Reasons We Need The Last Adam

Introduction

The Bible, particularly Paul, seems to contrast Adam and Jesus in ways that are unprecedented. No other figure in the Bible is so apparently contrasted (or compared) to Jesus Christ than Adam. The reason for our study tonight is to address the common understanding and assumption that Jesus only came to eradicate sin. To say it another way, some believe Jesus’s first advent would not have been necessary if Adam had not sinned in the garden. So much of our perception of the world is blinded by sin. Therefore, our gospel message is particularly focused on sin’s victimization of mankind through Adam’s tragic decision in the Garden of Eden. However, once one is given the new ability to see things as God sees it, through the revelation of Jesus Christ, their view of the world and eternity changes. Perhaps this is what Paul was speaking of in 1 Corinthians 13:12 “12 For now we see only a reflection as in a mirror, but then face to face. Now I know in part, but then I will know fully, as I am fully known.” I argue, Jesus came as a result of His Father’s will to manifest His good plan in and through Jesus Christ. Therefore, the last Adam is the best Adam.

The Hebrew word Adam appears 560 times in the Old Testament and has the meaning “man” or “mankind.” However, Genesis 1-5, the term Adam is used as a proper name. Essentially, the proper name is used to connect the reader to what Adam represents, humanity. As such, Adam is a way of communicating, not some super human or divine being, but rather one essential individual who represents everyone. (See Romans 5:12). Furthermore, Adam, individually is a symbol or figure of Jesus Christ (Romans 5:14). So then, Adam plays two significant roles: 1) representative of humanity, and 2) image of Jesus Christ. Yet, the first Adam had significant limitations and faults. In hi “perfection,” Adam was not able to do the things Jesus was commissioned to do from the beginning of the world. Therefore, creation required a better Adam.

7 Reasons We Need the Last Adam

God’s plan rests on the faithfulness of Jesus

Isaiah 53:10-11 “10 Yet the Lord was pleased to crush him severely. When you make him a guilt offering, he will see his seed, he will prolong his days, and by his hand, the Lord’s pleasure will be accomplished. 11 After his anguish, he will see light and be satisfied. By his knowledge, my righteous servant will justify many, and he will carry their iniquities.”

Jesus is the real thing

Romans 5:14 “14 Nevertheless, death reigned from Adam to Moses, even over those who did not sin in the likeness of Adam’s transgression. He is a type of the Coming One.”

2 Corinthians 4:4 “4 In their case, the god of this age has blinded the minds of the unbelievers to keep them from seeing the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God.”

Inability to sin

Jesus by nature was free from sin and death.

Romans 5:17 “17 If by the one man’s trespass, death reigned through that one man, how much more will those who receive the overflow of grace and the gift of righteousness reign in life through the one man, Jesus Christ.”

Jesus was predicted to be our example and the firstborn of God’s family

Romans 8:29 “29 For those he foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, so that he would be the firstborn among many brothers and sisters.”

The mystery of God’s plan is about Jesus

Romans 16:25 “25 Now to him who is able to strengthen you according to my gospel and the proclamation about Jesus Christ, according to the revelation of the mystery kept silent for long ages”

1 Corinthians 3:7 “7 So, then, neither the one who plants nor the one who waters is anything, but only God who gives the growth.”

Ephesians 1:4 “4 For he chose us in him, before the foundation of the world, to be holy and blameless in love before him.”

We are made alive by Christ

1 Corinthians 15:22 “22 For just as in Adam all die, so also in Christ all will be made alive.”

The kingdom belongs to Jesus

Colossians 1:13 “13 He has rescued us from the domain of darkness and transferred us into the kingdom of the Son he loves.”

3 Practical and Modern-Day Benefits

Jesus is the head of a new race, the redeemed people of God (1 Peter 2:9, Hebrews 2:11)

Jesus brings new creation (2 Corinthians 5:17)

Jesus defeats sin and death (Hebrews 2:5-10, 14-15, 17)