Two Adams

~ Compare Them ~

How is Jesus Christ like Adam?  

The following is an excerpt from a book.

Birth  ~  The first Adam was created from virgin earth; the Last Adam came to earth through a virgin birth. Both the first and the Last Adams were born without a corrupted sin nature. The first Adam was born without a mother; the Second Adam was born without a human father. The first Adam was a creature representing God on earth; the Last Adam was God on earth. The first Adam was created in God’s own image (Genesis 1:27). The Last Adam is the image of the invisible God (Colossians 1:15).

Life  ~  The first Adam appeared on a scene prepared to receive him; the Last Adam entered a world ready to reject Him. The first Adam was to receive the unqualified submission of all creatures on earth—he was to be lord of all. The Last Adam is the Lord of all even though He was rejected!

       

The first Adam’s side was opened and a rib removed to make provision for his bride. The Last Adam’s side was pierced by a Roman soldier’s spear making provision (through our Lord’s death) for His bride—the Church.

Due to the first Adam’s sin, all mankind died. Due to the Last Adam’s sinless life, all mankind is eligible for the forgiveness of their sins and to be made truly alive. When an individual chooses to accept Jesus Christ as Savior, he receives new spiritual life which never ends. This includes resurrection from death and eternal fellowship with the God of the universe.

Death  ~  The first Adam introduced the Book of Death (1 Corinthians 15:22, Romans 5:12) which mankind since the Fall enters through natural birth. The Last Adam provides the opportunity for us to choose to enter the Book of Life through spiritual birth (Revelation 20:15, 21:27). The two Adams represent two distinct families currently on earth and in heaven. The first Adam died spiritually in the Garden of Eden because of his sin. The Last Adam died physically in the Garden of Gethsemane for our sin (John 19:41).

End Result  ~  But the story doesn’t end in the Garden of Gethsemane. The Last Adam rose from the dead victorious over sin on that first Easter morning and is now seated at the right hand of the Father. One day, perhaps very soon, He will return for His Church.

~ from “ONE PRECIOUS PEARL: God’s Design for His Church, pgs 16-17  (ISBN: 9780741462329)

Learn more about this important book at Amazon, the Publisher, or the Author’s website.

~ Robert Lloyd Russell, ABUNDANT LIFE NOW

Joshua

~ A Picture of Jesus Christ ~

Joshua is one of the most striking men in the Bible and is a “type” of our Lord Jesus Christ. A type in the Bible is a picture of something else. While much of what we learn about Joshua is found in the book of Joshua, we also learn about him in many other places in Scripture. Here are some examples of how Joshua is a type of our Lord Jesus Christ.

His Name ~ It was Moses who renamed Hosea as Joshua. In Hebrew Joshua (Yehoshua or Yeshua) means “the Lord saves” or “Jehovah is Salvation.” In Greek his name is translated “Jesus” and the message of the book of Joshua is that “Jesus saves.” Note, however, that Joshua was a temporary savior and Christ is the only true Savior who saves eternally. 

The Succession ~ Moses was “a friend of God” who gave the Law and Joshua is his replacement. The Bible teaches that the Gospel of Jesus Christ succeeds the Law. But first Joshua was a servant to Moses, and we find that Christ came to earth under the law and was obedient to it in every way. Joshua replaced Moses—Christ fulfilled the requirements of the Law (Romans 8:2-4; Galatians 3:23-25). Joshua led the people into God’s promised covenant blessing—Christ gives us the blessing of salvation.  

His Destiny ~ Joshua was born a slave in Egypt and knew he was an ordinary man. The Exodus occurred when he was about 40 years old. For the next 40 years he wandered in the desert with the Israelites. Joshua’s life was remarkable as he received direct encouragement from God. “Be strong and of good courage” occurs multiple times in the opening chapter of Joshua (verses 6, 7, 9, 18). He witnessed the miraculous crossing of the Red Sea (Joshua 4) and saw the incarnate Christ (Joshua 5:13). While Jesus was no ordinary man, He too spent time in the wilderness. He relied on and gained His strength from God His Father. While on earth He performed many miracles.

His Life ~ Scripture declares that only One man was sinless, but Joshua is one of very few Biblical personalities with little sin recorded in Scripture. His recorded life was nearly unblemished. Jesus was the One who actually lived a sinless life. 

His Character ~ Joshua was clearly a servant-leader, which is the essence of true spiritual leadership. In so many of his virtues (trustworthy, diligent, courageous, wise, a man of integrity, etc.) he was a foreshadowing of Jesus who was to come. Perhaps most importantly, Joshua carried out the will of his master—Christ was devoted to the will of His Father (John 6:38). Consider just a few of Joshua’s character traits:  

Humility ~ There is no record of Joshua ever promoting his self-interests or seeking honor—he knew he was God’s servant and relied on God for his strength. He wanted victory for the Lord—Jesus said, “Father, glorify Thy name” (John 12:28). 

Obedience ~ Joshua’s diligence to follow the law of Moses was a key factor in his personality and success. The concept of blessing following obedience is a common theme throughout the Old Testament. Jesus displayed ultimate obedience during His life, culminating in obedience even unto death (Philippians 2:8). 

