On February 28, 1953, two scientists announced they had determined the double-helix structure of DNA, the molecule which contains human genes. DNA was discovered in 1869, but it was not until 1943 that genetic inheritance was demonstrated.  In 1953 the scientists demonstrated that DNA replicated itself by separating into two strands, with each of them becoming a template for a new double helix, thereby solving the mystery of how genetic instructions could be held inside organisms and passed from generation to generation.

        “Words from Above” in the Bible tell us in Romans 5:12 that the DNA principle unfortunately applies to the sinful nature of the human race.  This verse says, “Therefore, as by one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin, death passed upon all men, for all have sinned.”  The “one man” mentioned in this verse is Adam, whom God created from the “dust of the ground”, as we are told in Genesis 2:7.  God placed Adam in the Garden of Eden, and there created Eve from Adam’s rib after putting him into a deep sleep.

        One day the devil approached Eve and convinced her to eat the fruit of the tree in the middle of the garden, which God had forbidden her and Adam to eat or touch.  This act of disobedience resulted in sin being brought into the perfect world that God had created.  From this one act of disobedience, the tendency to sin, called the sinful nature, was passed on to all their future descendants.  In other words, the sinful nature is in our genes, and we are born with this sinful nature.

        God confronted Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden about their act of disobedience, and outlined their punishment for what they had done.  Eve would experience pain in childbirth, and Adam would have to labor by the sweat of his brow to raise food for them to eat.  God also expelled them from the Garden of Eden and banned them from ever returning there.  But He also made them an important promise that one day a descendant would be born into the world to deliver them from the spiritual bondage brought upon them by their act of disobedience.

        In Romans 5:19, there is an important follow-up to what we read in Romans 5:12, and it says, “For as by one man’s disobedience many were made sinners, so by the obedience of one shall many be made righteous.”  It was the man Jesus dying on the cross to pay the penalty for the sins of all the people of the world that we can be made righteous if we accept what He did for us.

Larry R. Steffee is pastor of the Center Hill Brethren In Christ Church on Miller Road in Smithville.  Everyone is welcome to attend.  For information, you may email lrsteffeetn@yahoo.com.