ADAM AND US

Some of the most difficult scripture is that which speaks to us about the issue of imputed sin and imputed righteousness. Imputed in theology means to ‘ascribe (righteousness, guilt, etc.) to someone by virtue of a similar quality in another: Christ’s righteousness has been imputed to us.’ That is to say that the sin and guilt that was committed by Adam is imputed (included, applied) to all those since Adam and the righteousness of Christ is imputed (included, applied) to everyone who accepts by faith the sacrificial work of Christ on the cross for the sins of all humanity.

The difficult part of this are the questions of ‘why are we guilty for the sins of another,’ and ‘why is there sin and the devil in the first place’ and many other mysterious questions. I simply do not know the answers to these questions. After many years of considering such topics, I have not come to any easy or solid conclusions. All I have is what you have: the testimony of scriptures. Even that leaves one a little dry and empty as far as reason and logic are concerned. So, we either believe it or we don’t. Romans 1-3 helps a little (the problem), as does 4-6 (the solution).

The Lord says, “I don’t know you from Adam.” By that I mean he knows us as he knew Adam. But he also says there is no condemnation and judgment for those who know Christ. Or, “I know you as I know my Son.” The only safe approach to this issue is to trust in Christ and not to trust in our own morality, ethics, religion, good works, or being a good person.

“For this is the will of my Father, that everyone who looks on the Son and believes in him should have eternal life, and I will raise him up on the last day.” Jesus