Banished From the Garden. Genesis 3:22-24. Sermon.

BANISHED FROM THE GARDEN | Genesis 3:22–24

What happened when Adam and Eve were expelled from the Garden of Eden? And what does their banishment mean for us today?

In Genesis 3:22–24, we come to the sobering conclusion of the Garden of Eden story. Adam and Eve are driven from Paradise, and cherubim with a flaming sword are placed at the entrance to guard the way to the Tree of Life. The door to Eden appears to be shut forever.

But this passage contains not only bad news—it also points us toward glorious good news.

In this sermon, we examine Genesis 3:22–24 verse by verse and consider:

• Why Adam and Eve were expelled from the Garden
• What it means that Adam had become “like one of us” in knowing good and evil
• Whether “us” refers to the Trinity or the heavenly angelic host
• John Calvin’s fascinating interpretation of God’s “divine irony”
• What might have happened if Adam had eaten from the Tree of Life
• Whether Adam was ultimately lost or saved
• The difference between temporal chastisement and eternal punishment
• Why God’s discipline can actually be an instrument of grace
• The significance of the cherubim and the flaming sword
• How Eden’s imagery points forward to the Tabernacle and Temple
• Psalm 24 and the question, “Who will open the doors?”
• Jesus Christ as the Door and the only way back into Paradise
• How the flaming sword points us toward the cross of Christ
• Adam as the first man and Jesus Christ as the Second Adam
• The relationship between Eden and the New Creation in Revelation 21–22
• Why we must seek to enter while the door is still open

Genesis 3 ends with humanity living “east of Eden.” From this point forward, the biblical story will be filled with murder, violence, sin, suffering, and death. Yet the hope of redemption remains.

The door that Adam could not reopen is ultimately opened by Jesus Christ.

“I am the door. If anyone enters by me, he will be saved.” — John 10:9

Christ is the way back into Paradise. We are banished by our works, but welcomed by grace through faith in Jesus Christ alone.

Come by faith. Come by grace. Come while the door is open.

📖 Scripture: Genesis 3:22–24
🎙️ Preacher: Rev. Dr. Matthew Everhard
⛪ Gospel Fellowship PCA
📅 September 13, 2026

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