Bible Study: Jesus, the Last Adam
Introduction:
• The apostle Paul, in 1 Corinthians 15, draws a powerful comparison between Adam and Jesus.
• This comparison highlights both similarities and, more importantly, crucial differences that reveal Jesus's unique role in God's plan.
• We will explore these points to understand Jesus's significance as the "Last Adam."
I. The Adam Comparison (1 Corinthians 15:45-47):
• Key Terms:
◦ proˉtos (πρῶτος): "first" - emphasizing Adam's position as the beginning of humanity.
◦ eschatos (ἔσχατος): "last" - highlighting Jesus's position as the final, perfect Adam.
◦ deuteros (δεύτερος): "second" - emphasizing that Jesus is unlike Adam.
• Significance:
◦ Adam was the first human, the origin of the human race as we know it.
◦ Jesus is the "Last Adam," signifying a new beginning, a new humanity.
◦ The second Adam is not equal to the first Adam, but superior.
II. Similarities:
• Image of God (Genesis 1:27, Colossians 1:15):
◦ Both Adam and Jesus are described as bearing the image of God.
◦ Genesis 1:27 states that Adam was created in God's image.
◦ Colossians 1:15 identifies Jesus as "the image of the invisible God."
◦ This shows that both Adam and Jesus are/were representatives of God's nature.
• Humanity:
◦ Both possessed a spirit, soul, and body.
◦ This affirms Jesus's genuine human nature, countering Docetism.
◦ This is important, because if Jesus was not fully human, his sacrifice would be meaningless for us.
• Representation (Romans 5:15-17):
◦ Adam represented humanity in his disobedience, bringing sin and death.
◦ Jesus represented a new humanity in His obedience, bringing righteousness and life.
◦ Our "solidarity" with Adam brings condemnation, while our solidarity with Christ brings justification.
• Vulnerability (Hebrews 4:15):
◦ Both Adam and Jesus experienced vulnerability.
◦ Jesus, though without sin, faced temptation, pain, discouragement, and doubt.
◦ This shows that Jesus can sympathize with our weaknesses.
• Holiness:
◦ Both Adam, before the fall, and Jesus lived holy lives.
III. Contrasts:
• Home:
◦ Adam's home was the Garden of Eden, a place of earthly abundance.
◦ Jesus's home is ultimately heaven, the place of divine glory.
• Temptation (Hebrews 4:15):
◦ Adam faced a single temptation and failed.
◦ Jesus endured a lifetime of temptations and remained sinless.
◦ Jesus overcame where Adam failed.
• Submission (Genesis 2:16-17, Philippians 2:7-8):
◦ Adam was called to submit to God's command regarding the tree of knowledge.
◦ Jesus submitted to death on a cross, demonstrating ultimate obedience.
◦ Adams submission was to life, Jesus' submission was to death.
• Punishment:
◦ Adam received punishment for his own sin.
◦ Jesus bore the punishment for the sins of humanity.
• Qualification:
◦ Adam's actions brought death.
◦ Jesus's actions brought life.
IV. Theological Significance:
• New Creation:
◦ Jesus, as the Last Adam, inaugurates a new creation, a new humanity.
◦ Those who are in Christ are part of this new creation (2 Corinthians 5:17).
• Redemption:
◦ Jesus's obedience reverses the effects of Adam's disobedience.
◦ He provides redemption and reconciliation with God.
• Hope:
◦ Jesus offers hope for a restored humanity, free from the bondage of sin and death.
V. Application:
• How does understanding Jesus as the Last Adam change your perspective on sin and salvation?
• How does Jesus's perfect obedience inspire you in your own walk with God?
• How can we live as members of the "new humanity" that Jesus represents?
• How does the comparison of the two Adams change your understanding of the nature of sin, and the grace of God?
Conclusion:
• Jesus, the Last Adam, is the answer to the problem created by the first Adam.
• His perfect life, sacrificial death, and victorious resurrection offer hope and new life to all who believe.
• We are called to live in this new life, by the power of the Holy Spirit.
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