Corporate Solidarity in Adam & in Christ (Pt. 3): Rom. 5:12-16; Col. 1:13-14
October 13, 2024 Speaker: Bob DeWaay Series: Theology
Scripture: Romans 5:12-16, Colossians 1:13-14
As we continue to study Romans 5 about Paul’s teaching corporate solidarity in Adam which produced universal sinfulness in the human race, we discuss Paul’s lesser to greater argument. Using the phrase “much more” in Romans 5:15; Paul extols the gift of grace that abounded to many through one man, Jesus Christ.
Though the number of sinners includes the entire human race, the greater work is the grace of God in Christ that makes “the many” alive through the gospel. The lesser to greater is not about numbers of persons, but the profundity of the salvation of the many who find justification by faith in Christ.
Paul uses “the one” in Romans 5 verses 15a, 16a, 17a, 18a, and 19a to describe the transgression of Adam which resulted in death and condemnation. We discuss the importance understanding these key ideas and the Scriptures which teach them for properly living out Christian fellowship through the gospel.
It is often the case that churches become fellowships of religious consumers who remain in Adam and thus being dead spiritually. This is not the Biblical definition of the church. The greater is the free gift of life in Christ through faith in Him. Our solidarity is in Christ as we fellowship with Him and one another.