We began our study of the comparison of the two Adams, found in 1 Corinthians 15:45-49. One cannot clearly understand what Paul is talking about concerning the image of the earthy, as compared to the image of the heavenly without understanding Image (spiritual being) and likeness (physical being) described in Genesis 1:26-27. Adam was created perfect in body, soul, and spirit. He was in perfect fellowship with God until the day he ate the fruit of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, in Genesis 3. God told him he would experience death if he ate that fruit. His death was the death of intimacy with God, the death of his spirit. He became separated from God, even though, outwardly, he did not change physically. He lived to be 930 years old, so the death he passed unto all of us is that we are born separated from God, and must be born again, become a new creature in Christ, in order to have that fellowship restored. Randy Crawford gave an incredible insight after class. He said that all of the world’s problems are caused by Adam’s choice to disobey God’s command. Individuals cannot get along with each other, nations cannot be at peace with each other all because of Adam’s choice.
We covered many verses yesterday, found in the recording, laying a foundation of understanding the two kingdoms — the kingdom of God (spiritual), and the kingdom of heaven (physical). We, who are saved, reside in both kingdoms. The spiritual kingdom of God is controlled by the Holy Spirit residing in the heart of every believer. The physical kingdom, right now, is ruled by Satan (Ephesians 2:1-3), until the 2nd Advent, when the King of Kings and Lord of Lords, Messiah King Jesus returns to claim his rightful throne. We will continue our discussion about these two kingdoms and how the two images are in constant battle with each other. It is about the unregenerate old man (earthy image) vs the new man in Christ (heavenly image). I encourage you to watch the video and follow along in your Bible, comparing scripture with scripture, getting a clear biblical understanding of our position in Christ.