After he drove the man out, he placed on the east side of the Garden of Eden cherubim and a flaming sword flashing back and forth to guard the way to the tree of life. Genesis 3:24
The “first order” rule tells us that every action has a consequence.
Adam and Eve’s disobedience had the first order effect of them being removed from the Garden of Eden. In theological terms, mankind now lives in a fallen state. Paul puts it this way: for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God (Romans 3:23).
Without God’s love, mercy and grace, we are destined to spend eternity apart from God.
Fortunately, our Heavenly Commander does not want our sin to separate us from Him. He has provided a solution. He sent His only Son, Jesus, to pay the penalty for our sins.
For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. (John 3:16?
But note that the “first order” rule still applies: our decision to believe and receive Jesus has eternal consequences.
This decision is the most important decision you will ever make.
