Sunday: Adam and Jesus
While Paul is best known for his clear exposition of the gospel, his explanation of the great controversy is also crucial. In the midst of his teaching the Good News, he summarizes his main points: we have been “justified by faith” through Jesus (Rom. 5:1); we have direct access to God, and we “rejoice in hope” (Rom. 5:2); and tribulations no longer worry us (Rom. 5:3-5).
Image © Review & Herald Publishing from GoodSalt.com
He also gives us the promise that “while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us” (Rom. 5:8), and that we are now “saved” by Christ’s life and death on our behalf. We are also spared from God’s last judgment against sin (Rom. 5:9-10), and we rejoice that we have been reconciled to Him (Rom. 5:11).
Read Romans 5:12-21. How is the great controversy revealed in these verses?
After talking about all that Christ has done for us, Paul explains how Jesus did it. Unless the damage caused by Adam at the tree in the garden was fixed, there would be no hope of an eternal future, and Satan would be triumphant in the great controversy. Adam brought death to all because of what he did (Rom. 5:12). Even the giving of the Ten Commandments on Mount Sinai could not stop death and the sin problem. The law only clarified what sin is. It was not the answer to sin. The problem of sin and death could only be solved through the sacrifice of Jesus. Jesus paid the debt through the “gracious gift” of His own life (Rom. 5:15-16, NLT).
Now humankind could be restored. Just as death had “reigned” because of Adam’s sin, now “abundance of grace” and “the gift of righteousness” could reign because of Jesus’ faithfulness (Rom. 5:17). It is not fair that we lost paradise because of Adam. We had no part in his wrong choice yet we suffer the consequences of it. However, neither is it fair that we regain paradise. We had nothing to do with what Jesus did 2,000 years ago. Paul summarizes his argument in Romans 5:18-21. The first Adam brought condemnation and death; the second brought reconciliation and life.
“God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us” (Rom. 5:8, NKJV). Put your own name in there and claim that promise for yourself. What hope does that give you?
(30)
A casual read of some passages written by the apostle Paul might give the impression he has a problem with the law (Romans 7:4-6). He seems to suggest that the giving of the law at Sinai made sin worse than it was previously (Romans 5:13, 20). However in order for there to be sin in the first place there needs to be law; for sin is the transgression of the law (1 John 3:4).
Paul in Romans 5:13 indicates a formal confirmation of that which previously existed. Death, the result of sin, already claimed many victims, and justly so, including those who may not have sinned consciously (Romans 5:14). All inherit the fallen nature of Adam and the consequence of his failure. Even the baby who dies before any conscious act of sin needs a Savior; for all are born in sin (Psalm 51:5).
Only one who was pure and free from the inherent propensities of sin, and did not himself need a Savior could fill the role of the spotless Lamb (1 Peter 1:19) and Second Adam (Romans 5:15-18; 1 Corinthians 15:45). The difference is failure to keep the law on the part of one and perfect obedience on the part of the other (Romans 5:19).
Initially Paul (as Saul) did have a problem with the law. It was first his vain attempts to keep it in his own strength and the thought that if he succeeded having already failed that would make up for his previous deficiencies (Romans 7:8-11, 14-25). When converted He wanted to make sure others did not make the same mistake, and so he emphasized the powerlessness of both the law and self-dependence (Romans 3:20).
Jesus is the answer to the sin problem, not the law which existed before sin and will exist after sin, with no diminished demands.
"Read Romans 5:12-21. How is the great controversy revealed in these verses?"
____________
I would have to answer that the Great Controversy, as revealed in these verses, applies to the controversy within the confines of the human race only.
Paul's lesson begins with the day that Adam fell in Eden, and not with the day that iniquity was found in Lucifer in heaven.
