“In Adam” or “In Christ”

I invite you to marinate in Romans 5:15-19 with me. As time permits, also soak in chapters 5-8, one of the most important passages in Scripture. These words have awakened my heart to a profound awareness of my union with Christ, received as an initial gift of God at salvation. Not as a theological construct, but as a power-point on my Christian journey. This releases in me a more peaceful, secure rest and a less hurried rhythm to life. Paul reflects back on the key chapters of Genesis 1-3, the creation and Fall of humanity. In a real sense, the rest of the Bible is a commentary on these three chapters, particularly Romans 5.

Adam as God’s representative chose to disobey God (Genesis 3) with crushing consequences to all humanity and to all the universe. At that time, the entire human race was in Adam and Eve. Since they were constitutionally changed (Genesis 5:3), all their offspring down through today have been born into this same fallen humanity. Adam’s race is now fallen, separated from God, radically different than God intended. This “solidarity” of humanity is the only basis by which we can now be rescued and restored in our solidarity as one “in Christ.” Paul writes that through faith in Christ we gained access “into this grace in which we now stand” (Romans 5:2). This is true of the entire new race “in Christ.” He then follows up with a five-fold contrast of what we lost in Adam through his disobedience and what God reversed “in Christ” through His obedience. The choice: existing in Adam or living in Christ because of our 2^nd birth.

• In Adam all died through his trespass, but in Christ God’s overflowing, “much-more” grace abounded, bringing life, 5:15.
• In Adam judgment brought just condemnation, but in Christ the free gift brings justification, paying sin’s penalty in full, 5:16.
• In Adam death reigned over all, but in Christ God’s people reign in life, 5:17.
• In Adam condemnation came for all, but in Christ justification and life are available for all, 5:18.

In Adam many were made sinners, but in Christ many are made righteous, 5:19.

To which race of people do you belong? The old humanity in Adam brings the penalty of death and the new humanity in Christ gifts us with the unmerited favor of every spiritual blessing. Every person is in Adam by birth, but not all are in Christ by new birth. It takes an act of faith to be rescued from the dominion of darkness and death and transferred into the Kingdom of His dear Son. Once we are in, then we learn to walk “in the Spirit” and not after our “flesh” or self-life (Romans 8).

This is Reflection #39 in my book, Foundation Stones. I also have a web-site with tools, books and "more than Bible studies" that have helped me to live out of this spiritual DNA, www.JimFredericks.com