Christ as the Second Adam

Order of Service

• Prayer
• Sunday School Lesson

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Sermon Title: Christ as the Second Adam

Scripture: Ephesians 5:25-32

I. The Biblical Frame: Two Marriages

A. Genesis 2:22-24 — the creation of Eve and the first marriage

1. Eve formed from Adam's side; his side is wounded
2. The two become one flesh B. Revelation 19:6-9 — the marriage supper of the Lamb
3. The bride has made herself ready
4. She is clothed in fine linen, bright and pure C. Scripture is framed from beginning to end by a marriage

II. The Theme Developed Between the Testaments

A. Hosea 2 — the Lord promises to betroth his people to himself forever, in righteousness, steadfast love, and faithfulness B. 2 Corinthians 11 — Paul describes his apostolic ministry as betrothing the Corinthians as a pure virgin to Christ C. Both passages develop the picture of the Lord taking his people as his bride

III. Adam's Failure as Husband and Head

A. Adam was called to lead, protect, and cherish his wife B. In Genesis 3 the serpent comes to the woman; Adam is present but silent

1. He fails to lead or protect
2. He follows his wife into sin rather than guarding her from it
3. The result is spiritual death for both C. Adam's failure leaves the bride in impurity, unholiness, and the stain of sin

IV. Christ as the Second Adam Who Loves and Cleanses His Bride

A. Ephesians 5:25-27 — Christ does for his bride what Adam failed to do

1. He loves the church and gives himself up for her
2. He sanctifies and cleanses her by the washing of water with the word
3. He will present the church to himself in splendor, without spot or wrinkle, holy and without blemish B. Paul quotes Genesis 2:24 in Ephesians 5:31-32 and calls the one-flesh union a profound mystery referring to Christ and the church C. Ephesians 1:7-10 — redemption through Christ's blood provides the cleansing the bride needs
4. Forgiveness according to the riches of his grace
5. His purpose: to unite all things in Christ in the fullness of time

V. The Goal and Culmination of Christ's Work

A. Sanctification has a telos — to present the church as a spotless bride to Christ B. The image of Lady Macbeth illustrates life apart from Christ: endlessly trying to wash away the stain of sin and never succeeding C. Christ accomplishes what we cannot — he cleanses the bride so she no longer bears the stain of sin D. The Lord's Table points back to Christ's sacrifice and forward to the marriage supper of the Lamb E. Christ as the Second Adam completes, guarantees, and brings to glory what the first Adam forfeited