Life often feels like a cycle of repetition—patterns of behaviour, inherited traits, and even struggles passed down through generations. Genesis 5:3 reminds us of this reality by describing how Adam’s son, Seth, was born in his father’s likeness. Yet this verse also points to a deeper truth: while humanity bears the marks of sin inherited from Adam, God’s redemptive plan offers us the opportunity to live a new life through Him. In God, we are not bound by the old—we can embrace the new.
Genesis 5:3 The New International Version
3 When Adam had lived 130 years, he had a son in his own likeness, in his own image; and he named him Seth.
The Image of God and the Fall
Genesis 5:3 reflects a profound theological reality. Humanity was created in the image of God (Genesis 1:27), designed to reflect His character, love, and holiness. However, Adam’s sin marred this image, introducing brokenness into every aspect of human life. Seth, born in Adam’s likeness, inherited not only his physical traits but also the fallen nature of humanity.
Yet even in this fallen state, the image of God remains within us—distorted but not destroyed. This truth points to God’s enduring love and His desire to restore us. Through Jesus Christ, the “second Adam” (1 Corinthians 15:45), we are offered a new beginning. As Romans 8:29 declares, God’s purpose is to conform us to the image of His Son, restoring what was lost in the fall.
Living the New Life
When we turn to God and accept His gift of salvation through Christ, we are no longer defined by our old nature. As 2 Corinthians 5:17 proclaims, “If anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!” This transformation is not just a future promise—it begins here and now.
Living the new life means embracing a daily renewal of our hearts and minds through God’s grace. It involves letting go of past mistakes, habits, and fears and stepping into the freedom that Christ offers. It is about walking in alignment with God’s purposes for our lives and reflecting His character in everything we do.
Practical Steps to Embrace the New
- Turn to God Daily
Living “the new” begins with turning to God each day. Spend time in prayer and Scripture, asking Him to guide your thoughts and actions.
- Psalm 51:10 says, “Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me.” Let this be your daily prayer for renewal.
- Let Go of the Old
Release any guilt or shame from your past. Trust that through Christ’s sacrifice on the cross, you are forgiven.
- Isaiah 43:18-19 encourages us: “Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past. See, I am doing a new thing!”
- Walk in Faith
Trust that God is working in your life even when change feels slow or difficult. Philippians 1:6 assures us that “He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion.” - Reflect Christ’s Image
As you grow in your relationship with God, seek to reflect His character—love, kindness, patience, and humility—in your interactions with others.
- Colossians 3:10 reminds us to “put on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge after the image of its creator.”
- Live with Purpose
Embrace your identity as a child of God and live with intentionality. Ephesians 2:10 declares that we are “God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works.”
Hope for Generational Renewal
Genesis 5:3 also highlights an important theme: generational faithfulness. While Seth inherited Adam’s fallen nature, he also became part of a lineage that would lead to Jesus Christ—the ultimate fulfilment of God’s redemptive plan (Luke 3:38). This genealogy reminds us that God works through families and generations to accomplish His purposes.
If you feel weighed down by patterns or struggles passed down through your family history—whether it’s cycles of sin or emotional wounds—take heart! Through faith in Christ, you can break those chains and create something new for yourself and future generations. God can use you as a catalyst for generational renewal.
Encouragement for Your Journey
Living “the new” doesn’t mean life will be free from challenges or setbacks. There will be moments when you stumble or feel stuck in old ways. But remember this truth: God’s mercies are new every morning (Lamentations 3:22-23). Each day is an opportunity to start fresh and walk more closely with Him.
As you embrace this new life in Christ:
- Trust that He is transforming you from the inside out.
- Know that you are no longer defined by your past or bound by sin.
- Believe that you are a new creation with divine purpose.
Read More About This Devotional
Words of Wisdom: The Power of Confidence: Walking Boldly with God
Quote of the Day: “If you serve and walk in obedience to God, He will make a way even when there is no way”
Final Reflection
Genesis 5:3 reminds us of both our brokenness and our hope for renewal through Christ. While we inherit Adam’s fallen nature, we also inherit God’s promise of redemption through Jesus—the “second Adam.” This promise invites us into a life where we are no longer bound by sin but free to live as new creations.
Take time today to reflect on what it means to live “the new.” Whether it’s releasing past mistakes or stepping into an unfamiliar calling with faith—trust that God is making all things new in your life.
Scripture Reading for the Day
Proverbs 21 The New International Version
In the Lord’s hand the king’s heart is a stream of water
that he channels toward all who please him.2 A person may think their own ways are right,
but the Lord weighs the heart.3 To do what is right and just
is more acceptable to the Lord than sacrifice.4 Haughty eyes and a proud heart—
the unplowed field of the wicked—produce sin.5 The plans of the diligent lead to profit
as surely as haste leads to poverty.6 A fortune made by a lying tongue
is a fleeting vapor and a deadly snare.7 The violence of the wicked will drag them away,
for they refuse to do what is right.8 The way of the guilty is devious,
but the conduct of the innocent is upright.9 Better to live on a corner of the roof
than share a house with a quarrelsome wife.10 The wicked crave evil;
their neighbors get no mercy from them.11 When a mocker is punished, the simple gain wisdom;
by paying attention to the wise they get knowledge.12 The Righteous One takes note of the house of the wicked
and brings the wicked to ruin.13 Whoever shuts their ears to the cry of the poor
will also cry out and not be answered.14 A gift given in secret soothes anger,
and a bribe concealed in the cloak pacifies great wrath.15 When justice is done, it brings joy to the righteous
but terror to evildoers.16 Whoever strays from the path of prudence
comes to rest in the company of the dead.17 Whoever loves pleasure will become poor;
whoever loves wine and olive oil will never be rich.18 The wicked become a ransom for the righteous,
and the unfaithful for the upright.19 Better to live in a desert
than with a quarrelsome and nagging wife.20 The wise store up choice food and olive oil,
but fools gulp theirs down.21 Whoever pursues righteousness and love
finds life, prosperity and honor.22 One who is wise can go up against the city of the mighty
and pull down the stronghold in which they trust.23 Those who guard their mouths and their tongues
keep themselves from calamity.24 The proud and arrogant person—“Mocker” is his name—
behaves with insolent fury.25 The craving of a sluggard will be the death of him,
because his hands refuse to work.
26 All day long he craves for more,
but the righteous give without sparing.27 The sacrifice of the wicked is detestable—
how much more so when brought with evil intent!28 A false witness will perish,
but a careful listener will testify successfully.29 The wicked put up a bold front,
but the upright give thought to their ways.30 There is no wisdom, no insight, no plan
that can succeed against the Lord.31 The horse is made ready for the day of battle,
but victory rests with the Lord.
