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Short of Glory: A Biblical and Theological Exploration of the Fall
A Study of How Genesis 3 Influences the Whole Story of the Bible When looking around at the world, it is easy to see that all is not as it should be. This brokenness within the world and humanity finds its roots in mankind’s rebellion against God. The fall, as recorded in Genesis 3, sets the stage for creation’s need for redemption―ultimately found in Jesus Christ. In this book, pastor and professor Mitchell Chase argues that in order to understand the fall and recognize its profound impact on later Scripture and the world today, Christians must first understand Genesis 3. Chase identifies themes found in Genesis 3―temptation, shame, messianic hope, and more―and shows how they reverberate throughout the rest of the storyline of Scripture. Understanding Adam and Eve’s fall is crucial to understanding the world as it currently is and the need for redemption through Jesus.
224 pages, Paperback
Published May 16, 2023
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April 13, 2023
Life is full of “What’s-the-real-problem?” scenarios. Years ago, I had a scab-like skin irritation on my chest that wouldn’t heal. A visit to the dermatologist revealed that what I supposed was a surface issue went much deeper; it was cancer. Marriage counseling often commences with irritants or relatively minor issues being voiced by both spouses, but, after some hard questions, deeper and more serious troubles materialize. Over and over in life, we detect an “A” problem that has its deepest roots in a “Z” issue. It’s digging through B, C, D, etc., all the way to Z, that is the challenge—but a necessary challenge if a real and lasting solution is to be gained.
Mitchell Chase’s new book, Short of Glory: A Biblical and Theological Exploration of the Fall is the kind of work that helps us to dig down to the “Z” problem(s) we face in our society, workplace, church, family, marriage, and individual lives. It does so through a thorough and illuminating walk through one of the most important chapters in the Bible: Genesis 3.
Short of Glory does what a book like this should do, but also vastly more. Of course, Chase discusses and explains everything from Adam and Eve, to Eden, to the serpent, to human rebellion, to the promise of the coming Seed. All of Genesis 3 is examined in minute detail. In so doing, with clear and illuminating prose, he answers humanity’s “What’s-the-real-problem?” question. All our problems began with the rebellion of our first parents. Everything we experience today that is symptomatic of human weakness, societal collapse, sickness, conflict, depravity, and death—you name it—had its genesis in Genesis 3.
But Short of Glory does not stop there. And this is why the book is so effective: Chase picks up the key themes that arise in Genesis 3 and traces them through the rest of the Scriptures. There is no myopic focus only on the third chapter of the Bible. Rather, we are shown how both the human problem (our sin) and the divine promise (the messianic Seed) reverberate from Genesis to Psalms to Revelation. The Scriptures are treated as a web of interconnected writings unified by the Spirit. The result being that Short of Glory is long of truth; it lengthens, it stretches, our focus from creation, through the fall, and all the way to the coming of the Seed of the woman who crushes the head of the serpent. The shout of Genesis 3 echoes into all the biblical corridors that follow it.
I applaud Mitch Chase’s exegetical skills, lucid writing style, clear theological expression, and passion for the Gospel. Get yourself a copy. And enjoy the gift that this book is to the church.
Mitchell Chase’s new book, Short of Glory: A Biblical and Theological Exploration of the Fall is the kind of work that helps us to dig down to the “Z” problem(s) we face in our society, workplace, church, family, marriage, and individual lives. It does so through a thorough and illuminating walk through one of the most important chapters in the Bible: Genesis 3.
Short of Glory does what a book like this should do, but also vastly more. Of course, Chase discusses and explains everything from Adam and Eve, to Eden, to the serpent, to human rebellion, to the promise of the coming Seed. All of Genesis 3 is examined in minute detail. In so doing, with clear and illuminating prose, he answers humanity’s “What’s-the-real-problem?” question. All our problems began with the rebellion of our first parents. Everything we experience today that is symptomatic of human weakness, societal collapse, sickness, conflict, depravity, and death—you name it—had its genesis in Genesis 3.
But Short of Glory does not stop there. And this is why the book is so effective: Chase picks up the key themes that arise in Genesis 3 and traces them through the rest of the Scriptures. There is no myopic focus only on the third chapter of the Bible. Rather, we are shown how both the human problem (our sin) and the divine promise (the messianic Seed) reverberate from Genesis to Psalms to Revelation. The Scriptures are treated as a web of interconnected writings unified by the Spirit. The result being that Short of Glory is long of truth; it lengthens, it stretches, our focus from creation, through the fall, and all the way to the coming of the Seed of the woman who crushes the head of the serpent. The shout of Genesis 3 echoes into all the biblical corridors that follow it.
