DAD'S RAMBLINGS -- PILGRIM'S PROGRESS -- ADAM THE FIRST

PILGRIM'S PROGRESS – ADAM THE FIRST AND HIS DAUGHTERS

"For since by man came death, by Man also came the resurrection of the dead. For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ all shall be made alive" (I Corinthians 15:22)

"Faithful recounted, 'When I came to the foot of the hill called Difficulty, I men a very old man who asked me my name and destination. I told him that I was a pilgrim, going to the Celestial City. Then the old man said to me, "You look like an honest fellow. Would you be willing to come ad live with and work for me for the wages that I would be willing to give you?" Then I asked him his name and where he lived. He said his name was Adam the First and that he lived in the town of Deceit.' "

The old man, "First Adam," is still alive. He offers many things to the weary Pilgrim, but they are hollow promises. Deceit is his habitat, and he has three daughter whom he offers in marriage to anyone who would follow him. Their names are Lust of the Flesh, Lust of the Eyes, and Pride of Life. The First Adam offers many wonderful things that appeal to the flesh, but they are all lies. The life that the First Adam and his daughters offers only ensnares a person in chains, because sin brings bondage.

The perceptive Christian recognizes the voice of the old man. As Faithful recalled his encounter with First Adam, "It came rushing into my mind that despite his flattering words, he would sell me as a slave when we got to his home," and he told him he would not come near the door to his house.

The best way to deal with the old man is to crucify him. "Therefore put to death our members which are on the earth….." (Colossians 3:5). "If you live according to the flesh you will die, but if by the Spirit you put to death the deeds of the body, you will live" (Romans 8:13). This is not a one-time fix because the First Adam keeps coming back to life. If I give the flesh any room, he will take over. So I must continually keep him under subjection. "But I discipline my body and bring it into subjection" (I Corinthians 9:27). This is the key to victorious Christian living and freedom in Christ.

Love, Dad