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(continued
from previous page)
as a circumcised Jew (outwardly), but as an
uncircumcised believer (one circumcised inwardly), who acted
upon his faith.
 The
significance of Abraham's case to us is two-Fold: (1) lie was an
example for all who so trust in God, being the father of
many nations; and, (2) The blessings of the promise,
being by promise, were his on the basis of a life-time of
faithfulness rather than by perfect (meritorious) lawkeeping or
outward fleshly marks.
Jesus
Christ died (as the offering for our sins) and was resurrected
(to he our intercessor) so that all who trust in Him might have
forgiveness of sins. True believers are no longer enemies of
God, but are freed from guilt, and arc at peace with God. We
rejoice in hope, even in times of tribulation, for we trust in
God's grace. God is reconciled to imperfect man through the
death and the resurrected life of Christ.
-------------------------
Adam
and Christ provide a contrasting study, for these two represent
contrasting character groups. Adam first sinned, becoming the
primordial "father" of sin; and because of his sin he
was separated from God. All men have been separated from God,
because all have partaken of the spirit of rebellion which he
introduced into the world, each becoming a sinner. Whether men
sinned by violating their conscience, as did the Gentiles
between Adam and Moses; or by violating positive precepts, given
through Moses, as did the Jews; the end is the some. Adam's sin
is representative of all that followed, and his death
(separation from
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God) becomes The Death, considered
abstractly, which envelops mankind. On the other hand one man,
Jesus Christ, by the gift of himself upon the cross, became the
"elder brother" of those who trust in Him and thereby
stand rightwise with God.
Adam
and Christ offer contrast in the character of their
effect upon mankind: the first bringing separation from God, the
second abounding in grace. They offer contrast in results: the
first introducing condemnation, the second producing the means
of justification. The Death was initiated by one,
and The Righteousness (also considered abstractly) was
initiated by the other one. Death which became
universal, having been introduced by Adam; was countered by the universal
remedy, offered through Jesus Christ to Gentiles as
well as to Jews. One brought sin into the world, and all who
were influenced thereby became sinners; but the other was
obedient (unto the death of the cross), and as many as are
influenced thereby may be righteous, through the forgiveness of
sins.
Law,
in and of itself, only makes sin (and the need for forgiveness)
more apparent. But our need is more than met by grace, which
reigns unto eternal life through the self-sacrifice of Jesus
Christ.
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This
takes us through chapter 5, (if you are a charitable reader).
See editorial (p.2, this issue) for introduction. We plan to
complete this effort in following issues. Criticisms and
assistance will be appreciated.
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