The Pattern of the One to Come—Romans 5:14

"Nevertheless, death reigned from the time of Adam to the time of Moses, even over those who did not sin by breaking a command, as did Adam, who was a pattern of the one to come" (Romans 5:14)

Sin has always brought death!

Even before the law and its charge, death reigned.

From Adam to Moses, God didn’t hold humanity’s sins against them (Rom. 5:13) however, no one escaped the power of either sin or death. As the old saying goes, “the only thing certain in life is death and taxes.”

This gives amazing insight into the effects of sin. Even when God doesn’t judge sin, it is deadly. So death has always reigned, even void of punishment because sin is a constant, all-encompassing, powerful force in the universe. Thank you Adam!

The encouraging news is Adam was the pattern of the one to come. Meaning God started His rescue mission immediately and didn’t throw in the towel when Adam introduced sin into the world.

God’s rescue mission was Jesus!

Jesus’ mission was to destroy sin and death (Heb. 2:14; I John 3:8; I Cor. 15:26). We are not hopeless, Jesus is the last Adam for a reason (I Cor. 15:45). Yes, he was patterned after the first Adam because He was humanity’s representative but what Jesus offers instead of sin and death is life; “For as in Adam all die, so in Christ all will be made alive” (I Cor. 15:22).

I am thankful for Jesus! The second and last Adam.

Reflect

It’s easier to see the devastating effects of sin rather than experiencing the results of the life Jesus offers. Why do you think that’s true?

Does this verse give you hope for humanity?

Previous: Romans 5:13  Next: Romans 5:15

Original article published October 9, 2009.