figleaves

FIG LEAVES

When Adam and Eve became aware of their imperfect (naked) state, they immediately set about to try to rectify their situation. They tried to make themselves perfect, like their creator. Their efforts, though noble, were futile. Realizing their fig leaves were a poor substitute for the glory and perfection of their creator, they then fled from him.

God then proceeded to ask his creations where they were. When God asks a question, it is always for our benefit, not his. Where are you was the question posed, and Adam’s answer, was quite illuminating. Adam answered that upon hearing the voice of God he was afraid and hid himself. Why was he afraid? Was he afraid that he was going to be punished? No. He said he was afraid because he was naked (imperfect, not like God). Now, Adam had always been imperfect (naked), but now, having the knowledge that he and his creator were quite different, he fled from God.

Many people grow up believing that the Christian life is an inexhaustible series of do’s and don’ts, and, after failing to live up to this impossible standard, and after some introspection, they examine themselves and the various fig leaves adorning them and they do as Adam did, they run from God.

God did something quite interesting with his creation. He clothed them himself. Just as Adam and Eve’s efforts of perfecting themselves (fig leaves) were futile, so too are ours. However, God showed his creations that he did not expect them to perfect themselves, he would be the one who would perfect them. When we run from God, we are actually running from the one who wants to help us and the only one who can perfect us. The Good News of the Gospel of Jesus Christ is that he (Jesus) lived the perfect life so that we do not have to, and through faith in him his righteousness is imparted to us now and forever, every mistake we’ve ever made or ever will make is nullified by Christ. He is the perfect clothing that God had in mind for imperfect humanity, we needn’t spend our time affixing fig leaves to our person, we need only place our faith in Christ and he does all of the work that we cannot.

When a human being places their trust and their faith in Jesus, Jesus imparts his righteousness to that individual. This is good news because the righteousness of Christ never wavers, thus the believer is always righteous in the eyes of God, regardless of whatever mistakes they may make. If you would like to have your slate cleaned and have the righteousness of Christ imparted to you forever simply pray something like the prayer below:

Dear Jesus,

I know that I am imperfect and I believe that after living a perfect life, you willingly gave your life for mine. I know that I cannot live the perfect life. I accept you Jesus as my lord and savior and I ask you to impart your righteousness to me. Please forgive me of all the mistakes I’ve ever made or will ever make and come into my heart and my life and make me the person you created me to be. In your name I pray, Amen.