When Sin Created Distance—God Chose Something Else.

In the opening chapters of the Bible, there’s a haunting question God asks Eve after the fall:

“What is this you have done?” (Genesis 3:13)

It’s more than a question—it’s heartbreak. Sin didn’t just break the rules,it broke the best thing humanity had going for itself: a close relationship with Yahweh Himself.

Where God longed to dwell with His creation, humanity chose distance. But instead of distance, God chooses something different.

That ache carries all through the Old Testament. Even Paul echoes it at the end of Romans 7:

“What a wretched man I am! Who will rescue me…?”

And yet—Romans 8 opens like a sunrise:

“Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.”

It’s a strange transition, isn’t it? You’d expect Paul to say, “Therefore, now we should mourn.” But instead—he celebrates. As if the victory is already won.

Because in Paul’s mind, it is.

He’s been leading us through the Exodus story:

• Chapter 6: Freedom from the oppressive grip of Egypt (sin).

• Chapter 7: The giving of the law, just like at Mt. Sinai.

• Chapter 8: God’s very presence, not in a tent or temple—but in us.

This is what God has been working toward all along.

Here’s the thing: For many, God is seen as distant. Detached. Done with us. But the story Scripture tells is wildly different. Not only is Yahweh not far off—He’s always been moving closer.

Look at Romans 8:3:

“For what the law was powerless to do because it was weakened by the flesh, God did by sending His own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh to be a sin offering. And so He condemned sin in the flesh.”

God cornered sin into one place—into one body—and dealt with it once and for all.

Jesus is the faithful Israelite God had always looked for. And in Him, God “goes for the jugular,” so that the curse would end, and a new kind of human could begin.

Why?

So He could dwell with us. So He could make you—yes, you—His temple.

If you’re a follower of Jesus, you are where God chooses to live.

So today, would you pause and reflect on that? Would you invite His Spirit to dwell in you—not just around you?

I pray you feel peace.
I pray you find the courage to dance in joy.
And even more, I pray you would know His deep love—so that you might love others with His kind of love.

Blessings today, friend.

Further Reflection questions:

Have you believed the lie that God wants distance from you?

Are you living more by the law of sin and death—or by the law of the Spirit of life?
- What habits, influences, or environments are forming you daily?

How are you making space for the Spirit to dwell and shape you?
- Are you treating yourself as a temple?