Why Is Jesus Called the Second Adam?

Eliana asked,

“Why is Jesus called the second Adam?”

That’s a great question!

The first Adam (whom we read about in Genesis 1–3) was given life by God (Genesis 2:7). When God created him, Adam was perfect. But Adam disobeyed God, bringing sin, suffering, and death into the world (Genesis 3:17).

That isn’t the end of the story though! Romans 5:12–19 tells us that the first Adam pointed to the one to come. In God’s grace and mercy, he provided a second (or last) Adam—Jesus. To be the last Adam, Jesus had to do what the first Adam could not: live a sinless life. Jesus came to earth as a man and was obedient to God (Philippians 2:8). He sacrificed himself for our sins, and then by raising from the dead, Jesus conquered sin and death (1 Corinthians 15:45).

If you have repented of your sins and trusted in Jesus’ death, you have turned from the disobedience of the first Adam and have received the forgiveness of sin the last Adam offers.

Do you have a question about God’s Word or his world that you want us to answer? Is there a topic you want to learn more about? Ask your parents to help you submit your question today. Watch for our answer here on the blog or in Kids Answers magazine. We’d love to hear from you!