Scripture Reading: Genesis 1:26–27; Genesis 2:7; John 3:3–16; Romans 8:15–17; 1 Corinthians 15:45–49; Colossians 3:1–10; Ephesians 4:24; Hebrews 2:11–12
Memory Verse: “The first man Adam became a living being”; the last Adam, a life-giving spirit. (1 Cor. 15:45)
Created by the Triune God
Genesis 2 gives us a closer view of human creation. The Lord God formed the man from the dust of the ground and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life. Then the man became a living being. Adam did not create his own life; he received it from God. Our breath is a gift, and our life belongs to the Creator. (Gen. 2:7)
Human life begins in the will, wisdom, and fellowship of the triune God. The Father created all things through the Son, and the Spirit of God was active in giving life. We were created by God, for God, and before God. (Gen. 1:26–27; John 1:1–3; Col. 1:16)
Sin Brought Death
Adam received life from God, but sin brought death and separation. When Adam and Eve disobeyed God, they did not only break a command; they broke fellowship with the Lord. Fear, shame, blame, and death entered the human story. (Gen. 3:7–13; Rom. 5:12)
This is why we need more than advice or moral improvement. We need new birth. Through sin, we lost fellowship with God; through the word and work of Jesus Christ, we are brought back to God. Jesus came from the Father, died for our sins, rose again, and opened the way to the Father. (John 3:3–16; John 14:6; 1 Pet. 3:18)
The Last Adam Gives Life
Paul helps us read Genesis in the light of Christ: “The first man Adam became a living being”; but “the last Adam, a life-giving spirit.” Adam received life, but Christ gives life. Adam’s disobedience brought death, but Christ’s obedience brings life. (1 Cor. 15:45; Rom. 5:18–19)
Jesus is our life. In Him, God gives us wisdom, righteousness, holiness, and redemption. The Holy Spirit leads us to Christ, testifies that we are God’s children, and renews us into the image of Jesus. This transformation touches our heart, mind, character, relationships, and mission. (1 Cor. 1:30; Rom. 8:15–16; Col. 3:3–10; Eph. 4:24)
Disciple Application
As disciples, we remember that our life is a gift from God, and our new life is found only in Christ. We were created by the triune God, saved by the triune God, and are being renewed by the triune God. To make disciples is to help people move from death in Adam to life in Christ, and from separation to fellowship with the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. (Matt. 28:19–20)
Prayer
Father, thank You for the breath of life. Lord Jesus, thank You for giving us eternal life through Your death and resurrection. Holy Spirit, lead us to Christ, assure us that we are God’s children, and renew us into His image until we live with Him forever. Amen.