together these episodes form a promise-story: a beginning (Fall), a promise (deliverance and covenant), and signs that point to final restoration.
4. Old Testament symbols that point to redemption
- Blood/sacrifice: shows the seriousness of sin and the need for atonement.
- Passover: deliverance from death and slavery β a picture of rescue.
- Temple/Tabernacle: Godβs presence among his people; later fulfilled in the idea of God living with people.
- Covenant: a binding promise between God and people (sign of commitment and faithfulness).
- Prophecy of the Messiah: expectation of one who will restore, suffer for people, and bring justice.
5. How the Old Testament points forward to final redemption
The Old Testament prepares the way: promises, laws and sacrifices all point to a future fulfilment. Christians see these fulfilled in Jesus Christ (New Testament). But in the Old Testament itself we can trace Godβs steady work to fix the problem of sin and restore relationship with humanity.
6. Ways Christians respond to Godβs redemptive work
- Repentance β turning from sin and returning to God (honest confession).
- Faith and trust β accepting Godβs promise and living by it.
- Worship and prayer β connecting with God personally and corporately.
- Obedience to Godβs moral teaching β following Godβs commands in daily choices.
- Service and justice β helping the poor, opposing injustice, and promoting peace (example: community outreach, helping neighbours in Kenya).
- Forgiveness and reconciliation β practicing restored relationships at home, school, church.
7. Practical ways to embrace Godβs redemptive work in daily life (ages 15+)
- Start each day with a short prayer and reading (Psalm or a short OT passage).
- Be honest in class and exams; say no to cheating β live with integrity.
- Show kindness at home: help with chores, forgive siblings, care for elders.
- Join a youth group or church activity that serves the community (visit the sick, help at church).
- Stand against unfair behaviour (bullying, corruption) and support justice.
- Confess mistakes and ask for forgiveness β rebuild trust.
8. Key Old Testament Bible references to remember
- Genesis 3 β The Fall; Genesis 3:15 (first promise of defeat of evil).
- Genesis 12 β Godβs call to Abraham and promise to bless all nations.
- Exodus (esp. ch.12) β Passover and deliverance from slavery.
- 2 Samuel 7 β Godβs promise to David (a lasting kingdom).
- Isaiah 53 β The suffering servant who brings healing.
- Jeremiah 31:31β34 β Promise of a new covenant written on hearts.
- Psalm 51 β Prayer for forgiveness and restored heart.
9. Short visual timeline
A quick view: Fall β Promise β Covenants β Law β Kings/Prophets β Hope for final redemption.
10. Review questions (short answers)
- What happened in Genesis 3 and why is it called the Fall?
- List two consequences of sin affecting individuals and society.
- Give one example of an Old Testament promise that points to future rescue.
- How did the sacrificial system help people understand sin and forgiveness?
- Suggest two practical ways a Kenyan student can live out Godβs redemption this week.
Summary
The Old Testament shows Godβs patient plan to repair the damage of the Fall: promises, covenants, laws and sacrifices all point toward full restoration. Christians respond by repentance, faith, worship and service. Living out redemption means choosing justice, love and forgiveness in home, school and community.
For further reading: Genesis 3, Exodus 12, Isaiah 53, Jeremiah 31:31β34, Psalms (e.g., Psalm 51). Teachers: use these passages for class discussion and personal reflection.