Tom Hayes

Adam, A Type Of Christ

While preaching a radio sermon, a dear black preacher was heard referring to the Bible as "The Jesus Book!" While this may not be the norm, or what everyone is accustomed to hearing, that is a very accurate statement. In the Bible itself, we are told that the Bible is "the record that God gave of His Son" (1 John 5:10), the Lord Jesus Christ.

Jesus is the central theme of all the Scriptures. Throughout the entire Old Testament, we have Christ in prediction. Then, when we come to the four Gospels, it is Christ in presentation. The message of the early church in the book of Acts reveals Christ in proclamation. And, the Epistles teach Christ living in each believer, or personification. Finally, in the Revelation, we see Christ in predomination, reigning in heaven and in earth.

Our present studies will consider Christ as He is predicted and promised in the first thirty-nine books of the Bible. And, although there are many rituals, events, and places that are wonderful types of Christ, these meditations will be limited to specific people that vividly portray Him. Each person, being different and unique, sets forth another aspect of His diverse character. Paul referred to a wisdom that is "not in the words which man's wisdom teacheth, but which the Holy Ghost teacheth; comparing spiritual things with spiritual" (1 Cor. 2:13). May God grant us this divine insight into these comparisons!

At the top of the list of Old Testament personalities that typify Christ is Adam, the first man. Certainly, his relationship to the human family is an important role and needs to be clearly understood. However, what is portrayed concerning Christ and His spiritual, heavenly family must not be overlooked. A close comparison of Adam and Jesus affords us many rich and precious truths.

Of course, because Christ alone is perfect, all the types - - no matter how illustrative they may be - - are imperfect. Therefore, many contrasts between the type and the antitype, Christ, definitely exist. For certain, this is seen when we parallel "the first . . . Adam" with "the last Adam." (1 Cor. 15:45). We read of some differences in this verse and those following, "And so it is written, The first man Adam was made a living soul; the last Adam was made a quickening spirit. Howbeit that was not first which is spiritual, but that which is natural; and afterward that which is spiritual. The first man is of the earth, earthy: the second man is the Lord from heaven" (15:45-47).

The studious heart will surely find many more contrasts in contemplation of the subject. But, for now, let's turn our attention to a few ways Adam resembles the Savior, or, how he was a "figure (Gr. tupos, or type) of Him that was to come" (Rom. 5:14). May the Spirit of truth open our hearts and minds to learn more of Christ.

First, Adam may be viewed as a type of Christ:

1. AS A HUMAN

Fourteen times in Genesis 1 and 2, Adam is called a "man" (1:26, 27; 2:5, 7, 8, 15, 16, 18, 22, 23, 24, 25). This title testifies to his humanity, or that he was a human being. In this capacity, he can be likened unto "the man Christ Jesus" (1 Tim. 2:5). The Savior "was made in the likeness of men" (Phil. 2:7) and appeared "in fashion as a man" (2:8). In all points, Jesus was a human.

A. His Body Was Formed By God

The record tells us, "And the LORD God formed man of the dust of the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and man became a living soul" (Gen. 2:7). The word, "formed," suggests "to mold, or fashion," and speaks of the work of a potter. Each intricate detail in Adam's body was the signature of the master Potter. He could say with the Psalmist, "I am fearfully and wonderfully made" (Psa. 139:14).

It is stated of Christ, "Wherefore when He cometh into the world, He saith, Sacrifice and offering Thou wouldest not, but a body hast Thou prepared Me" (Heb. 10:5). His body was miraculously formed in the virgin by the Holy Spirit. In fact, the angel told her, "The Holy Ghost shall come upon thee, and the power of the Highest shall overshadow thee: therefore also that holy thing which shall be born of thee shall be called the Son of God" (Luke 1:32). "Adam had no Father but God," wrote Benjamin Keach, "so Christ had no Father but God."

B. His Breath Was Furnished By God

After the Lord formed Adam's body, He "breathed into his nostrils the breath of life" (Gen. 2:7). The very breath that Adam breathed was the breath of God! This is what quickened him and made him "a living soul" (Gen. 2:7). The life of God, in this sense, became the life of Adam.

Similarly, the breath of God was the breath of Jesus! The life of God was the life of Jesus! Of course, this was not transmitted as it was in Adam's case. Since Jesus was God, as well as man, He could not help but breathe and live as God! Consequently, when He breathed upon the disciples and said, "Receive ye the Holy Ghost" (John 20:22), the life of God was imparted to them.

C. His Being Was Fashioned Like God

The Lord "created man in His own image, in the image of God created He him; male and female created He them" (Gen. 1:27). This likeness to God involved man being a spiritual entity. Certainly, man cannot outwardly resemble God, for "God is a Spirit" (John 4:24). But, Adam's life could reflect the holy nature of his Creator.

