Bible Q & A

Q. Please explain Genesis 3:15 about the promised seed.
 
A. This scripture is the first recorded prophecy in the Bible about the coming Messiah. It has a dual application. The first and primary meaning is that Christ, born of a woman, would nullify Satan’s power over mankind. Satan (symbolized as the serpent) bruised Christ’s heel (caused Him to be put to death to fulfill God’s purpose). However, through the resurrection Christ conquered sin and death and rendered the devils’ work of no effect (symbolized by bruising the serpent’s head, its most vulnerable place).

Hebrews 2:14-15 rightly translated says: “Since then the little children are sharers in blood and flesh, Himself (Christ) also in like manner partook of the same; that through death He might bring to naught (or “bruise his head”) him that hath the power of death, that is, the devil; and might deliver all those who from fear of death were all their lifetime subject to bondage.”

Genesis 3:15 also reveals the “woman” as the Church from whom Jesus Christ was born. A woman is symbolic of a Church (Eph. 5:31-32). Romans 16:20 tells us “And the God of peace shall bruise Satan under your (the Church’s) feet shortly.”

Thus, the Church (the body of true believers), as well as Jesus Christ, has overcome Satan. Even so, there is enmity between Satan’s seed (non-Christians) and true Christians—the seed of the woman—just as prophesied in Genesis 3:15.
 
The Church of God, New World Ministries P.O. Box 5536 Sevierville, TN 37864