Answer # 61

This scripture is the Bible's first recorded prophecy about the coming Messiah, and the prophecy has a dual application.

The first and primary meaning is that Jesus Christ, born of a woman, would nullify Satan's power over mankind. Satan (symbolized as a serpent) bruised Jesus Christ's heel (caused Him to be put to death to fulfill God's purpose). However, through the resurrection Jesus Christ conquered sin and death and rendered the devil's work of no effect (symbolized by bruising the serpent's head, its most vulnerable place).

Hebrews 2:14-15 says: "Inasmuch then as the children have partaken of flesh and blood, He Himself [Jesus] likewise shared in the same, that through death He might destroy [or "bruise his head"] him who had the power of death, that is, the devil, and release those who through fear of death were all their lifetime subject to bondage."

Genesis 3:15 also reveals the "woman" as the Church from whom Jesus Christ was born. A woman is symbolic of a church (Ephesians 5:31-32). Romans 16:20 tells us, "And the God of peace will crush Satan under your [the Church's] feet shortly."

Thus the Church (the body of true' believers), as well as Jesus Christ, has overcome Satan. Even so, there is enmity between Satan's seed (non-Christians) and true Christians - the seed of the woman - just as prophesied in Genesis 3:15.