On three occasions in the New Testament, Jesus is said to be the "image" of God (2 Cor. 4:4; Col. 1:15; Heb. 1:3). That is, if one wants to know what God is like, he must look to Jesus Christ! Jesus, Himself, said, "He that hath seen Me hath seen the Father" (John 14:9). Of course, Jesus' likeness to the Father is not just restricted to the spiritual. He is totally equal with, and in every way genuinely like, God. Secondly, Adam is a type of Christ:

2. AS AN HEIR

Adam inherited everything God made or created. The Lord turned it all over to the man in the garden. In this new position, Adam reminds us of God's Son, "Whom He hath appointed Heir of all things" (Heb. 1:2). The Father has "given all things into His hands" (John 13:3). As Paul said, "For of Him, and through Him, and to Him, are all things: to Whom be glory for ever. Amen" (Rom. 11:36).

A. Adam's Heirship Testified Of His Authority

God chose Adam to be His representative in creation, and delegated power and authority to him. From this perspective, Adam could be called "lord of Eden." He was the Lord's appointed governor over the earth. He was given "dominion" (Gen. 1:26) over all created things.

The Psalmist spoke of Adam, "Thou madest him to have dominion over the works of Thy hands" (Psa. 8:6). But, as Ada Habershon explained, "We know that is was also a prophecy of the Lord Jesus Christ, for it is quoted thus in the Epistle to the Hebrews" (see Heb. 2:8). Without question, Jesus is set forth as "Heir of all things." Simon Peter preached, "God hath made that same Jesus . . . both Lord and Christ" (Acts 2:36). He is Lord over all things in heaven and in earth! The Father hath "given Him authority to execute judgment" (John 5:27). As it says in the old spiritual, "He's got the whole world in His hands!"

B. Adam's Heirship Taught Of His Accredibility

God did not call upon an unqualified person to be His heir. Adam was very suitable for the job. But, not only was he very suitable, he was trustworthy! The reality and responsibility of heirship could be placed upon his shoulders. He would execute his role with excellence.

Does this not speak to our hearts of the accredibility of our Lord Jesus as Heir? Certainly, He qualified in all points! Too, the complete operation of God can be trusted to Him! The One, Who Isaiah saw with "the government . . . upon His shoulder" (Isa. 9:6), is capable of controlling all things!

C. Adam's Heirship Told Of His Activity

As the heir of God, Adam was the overseer of every Edenic involvement. The Lord even brought all the animals to Adam “to see what he would call them: and whatsoever Adam called every living creature, that was the name thereof" (Gen. 2:19). Comparatively, the Lord Jesus is actively involved in His inheritance. Not only is He ever making intercession for the saints, who are "heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ" (Rom. 8:17), but He is engaged in subduing "all things unto Himself" (Phil. 3:21). Even the enemies of Christ will be made His "footstool" (Mark 12:36).

A third way Adam is a type of Christ is:

3. AS A HORTICULTURIST

God planted a beautiful garden in Eden. Then, He gave Adam the position of gardener, or horticulturist. In taking care of the garden, Adam portrays Christ as the Gardener of men’s hearts, the Horticulturist of the inner man. The Lord refers to His church, both corporately and individually, as "a garden inclosed" (Song 4:12).

A. Adam's Preexistence To The Garden Is Interesting

After the man was formed out of the ground, "the LORD God planted a garden eastward in Eden" (Gen. 2:8). This indicates that Adam was not created for the garden. Rather, the garden was planted for him!

The picture is clear and plain! Before you and I were ever distinguished as the garden of the Lord, Christ eternally existed. And, how blessed to realize that the church, which, as John Gill wrote, "is of Jehovah's planting, and is His property," was designed especially for him!

B. Adam's Presence In The Garden Is Instructing

The Scriptures tell us, "the LORD God took the man, and put him into the garden of Eden" (Gen. 2:15). We are not told how Adam was put there. The Lord may have transferred him by His power, command, or personal guidance. Nevertheless, the garden became his Edenic home.

The last Adam has taken up residence in His people, His garden. Yes, there's a Man in the garden! "Christ liveth in me" (Gal. 2:20)! It is a great mystery, but it is true. "Christ in you, the hope of glory" (Col. 1:27). And, this is the testimony of all the saints, "Christ is all, and in all" (Col. 3:11).

C. Adam's Preeminence In The Garden Is Intriguing

The first man was put in the garden of Eden "to dress it and to keep it" (Gen. 2:15). Adam became the official caretaker. He was the man in charge! And, the garden would be characterized by his dedicated toil and labor.

Christ is the Caretaker of our hearts. He is working in us "both to will and to do of His good pleasure" (Phil. 2:13). Everything He does in our inner man is so that "in all things He might have the preeminence" (Col. 1:18). And, thank God, He is faithful to give us His special attention! "He Which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ" (Phil. 1:6).

