Adam Descended from Above

Adam and Eve is a bronze sculpture by Arthur George Walker, R.A. (1861-1936), and is displayed at Liverpool’s Walker Gallery. Our two parents are depicted in a state of abject realisation- “What have we just done?”, their horrified expressions ask. Having taken the fruit, they have unleashed natural disasters, diseases and death sentences on each of their descendants. Cleverly, Walker depicts a serpent’s coil slithering around their feet. While impenetrable barriers between God and humanity would now be erected, the serpent’s ongoing influence and proximity would be cruelly assured. Avoid Satan and his ways as they might, their new, sinful natures would always provide him with a willing and obedient audience for his whispers and suggestions. Thank God for the gospel!

The first man was of the earth, made of dust; the second Man is [b]the Lord from heaven. 48 As was the man of dust, so also are those who are made of dust; and as is the heavenly Man, so also are those who are heavenly. And as we have borne the image of the man of dust, we shall also bear the image of the heavenly Man. 1 Cor. 15:47-49

Adam descended from above,

Our loss of Eden to retrieve,

Great God of universal love,

If all the world through thee may live,

In us a quickening Spirit be,

And witness thou hast died for me!

-Charles Wesley