As the guilty pair listened to these words, they were inspired with hope; for in the prophecy concerning the breaking of Satan's power they discerned a promise of 682 deliverance from the ruin wrought through transgression. Though they must suffer from the power of their adversary because they had fallen under his seductive influence and had chosen to disobey the plain command of Jehovah, yet they need not yield to utter despair. The Son of God was offering to atone with His own lifeblood for their transgression. To them was to be granted a period of probation, during which, through faith in the power of Christ to save, they might become once more the children of God.

Adam og Eva blev gjort bekendt med den første hentydning til et sådant håb, da de hørte dommen over slangen i Edens have. Da sagde Herren til Satan i deres påhør: Jeg sætter fjendskab mellem dig og kvinden, mellem din sæd og hendes sæd; den skal knuse dit hoved, og du skal hugge den i hælen!" 1Mos. 3,15.