I applaud Mitch Chase’s exegetical skills, lucid writing style, clear theological expression, and passion for the Gospel. Get yourself a copy. And enjoy the gift that this book is to the church.
Read
May 29, 2023Most small children memorize Romans 3:23 as a part of their education in the church: “for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.” These children grow up, having memorized this verse but many fail to understand the gravity of what it means to fall short of God’s glory. Isaiah 43:7 drives home the importance of what it means to live for the glory of God:“Everyone who is called by my name, whom I created for my glory, whom I formed and made.” Mitchell Chase sheds light on this important subject in his book, Short of Glory: A Biblical and Theological Exploration of the Fall. The author notes, “By thinking about the Bible’s storyline that takes readers from the garden to the lasting city, we can understand where to plot our own lives.”
So the book begins in the Garden of Eden where the first couple disobeyed God and fell under the curse. They were cast out of the garden and faced the prospect of physical and spiritual death. The first couple fell short of God’s glory. As such, there was a new spiritual chasm that existed between Adam and Eve and God. Chase observes, "This separation is relational. Due to sin, God’s image bearers do not naturally enjoy peace and communion with God. Due to sin, God’s image bearers reject his righteous rule and wise commands.”
Chase guides readers from the garden to the New Earth in successive steps that emerge in redemptive history from the promise of a Redeemer in Genesis 3:15 to the incarnation of Jesus, his perfect life, death, burial, and resurrection and his coming in glory and reign in eternity future. At the heart of the discussion is a helpful treatment of the so-called covenant of works: “When theologians teach that Adam was in a ‘covenant of works,’ they are not implying that Adam merited or earned his standing with God.” This covenant helps elucidate the importance of the cross of Christ and points to a coming Redeemer who would ultimately fulfill the covenant that Adam failed to carry out.
Another helpful discussion concerns salvation through judgment. Drawing deep into the wells of James Hamilton’s excellent work, God’s Glory in Salvation Through Judgment, Dr. Chase shows how Jesus is revealed and crushes the head of the serpent through death, or salvation through judgment.
Short of Glory is a short overview that rivets the attention of readers on the gospel. The author adds, “While Genesis 3 tells of the unfaithfulness in a garden, the four Gospels tell of faithfulness in a garden. The last Adam came to crush a serpent and redeem a people. He came to reverse the curse.” May each person read this excellent work with eyes to see the shattering effects of sin and the majesty and glory of our Triune God and his redemptive purposes!
I received this book free from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review.
So the book begins in the Garden of Eden where the first couple disobeyed God and fell under the curse. They were cast out of the garden and faced the prospect of physical and spiritual death. The first couple fell short of God’s glory. As such, there was a new spiritual chasm that existed between Adam and Eve and God. Chase observes, "This separation is relational. Due to sin, God’s image bearers do not naturally enjoy peace and communion with God. Due to sin, God’s image bearers reject his righteous rule and wise commands.”
Chase guides readers from the garden to the New Earth in successive steps that emerge in redemptive history from the promise of a Redeemer in Genesis 3:15 to the incarnation of Jesus, his perfect life, death, burial, and resurrection and his coming in glory and reign in eternity future. At the heart of the discussion is a helpful treatment of the so-called covenant of works: “When theologians teach that Adam was in a ‘covenant of works,’ they are not implying that Adam merited or earned his standing with God.” This covenant helps elucidate the importance of the cross of Christ and points to a coming Redeemer who would ultimately fulfill the covenant that Adam failed to carry out.
Another helpful discussion concerns salvation through judgment. Drawing deep into the wells of James Hamilton’s excellent work, God’s Glory in Salvation Through Judgment, Dr. Chase shows how Jesus is revealed and crushes the head of the serpent through death, or salvation through judgment.
Short of Glory is a short overview that rivets the attention of readers on the gospel. The author adds, “While Genesis 3 tells of the unfaithfulness in a garden, the four Gospels tell of faithfulness in a garden. The last Adam came to crush a serpent and redeem a people. He came to reverse the curse.” May each person read this excellent work with eyes to see the shattering effects of sin and the majesty and glory of our Triune God and his redemptive purposes!
I received this book free from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review.
January 16, 2026
Wow! This blessed me tremendously. Strong biblical theology!
I walked away more in awe of God and his plan of redemption in Christ. He is so glorious!
I walked away more in awe of God and his plan of redemption in Christ. He is so glorious!
December 10, 2023
‘Short of Glory’ was glorious. Mitch Chase takes the promises, themes, and curses found in Genesis 1-3, traces them through the history of Israel, and shows them fulfilled or highlighted or reversed in Jesus, and ultimately restored in Rev 21-22.
