Lesson 12 for the 20 th of December, 2008

“Adam, the son of God” (Luke, 3: 38) “Jesus Christ, the Son of God” (Mark, 1: 1) “By one man's disobedience” (Romans, 5: 19) “By one Man's obedience” (Romans, 5: 19) “Through one man sin entered the world” (Romans, 5: 12) “Grace might reign through righteousness to eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord” (Romans, 5: 21)

“By one man's disobedience many were made sinners” (Romans, 5: 19) “By the obedience of one shall many be made righteous” (Romans, 5: 19) “By the offence of one judgment came upon all men to condemnation” (Romans, 5: 18) “the righteousness of one the free gift came upon all men unto justification of life” (Romans, 5: 18) “By one man's offence death reigned by one” (Romans, 5: 17) “Much more shall reign in life by one, Jesus Christ” (Romans, 5: 17)

“In Adam all die” (1 Corinthians, 15: 22) “In Christ shall all be made alive” (1 Corinthians, 15: 22) Although we can’t avoid being part of Adam’s offspring, we can accept to be adopted by God and therefore change from death to life.

“Those who accept Christ, relying wholly upon His merits, are made the adopted sons and daughters of God-- are heirs of God, and joint heirs with Jesus Christ” E.G.W. (That I may know Him, February 23)

We are converted in new creatures when we are adopted by God What does to be a new creature mean? A new and incorruptible body in resurrection. A new life without sin. A new heaven and a new earth, where we shall live forever.

Can we be new creatures right now? Yes, we can, through baptism. In that moment, the old man dies and we are born in new life in Jesus Christ, thanks to the Holy Spirit.

What does to be a new creature now mean? What does to be a new creature now mean? We start a pact with God. We have new life. We take part in unity with God. Sin rules us no more. We have a new Lord: Christ. We start a pact with God. We have new life. We take part in unity with God. Sin rules us no more. We have a new Lord: Christ.

What does Paul mean with the expression “In Christ”? “God was IN CHRIST reconciling the world unto himself” (2 Corinthians, 5: 19) That the figure and work of Christ are the only tool for reconciliation that God uses.

Furthermore, we have these benefits when we are in Christ: Grace. The gift of eternal life. God’s call to a holy life. Election. Redemption. Justification. Forgiveness. Sanctification. We are created for good works. We have access to God. We are now seated in heavenly places. We have an inheritance. We are triumphant. We can do all things. We are rooted and built up.

In addition, Paul uses the expression “IN CHRIST” to express that everything Christians do is possible because of their union to Christ: We rejoice in Him. We boast and glory in Him. We stand firm in Him. We are strong in Him. We do works of faith in Him. Everything we are and do is to be determined by our union with Christ.

Those believers that are not in the flesh, are not controlled by its fallen nature. They are spiritually alive. They have already become sons of God. Sin doesn’t rule them anymore. Believers belong to Christ and receive the gifts of his Spirit. Those who life according to the Spirit form the Church and live in unity and interdependence with themselves and Christ. “But you are not in the flesh, but in the Spirit, if indeed the Spirit of God dwells in you. Now if anyone does not have the Spirit of Christ, he is not His”. (Romans, 8: 9)

“Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new”. “Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new”. 2 Corinthians, 5: 17