Jesus: The Second Adam and Our Salvation

 

Summary

In this final message of our series on the covenants of the Bible, we delve into the profound role of Jesus as the second Adam, fulfilling the covenant of works that the first Adam failed. The Apostle Paul, in 1 Corinthians 15, highlights the resurrection of Christ as the first fruits of those who have died, emphasizing that through one man, death entered the world, and through another, the resurrection of the dead was made possible. This underscores the importance of Christ's humanity in conquering death, as He lived a sinless life, unlike the first Adam who succumbed to temptation.

The concept of justification by works is explored, not as a contradiction to the doctrine of justification by faith alone, but as a deeper understanding that our justification is through Christ's works. Jesus, the last Adam, fulfilled the covenant of works on our behalf, living a life of perfect obedience and sinlessness. His life, death, and resurrection are not just acts of redemption but are the very foundation of our salvation. The imputation of our sins to Christ and His righteousness to us is central to our justification and sanctification.

Paul's analogy of the resurrection body in 1 Corinthians 15 further illustrates the transformation from the natural to the spiritual, from corruption to incorruption, and from dishonor to glory. This transformation is made possible through the life-giving spirit of the second Adam, Jesus Christ, who not only restores us to the pre-Fall state but elevates us to a new, victorious life in Him.

In Romans 5, Paul reiterates the contrast between the first and second Adam, showing how through one man's disobedience, many were made sinners, but through the obedience of Christ, many are made righteous. This righteousness is not only imputed to us but is also worked out in us through sanctification, leading to our ultimate glorification.

Key Takeaways:

- Jesus as the second Adam fulfills the covenant of works that the first Adam failed, highlighting the importance of His sinless life and perfect obedience. This fulfillment is not just about His death but His entire life, which is the foundation of our salvation. [05:15]

- Justification by faith alone is deeply rooted in the works of Christ. Our faith is the means by which we lay hold of Christ's righteousness, which is imputed to us, making us acceptable before God. [04:35]

- The resurrection of Christ is a testament to His victory over death, which could not hold Him due to His sinlessness. This victory is shared with us, as we are made alive in Christ, the life-giving Spirit. [12:49]

- The transformation from the natural to the spiritual body in the resurrection illustrates the profound change that occurs through Christ. We are sown in weakness but raised in power, reflecting the glory of the heavenly man, Jesus. [16:42]

- Our sanctification is the process of being conformed to the image of Christ, beginning with justification and culminating in glorification. This journey is made possible by the righteousness of Christ imputed to us and worked out in us. [22:03]

Youtube Chapters:

[00:00] - Welcome
[00:27] - Introduction to the Second Adam
[01:03] - Christ's Resurrection and Humanity
[02:33] - The Role of the Second Adam
[03:12] - Covenant of Works and Justification
[04:35] - Justification by Faith and Works
[05:15] - The Life and Obedience of Christ
[06:47] - The Sinlessness of Christ
[09:02] - Double Imputation in Redemption
[10:38] - Resurrection as Vindication
[11:59] - The Impossibility of Death Holding Christ
[13:38] - Transcending the Fall
[14:54] - The Resurrection Body
[16:42] - Natural vs. Spiritual Body
[18:13] - Life-Giving Spirit of Christ
[20:12] - Romans 5 and the Two Adams
[22:41] - Covenant of Grace Fulfilled

Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide

Bible Reading:
1. 1 Corinthians 15:20-22
2. Romans 5:12-19

---

Observation Questions:

1. According to 1 Corinthians 15:20-22, how does Paul describe the relationship between Adam and Christ in terms of death and resurrection? [01:03]

2. What does the sermon say about the significance of Christ's humanity in conquering death? [01:50]

3. How does the sermon explain the concept of justification by works in relation to Christ's life and obedience? [04:35]

4. In Romans 5:12-19, what contrast does Paul draw between the actions of Adam and Christ? [20:12]

---

Interpretation Questions:

1. How does the concept of Jesus as the "second Adam" deepen our understanding of the covenant of works and its fulfillment? [03:12]

2. What does the sermon suggest about the role of Christ's sinlessness in our redemption, and why is it considered extraordinary? [06:47]

3. How does the resurrection of Christ serve as a testament to His victory over death, and what implications does this have for believers? [12:49]

4. In what ways does the sermon describe the transformation from a natural to a spiritual body, and how does this relate to the believer's future hope? [16:42]

---

Application Questions:

1. Reflect on the idea of Jesus as the second Adam. How does this understanding impact your view of salvation and your personal relationship with Christ? [05:15]

2. The sermon emphasizes the importance of Christ's sinless life. How can you strive to live a life of obedience and reflect Christ's righteousness in your daily actions? [06:47]

