OCT 2

Romans 5:12-21

Memorise Romans 5:12

“For as by one man’s disobedience many were made sinners...”

WHAT IS THE COVENANT OF WORKS?

Before I came to know Jesus, I tried to understand the Christian faith intellectually (using the brain only, but not the heart) – I had many questions about the Bible, and this triggered off all sorts of questions:

1. “one man” - Is there such a person as Adam (didn’t we evolve from apes?)
2. “death by sin” - Even if there’s an Adam, why must he be punished so severely (banishment from the Garden of Eden, and from God’s presence) for such a “tiny” sin?
3. “all have sinned” - It is Adam (and Eve) who committed the sin - why must we (assuming we are the descendants of Adam (and Eve)) be punished?

How do we understand and accept all these seemingly “unreasonable” propositions? “What is the covenant of works”? Genesis 2:16-17 gives us the stipulations that God set for Adam, binding him to a covenant “agreement” in which he had a simple command to fulfill. If they obey the command, they will have eternal life – if not, they will die. As the first man, Adam was what is known as our ‘federal head’, meaning he was our representative. If he obeyed the command and passed the test, then his descendants would all be able to enjoy eternal life. However, because he failed, through him sin entered into the world, and we are all born in sin, condemned to death. You may say it is unfair, and question why we didn't get our own chance to choose? You may get upset with Adam – such a simple command, and you “blew it”! Why, why, why? This just shows the sinfulness and arrogance of man. By ourselves, none of us would have passed that test, for we too are weak and unable to make the right choice.

Yet with this covenant, it leaves the way open for a second Adam, the Lord Jesus Christ to come as the perfect man, that by his death, we can receive the gift of righteousness through Him. Where Adam failed the test, Jesus passed it perfectly. Thus just as through Adam sin entered into the world, and death by sin, then through the death of one perfect man, we can all be made righteous!

Thought: The greatest of saints are those who feel themselves as the greatest of sinners

Prayer: Lord, forgive me for the many times I take Thy word lightly.