In Romans 5:12-21 we read about the contrast between the first Adam and Jesus Christ, the last Adam (1 Corinthians 15:45). The first Adam is the head of the entire human race. When he fell in the garden of Eden, he passed along to every other human being the sin nature. Thus it is important to realize that we are not sinners simply because of bad or wrong things that we do. We are sinners by God’s definition (“for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God” – Romans 3:23), as well as by our actions.
Because we are human we are imperfect, and our imperfect nature and our sins separate us from God (Isaiah 59:2), who is perfect and who demands our perfection (Matthew 5:48). Therefore, if we are to have any kind of real relationship with the Living God, our debt of sin must be removed.
Therein enters Jesus Christ, the last Adam. It is through Jesus Christ’s atoning death that the grace of God is extended for fallen, ungodly mankind (Hebrews 2:9). This grace not only forgives the sin debt, it also teaches us to live a holy life (Titus 2:11-14).
As you meditate on these truths today, may the Spirit of God speak to your heart, and make you sure that you have not settled for a religious form (2 Timothy 3:5a) instead of a new birth (John 3:3-7).