3. Considering the resurrection of Christ, what areas of your life need to be transformed from "death" to "life"? How can you actively pursue this transformation? [12:49]

4. The sermon discusses the imputation of Christ's righteousness to believers. How does this truth affect your sense of identity and worth before God? [09:02]

5. In light of the sermon, how can you actively participate in the process of sanctification, being conformed to the image of Christ? What practical steps can you take this week? [22:03]

6. How does the concept of being raised in power and glory through Christ's resurrection influence your perspective on current struggles or weaknesses? [16:42]

7. Reflect on the contrast between the first and second Adam. How does this understanding encourage you to live a life that reflects the victory and righteousness of Christ? [20:12]

Devotional

Day 1: Jesus as the Fulfillment of the Covenant of Works
Jesus, as the second Adam, fulfills the covenant of works that the first Adam failed to uphold. This fulfillment is not limited to His death but encompasses His entire life of perfect obedience and sinlessness. Through His life, Jesus establishes the foundation of our salvation, demonstrating the importance of His humanity in conquering death. By living a sinless life, He achieved what Adam could not, thus securing our redemption and restoring our relationship with God. [05:15]

1 Corinthians 15:21-22 (ESV): "For as by a man came death, by a man has come also the resurrection of the dead. For as in Adam all die, so also in Christ shall all be made alive."

Reflection: In what ways can you strive to emulate Christ's obedience in your daily life, recognizing His role as the second Adam?


Day 2: Justification by Faith Rooted in Christ's Works
Justification by faith alone is deeply rooted in the works of Christ. Our faith is the means by which we lay hold of Christ's righteousness, which is imputed to us, making us acceptable before God. This understanding does not contradict the doctrine of justification by faith but rather enriches it, as it highlights that our justification is through Christ's works. Jesus, the last Adam, fulfilled the covenant of works on our behalf, living a life of perfect obedience and sinlessness. [04:35]

Romans 3:22-24 (ESV): "The righteousness of God through faith in Jesus Christ for all who believe. For there is no distinction: for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, and are justified by his grace as a gift, through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus."

Reflection: How can you actively trust in Christ's righteousness today, rather than relying on your own efforts to be justified before God?


Day 3: The Victory of Christ's Resurrection
The resurrection of Christ is a testament to His victory over death, which could not hold Him due to His sinlessness. This victory is shared with us, as we are made alive in Christ, the life-giving Spirit. The resurrection is not just a historical event but a transformative reality that assures us of our own resurrection and eternal life. Through Christ's victory, we are invited to live in the power of His resurrection, experiencing the new life He offers. [12:49]

1 Peter 1:3-4 (ESV): "Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! According to his great mercy, he has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, to an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, kept in heaven for you."

Reflection: What does living in the power of Christ's resurrection look like for you today, and how can you share this hope with others?


Day 4: Transformation Through the Resurrection
The transformation from the natural to the spiritual body in the resurrection illustrates the profound change that occurs through Christ. We are sown in weakness but raised in power, reflecting the glory of the heavenly man, Jesus. This transformation is made possible through the life-giving spirit of the second Adam, Jesus Christ, who not only restores us to the pre-Fall state but elevates us to a new, victorious life in Him. [16:42]

Philippians 3:20-21 (ESV): "But our citizenship is in heaven, and from it we await a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ, who will transform our lowly body to be like his glorious body, by the power that enables him even to subject all things to himself."

Reflection: In what areas of your life do you need to experience Christ's transformative power, and how can you invite Him to bring about this change?


Day 5: The Journey of Sanctification
Our sanctification is the process of being conformed to the image of Christ, beginning with justification and culminating in glorification. This journey is made possible by the righteousness of Christ imputed to us and worked out in us. As we grow in sanctification, we are called to reflect Christ's character and live out His righteousness in our daily lives. This process involves both the imputation of Christ's righteousness and the active working out of that righteousness in our lives. [22:03]

2 Corinthians 3:18 (ESV): "And we all, with unveiled face, beholding the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from one degree of glory to another. For this comes from the Lord who is the Spirit."

Reflection: What specific steps can you take today to cooperate with the Holy Spirit in your sanctification, allowing Christ's righteousness to be worked out in your life?