In my view, the key lesson in Romans 5:12-21 is that the Remedy is far greater than the problem : "God's act of grace is out of all proportion to Adam's wrongdoing." (Rom 5:15 NEB.) There is enough given in the Gift, that we can be more than conquerors! Not only has provision been made for us to overcome/conquer sin, but to go beyond that! - to live an advancing life, going on from glory to glory. (2Cor 3:18)
I think you have touched on the same or nearly the same understanding of Romans 5:13&15. Verse 13 says that sin was in the world but it was not accounted as sin to God before the law was put in force. Romans 5:15 says the two are not the same,because God's gift is not like Adams sin. It is true that many people died because of the sin of that one man. But Gods' grace is much greater , and so is His free gift to so many people through the grace of the one man, Jesus Christ.
But the power to overcome sin is NOT by our own works, but by the indwelling of the Holy Spirit sho constantly convicts us of our sin. Sin is not something we are inherently aware of. Jesus told us what sin really is on the Sermon on the Mount. We are not capable of being perfect as Jesus was for there is NO GOOD in us. None are good save the Lord God, not even if we keep the Decalogue perfectly. We are still sinners if we even think about sinning. That is why Jesus says "Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God. Nicodemus saith unto him, How can a man be born when he is old? can he enter the second time into his mother's womb, and be born? Jesus answered, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God. That which is born of the flesh is flesh; and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit. The wind bloweth where it listeth, and thou hearest the sound thereof, but canst not tell whence it cometh, and whither it goeth: so is every one that is born of the Spirit.
John 3:3-6, 8 KJV
http://bible.com/1/jhn.3.3-8.KJV
And Paul tells us: "There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit. For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus hath made me free from the law of sin and death. That the righteousness of the law might be fulfilled in us, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit. But ye are not in the flesh, but in the Spirit, if so be that the Spirit of God dwell in you. Now if any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of his. But if the Spirit of him that raised up Jesus from the dead dwell in you, he that raised up Christ from the dead shall also quicken your mortal bodies by his Spirit that dwelleth in you. For if ye live after the flesh, ye shall die: but if ye through the Spirit do mortify the deeds of the body, ye shall live. For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God. The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God: Likewise the Spirit also helpeth our infirmities: for we know not what we should pray for as we ought: but the Spirit itself maketh intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered. And he that searcheth the hearts knoweth what is the mind of the Spirit, because he maketh intercession for the saints according to the will of God.
Romans 8:1-2, 4, 9-9, 11, 13-14, 16, 26-27 KJV
http://bible.com/1/rom.8.1-27.KJV
Therefore we can clearly see that we do have a spirit that is more than a breath and that God's Spirit, which was removed from us when Adam first sinned, is now restored to us when we ask Jesus to be the master of our will and heart. We then receive the Spirit, which is clearly a "he" (the same Spirit that spoke to Christ and that raised Him from the dead) and we are sanctified on a daily basis by listening to that Spirit. But we are now NOT under the condemnation of the law that was created to teach the Israelites what sin is. We now have the Spirit of rebirth, we are new creatures, and are being tutered by Christ. Our shortfalls will be pointed out and we repent immediately. Therefore our sins are ALL canceled out by the O e who paid ALL of our sin debt. We must abide in Him and have the Spirit teaching our spirits. We are miraculously changed by the indwelling of the Holy Spirit, which is also the Spirit of eternal life.
So it means that everybody should rejoice because God loves everyone even if he/she is a sinner and when the deeper somebody sins the greater the grace of our living God becomes. So no worry for those who are sinners but the only thing God requires everyone just to repent and be redeemed then he/she becomes a citizen of heaven.
You are essentially correct Evans with the provision that you understand the responsibility of repentance. The Bible says: "For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast. Eph 2 8,9. But it goes on to say in verse 10: For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them.
Accepting the grace of God comes with the responsibility of reflecting the workmanship of Christ Jesus. It is not a license to do anything you like. Citizenship always has its responsiblities.
No matter how sinful this world seems to be, the reality is that man can not out sin God's grace. Rom 5:20.That is something we as Christians must always remember when dealing with non christian. Jesus love everyone, but hates sin and that is the reason why He gave His own life so as to destroy sin, however in the final analysis we have to make a choice, to accepts Christ free gift of eternal life or be destroy with sin. For God o love us so much that He gave His only Son to die in our stead so that we might live. However God can not manipulate our free will so we all must make a choice. There is no middle ground and we are all in the great controversy, so let by God's grace choose life.
