For as in Adam all die, so also in Christ shall all be made alive.

'For as in Adam all die' -Every person who partakes of the same nature as Adam, i.e. human, mortal, dies.

Note: Paul believed that Adam was. historical person.

'in Christ shall all be made alive' -Jesus had made possible the resurrection from the grave for all men. Unfortunately, some will be resurrected only to face punishment. (John 5:28)

Point to Note:

Some have tried to use the above verse to teach the doctrine of Total Hereditary Depravity, i.e. everyone is born in sin, inheriting the sins of Adam. ('all die spiritually in Adam) But if that is what this verse is teaching, then the rest of the verse, which also includes the same word "all" as the first part of the verse, must logically teach that Christ will save everyone. ('all live spiritually in Christ') Which is false (Matthew 7:13).

Paul primary application is probably to believers. All believers die physical because of Adam and all believers will be resurrected because of Christ. After all, that is the context of the whole chapter, and the very point of the next verse.

Continues after advertising
Continues after advertising

Old Testament