Did Adam and Eve go to heaven?

Bible Question:

Were Adam and Eve capable of repenting of their sin? If so, did Adam and Eve go to heaven?

Bible Answer:

Since Adam and Eve committed the first sin that caused every human to become a sinner, does that mean God sent them to hell? So, did Adam and Eve go to heaven? The question is not will Adam and Eve go to heaven, for that decision was made on the day they died. A better question is, “Will Adam and Eve be in heaven?”

 

Genesis 3 is a critical chapter in the Bible for without it we would have difficulty understanding how sin entered the world. We would not understand why murder, violence, lying, sexual sins, coveting, and disobedience are acts of rebellion and disobedience. We would not understand why such acts are called sin. Both the Hebrew and Greek word for “sin” means to miss the mark. That is, everyone has fallen short of God’s holiness or righteousness.

Romans 5:12 explains why we sin.

 Therefore, just as through one man sin entered into the world, and death through sin, and so death spread to all men, because all sinned. Romans 5;12 (NASB)

Therefore, Romans 3;23 states every ,an and woman sins. We have fallen short of God’s glory.

For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God. Romans 3:23 (NASB)

Notice that the verse says “all have sinned.” That is, we have sinned. Adam and Eve sinned. No one is like God. He is holy but all of us are wicked. Adam and Eve were not born holy, nor were they born sinners. They had the ability to decide to obey God or be rebellious. Since they sinned, their children were born sinners; so everyone else is born a sinner (Romans 5:19; Ephesians 2:1-2). After birth, we prove that we are sinners by sinning. Even little children reveal they are sinners early in life.

Romans 6:23 describes our reward for sinning.

For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord. Romans 6:23 (NASB)

Our reward for committing is sin is spiritual death. We deserve to be sent to hell. That was also true for Adam and Eve. They deserved to be sent to hell.

So, what happened to them? Were Adam and Eve allowed into heaven or were they sent to hell?  Scripture does not tell us if Adam and Eve went to heaven or hell. But Genesis 3:15 does give us some important information that helps us conclude that they are in heaven now.  Scripture reveals that God made a promise of a Savior who would one day rescue them from their sins. The promise is found in Genesis 3:15. This verse is addressed to Satan or the serpent of old.

And I will put enmity
Between you and the woman,
And between your seed and her seed;
He shall bruise you on the head,
And you shall bruise him on the heel. Genesis 3:15 (NASB)

The promise was one of conflict between Satan and Jesus Christ. Satan would eventually lose. He lost when Jesus died on the cross and bore our sins in His own body. He sacrificed Himself so that we could have our sins forgiven because someone who was perfect and without sin had to die for our sins. Therefore, Jesus did that. But since He was sinless and holy, He did not deserve to go to hell. Therefore, 2 Corinthians 5:21 says this,

He made Him who knew no sin to be sin on our behalf, so that we might become the righteousness of God in Him. 2 Corinthians 5:21  (NASB)

How can we become righteous and not be punished for our sins? The answer is that we must be repentant of our sins and believe that Christ made it possible for us to be forgiven.

I tell you, no, but unless you repent, you will all likewise perish. Luke 13:5 (NASB)

We must realize that our good works are never enough to save us for we cannot ever be holy. So, the solution is that we need to trust God to forgive us. Our works will never be good enough.

For by grace you have been saved through faith; and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God; not as a result of works, so that no one may boast. Ephesians 2:8-9 (NASB)

So, did Adam and Eve believe that Christ would die for their sins? The answer is most likely yes, based on the promise given to them in Genesis 3;15. They knew God better than we do. We can be confident that they repented and believed.

Why should we think that God accepted them based on their repentance and belief in Christ? Romans 10:9-13 tell us that if anyone confesses that Jesus is Lord, and believes in Him, he or she will not be disappointed.

For the Scripture says, “ WHOEVER BELIEVES IN HIM WILL NOT BE DISAPPOINTED.” For there is no distinction between Jew and Greek; for the same Lord is Lord of all, abounding in riches for all who call on Him; for “WHOEVER WILL CALL ON THE NAME OF THE LORD WILL BE SAVED.” Romans 10:11-13 (NASB)

We will not be disappointed. That is, God will save us from our sins if we are repentant of our sins, believe Christ died in our place for our sins, and we admit or agree that He is our Lord. That was also true for Adam and Eve. They had first hand knowledge of God. They used to talk with Him in the Garden of Eden. Therefore, based on these facts it is highly likely they are in heaven today.

Conclusion:

1 John 5:13 says that you can know if you have eternal life. It only requires that you are repentant of your sins, believe in Jesus Christ, and submit yourself to God.

Suggested Links:

Mystery of the God-Man
Creation and Fall of Man – origin of the creation and sin
How long did Adam and Eve stay in the Garden of Eden?
If Adam and Eve had not sinned would they have gone to heaven?
If God made Adam and Eve in His image why was there a flaw in them?
Why did God create Adam knowing that he would disobey Him?
Was Lilith the first wife of Adam? Who was Lilith according to the Bible?
Were cavemen created when Adam and Eve were in the Garden of Eden?