Person
Adam → The Last Adam
The first man and the new humanity
The shadow (Old Testament)
Adam was the federal head of humanity — the first man, standing in for all of us. His one act of disobedience brought sin and death into the world (Genesis 3; Romans 5:12), and every human being born after him inherits the consequences of that fall. This isn't a footnote; it's the storyline Scripture keeps returning to.
- Genesis 3:1-19— Adam's fall
The substance (Christ)
Christ steps into the story as "the last Adam" (1 Corinthians 15:45) — the head of a new humanity. Where the first Adam disobeyed and brought death, Christ obeyed and brings life and righteousness to everyone joined to Him (Romans 5:17-19; 1 Corinthians 15:21-22). The pattern is the same, but the outcome is reversed.
- Romans 5:12-21— One man's obedience
Apostolic commentary
The New Testament writers — especially Hebrews — explain this type:
- 1 Corinthians 15:21-22— In Christ shall all be made alive
- 1 Corinthians 15:45-49— The last Adam
Take it in
Every person alive is either "in Adam" or "in Christ" — two heads, two destinies. Union with Christ doesn't just repair what union with Adam did; it undoes it and gives you something better.