(story told in Genesis 1:26-4:26)
The story of Adam and Eve begins when God creates the first man and woman. In Genesis 1:26, God says, “Let us make mankind in our image.” He forms Adam from the dust and gives him life by breathing into him. Later, seeing that Adam is alone, God creates Eve from one of Adam’s ribs to be his companion. Together, they live in the Garden of Eden, a perfect place filled with everything they need. God gives them one rule: they must not eat from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil.
One day, a serpent tempts Eve to eat the fruit from that tree. She eats it and gives some to Adam, and both disobey God’s command. Their eyes are opened, and they realize they are naked, feeling shame for the first time. When God confronts them, they try to hide, but their sin cannot be covered.
Because of their disobedience, God punishes them. Adam must work hard to grow food, and Eve will experience pain in childbirth. They are sent out of the garden, away from the tree of life. Still, God shows mercy by making clothes for them before they leave.
Outside Eden, Adam and Eve begin life in a harder world. They have two sons, Cain and Abel. When Cain becomes jealous of Abel, he kills him—the first murder in human history. God punishes Cain but still protects him from being killed by others.
The story ends with Adam and Eve having another son, Seth. Through him, life continues. Their story reminds us how choices have consequences, yet God’s mercy still offers hope for the future.