Romans 5:19-21 For as through the one man's disobedience the many were made sinners, even so through the obedience of the One the many will be made righteous. And the Law came in that the transgression might increase; but where sin increased, grace abounded all the more, that, as sin reigned in death, even so grace might reign through righteousness to eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord. --NASB In the name of the One Who brought us righteousness, amen.
A few days ago I mentioned that Adam was a picture of Jesus in a very special way, which we would look at later. Today we look at that picture. Adam's deed affected all people. In the same way Jesus' deed affected all people. Adam disobeyed God and brought sin and death to all people. Jesus was sinless and brought righteousness and eternal life for all people. Because of Jesus' sacrifice on the tree, all people are redeemed--justified before God.
Now, it is true that not everybody benefits from Jesus' act, and tomorrow we will see why. For now we recognize that Jesus reversed the curse. His blood is the antidote to sin which causes death, and we receive that blood in the Holy Supper. In fact, the proper preface for the Lord's Supper during the season of Lent reads: "Who on the tree of the cross didst give salvation unto mankind that, whence death arose, thence Life also might rise again; and that he who by a tree once overcame might likewise by a tree be overcome, through Christ, our Lord." Christ is the second Adam. He began righteous and His sinlessness affected all people. Where Adam brought sin and death, Christ brought righteousness and life. Amen.
Prayer: Lord Jesus, Your righteousness brings us eternal life. Thank You for Your great act of mercy. Be gracious to us and keep us in the True Faith by Your Holy Spirit, so that we might be with our heavenly Father forever, amen.
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