Many ways to read these verses which has led to opposing conclusions being argued. The main points being agreed on are:
-In Adam the human race was lost
-In Christ, Adam's family may be restored
Some feel justification is universal, without needing faith since we are, without sinning, condemned by Adam. Yet this is not what Paul states.
Through Adam, Satan was given the right to tempt every soul anywhere, anytime. In verse 12 it is clearly stated that through one man sin entered and with it came death to all men “for all have sinned”. We are guilty from our own sin, not Adam's. The Bible is explicit that no one can be condemned for the sin of another. It is the soul that sins that must die. And with exception of Jesus alone, all have chosen to sin as Adam did. So in Jesus, we may be justified through the exercise of faith in Him, as Paul makes clear at least 27 times in the first 8 chapters of the letter to the believers in Rome. These verses are clear: choosing to sin brings death, believing in Christ brings life. We are left to choose for ourselves. This is the controversy summed up in the two choices offered to all.
"Even the baby who dies before any conscious act of sin needs a Savior; for all are born in sin (Psalm 51:5)"."We are left to choose for ourselves". So this is where I get lost. I understand both statements individually, but when I try to weave them into one understanding, I fail. We don't baptize babies because they can't understand and choose to accept the gift of salvation so how then is their free will exercised? How do they choose?
Taylor, Ps 51:5 is saying that we are conceived, born of, and raised by sinners. The chance of being without sin is so rare that only one born in such a state has remained without sin. We are surrounded by the environment of sin, yet Jesus, in the same environment as one of us lived a perfect life of faith in submission to God. We can do the same according to scripture and His example. It's a matter of "choosing this day..." whom we will serve.
Robert Whiteman writes:
Is that really what it's saying? Let's take a brief look at the verse itself, and then at its situational context.
Here we see a literary device often encountered in the Old Testament, and especially in the Psalms. A statement is made, and then the very same idea is repeated in other words. Notice the words "in iniquity" and "in sin." Clearly these are intended to convey the same idea. The remaining parallel is between "brought forth" and "conceived," and these terms convey the idea of David's origins, beginning at conception and culminating in his birth.
Kindly note that this can hardly be a reference to the sinfulness of David's environment. While prenatal influence is certainly a factor in the development of character, one could hardly refer to it as being "surrounded by the environment of sin." Rather, whatever the causes, David is clearly referring to his own sinfulness even before he had reached such a state of development as to be held accountable for his actions.
This is also supported by the facts concerning what led David to write this Psalm. By the intervention of the prophet Nathan, David has been confronted with his own course of action -- one that would make the proverbial sailor blush -- and we are given to understand that his repentance is deep and sincere. Had David been talking about the sinfulness of his mother, or of his environment in general, that could only be construed as the making of excuses for his actions, so as to palliate his guilt. No, a truly repentant man could only have been talking about his own sinfulness, mourning and bemoaning the fact that he has been tainted and polluted by sin and depravity right from the very beginning of his existence. Indeed, we give the greater glory to God when we acknowledge our utter helplessness as sinners, and still express confidence in His ability to save.
R.G. I would simply point to Ezekiel 18.
Can you harmonize both?
Also, I have no doubt that David was confessing HIS sin, but was pointing to the fact that he is a sinner in a sinful world, and yet confesses this is no excuse, but a choice. If we are born guilty, having yet to even know we have a choice, then were is free will? Is every child born condemned of God? If so, based on what? Who's sin(which is the transgression of the law)? Please understand the message of God through Ezekiel in this 18th chapter.
Yes, Robert, I can harmonize both. We are not born guilty, but this fact does us no good as a practical matter, as the inherent corruption of our nature inevitably leads us into sin and guilt until God intervenes in our lives by His grace. Only Jesus can save us from something as deadly and all-pervasive as sin.
