If Adam, Then How Much More Jesus

Thursday, March 19, 2009 -- Week of 3 Lent, Year One
Saint Joseph

Today's Readings for the Daily Office (Book of Common Prayer)

EITHER, Thursday of 3 Lent (p. 954)
Psalms [83], or 42, 43 (morning) 85, 86 (evening)
Jeremiah 10:11-24
Romans 5:12-21
John 8:21-32

OR, St. Joseph, (p. 997)
Morning Prayer: Psalm 132 / Isaiah 63:7-16 / Matthew 1:18-25
Evening Prayer: Psalm 34 / 2 Chronicles: 6:12-17 / Ephesians 3:14-21

Note: I read the readings for Thursday of 3 Lent

In Biblical and rabbinical debate, an argument will often proceed from the lesser to the greater. Where "X" is the lesser, and "Y" is the greater, the argument will be presented: "If X, how much more Y." If this lesser is true, how much more true is the greater; if the lesser is effective, how much more effective is the greater.

We see Paul engaging in just such an argument in today's reading from Romans. In this case, Adam is the lesser and Jesus Christ is the greater. If Adam..., how much more Jesus.

Here's his argument: If sin came into the world through Adam, through one man's disobedience, and brought universal death, how much more will one man's obedience, through Jesus' righteousness, bring "justification and life for all."

"Much more surely have the grace of God and the free gift in the grace of the one man, Jesus Christ, abounded for the many," Paul says. If "death exercised dominion through that one, much more surely will those who receive the abundance of grace and the free gift of righteousness exercise dominion in life through the one man, Jesus Christ." "Where sin increased, grace abounded all the more."

The implications are universal. In Adam's sin and disobedience, all humanity was condemned to death. How much more, then, will the obedience and righteousness of Jesus bring "justification leading to eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord." Adam's sin brought universal death; Jesus' obedience brings universal life."

Paul concentrates his conversation on inspiring us who have received this gift. Realize what you have been given, and live no longer in sin, but live thankful lives, full of grace.

But he will have to face a couple of criticisms. If the power of Jesus' grace is universal, if all sin is overcome by this amazing grace, can't we just go on sinning, since the more we sin the more grace and forgiveness abounds? "By no means!" Paul says.

What about those who don't accept the gift, who don't believe in Jesus? That's a trickier question for Paul. But he sees even in disobedience the opportunity for the expansion of God's grace. God used the evil and power of Pharaoh to demonstrate God's grace and power through the Exodus. God has used the disobedience and unbelief of his Jewish brothers and sisters who have rejected Jesus as the Messiah to open up the doors of Paul's mission to preach the gospel to the Gentiles. Because of their stumbling, grace has now extended universally. How much more...

What Paul has experienced in Jesus is so complete, that he is confident of God's universal triumph. God will not lose anything that God has made. God's love and grace is extended to all; God will find a way to complete victory. Trust God, he says, and mind your own business. "Owe no one anything, except to love one another; for the one who loves another has fulfilled the law." (13:8) "Let us live honorably, ...and make no provision for the flesh, to gratify its desires." (13:13a, 14b) And "welcome those who are weak in faith. ...We who are strong ought to put up with the failings of the weak, and not to please ourselves." (14:1a, 15:1)

In 1 Corinthians 22, Paul puts it this way: "For as all die in Adam, so all will be made alive in Christ." Or as it is also translated, "For as in Adam all died, so also in Christ shall all be made alive." How much more...!

Lowell

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About Morning Reflections
Morning Reflections is a brief thought about the scripture readings from the Daily Office of Morning and Evening Prayer according to the practice found in the Book of Common Prayer of the Episcopal Church.

Morning Prayer begins on p. 80 of the Book of Common Prayer.
Evening Prayer begins on p. 117

An online resource for praying the Daily Office is found at www.missionstclare.com
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The Mission of St. Paul's Episcopal Church
is to explore and celebrate
God's infinite grace, acceptance, and love.

Visit our web site at www.stpaulsfay.org

Our Rule of Life

We aspire to...
worship weekly
pray daily
learn constantly
serve joyfully
live generously.

Lowell Grisham, Rector

St. Paul's Episcopal Church
Fayetteville, Arkansas