THE SPIRIT AND THE SOUL

"For the word of God is living and active and sharper than any two-edged sword, and piercing as far as the division of soul and spirit, of both joints and marrow, and able to judge the thoughts and intentions of the heart" (Heb 4:12).

Devotion 7 of 15

ADAM AND JESUS

Humanity is summarized in two individuals; one from earth, and One from heaven. The soulish part of our persons is more related to Adam. Our spirit is related more to Jesus, Who comes to quicken and restore it "after the image of Him that created him" (Col 3:10). So also it is written, "The first MAN, Adam, became a living soul. The last Adam became a life-giving spirit" (1 Cor 15:45).

A unique distinction is seen here. Adam's life was derived; i.e., he "became a living soul." Jesus, on the other hand, is Himself the Giver of life. He came to restore the "image" that was marred by Adam--to bring humanity into affiliation with "the Father of spirits." Rather than receiving life, the Lord Jesus gives life --a most unique distinction.

Federal Heads

Both Adam and Jesus are federal heads of a race; i.e., they are the first of the order over which they preside. Their progenies also bear their likeness. This is the point of Paul's discourse in Romans 5:12- 21. The "natural" part of us is traceable to Adam. The "spiritual" aspect of those that are born again, is traced back to Jesus.

The Affects of Adam's Disobedience

Adam's sin brought death to our spirits, i.e., it thrust humanity into a state of alienation from God. The effect of the "first man's" transgression is described in arresting words. "Death" entered the world, and was "passed upon all men" (Rom 5:12). "Through the offense of one," we are told, "many" are "dead" (Rom 5:15). "Judgment to condemnation" resulted from Adam's sin (Rom 5:16,18). "Death reigns" because of that single offense (Rom 5:17). "By one man's disobedience, many were made sinners" (Rom 5:19). Those vivid portrayals are descriptive of spiritual death--a violent interruption of communion with the Living God. Whatever a person may think about perverted views of "original sin" and so-called "total depravity," we do have to contend with these statements of the Holy Spirit. They are precise, leaving no room for doubt.

The Affects of Jesus' Obedience

As the "Quickening Spirit," Jesus came to rectify the dilemma brought on by Adam's sin. How marvelously His ministry is portrayed by the Holy Spirit. " . . . much more the grace of God, and the gift by grace, which is by one man, Jesus Christ, hath abounded unto many" (Rom 5:15). " . . . but the free gift is of many offenses unto justification" (Rom 5:16). Here, the "many offenses" refers to God laying the iniquities of us all upon the Lord Jesus -- He "bore our sins in His body on the tree" (Isa 53: ; 1 Pet 2:24). Justification was the result! " . . . they which receive abundance of grace and of the gift of righteousness shall reign in life by one, Jesus Christ" (Rom 5:17). " . . . by the righteousness of one the free gift came upon all men unto justification of life" (Rom 5:18). " . . . by the obedience of one shall many be made righteous" (Rom 5:19).

We were "quickened," or made alive by Jesus, when we were "dead in trespasses and sins" (Eph 2:1). That quickening, or spiritual resurrection, took place in the inmost part of your person--your spirit.

Salvation begins with the reclamation of your spirit--the essential part of your being. The new birth enables the individual to possess and govern his own soul. Moreover, the body, or the most external part of our being, is controlled from within. Paul called this "keeping under his body" (1 Cor 9:27).

PRAYER POINT: Father, how I thank You for the Lord Jesus, Who has brought me back from death in trespasses and sins. I long to remain pleasing in Your sight through His life and power.

-- TOMORROW: A CLOSER LOOK AT ADAM --