OCT 2

Romans 5:12-21
Memorise Romans 5:12
“For as by one man’s disobedience many were made sinners...”

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 verse alone 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”? We read Genesis 3:3 “But of the fruit of the tree which is in the midst of the garden, God hath said, Ye shall not eat of it, neither shall ye touch it, lest ye die.”

God made an “agreement” (“covenant”) with Adam (and Eve) – a simple command. 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, then 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 all”! Why, why, why? This just showed the sinfulness of man – right from the beginning. Probably none of us would have passed that test, for we too are weak and unable to make the right choices.

Yet with this covenent, 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.