The way that God moves his Story forward, takes each strand and ties them up in Christ, and then into a more glorious telos in the New Heaven and New Christ Earth — it’s mind blowing. God is the ultimate Storyteller. And the Subject matter is the ultimate glory.
The way that God moves his Story forward, takes each strand and ties them up in Christ, and then into a more glorious telos in the New Heaven and New Christ Earth — it’s mind blowing. God is the ultimate Storyteller. And the Subject matter is the ultimate glory.
September 13, 2023
There are surprisingly few books providing an accessible exposition of the fall. Chase traces Genesis 3 chronologically, drawing out key themes present both in the chapter itself and throughout the rest of the Bible. I appreciated how skillfully he connected the events of Genesis 3 to real life situations like child-bearing, marriage, and shame. It's an excellent work of biblical theology and would be fitting for anyone seeking to increase in their understanding of both the circumstances and effects of Adam and Eve's sin.
December 23, 2023
A helpful exploration of Gen 3 and the themes within that echo throughout the Bible.
December 27, 2025
Excellent! Chase expertly threads Genesis to Revelation. I will be thinking about this book for a long time.
June 28, 2023
What an outstanding book. No matter how many times you’ve read Genesis 3, you will learn something here and you will make connections you’ve never made before. Highly recommend.
June 3, 2023
First sentence (from the introduction): When a floating shelf fell from our living room wall, we heard multiple sounds at the same time.
Mitchell Chase's new book is an exposition of Genesis 3. He argues that a right understanding of Genesis 3--is essential to understanding all the rest--the Bible itself, the gospel message, life. He shows in his chapters HOW each paragraph/section of this chapter [Genesis 3] fits into the big picture. He doesn't just leave you hanging. He walks you through how a (right) understanding brings the rest of Scripture into focus, into clarity. These are key concepts, themes, doctrines. And the root--if not the ultimate fruit--are found in this opening section of Scripture.
Note: While the focus is clearly on Genesis 3. I'd argue that Genesis 1 and 2 are somewhat included/discussed as well. They provide context for Genesis 3. And Genesis 3 provides context for the rest of Scripture.
The chapters are:
Sacred Space
Two Trees
The God Who Walks
That Ancient Serpent
Taking and Eating
A Broken Covenant
Afraid and Ashamed
Salvation Through Judgment
Multiplication and Division
From Dust to Dust
The Mother of All Living
Garments from God
East of Eden
I found this a wonderful read. I would definitely recommend it. It isn't popular to talk about sin, the doctrine of sin, the consequences of sin, etc., but I think it is crucial to the gospel. Churches suffer when sin is either discounted (ignored) OR redefined in an UNbiblical way.
Quotes:
Problems and solutions must match. If you want to understand what the Gospel is about, what Jesus is about, what the cross achieves, then you must understand the nature of the problem they address.
One helpful and popular way to conceive of the Bible’s storyline is with four words: creation, fall, redemption, consummation.
We need the category of redemption in order to make sense of the biblical story. And yet we know that redemption isn’t something needed because of creation. The story of creation was about our good God making a good world. He didn’t make a broken world.
When we look around us and within us, a truth is clear: not all is well in God’s world and in God’s image bearers.
The word fall is shorthand for the rebellion and repercussions that began in the garden of Eden in Genesis 3. The fall is what happened to God’s creation, and it’s why there is a need for redemption. We live as fallen people in a fallen world. The hope of consummation tells us that the conditions of the fall are temporary.
To grow in our understanding of the Bible’s big story, we must think about the fall. We must know what happened, why it happened, and what followed.The events in Genesis 3 become a lens through which to read and understand the progressive revelation of God’s redemptive epic.
One way to tell the story of the Bible is with the theme of sacred space. Sacred space is given, lost, promised, and at last received again.The prophecy is that God will come to dwell with us and reign over us. The loss of Eden is not forever. The God who walked in Eden will be the God who seeks and finds and restores.
Before Eve went astray in her action, she went astray in her heart.
We cannot fully comprehend the horror of our spiritual condition, and our spiritual condition is the reason why. Our sin prevents us from seeing the scope and depth of our sin.
The impact of Genesis 3:15 on subsequent Scripture is profound and far-reaching. Bible readers will feel the reverberations of Genesis 3:15 all the way to the end of Revelation.
One way to conceptualize the drama of Scripture is to understand the role of Genesis 3 in the storyline. Throughout this book, we have reflected on the content of Genesis 3 in both its immediate context and its canonical context. We have tried to answer several questions along the way: what happened, what does it mean, and why does it matter?
