"But Christ has indeed been raised from the dead, the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep. For since death came through a man, the resurrection of the dead comes also through a man. For as in Adam all die, so in Christ all will be made alive."
One of the hardest things for me to understand, when I gave my life to Christ, was the idea of two Adams. I finally took a class on the books of I and II Corinthians before I gained a better understanding of it. This verse gives the best clues.
Jesus had to die. He had to die in order to become the final sacrifice for sin. This sacrifice is for all people. Everyone can now accept Christ's death as payment for their sin and receive a new life. Stay with me for a moment. He also died to lead the way out of death.
The Bible speaks of people who died and came back to life. Those people died again. Jesus died, conquered death, arose from the grave and is still alive. He is the first of many who will experience conquering death and living for eternity. We who accept Jesus as Savior from death caused by sin will be raised to eternal life. The death is due to the sin of Adam - the first man given the breath of God to live on earth. Adam brought mankind into the darkness of sin. Mankind cannot save itself - the darkness blinds us.
We needed one who was pure and without sin to pay the price for sin. Jesus leaves His throne in heaven to do this. The Holy Spirit breathes on Mary, and she becomes pregnant with Immanuel, God with us - Jesus (Matthew 1:18; Luke 1:35). Jesus blood wasn't tainted by the blood of mankind (as we all know through science, a baby receives its blood line from its father - mom's provide the nourishment and safe keeping). Jesus is holy and pure. He died - the second Adam - second man breathed to life by God. The difference - Jesus is God. He conquered death and rose again from the grave. Resurrection comes through God who had made Himself a man.
Man messed things up but God loved us too much to leave us in that condition. Throughout history He has been drawing us to Him with His eternal love and unfailing kindness.
Jeremiah 31:3 NIV - The Lord appeared to us in the past, saying: “I have loved you with an everlasting love; I have drawn you with unfailing kindness.So you have to ask yourself, what is keeping you from God's love? Pride? Selfishness? Uncertainty? God is above and beyond these. God is selfless yet desires your love. God is sovereign and none can compare, yet God left His throne for your sake. God is the creator and sustainer of all things, and He died so we can have certainty in life.
Think on these things as we get closer to Christmas. That's what this holiday celebrates. Jesus came to die so we can live.
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