Rather he shared with them a profound and accurate truth about the results of separation from the Lifegiver. Notice, too, that the death which is the inherent consequence of alienation from Life is a death of eternal separation from God. But when Adam and Eve did choose another master, God immediately interposed, holding off what would have otherwise resulted in their immediate destruction. Yet even though God had purchased for them time to repent, still they knew that they deserved to die. This rightful sentence of death, properly hanging over the heads of all humanity, is passed because of our guilt.
Guilt is an accurate, legal status.
It does not call forth God's anger or His personal rejection of us as sinners. To be guilty is to be deserving of death. But a broken relationship with God changes more than my legal status. Perhaps far more than I may recognize, estrangement from God directly affects how I view myself and thus how I view others. Adam and Eve immediately became defensive of themselves and accusing towards others.