Theology for Everybody: RomansSample

There are only two perfect men who have ever walked on the earth. Our father, Adam, was the first perfect man without sin until he committed the original human sin. His choice caused our death. That death is spiritual as we live without God, physical as we cease to live at our death, and then eternal, where we live forever separated from God and suffering for sin. We are all born in Adam. The second perfect man, our Savior Jesus Christ, was without sin and died for our sin. In His choice was our life. The life He gives is spiritual as we live with God in this life, physical when we rise from death after this life, and eternal as we enjoy God’s Kingdom forever.

In Adam

Sin

Death

Condemnation

Disobedience

Makes sinners

Trespass

In Christ

Sinless

Life

Justification

Obedience

Makes righteous

Free Gift of Grace

Theologically, this is the doctrine of double imputation. Adam’s sin was imputed to us by his choice as our covenant head. Jesus’ righteousness was imputed to us by His choice as our covenant Head. This is why 1 Corinthians 15:45 compares and contrasts the “first Adam” with Jesus Christ, the “last Adam”:

-Adam turned from the Father in a garden; Jesus turned to the Father in a garden.

-Adam was naked and unashamed; Jesus was nearly naked and bore our shame.

-Adam’s sin brought us thorns; Jesus wore a crown of thorns.

-Adam substituted himself for God; Jesus was God substituting Himself for sinners.

-Adam sinned at a tree; Jesus bore our sin on a tree.

-Adam died as a sinner; Jesus died for sinners.

Some will argue that we have free will. The truth is only God has a truly free will. God alone has no bias or prejudice and can literally do whatever He pleases. The rest of us have limitations on our choices, and our sinful nature means we are not free but rather slaves to our deepest desires, which are dark until the Holy Spirit changes them. Adam had some measure of free will until he sinned. For the Christian, once we are born again with a new nature and the Holy Spirit, we are not yet perfect, but we are new with a will that is freer than before to choose God and holiness.

Sinners are not free. Sin limits our choices. Thankfully, we are set free from sin by Jesus to live free by the Holy Spirit. We are free but not independent. Just like we have a boss, politician, or power of attorney making decisions for us, we are all under either Adam or Jesus. Thankfully, our new covenant Head treats us better than we treat ourselves and never runs out of grace.

In Adam, there is sin, but Jesus Christ is sinless. In Adam, there is death, but in Jesus Christ, there is life. In Adam, there is condemnation, but in Jesus Christ, there is justification—we are declared righteous in his sight. In Adam, there is disobedience, but in Jesus Christ, there is obedience. Adam makes people sinners, but Jesus makes people righteous.

Today’s Reflection

Are you on Team Adam or Team Jesus?