Adam and Christ

Therefore as sin came into the world through one man and death through sin, and so death spread to all men because all men sinned-- 13 sin indeed was in the world before the law was given, but sin is not counted where there is no law. 14 Yet death reigned from Adam to Moses, even over those whose sins were not like the transgression of Adam, who was a type of the one who was to come. 15 But the free gift is not like the trespass. For if many died through one man's trespass, much more have the grace of God and the free gift in the grace of that one man Jesus Christ abounded for many. 16 And the free gift is not like the effect of that one man's sin. For the judgment following one trespass brought condemnation, but the free gift following many trespasses brings justification. 17 If, because of one man's trespass, death reigned through that one man, much more will those who receive the abundance of grace and the free gift of righteousness reign in life through the one man Jesus Christ. 18 Then as one man's trespass led to condemnation for all men, so one man's act of righteousness leads to acquittal and life for all men. 19 For as by one man's disobedience many were made sinners, so by one man's obedience many will be made righteous. [Romans 5: 12-19]

We have been looking at the consequences of the Fall and its effect upon humankind. It is so unfair that because of the sin of one man, we all shall die! Against that backdrop, the message of the Messiah is that God has entered the world to save us. The virgin birth is not just a theological nicety to explain the origin of the Messiah; but, it is an absolute fact that is part of the message that Jesus was made by God like Adam. Adam did not have a physical father either. If God can make a man from the dust of the ground, a virgin birth is nothing in comparison! With God all things are possible! But, more importantly, because Jesus was not a descendant of Adam he entered this world and possessed an ability to live an obedient life "perfectly". We do not have that ability. Because of our physical nature we are going to sin at some point in our lives. Our ability to choose is based upon whether we wish to accept the the grace of God, or not? When asked by what authority Jesus was teaching, he answered in John 7:17:

"My teaching is not mine, but his who sent me; if any man's will is to do his will, he shall know whether the teaching is from God or whether I am speaking on my own authority."

There exists within each of us a tuning fork that recognizes truth when we encounter it. It is very possible that one's tuning fork can be damaged and bent by the effects of sin; but, except in the most severe cases of those who are totally self-absorbed, there is a concept of "conscience" that is internal. Jesus came to bring abundant life. His focus was not on simply doing good and avoiding evil; but, rather he sought to do the "Father's will" as he lived life. Adam was given work to do in the Garden before the Fall. God walked with him and discoursed with him in the Garden with him before the Fall. When we look at Jesus we seem the same result. He did not speak of his authority; but, of the one who "sent" me. By prayer and supplication, even in the midst of suffering, Jesus showed us how to live life in the presence of the God who made us all.