Consistency ~ As Joshua followed the will of God for him, he was willing to take an unpopular position. For example, it was only Joshua and Caleb of the twelve spies who recommended obedience to God (Numbers 13:17-14:10). Joshua’s consistent acknowledgement of truth even when it was unpopular is another parallel with Jesus Christ (Isaiah 53:3; Mark 14:50). 

Faith ~ During the time of the wilderness wanderings Joshua was a faithful aide to Moses as he observed faith in action. Later faced with overwhelming odds, Joshua by faith led the Israelite army in its conquest of the promised land. Joshua’s great accomplishments were largely due to his unwavering faith and commitment to his God. Jesus Christ maintained complete faith in His Father and acted on that faith.  

His Strength ~ Knowing God’s will provides great confidence and strength for whatever task God has given. Joshua knew what God desired of him (Joshua 1:9) and obeyed God’s will. Jesus Christ and the Father are one, but it is clear that Jesus always obeyed the Father’s will (Hebrews 10:7-9; Luke 22:42). 

His Fellowship ~ Joshua was intimate with God—he thrived on fellowship with God. He sought opportunities to be in God’s presence (for example Exodus 24:13). In the Gospels we find that Jesus often left the crowds in order to find solitude in prayer and communion with His Father. As Joshua led the Israelites in the Old Testament, Jesus leads God’s people in the New Testament.

His Ministry ~ Joshua and Jesus were both servants. Both were willing to do whatever it took to accomplish God’s purposes on earth. Both were givers rather than takers. Both were channels of blessing from God. 

His Task ~ Joshua was told, “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and of good courage; do not be afraid, nor be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go” (Joshua 1:9). Jesus tells us today, “and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age” (Matthew 28:20b). We can have confidence in the Great Commission because of the example of Jesus on earth being empowered by the Father. 

His Leadership ~ Joshua governed Israel as their commander-in-chief with God-given wisdom, courage, and integrity. Jesus, our commander-in-chief, displayed the ultimate in all virtues and is  the Captain of our Salvation.

His Power ~ Joshua led the people through the power of the Holy Spirit operating in his life. Jesus Christ as a member of the Trinity was empowered by yielding to the Spirit as He went about doing the will of His Father.

His Deeds ~ Joshua’s accomplishments were due to his trust in God for all aspects of his life. Joshua led the Israelites through the river Jordan—Jesus leads us through the difficult places in our lives. Joshua saved the prostitute Rahab—Jesus saves the worst of sinners. Joshua accepted the Gibeonites—Jesus receives all who come to Him. Joshua conquered the kings of the Canaanites—Jesus conquers sin, our flesh, and the world’s influence in our lives (Romans 8:37). 

The Final Result ~ The biggest accomplishment of Joshua and perhaps the place where he is the clearest type of our Lord Jesus is that he brought the people into the land of Canaan—a place of rest! Jesus brings us into the place of true rest both in this life and for eternity. Joshua brought a temporal rest (Hebrews 4:8)—Jesus brings an eternal rest. Canaan is a type of the kingdom of God which ultimately will be the New Jerusalem (Revelation 21). We have a spiritual rest while on earth—our permanent and complete rest will be in the New Jerusalem.  Our rest was accomplished and finalized by Jesus on the Cross when He declared “It is finished!” (John 19:30.)

 

Key Observation ~ During Joshua’s day many Israelites died during the wilderness wanderings because they refused to listen to and obey the commands of God. Even though they saw His mighty works on their behalf, they did not yield to His authority. They failed to enter into the promised land and rest from the journey. There is a parallel situation today. Many refuse to listen to the Gospel message and accept Jesus Christ as their only source of salvation. Unless their hearts are softened, they cannot enter into spiritual rest and eternal salvation (Hebrews 4:6-12). Salvation comes by faith in Christ—not by our own good deeds. The result of faith in Christ is rest both now and eternally. This is the most important lesson to be learned from Joshua as a type of Jesus Christ. 

Summary ~ Joshua is the key person in the Biblical book of Joshua. But the narrative is more about Jesus Christ and His great salvation than it is about Joshua and his obedience. The book is about victorious living on earth. While Joshua was a role model of victorious living on earth, Jesus was the ultimate supreme example of a life pleasing to God the Father. We can live on earth in the power of the Holy Spirit today. The first twelve chapters of the book of Joshua present great truths and the reality that life on earth is a battle. The rest of the book illustrates how to deal with life’s difficulties after we have received divine truth. God has given us everything we need for victorious living now (2 Peter 1:3-4). 

ADDITIONAL COMMENT: Joshua was a human who had his flaws, but because of his overall desire and pursuit of God, Scripture records little of his failures. He was a true servant-leader who was a picture of the ultimate servant-leader, Jesus, who was yet to come. While Joshua was a single individual, he represents many “of whom the world was not worthy” (Hebrews 11:38).  

PERSONAL COMMENT:  My grandson—Joshua—becomes a teenager today. Josh, this posting is dedicated to you! 