Fourthly, Adam is a type of Christ:

4. AS A HUSBAND

Although each animal had its mate, Adam was alone in the garden. Thus, the Lord said, "It is not good that the man should be alone; I will make him an help meet for him" (Gen. 2:18). With a wife, Adam portrays Christ, Whose Church is called, "the bride, the Lamb's wife" (Rev. 21:9).

A. Adam's Position As Husband Involved A Divine Arrangement

The divine plan was to take Adam's bride from his side. "And the LORD God caused a deep sleep to fall upon Adam, and he slept: and He took one of his ribs, and . . . made He a woman, and brought her unto the man" (Gen. 2:21, 22).

C. H. Mackintosh wrote, "Looking at Adam and Eve as a type of Christ and the Church, as Scripture fully warrants us to do, we see how that the death of Christ needed to be an accomplished fact ere the Church could be set up." The divine arrangement was to produce the bride of Christ from His own riven side!

B. Adam's Position As Husband Included A Delightful Accompaniment

When Eve was presented to the man, he said, "This is now bone of my bones, and flesh of my flesh: she shall be called Woman, because she was taken out of Man" (Gen. 2:23). The two became one! And, an intimate companionship began.

Such union and oneness is likewise set forth in the relationship of Christ and His Church. "For we are members of His body, of His flesh, and of His bones" (Eph. 5:30). As Eve was one with Adam before her formation, so we were one with Christ "before the foundation of the world" (Eph. 1:4). But, now, this togetherness has become a practical, experiential reality.

C. Adam's Position As Husband Illustrated A Deep Attachment

Adam loved Eve so much that he was willing to partake of the forbidden fruit to keep her company. Eve "took of the fruit," and when she had eaten, she "gave also unto her husband with her; and he did eat" (Gen. 3:6). They fell together!

As well, did not our Lord Jesus love the Church so much that He "gave Himself for it" (Eph. 5:25)? And, in giving Himself, He was made "to be sin for us, Who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in Him" (2 Cor. 5:21). He identified with us that we might identify with Him forever! Oh, what love!

A final way Adam is a type of Christ is:

5. AS A HEAD

Just as important as his humanity, his heirship, and his roles of horticulturist and husband, is Adam's headship. Being the first man, he became the federal head of the human race. Every human being makes up his posterity. Similarly, Christ, the second Man, is the risen Head of the heavenly race! To use the words of another, "This man (Adam) . . . was the head of the human family, and Christ is the Head of God's family" (Walter L. Wilson). In this light, every believer helps constitute His spiritual progeny.

A. Adam's Headship Was An Exaltation Of His Position

Adam was more than a link in time. He was more than just another name in man's long ancestry. The Creator chose to give Adam the special role of headship in creation. Now, the entire human family must look up to him as its physical father.

By way of parallel, Christ is the exalted Head of the new creation. He is much more than a vital part of church history. He is not just another member of a religious organization. The Scriptures explicitly teach that "He is the Head of the body, the Church" (Col. 1:18). The Father "put all things under His feet, and gave Him to be the Head over all things to the Church, which is His body, the fulness of Him that filleth all in all" (Eph. 1:22, 23).

B. Adam's Headship Was An Expression Of His Person

Time has afforded us a varied assortment of personalities. And, although many would divide us into only three basic groups, we must agree that every one of us is different. Yet, our basic identity is rooted in our one father, Adam. We can neither be subhuman or superhuman. Adam's humanity has been imparted to all of us.

Through Christ's headship, His body, the Church, has the likeness of Jesus imparted to it. Although each member in the body has a different ministry to fulfill, there is a general pursuit to be like Christ. "And as we have borne the image of the earthy, we shall also bear the image of the heavenly" (1 Cor. 15:49). Eventually, in our glorified state, we will be totally "conformed" to His "image" (Rom. 8:29)!

C. Adam's Headship Was An Extension Of His Program

As the father of the fallen race, Adam passed on his fallen nature to all his offspring. His program of spiritual death was extended to every member of humanity. "Wherefore, as by one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin; and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned" (Rom. 5:12).

But, thank God, that is not the end of the story! With James Large, we agree, "Adam opened the door through which sin and death entered . . . the SECOND ADAM opens a door too . . . the kingdom of heaven to all believers." Jesus has passed on to His spiritual offspring His program of life. "That as sin hath reigned unto death, even so might grace reign through righteousness unto eternal life by Jesus Christ our Lord" (Rom. 5:21). As John wrote, "He that hath the Son hath life; and he that hath not the Son of God hath not life" (1 John 5:12).

In his Sunday sermon, the pastor explained that Adam was innocent in the garden at the first. On the way home from church, a mother, whose son played daily with a neighbor's child by the name of "Adam," said to her husband, "The Adam we know has never been innocent!" Well, we can't speak of her neighbor's son, but we can speak of the last Adam, God's Son, our Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ. Hallelujah! He is totally righteous and imparts His righteousness to every believing heart. May the Spirit of Christ, the Spirit of faith, work in each of us. Amen.