Ok R.G., this is very close to the matter. We are born free to choose and God allows no outside influence to control us without our consent. While it's true we soon consent to sin in this fallen world, we are not bound to it or it could be excused. So while it may not seem a practical matter, it does reveal that I have chosen to sin, and not forced against my will. What God has done is offered in Christ a propitiation for our past sins, and power to overcome temptation from the moment we believe. This is the potential of what God "who is able to keep you from falling" gives us freely in Christ IF we first place no other god(self) before Him. Notice the IF? A dead Robert does not sin. So if Robert stays "dead", then Christ can live, who will not sin. This is having the "faith of Jesus" which keeps the commandments of God from a pure heart of Love, because the first telling of the Gospel promised that God would "put enmity between thee and the woman, between your seed and her seed".
This is the example that Jesus set before us, living by a greater power than our self by being dead to the flesh but living by the Spirit.(Zech 4:6, Rom 8:4)
How simple is the Truth?
Robert, are you implying that there have been others * born without sin* but didn't remain without sin? Or that Christ's birth without sin happened by chance and thus given enough time, since it's a rare occurrence, it will happen again?
Kenny, I'm just not getting your question. Can you restate it?
That may be simple, Robert, but I'm afraid it's not the truth. We are born the helpless slaves of sin -- the whole human race -- and we'd have been eternally doomed but for divine intervention. This applies to us collectively, as the human race, and it applies to us individually. There would be no hope for any one of us had God not taken the initiative, not only to provide propitiation for our sins, at the cross, but to woo us by His Spirit, offering us the power to desire and to choose holiness, as well as the power to actually live a holy life. We have absolutely nothing of which to boast -- not even of the wise and righteous exercise of our free will to choose God over Satan, because not even that comes naturally to us.
Extreme Arminianism, as represented by the all-too-popular-in-Adventist-circles "sinful nature of Christ" heresy (or, perhaps more accurately, the idea that we can't really be all that hopelessly and helplessly depraved if Jesus was just like us), panders to a carnal pride and self-sufficiency that seem to be so pleasing to our fallen human nature, but I believe that it will end in the eternal loss of many souls that might otherwise have been saved.
R.G., let me quote from my comment which you are addressing:
"What God has done is offered in Christ a propitiation for our past sins, and power to overcome temptation from the moment we believe. This is the potential of what God "who is able to keep you from falling" gives us freely in Christ IF we first place no other god(self) before Him."
and...
"This is the example that Jesus set before us, living by a greater power than our self by being dead to the flesh but living by the Spirit."
So what are you in disagreement with?
Robert, we are born in sin, dead in trespasses and sin. We didn't choose to sin. We just sinned by nature.(Rom 3). Are you saying that we could have chosen not to sin, to be righteous or holy before God in our natural condition? There would be no need of redemption or renewal.
Kenny, if we sin without choosing to, the Satan is right in His accusations towards God isn't he?
I will answer your one question with one name: Jesus. Born of a sinful woman, raised in a very evil environment (Nazareth) though living by faith in perfect submission to God while possessing the likeness of Abraham's seed clothed in fallen flesh(not sinful until that flesh chooses to sin).
Now let me ask you a question, Did Jesus set an impossible example or one that any who chose could follow? When Jesus said "follow Me", what did that mean IF His example is impossible to follow? Follow what then? The way He dressed? His diet?
I believe the failure of God's people since 1844 is from not choosing to imitate what He's asking us to follow, while having given every "exceeding great and precious promise" to fulfill in us His invitation to "Follow me". Can He literally keep His promise: "to keep you from falling" or is it some type of spiritual riddle we like the sound of but don't really believe He can fulfill? Is He able to work in us "to will and do of His good pleasure" or not? If He really can, what prevents Him doing just that?
Peter believed it and goes on to say that by these promises we can "become partakers of the Divine nature". Would the Divine nature ever choose to sin?