~ Robert Lloyd Russell, ABUNDANT LIFE NOW

Our Leader

~ Jesus Christ Leads Us ~

He Leads Us In The Right Way  ~  “Then they cried out to the Lord in their trouble, and He delivered them out of their distresses. And He led them forth by the right way, that they might go to a city for a dwelling place” (Psalm 107:6-7). 

He Leads Us Into Storms  ~  “Now when He got into a boat, His disciples followed Him. And suddenly a great tempest arose on the sea, so that the boat was covered with the waves. But He was asleep. Then His disciples came to Him and awoke Him, saying, ‘Lord, save us! We are perishing!’ But He said to them, ‘Why are you fearful, O you of little faith?’  Then He arose and rebuked the winds and the sea, and there was a great calm. So the men marveled, saying,  ‘Who can this be, that even the winds and the sea obey Him?’” (Matthew 8:23-27). 

He Leads Us Through Depths  ~  “He rebuked the Red Sea also, and it dried up; so He led them through the depths, as through the wilderness” (Psalm 106:9).

He Gently Leads Us  ~  “He will feed His flock like a shepherd; He will gather the lambs with His arm, and carry them in His bosom, and gently lead those who are with young” (Isaiah 40:11). 

He Leads Us To Safety  ~  “But He made His own people go forth like sheep, and guided them in the wilderness like a flock; and He led them on safely, so that they did not fear; but the sea overwhelmed their enemies” (Psalm 78:52-53).

He Leads Us Into Green pastures  ~  “The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. He makes me to lie down in green pastures; He leads me beside the still waters” (Psalm 23:1-2).

the key question: “Who do you say that I am?” (Matthew 16:15). This is the most important question you will ever answer. If you do not answer it, or answer it incorrectly, you have made the biggest mistake anyone can make!

~ Robert Lloyd Russell, ABUNDANT LIFE NOW

John 3:16, 7of7

~ 12 + 1 + 12 = Good News 4 U ~

“For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life” (John 3:16).

The Father’s Part (12 words)  ~  His great love for you and me.

“For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten …

The Son (1 word)  ~  The pivot or hinge point.

… Son, …

Our Part (12 words)  ~  Recognition that we can’t do it ourselves—we need a Savior.

…that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life”

the bottom line  ~  “For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that if you believe in Him you should not perish but have everlasting life” (John 3:16).

~ Robert Lloyd Russell, ABUNDANT LIFE NOW

John 3:16, 6of7

~ Ultimate Good News ~

the good news:  John 3:16 contains the secret of true success.   

the bad news:  Many who quote John 3:16 have never appropriated its secret.

the good news:  You can find and enjoy true success.  Read John 3:16 below in its context.  Read with an open mind:

There was a man of the Pharisees named Nicodemus, a ruler of the Jews. This man came to Jesus by night and said to Him, “Rabbi, we know that You are a teacher come from God; for no one can do these signs that You do unless God is with him.”

Jesus answered and said to him, “Most assuredly, I say to you, unless one is born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.”

Nicodemus said to Him, “How can a man be born when he is old? Can he enter a second time into his mother's womb and be born?”

Jesus answered, “Most assuredly, I say to you, unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God. That which is born of the flesh is flesh, and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit. Do not marvel that I said to you, ‘You must be born again.’ The wind blows where it wishes, and you hear the sound of it, but cannot tell where it comes from and where it goes. So is everyone who is born of the Spirit.”

Nicodemus answered and said to Him, “How can these things be?”

Jesus answered and said to him, “Are you the teacher of Israel, and do not know these things? Most assuredly, I say to you, We speak what We know and testify what We have seen, and you do not receive Our witness. If I have told you earthly things and you do not believe, how will you believe if I tell you heavenly things? No one has ascended to heaven but He who came down from heaven, that is, the Son of Man who is in heaven. And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of Man be lifted up, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have eternal life. For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that if [insert your name here] believes in Him [your name] should not perish but have everlasting life. For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn [your name], but that [your name] through Him might be saved.

If [your name] believes in Him [your name] is not condemned; but if [your name] does not believe [your name] is condemned already, because [your name] has not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God. And this is the condemnation, that the light has come into the world, and [your name] loved darkness rather than light, because [your name] deeds were evil. For everyone practicing evil hates the light and does not come to the light, lest his deeds should be exposed. But he who does the truth comes to the light, that his deeds may be clearly seen, that they have been done in God.”

After these things Jesus and His disciples came into the land of Judea, and there He remained with them and baptized. Now John also was baptizing in Aenon near Salim, because there was much water there.  And they came and were baptized (John 3:1-23).

the good news:  If you have accepted Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior you are a new creation—not a revamped old model! “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new” (2 Corinthians 5:17). Now you have not only natural life from your natural birth but also spiritual life from spiritual birth.

the ultimate good news:  If you understand this passage and have asked Jesus Christ to save you—He has saved you! Welcome to the kingdom of God.

If you have just taken this action please send me a comment through this blog including your email address and I will send you more information. Your contact information will not be published or used in any other way. The ultimate good news is that you will spend eternity with God Himself and His Son Jesus Christ!

~ Robert Lloyd Russell, ABUNDANT LIFE NOW