But God demonstrates his love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us. Romans 5:8
Do you ever blame Adam because we have to work hard because of the curse? Whenever I do something that reminds me of why we have to do what we do, I blame both Adam and Eve.
Read Romans 5:12-21. Adam sinned. Sinned entered the world. Sin brought death. Death spread to everyone, for everyone sinned. People sinned before there was even the law was given. Adam is a symbol, a representation of Christ, who is yet to come. Paul went back to the very beginning to help the people (and us) understand the good news about hope against the bad news of sin. Going back to Adam, he shows the readers the big picture.
We need to understand our relationship with Adam. We will miss the complete picture of the greatness of our salvation. Then we will not appreciate what Christ did on the cross. We don’t have to teach someone to sin. It comes naturally to all people.
When we talk about the depravity of humanity, we must balance in recognizing the impact of both sins and being made in the image of God. Let’s focus on verses 15-19. Through Adam sin came into the world and death to many. Adam’s sin led to condemnation. Adam’s sin caused death to rule over many. Because Adam disobeyed God, many became sinners. God’s wonderful grace and forgiveness came through Christ. Even though people are guilty of many sins, Jesus made a way for us to become right with God. Those who receive the gift of righteousness through Christ will triumph over sin and death. Jesus Christ obeyed God, many will become righteous. Wow!!! The HOPE we have in the second Adam – Jesus Christ. His Grace is more powerful than sin. This is Good News!!!!
“For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ all shall be made alive.” 1 Corinthians 15:22. What is promised to those who belong to Christ? We will be made alive. We have been promised a new life in Christ. How does this good news of God’s grace give you hope? The law shows us our sin, while through Christ, Grace rules.
“For our daily bodies must be transformed into bodies that will never die; our mortal bodies must be transformed into immortal bodies. Then, when our dying bodies have been transformed into bodies that will never die, this Scripture will be fulfilled: “Death is swallowed up in victory. O death, where is your victory? O death, where is your sting?” For sin is the sting that results in death, and the law gives sin its power. But thank God! He gives us victory over sin and death through our Lord Jesus Christ. 1 Corinthians 15:53-57
This passage parallels Romans 5:20-21. Even though things seem dark, there is a light shining in the dark. God’s grace is shining. What can you do to keep yourself in the hope of the second Adam?
Dear Heavenly Father,
Thank you for writing a book about the big picture. I pray that we will appreciate more of what Christ did for us on the cross. You are an amazing God to serve. Thank you for sending Jesus, our second adam, for us to have hope.
In Jesus Name
Amen
