In Romans 5, the Apostle Paul differentiates between Adam and Jesus. Adam’s choice of sin impacted the entire world, and Jesus’ resolve for obedience changed everything. In the Garden of Eden, Adam declared to God, “Not Your will but mine be done;” in the Garden of Gethsemane, Jesus proclaimed to God, “Not My will but Yours be done.”
Adam’s sin came in the best of conditions; Jesus’ obedience came in the worst of circumstances. Adam had community that should have strengthened his resolve; Jesus had sleepy companions that proved His isolation. The contexts were so different, and the responses were everything opposite of what you would expect.
I often hear people blame Adam and Eve for their selfish decision that created the chaos of the world within which we dwell. While the analysis is correct, the frustration is unwarranted. If Adam had never eaten, I would have. If Eve had never desired what didn’t belong to her, you would have addressed it for her. Any person, given the chance to do what God or the individual wants, too often chooses our desire over God’s commands. If Adam could have chosen obedience, I would have come after him and received Paradise’s eviction notice on behalf of all humanity.
18 So then, as through one trespass there is condemnation for everyone, so also through one righteous act there is justification leading to life for everyone. 19 For just as through one man’s disobedience the many were made sinners, so also through the one man’s obedience the many will be made righteous.
Romans 5:18-19.
Paul’s description of “through one trespass there is condemnation for everyone” (Rom. 5:18) is just the process we would have catalyzed if we had been the first person in the garden. The first sin just foreshadowed all of those who would follow. When we look at the state of the world, our country, our homes, and even the depths of our hearts, we realize that sin has done quite a number on us. Its distortion is rampant and thorough.
But just as damaging as Adam’s sin was, Jesus’ righteousness is even more transformative. Through the obedience of Jesus, “the many will be made righteous” (Rom. 5:19).
Instead of blaming others for the condition of this world (like Adam and Eve did), take responsibility for how your sin has caused chaos in your world. We also thank Jesus for how His life and death brought about the change we needed.
Travis Agnew serves as the Lead Pastor of Rocky Creek Church in Greenville, SC. His most recent book is Just (About) Married.
