“Therefore, just as through one man sin entered the world, and death through sin, and thus death spread to all men, because all sinned…But the free gift is not like the offense. For if by the one man’s offense many died, much more the grace of God and the gift by the grace of the one Man, Jesus Christ, abounded to many…For if by the one man’s offense death reigned through the one, much more those who receive abundance of grace and of the gift of righteousness will reign in life through the One, Jesus Christ. Therefore, as through one man’s offense judgment came to all men, resulting in condemnation, even so through one Man’s righteous act the free gift came to all men, resulting in justification of life” (Romans 5:12, 15, 17-18).
The Bible is replete with examples of the mighty influence one single human being can have. Abel, Noah, Abraham, Joseph, Moses, David, and Paul were individuals whose life and influence for good continues to reverberate. Cain, Balaam, Jeroboam, Jezebel, and Judas were evildoers whose wickedness impacted later generations.
At the epicenter of sin in human history is Adam. Through this one man, disobedience, sin, and death with all their guilt, shame, sorrow, heartache, and grief originated in God’s image-bearers.
At the epicenter of righteousness in human history is the last Adam—the Lord from heaven (1 Corinthians 15:45, 47)–Jesus Christ. Through this man, obedience, righteousness, and life with all their joy, peace, and hope of glory originated in God’s image-bearers.
Each one of us decides which trail these two Adams blazed will be our life’s path. Adam’s broad path leads to destruction, eternal condemnation; Jesus’ narrow path leads to life, eternal bliss (Matthew 7:13-14).
Which path are you on?
