The Second Adam

How is Christ our Second Adam? (Gal. 2:15-16)
“True freedom is freedom from the need to keep the law in order to earn our salvation.” (Hoekema)
John Calvin - Christian Freedom and the Law of God
True freedom is:
1. Freedom from the need to keep the law to earn salvation.
2. Freedom to obey God’s law voluntarily out of gratitude.
3. Freedom with respect to outward things that are in themselves indifferent (nonessential).
We are justified not by our works - not by the law - but by our faith in Christ. The Bible does make it clear that we must be saved by works. God requires obedience. Hold on to your seats, if you think this sounds heretical. God cannot violate who He is or negate his just requirements in his Law. Salvation is bound to the works of the Law. But, and this is most important, it is the work of Christ and the obedience of Christ, that saves us. We appropriate this by faith and receive it as a gift. We do nothing! Our best record, or our righteousness is not ever enough – it in fact needs to be repented of, as much as our sin. Only the righteousness of Christ will save us and make us a new creation.
This makes Christianity distinct among all religions. Religions outside of Christ are always based on performance – do this and do that. Christian Faith declares it is “done.” “Only Christianity brings the liberating message that we are saved by faith in the perfect obedience of Christ.” (Hoekema)