Mitchell Chase's new book is an exposition of Genesis 3. He argues that a right understanding of Genesis 3--is essential to understanding all the rest--the Bible itself, the gospel message, life. He shows in his chapters HOW each paragraph/section of this chapter [Genesis 3] fits into the big picture. He doesn't just leave you hanging. He walks you through how a (right) understanding brings the rest of Scripture into focus, into clarity. These are key concepts, themes, doctrines. And the root--if not the ultimate fruit--are found in this opening section of Scripture.
Note: While the focus is clearly on Genesis 3. I'd argue that Genesis 1 and 2 are somewhat included/discussed as well. They provide context for Genesis 3. And Genesis 3 provides context for the rest of Scripture.
The chapters are:
Sacred Space
Two Trees
The God Who Walks
That Ancient Serpent
Taking and Eating
A Broken Covenant
Afraid and Ashamed
Salvation Through Judgment
Multiplication and Division
From Dust to Dust
The Mother of All Living
Garments from God
East of Eden
I found this a wonderful read. I would definitely recommend it. It isn't popular to talk about sin, the doctrine of sin, the consequences of sin, etc., but I think it is crucial to the gospel. Churches suffer when sin is either discounted (ignored) OR redefined in an UNbiblical way.
Quotes:
Problems and solutions must match. If you want to understand what the Gospel is about, what Jesus is about, what the cross achieves, then you must understand the nature of the problem they address.
One helpful and popular way to conceive of the Bible’s storyline is with four words: creation, fall, redemption, consummation.
We need the category of redemption in order to make sense of the biblical story. And yet we know that redemption isn’t something needed because of creation. The story of creation was about our good God making a good world. He didn’t make a broken world.
When we look around us and within us, a truth is clear: not all is well in God’s world and in God’s image bearers.
The word fall is shorthand for the rebellion and repercussions that began in the garden of Eden in Genesis 3. The fall is what happened to God’s creation, and it’s why there is a need for redemption. We live as fallen people in a fallen world. The hope of consummation tells us that the conditions of the fall are temporary.
To grow in our understanding of the Bible’s big story, we must think about the fall. We must know what happened, why it happened, and what followed.The events in Genesis 3 become a lens through which to read and understand the progressive revelation of God’s redemptive epic.
One way to tell the story of the Bible is with the theme of sacred space. Sacred space is given, lost, promised, and at last received again.The prophecy is that God will come to dwell with us and reign over us. The loss of Eden is not forever. The God who walked in Eden will be the God who seeks and finds and restores.
Before Eve went astray in her action, she went astray in her heart.
We cannot fully comprehend the horror of our spiritual condition, and our spiritual condition is the reason why. Our sin prevents us from seeing the scope and depth of our sin.
The impact of Genesis 3:15 on subsequent Scripture is profound and far-reaching. Bible readers will feel the reverberations of Genesis 3:15 all the way to the end of Revelation.
One way to conceptualize the drama of Scripture is to understand the role of Genesis 3 in the storyline. Throughout this book, we have reflected on the content of Genesis 3 in both its immediate context and its canonical context. We have tried to answer several questions along the way: what happened, what does it mean, and why does it matter?
September 7, 2023
Chase's Short of Glory is exactly what the title says it is: "a biblical and theological exploration of the fall." Genesis 3 is the chapter that presents the great crisis of the biblical story, and Chase examines all of the major themes presented in the Genesis 3. Chase explores the significance of each key theme in the original context as well as the way in which the rest of Scripture develops and fills out the theme. He covers a lot of ground.
The primary benefit of this book is as an introduction to each of the key topics about the Fall. At the same time, Chase isn't necessarily providing new insights; he is primarily organizing and compiling insights that are generally known to those who have studied Genesis 3. I would recommend this as a helpful survey of the key themes related to Genesis 3 and the Fall.
Side note: The Kindle formatting was weird.
The primary benefit of this book is as an introduction to each of the key topics about the Fall. At the same time, Chase isn't necessarily providing new insights; he is primarily organizing and compiling insights that are generally known to those who have studied Genesis 3. I would recommend this as a helpful survey of the key themes related to Genesis 3 and the Fall.
Side note: The Kindle formatting was weird.
May 14, 2023
“One way to conceptualize the drama of Scripture is to understand the role of Genesis 3 in the storyline.”
In this book, author Mitchell Chase presents a clear and concise argument that we must understand the fall in order to be able to accurately interpret the rest of Scripture. Chase’s words are accessible and compelling, and this book gives a strong deep-dive into the truths from Genesis. Highly recommend!
Thanks to Crossway for the ARC.
