He Dwells — The B'log in My Eye

What we know about the first Adam, at least as it pertains to today’s verse, is found in God’s admonition to him recorded in Genesis 3:17-19:

“Cursed is the ground for your sake; In toil you shall eat of it All the days of your life. Both thorns and thistles it shall bring forth for you, And you shall eat the herb of the field. In the sweat of your face you shall eat bread Till you return to the ground, For out of it you were taken; For dust you are, And to dust you shall return.”

We see some recurring themes…

The Last Adam

We know from 1 Corinthians  that Jesus Christ is the last Adam, but what’s the connection to the first Adam? Is there any significance in the phraseology of the texts?

The short answer is yes — the first Adam’s sin brought about the curse, the thorns, and the sweat — the very things the last Adam assumed for the sake of all mankind. Jesus took the entire curse upon Himself, He bore the thorns, and He sweat the blood. Furthermore, He prepared His body as bread that by faith we might partake of the Lord’s Table and receive His mercy and grace.

“…The Lord Jesus on the same night in which He was betrayed took bread; and when He had given thanks, He broke it and said, “Take, eat; this is My body which is broken for you; do this in remembrance of Me.” In the same manner He also took the cup after supper, saying, “This cup is the new covenant in My blood. This do, as often as you drink it, in remembrance of Me.” For as often as you eat this bread and drink this cup, you proclaim the Lord’s death till He comes. 1 Corinthians 11:23b-26

Saved By Faith

Jesus overcame perfectly the curse of Adam’s bomb. He was the only One who could have.

In that light, why would anyone think that some sort of work is required? The work was finished on the cross and all we have to do is by faith believe it’s finished. Any personal effort towards salvation is pointless. Attempts to adhere to the law, to rules, and to regulations are futile.  Simply receive the promise of the Spirit through faith.

Do you believe?

Webster’s 1828 Dictionary defines the word ‘believe’ this way:

The word implies, with this assent of the mind, a yielding (obedience) of the will and affections, accompanied with a humble reliance (submission) on Christ for salvation.

Do you believe?

What About…

“Thus also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead.” James 2:17

What’s that all about?

James is simply telling us that works are a result of faith and faith is not a result of works. In other words, Christians do not have to go to church, pray, fellowship, or spend time in the word — these are the things we get to do. Because of our love and gratitude towards Jesus, for what He has accomplished for us, it is our desire to submit our lives to Him and obey His commands.

If you desire not to do these things, there is a possibility you don’t really believe what you say you believe.  Ask the Lord to search your heart.

Do You Believe?

1. Are you submitted and obedient to Christ Jesus?
2. Do you fear being submitted and obedient to Christ Jesus?
3. Can you describe your fears?
4. How have you overcome your fears?

Do not put your trust in princes, Nor in a son of man, in whom there is no help. His spirit departs, he returns to his earth; In that very day his plans perish. Happy is he who has the God of Jacob for his help, Whose hope is in the Lord his God, Who made heaven and earth, The sea, and all that is in them; Who keeps truth forever, Who executes justice for the oppressed, Who gives food to the hungry. The Lord gives freedom to the prisoners. The Lord opens the eyes of the blind; The Lord raises those who are bowed down; The Lord loves the righteous. The Lord watches over the strangers; He relieves the fatherless and widow; But the way of the wicked He turns upside down. Psalm 146:3-9