There is ample evidence that God's ideal for us is to live without sinning. But I also find hope in the abundance of examples of God's persistent grace. The conversation between Jesus and Peter about how many times we should forgive someone who sins against us, wasn't just an instruction for us to follow. It was a demonstration of how willing God is to forgive us.
I know of very few people who would claim that they had achieved a state of sinlessness. I know one person who claimed that he only had one sin to overcome, eating icecream! (I think on reflection he may have harboured a bit or pride too because he mentioned it often)
I have mentioned before the case of a friend of mine who would attend church every week but struggled to give up smoking. When I knew him he had smoked for 50 years and attended church for 20 years. He had accepted Jesus as his saviour and was relentless in his attempts to stop smoking. Eventually he gave it up, and I can still remember the joy expressed in the Church at his victory and subsequent baptism. My question is, at which point in this battle was he saved? If he had died before he had given up smoking would he have been saved. I contend that he was saved the moment he accepted Jesus and determined that Jesus was going to have an effect on his life. I know that there are some people who are able to give up sinful habits with Gods help, just like flicking a switch. That is really great and I praise God that it has happened for them. At the same time I see people struggling against DNA and environment, and I like to think that we are encouraging to these children of God.
“the Lord is near to the brokenhearted, and saves those who are crushed in spirit.” (Psalm 34:18)
The really wicked thing about sin is that it makes you feel worthless and encourages you to give up the fight. God encourages us to persist even when we feel discouraged.
None of this is a license to keep on sinning but it is encouraging to remind one another that God is persistent in his love
Maurice, that God is "abundant in mercy" we should all understand. That is not the subject of this discussion is it? My original comment at the head of the thread has been turned to another discussion. My only point was that we each choose whom we serve. Christ or self.
The Bible tells us of a hour in which God will judge, and sends a message through messengers that indeed that hour has come, with the urgent cry, in a loud voice, that all should "fear God and give Him Glory...and worship Him". This is an urgent call and only in faith can we answer it, and if so, will be found in white linen(symbolic). God reveals to John these who have washed their robes(symbolic) and made the white in the Blood of the Lamb(symbolic).
Through prophets such as Zephaniah and Ezekiel this remnant have been revealed as well, being found without iniquity, not speaking lies, and without a deceitful tongue, and being given the mark(seal) of God in their foreheads.
Since 1844 this message went live and how many more generations will not believe it? One believing generation will result in Jesus' return in glory.
I pray this will be soon. The message is still live and grows in urgency. Faith is the only response that will bring the sure result of a people who reflect Christ fully.(COL, 69)
Kenny, I'm not quite sure in regard to exactly how you expressed it, but I believe that your basic idea is right. We have all chosen to sin, but our inherent tendencies have made that choice inevitable and ongoing but for the grace of God.
Jesus was not born with our inherent propensities to sin. He came down to our level in every way except to participate in our natural and inherent sinfulness and depravity. And He did this in order to lift us up so that we can participate in His righteousness and holiness.
Robert seems to be suggesting that, in our natural condition, we are capable of choosing righteousness. Rather, it is only the grace of Christ that enables us to make any truly good choices or to do anything right -- the power of God working through the helpless human agent.
R.G., is this scripture true: "For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin."?
Now if you read my original comment at the top of this thread, what gives you the idea that I stated we could choose to be righteous in our carnal state? (I have never believed or stated that at any time)
Depending on your reply, I will hold any further comments at this time.
Felt so good to put my name in there just now! Lord Jesus Thank You, and Lord please keep us all on the straight & narrow path to eternal Life with you. Let not his sacrifice be in Vain brothers and sisters this is my prayer for us all.
When I insert my name in (Rom.5:8), I can't help but sense my own overwhelming unworthiness and at the same time an abundant heart-felt gratitude to God for the assurance that, if I were the only sinner on earth, Jesus would still have come and made the inestimable sacrifice "the gracious gift" of His own life to save me from eternal death. That's just awesome!
Just think of it. We couldn't do ANYTHING to save ourselves from the guilty verdict pronounced upon all mankind because of Adam (not even Adam could help himself, he ran and tried to hide from God). "But God demonstrated His love toward us" (Rom. 5:8), during the time of our condemnation, "in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us."
