Blake Long

Have you ever wondered about all the ramifications from the fall of man? Have you ever pondered the specific details about Adam and Eve eating the forbidden fruit? Have you ever thought about how all of that connects to the gospel?

Pastor Mitchell Chase seeks to answer those questions—and does so faithfully—in his new book Short of Glory: A Biblical and Theological Exploration of the Fall, published by Crossway.

Chase begins by noting that, though Genesis 3 communicates a negative picture of humanity and the worst decision ever made (vast understatement), he also points readers to Scripture that shows there’s hope in the midst.

Genesis 3 records tragedy, yes, but it doesn’t record only that. Interwoven amid deception and fig leaves and exile is a hope for a future Son. Tragedy is mixed with hope, and one day that hope became flesh and dwelt among us.

As he weaves his way through the story of the fall and it’s multiple connections to the redemptive storyline of the Bible, Chase underlines the unfortunate fact that we still behave like Adam and Eve, so to speak.

Heavenly wisdom is rejected for the sake of worldly passions. This problem isn’t just in the West or in the East. No matter which direction on a compass you travel, you’ll recognize that Adam and Eve didnt leave foolishness in Eden.

And this foolishness is so pervasive because our sin is so deceptive.

Chase adds:

The deceptiveness of sin, of course, is that temptation shows the bait and hides the hook. Sin never presents itself honestly.

In the end, however, he paints the picture all the way and connects it with the finished work of Jesus Christ. In Adam, we all died. In Christ, we all live. We once were under the headship of the first Adam, now we live in union with the second Adam, our Substitute, Jesus Christ.

Because of the perfect obedience and substitutionary death of Christ, we can be assured of our standing with Christ, for we are as secure before God as is the Son himself.

Friends, this was a great book. Do yourself a favor and buy a copy. Though it’s about the fall of man, Chase does a beautiful job of connecting it to our redemption, and showing the amazing gospel in process.

I received this book for free from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.