How can understanding Adam as a "pattern" influence our view of Christ? The Pattern Stated (Romans 5:14) “Nevertheless, death reigned from Adam until Moses, even over those who did not sin in the likeness of Adam’s transgression. He is a pattern of the One to come.” Seeing “Pattern” in Simple Terms • In Scripture a pattern (Greek typos) is a model that foreshadows something greater. • Adam supplies the mold; Christ fills it in perfect, climactic form. • The pattern works by both likeness (representative headship) and contrast (sin vs. righteousness). Four Ways Adam Prefigures Christ 1. Representative Head • Adam stands for the entire human race (Genesis 3:17–19). • Christ stands for all who belong to Him (Romans 5:18; 1 Corinthians 15:22). 2. Fountainhead of a Humanity • From Adam flows natural life—marred by sin and death (Genesis 5:3-5). • From Christ flows supernatural life—marked by righteousness and eternal glory (John 1:12-13; 1 Corinthians 15:45). 3. Act that Determines Destiny • One trespass: condemnation for many (Romans 5:16). • One act of obedience: justification for many (Romans 5:19; Philippians 2:8). 4. Kingdom Result • Death reigned through Adam (Romans 5:14). • Grace and life reign through Christ (Romans 5:17; Hebrews 2:14-15). The Supreme Contrast (Romans 5:15–19) • “The gift is not like the trespass.” • Trespass brings “many died”; gift brings “abounded to the many.” • Judgment issues in condemnation; free gift issues in justification. • Adam’s disobedience makes many sinners; Christ’s obedience makes many righteous. How This Shapes Our View of Christ Today • We see Christ as the true and better Adam, undoing every ruinous effect of the first. • We grasp the depth of substitution: our ruin was outside our personal control in Adam, so our rescue must be outside ourselves in Christ (2 Corinthians 5:21). • We cherish imputed righteousness—just as Adam’s sin was credited to us, Christ’s obedience is credited to us (Romans 4:24). • We recognize the necessity of new birth; merely fixing old Adam won’t work (John 3:3-7). • We anticipate a new creation body, patterned after the risen Christ, not the dust-bound Adam (1 Corinthians 15:47-49). Walking in the Second Adam’s Footsteps • Rest in Christ’s completed work rather than striving to balance Adam’s failure. • Live as citizens of the new humanity: put off the old self, put on the new (Ephesians 4:22-24). • Proclaim hope to others still in Adam, inviting them into life in Christ (2 Corinthians 5:20). |
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