New Adam

The blossoms on the rhododendron have come and already gone
In Romans 5:12-15 St. Paul begins an analogy between Jesus and Adam.  Jesus brings new life to the world the way Adam brought death.  Since we no longer regard Adam as an historical figure,  scripture scholar Luke Timothy Johnson uses him as a symbol, "Everyone has sinned the way Adam did, so that the effect of Adam's sin continues, and continues to be symbolized by the death experienced by all humans."  The Risen Christ, like a new Adam, stands at the beginning of the new creation and brings obedience, new life and grace. He has redeemed believers not from one single sin but from the power of sin and death.