Skip to main content
    Theology & Doctrine

    Adam vs. Christ — How Are They Compared?

    Adam vs. Christ — How Are They Compared? Adam, the first man, brought sin and death by disobedience; Christ, the last Adam, brings righteousness and life by obedience. Paul calls Christ the second Adam.

    Key verse: Romans 5:18-19 (KJV)

    Adam, the first man, brought sin and death by disobedience; Christ, the last Adam, brings righteousness and life by obedience. Paul calls Christ the second Adam.

    Share:
    Quick Answer

    Adam, the first man, brought sin and death by disobedience; Christ, the last Adam, brings righteousness and life by obedience. Paul calls Christ the second Adam.

    "Therefore as by the offence of one judgment came upon all men to condemnation; even so by the righteousness of one the free gift came upon all men unto justification of life." Romans 5:18-19 (KJV)

    The Biblical Answer

    Adam, the first man, brought sin and death by disobedience; Christ, the last Adam, brings righteousness and life by obedience. Paul calls Christ the second Adam.\n\nScripture sets out the truth plainly. Romans 5:18–19 declares: "Therefore as by the offence of one judgment came upon all men to condemnation; even so by the righteousness of one the free gift came upon all men unto justification of life." This is the anchor of the answer.\n\n1 Corinthians 15:22 confirms and broadens the picture: "For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ shall all be made alive." When believers understand the distinction, confusion fades and obedience clarifies. Both ideas are grounded in God's character and meet ultimately in the person and work of Christ.

    Topic Overview

    What Does the Bible Say About The End Times?

    What the Bible teaches about prophecy, the second coming of Christ, and the end of the world.

    Key Scripture References

    "Therefore as by the offence of one judgment came upon all men to condemnation; even so by the righteousness of one the free gift came upon all men unto justification of life."
    "For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ shall all be made alive."
    "And so it is written, The first man Adam was made a living soul; the last Adam was made a quickening spirit."

    Frequently asked questions

    Frequently asked questions

    Related Questions

    Deep Dive Commentary

    For a more in-depth study, read our verse-by-verse commentary:

    Related Reading

    Continue your study with related content from across our library:

    Read it in context

    The answer above sits inside Romans. The 365-day chronological plan reads it in the order the events happened.

    Read Romans on day 334 of the chronological Bible reading plan

    Keep the verses to hand

    Every verse quoted in “Adam vs. Christ — How Are They Compared?” comes from the King James Version, free to download and print.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Adam, the first man, brought sin and death by disobedience; Christ, the last Adam, brings righteousness and life by obedience. Paul calls Christ the second Adam.\n\nScripture sets out the truth plainly. Romans 5:18–19 declares: "Therefore as by the offence of one judgment came upon all men to condemnation; even so by the righteousness of one the free gift came upon all men unto justification of life." This is the anchor of the answer.\n\n1 Corinthians 15:22 confirms and broadens the picture: "For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ shall all be made alive." When believers understand the distinction, confusion fades and obedience clarifies. Both ideas are grounded in God's character and meet ultimately in the person and work of Christ.

    Original sin is the inherited corrupt nature passed from Adam to all his descendants; actual sin is each specific transgression that flows from that nature.

    Sin is missing God's mark; iniquity is twisted, perverse evil from within; transgression is willful crossing of God's known boundary. All require Christ's atonement.