The contrasts Paul highlights in this "great controversy" are so glaring. We see the two opposing forces at work here:
Eternal life in Christ vs. death in Adam (Rom.5:12-21)
The "free gift", Jesus righteous act vs the offenses
Justification by Christ righteous vs. condemnation of sin
Christ's obedience vs. Adam's disobedience
God's gift of forgiveness vs Adam's sin
Reconciliation & direct access to God vs. enemies of God (Rom. 5:2,10)
Rejoicing in hope vs. worry about tribulations
I am especially excited about this verse (Rom. 5:15-16) "And the result of God's gracious gift is very different from the result of that one man's sin. For Adam's sin led to condemnation, but God's free gift leads to our being made right with God, even though we are guilty of many sins."
Today's hymn:
What can wash away my sin?
Nothing but the blood of Jesus;
What can make me whole again?
Nothing but the blood of Jesus.
O precious is the flow,
That makes me white as snow
No other fount I know
Nothing but the blood of Jesus.
This is all my hope and peace,
Nothing but the blood of Jesus;
This is all my righteousness,
Nothing but the blood of Jesus.
O precious is the flow
That makes me white as snow
No other fount i know
Nothing but the blood of Jesus!
In the beginning everything and everyone on earth was/were "good"
By Adam & Eve's choice we all now have the knowledge/experience of good and evil
In the earth made new, there will only be good, praise the LORD!!
I have never before considered Pauline writings from the perspective of the great controversy between Christ and Satan. But I think it makes sense. It says that sin and death entered the world ruling from Adam to Moses (Romans 5:12.14), which would indicate victory of sin and death, at least up to this point. Within this great controversy Christ instigated a brak-through turning upside down Satan`s victory at the cross - for the enemy is the instigator of sin and death using the serpent as a medium tempting Adam and Eve to sin and introducing death into the world (Genesis 2:16-17; 3:3-4). Now, Paul does not mention all this. He expects his readers to know the background of sin originating in Eden. As to the cosmological outlook of Paul in the framework of this great controversy see 2 Corinthians 11:3.13-14; 1 Corinthians 4:9).
Sin and death having reigned in victory over Adam, Christ offered the abundance of grace and righteousness in his substitutionary death (Romans 5:17), changing condemnation into justification of life (Romans 5:18). Sinners were turned into righteous saints by virtue of Christ`s imputed righteousness (Romans 5:19).
In the passage we are further told that the law came in making sin more abount (Romans 5:20, see Romans 8:6-8 for an explanation). Obviously, up to this point sin and death did reign. In the ultimate victory Christ makes his grace and righteousness much more abount by his death on the cross (Romans 5:20). Grace is now reigning through righteousness unto eternal life (Romans 5:21).
The temptor has not given up in that battle, trying to neutralize Christ`s victory by introducing cheap grace proclaiming freedom in sin -- on the basis of grace and righteousness having been offered by Christ in super-abundance (Romans 6:1; Romans 3:7-8; 2 Peter 2:19-20). The other way of neutralizing Christ`s victory consists in man saving himself by earning righteousness by works of the law (Galatians 5:4; Romans 9:30-32). Still another way of attacking the restoration of fallen sinners in that battle consists in justification without sanctification. Paul is clear on that point: the agent of sanctification, following justification, is the Holy Spirit (Romans 8:2-4; 1 Corinthians 1:30; 2 Thessalonians 2:13).
So we have to be on guard to know where we stand in that battle.
Winfried Stolpmann
Thank you Jesus!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Today’s lesson is focused on Salvation. Paul contrasts what Adam did with what Jesus did. Adam got all of us into trouble (sin) but Jesus, made it possible for us to have a new life and not just a life but an abundant life.’…. I have come so that they may have life and have it in abundance’ (John 10:10). The gift of grace and mercy is so much greater than the sin of Adam. Adam’s sin led to death. Christ’s sinlessness led to a life that is eternal!