Quotes


Now this is important because one of the things that I find throughout Christendom is a failure to take seriously what Christ accomplished according to His human nature. We have a tendency to think that God came down and died on the cross in His divine nature, which of course would be blasphemous; but the God-man is the mediator, and again, we're told about Christ's humanity here in 1 Corinthians, with respect to conquering the power of death. [00:01:32]

And so here we are seeing Christ's work as the second Adam, as the man who provides the remedy for the failure of the first Adam. Now again, if you recall when we looked at the Covenant of Creation, the covenant that God made with Adam, we saw that Adam and Eve were placed in a probationary situation where if they passed their probation and have become obedient, then and only then, would they receive the tree of life; and if they violated the terms of that covenant, then the penalty would be death. [00:02:52]

Now if you recall, back at the beginning of the course, I said in the final analysis, the Bible teaches only one way of justification, and ultimately that is justification by works alone. And we had a deep gasp when I said that -- "Surely he has misspoken because this man runs around the country constantly defending the reformation doctrine of justification by faith alone. How can he now tell us that ultimately the only way we're saved is through works? Well the term "justification by faith alone" really, if you scratch it and look beneath the surface, is shorthand for saying that our justification is by Christ alone. [00:03:46]

The object of our faith is Christ, and the reason we're justified by faith as the instrument is that that faith is the instrument by which we lay hold of Christ, who satisfies the covenant of works for us, by whose works we are saved. Now I'm saying that there's only one way to be saved, either by your own works or by the works of somebody else. If you're trusting in your own, you're going to perish because the only works that have ever been performed that meet the standard of the covenant of creation are the works of Christ. [00:04:35]

And that's why it's so important in the New Testament that we see that Jesus is the new, or the last Adam and that He did more than die for our sins on the cross. We've explored the superiority of His sacrifice in the atoning death that He had, but as I've said on many occasions, it's not simply the death of Christ that redeems us, but it is also His life. He didn't just come to earth on Good Friday, die on the cross, and then be raised a couple of days later, and that was the story of redemption. [00:05:15]

So at the heart of our concept of redemption is the sinlessness of Christ, and that's a strange thing to me because when people struggle with the Christian faith, the articles of our faith that they tend to focus their skepticism upon are issues about the virgin birth or the resurrection or the miracles of Jesus, and yet you have to say what is more extraordinary than a sinless human life? I mean we have no other sample of that anywhere in history, and the sinlessness of Christ is so important, not just for one reason but for two reasons. [00:06:35]

In the first instance, to qualify as the one who makes the sacrifice, for Him to be the sacrificial lamb, He has to be the lamb without blemish because if He sins once, He doesn't have what's necessary to atone for His own sin, let alone for anybody else's. So that in the drama of redemption, the redeemer must be sinless; but again, that has another application -- not only to the death of Jesus, but also His sinlessness is of critical importance because it describes the perfection of His obedience, which obedience is applied to us. [00:07:23]

That's why, at the heart of the Protestant controversy in the sixteenth century, and then it goes on to this day and has not been resolved, is the concept of imputation -- that our salvation is based upon imputation in two ways. On the one hand, our sins are imputed to, or transferred, in God's sight, to Christ when He gives His atoning death on the cross. When Jesus dies on the cross He's not dying for His sin. He's dying for mine because mine had been imputed to Him; but there is a double imputation in our redemption. [00:08:09]

Not only is my sin imputed to Christ, but the gospel, the good news, is His righteousness is imputed to me by faith. That's why Luther insisted that our justification is accomplished a ustitsia alien -- that is a foreign or alien righteousness, a righteousness that, properly speaking, is not our own. It's not a righteousness that is inherent in our own persons, but it is somebody else's righteousness. It is that righteousness that is extra nos -- outside of us or apart from us, the righteousness achieved by the last Adam. [00:08:52]

And just like the sin of the first Adam was visited upon his descendents and on his people, so the righteousness of Christ is transferred to His people as the second Adam. Now, and we see that this is manifested here in 1 Corinthians with respect to resurrection -- that Christ, by achieving this justification, not only dies so that we can be justified, but Paul will tell us elsewhere that He is raised for our justification as well, so that my standing before God is rooted and grounded both in the cross and in the resurrection of Christ. [00:09:47]

He not only dies for me; He's raised for me, and as Paul labors at this point, Jesus' resurrection is not only for Himself, but He is the firstborn of many brethren. He's the first fruits, but each in its order -- first Christ and then those who are His at His coming -- so that we participate in His resurrection because in the resurrection God vindicates the perfection of the sacrifice that Jesus made in our behalf. [00:10:20]

And then Paul goes on to say, "But all flesh is not the same flesh. There's one kind of flesh of men, another flesh of animals, another of fish, another of birds." You look around you, and you see myriads of different kinds of bodies of flesh -- animal flesh, fish flesh, you know, bird flesh and everything else. Then he said, "And there are also celestial bodies -- the sun, the moon, the stars, all this -- and terrestrial bodies. The glory of the celestial is one; the glory of the terrestrial is another. There's one glory of the sun, another glory of the moon, another glory of the stars -- one for one star differs from another star in glory." [00:16:00]

Chatbot

  • I'm an AI bot trained specifically on the sermon from Nov 09, 2022. Do you have any questions about it?

Transcript
What was the most surprising thing in this sermon?
Were there any personal stories shared?