Did Adam Expect the Savior in His Lifetime?

Adam and Eve likely believed that the restoration of the world would occur very soon through one of their immediate descendantsGSAM 21.1. When the first pair was expelled from Eden, the promise that the seed of the woman would bruise the serpent's head gave them a firm hope that a restorer would quickly defeat Satan and fulfill God's purpose Genesis 3:15GSAM 21.1.

The Hope of the First Parents

• Immediate Expectations: After the fall, Adam and Eve lived with the expectation that the work of redemption and the defeat of the usurper would be performed shortlyGSAM 21.1.

• The First Promise: This belief was rooted in the first gospel promise given in Eden, which assured them that the power of the destroyer would eventually be brokenHvn 13.1+1.

• A Long-Term Plan: Although they may have looked for a victor in their own generation, God's plan actually embraced all the developments of grace that have unfolded throughout history since that time 2 Timothy 1:9GSAM 21.1.

The Contrast Between the Two Adams

The history of humanity is a journey from the failure of the first Adam to the victory of the second Adam, Jesus ChristPTUK May 21, 1896, page 325.1+1.

• The First Adam: He was created in the image of God, sinless and pure, yet he fell under a small test of obedience, opening the floodgates of woe upon the world Genesis 1:27+18MR 39.2.

• The Second Adam: Christ, the second Adam, began where the first began in purity, but took on the weakness of humanity after four thousand years of degeneracy to overcome the world and restore what was lost8MR 39.2+1.

• Restoration of Dominion: The dominion over the earth originally consigned to the first Adam, which he forfeited, will be fully restored to the second Adam at His coming Daniel 7:14GC88 359.1+1.

The Nature of the Hope

The doctrine of the second advent has been the "keynote" of the Scriptures and the consolation of faithful people through every ageHvn 13.1+1.

• Waiting for the Promised One: From the moment they turned their steps away from Eden, the children of faith have waited for the Promised One to bring them back to the lost ParadiseHvn 13.1.

• A Certain Reward: God promised that those who rely on the sacrifice by faith and obey His commandments, such as Enoch who walked with God, will receive the reward of everlasting life at the return of Christ Hebrews 11:53SG 57.2+1.

• A Living Hope: This hope remains as sure as the word of the Lord, looking forward to the times of restitution of all things spoken of by the prophets since the world began Acts 3:21EVCO 38.3.