Topical Encyclopedia In the study of the names and titles of Jesus Christ, the appellation "Adam" holds significant theological importance. This title is rooted in the typological relationship between Jesus and the first man, Adam, as presented in the Scriptures. The Apostle Paul, in particular, draws a parallel between Adam and Christ, highlighting the redemptive work of Jesus as a new beginning for humanity.1. The First Adam and the Last Adam: The Apostle Paul explicitly refers to Jesus as the "last Adam" in his epistle to the Corinthians. In 1 Corinthians 15:45 , Paul writes, "So it is written: 'The first man Adam became a living being;' the last Adam a life-giving spirit." Here, Paul contrasts the first Adam, who brought sin and death into the world, with Jesus, the last Adam, who brings life and resurrection. This typology underscores the transformative power of Christ's redemptive work, offering a new creation to those who believe. 2. The Federal Headship: In Romans 5:12-19, Paul elaborates on the concept of federal headship, where Adam and Christ serve as representatives of humanity. Through Adam's disobedience, sin entered the world, resulting in death for all. Conversely, through Christ's obedience, righteousness and life are made available. Romans 5:18-19 states, "So then, just as one trespass brought condemnation for all men, so also one act of righteousness brought justification and life for all men. For just as through the disobedience of the one man the many were made sinners, so also through the obedience of the one man the many will be made righteous." This passage highlights the salvific role of Jesus as the new Adam, reversing the curse of sin. 3. The Image of God: Both Adam and Christ are associated with the image of God, yet in different capacities. Adam was created in the image of God (Genesis 1:27), but through sin, that image was marred. Jesus, however, is described as the perfect image of God. Colossians 1:15 declares, "The Son is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation." As the last Adam, Jesus perfectly reflects God's image, restoring what was lost through the fall. 4. The New Creation: The title of Adam for Jesus also points to the concept of a new creation. In 2 Corinthians 5:17 , Paul writes, "Therefore if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come!" Through Jesus, believers are made part of a new humanity, liberated from the bondage of sin and death that originated with the first Adam. 5. The Eschatological Adam: The role of Jesus as the last Adam also carries eschatological significance. In 1 Corinthians 15:22 , Paul states, "For as in Adam all die, so in Christ all will be made alive." This points to the ultimate victory over death and the promise of resurrection for those in Christ, fulfilling God's redemptive plan for humanity. In summary, the title "Adam" as applied to Jesus Christ encapsulates the profound theological truths of redemption, restoration, and new creation. Through His life, death, and resurrection, Jesus, the last Adam, accomplishes what the first Adam could not, offering eternal life and reconciliation with God. Nave's Topical Index 1 Corinthians 15:45And so it is written, The first man Adam was made a living soul; the last Adam was made a quickening spirit. Nave's Topical Index Library On the Clause, and in one Lord Jesus Christ, with a Reading from ... Introduction Cli. Letter or Address of Theodoret to the Monks of the ... The Fifth Theological Oration. Answer to Eunomius' Second Book . Resources Questions about Jesus Christ (All) | GotQuestions.orgHow many prophecies did Jesus fulfill? | GotQuestions.org Is the rock opera Jesus Christ Superstar biblical? | GotQuestions.org Jesus: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus |
    |