Discussion Jumpstarter
Study leader reference - not a definitive answer
Question 4
He repeatedly stresses the phrase “in him… in him… in him,” rejecting an “abstract insurance plan” view of salvation and tying “in Christ” to actually living Jesus’ way rather than “living in Adam.” What habits, loyalties, or decision-patterns would make it obvious that someone is still “in Adam” even if they claim they are “in Christ”?
Another way to ask: If being “in Christ” means living Jesus’ way, what choices or habits would show someone is still living “in Adam”? What would that look like even if they say they are a Christian?
Discussion Jumpstarter
Direct Answer
Based on the speaker’s contrast, someone is still “in Adam” when they persist in self-chosen, self-ruled patterns (doing “their own way”) rather than living under Jesus’ reign—especially when they refuse repentance, obedience, and the Spirit’s leading. Claiming faith while not actually following Christ’s way fits his “insurance plan” critique.
- “Adam chose his own way. And Christ always kept the Lord before his face… We follow that way of living rather than Adam’s way that brought death.”
- He says “in Christ” is not merely abstract coverage, but “when we… begin to live according to his way, then we begin to live in Christ.”
- He connects grace to training and change: grace teaches us to “deny ungodliness and worldly lusts” and live “soberly, righteously and godly.”
- He says even forgiveness is participated in: “God forgiving us… is still by our repentance… Hitler isn’t forgiven… he didn’t repent.”
- He frames the gospel as loyalty: “you chose to give your loyalty to and to follow and to obey that message.”