In this book, author Mitchell Chase presents a clear and concise argument that we must understand the fall in order to be able to accurately interpret the rest of Scripture. Chase’s words are accessible and compelling, and this book gives a strong deep-dive into the truths from Genesis. Highly recommend!
Thanks to Crossway for the ARC.
December 23, 2025
really great read — approachable, rich theology & very gospel centered. it felt a bit repetitive at times but still engaging. i appreciated how he tied genesis & revelation together. i kinda forgot i was reading this because it got lost in the shuffle of books on my shelf, but could be a fairly quick informative read! i read the first chunk while our church was studying genesis 1-3 that was great!
June 20, 2024
Loved this book! I love how Mitch addresses so many of the biblical theology themes found in Gen 1-3. “Short of Glory” assumes a covenant of works approach to the fall of the first Adam and the victory of the last Adam (Christ). Whereas we fell “short of glory” in our federal head Adam, in Christ we are guaranteed to be brought into final glory.
September 26, 2025
I really enjoyed this discussion on the Creation of and Fall from the Garden. There were so many moments that I had to sit back and marvel at God's work through creation and through His redemptive plan. The opening hook of this book, was amazing. I thought about it for a while. Highly recommend to anyone interested in the Garden, the fall of man, and God's redemptive plan.
January 21, 2026
A very accessible book delving into hamartiology, specifically on the origin of sin and the implications of Adam and Eve’s disobedience.
In this concise and biblically grounded study, Mitchell zooms right into Gen 3, the pivotal chapter that defines the trajectory of our fallen human nature from the moment after Adam and Eve eat of the forbidden fruit. Breaking down the Gen 3 into specific parts and themes, he explores the importance of each and paints the picture from creation, fall, redemption, and consummation. There is a reason Gen 3 is also sometimes called the first gospel, for in it lie the richness of God’s glorious work of salvation right at the start. It is these very riches that Mitchell attempts to mine and present to his readers - a feat that he does well enough.
Overall a good intro and primer into the doctrine of sin and a great companion to interpreting Gen 3.
In this concise and biblically grounded study, Mitchell zooms right into Gen 3, the pivotal chapter that defines the trajectory of our fallen human nature from the moment after Adam and Eve eat of the forbidden fruit. Breaking down the Gen 3 into specific parts and themes, he explores the importance of each and paints the picture from creation, fall, redemption, and consummation. There is a reason Gen 3 is also sometimes called the first gospel, for in it lie the richness of God’s glorious work of salvation right at the start. It is these very riches that Mitchell attempts to mine and present to his readers - a feat that he does well enough.
Overall a good intro and primer into the doctrine of sin and a great companion to interpreting Gen 3.
net-galley
July 5, 2023Short of Glory by Mitchell L Chase traces the themes found in Genesis 3 through the Bible. He traces the themes what happened in the Garden and the impact on humanity with an eye toward the Cross and the redemption found in Jesus, the promised seed.
December 2, 2023
All (or at least most) of the themes and symbolism contained in Scripture originates in Genesis 1-3. Once you see it, it’s easy to be overwhelmed by all that’s going on within these three short chapters. This book is a helpful guide to understand Genesis 3, well-written and accessible.
August 4, 2025
Short of Glory is an excellent book. Tracing the themes of sin and the fall from Genesis through the New Testament culminating in the return of Christ, this book covers it all in short and concise chapters. It is very accessible, written with the intent for anyone to be able to understand it.
September 22, 2023
Phenomenal work of Biblical exegesis and theological application. Chase does a wonderful job of thoroughly exploring the various aspects of the Fall of Adam and Eve, and all the implications for all of us who live ‘East of Eden’. Appropriately, he also uses all of the ramifications of the Fall to point the reader to how Christ is pictured and promised in those events, and how His promise gives us hope that the curse will one day be removed. Very easy to read, and very helpful! Highly recommended!
January 2, 2024
A most helpful theological and pastoral handling of Genesis 3. Highly recommended.
January 14, 2024
Biblical theology made clear and pastoral. Read this for your own education and edification.
June 26, 2024
I'm stunned by the 3 & 4 star reviews for this book. This book is nothing short of excellent, a shining example of biblical theology.
November 3, 2025
I loved this!! Answered so many questions I didn’t realize I had!
January 7, 2026
Excellent book.
Personal note - I don’t agree with much of his interpretations in chapter four - That Ancient Serpent.
Personal note - I don’t agree with much of his interpretations in chapter four - That Ancient Serpent.
January 29, 2026
A brief theology of the fall. Very well done. We are preaching through the big story of the Bible and this book will help me with that.
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