The One Act: From Condemnation to New Life

One choice can change everything. Just as one security breach changed the way we travel, one act in a garden changed the destiny of humanity. But there is a second "One Act" that is even more powerful. This blog explores the contrast between Adam’s fall and Christ’s righteousness, offering a fresh perspective on what it means to live a transformed life in the New Year.

C. Atkinson

1/4/20242 min read

“Yes, Adam’s one sin brings condemnation for everyone, but Christ’s one act of righteousness brings a right relationship with God and new life for everyone.” — Romans 5:18 (NLT)

In every job, organization, or business, there are rules and procedures designed to guide us toward right choices. Many times, these policies are created in response to “The One Act”—a single event that had such a negative impact it changed society forever.

If you traveled by air prior to September 2001, you likely remember being allowed to take unlimited liquids through security. Today, those rules are much stricter. Because of the intentional acts of a few who endangered many, new laws were established for everyone. We might get frustrated or impatient with these man-made rules, but they exist because of a history of broken trust.

The Loophole for Humanity

Long before modern security lines, the Bible describes a different kind of "One Act." The sin of Adam brought death into the world, and that death spread to everyone because everyone sinned (Romans 5:12). We were born into a condition of brokenness.

However, God knew our human nature. He knew we would fall short of His glory, so He created a "loophole"—a way to be saved from the sins we inherited and the ones we commit. Jesus Christ, robed in flesh, came to earth with a full understanding of what was in our hearts (John 2:24-25). Despite our nature, His nature of mercy, grace, and everlasting love never changes. His light entered a world of darkness, offering a way out to those who were tired of living in the shadows.

A Change of Lifestyle

In Romans 6, the Apostle Paul asks a challenging question: Should we keep on sinning just so God can keep showing us more grace? His answer is definitive: “Certainly not!”

As believers, the Lord expects more than just a "get out of jail free" card; He expects a transformation of our mindset, lifestyle, and behavior. When we are baptized in His name, our old sinful nature is buried. We are united with Christ in His death so that we can be raised to a brand-new life.

True Repentance is Action

I often think of the wisdom shared by Minister Campbell, a woman of God who spent her life encouraging others. She always taught that “true repentance is more than talk; it is a change of behavior.” She frequently quoted 2 Chronicles 7:14: “If my people who are called by My Name will humble themselves and pray and seek My Face and turn from their wicked ways, I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sins and restore their land.” When we take action according to His Word, God responds with open arms. Let us live this year with deep gratitude for “The One Act”—Christ's sacrifice on the Cross—which paid our debt in full. Even while we were still sinners, He loved us enough to offer the most precious gift of all: Eternal Life.

HAPPY NEW YEAR! > "The Lord bless thee, and keep thee: The Lord make his face shine upon thee, and be gracious unto thee: The Lord lift up his countenance upon thee, and give thee peace." (Numbers 6:24-26)