We long for harmony but end up in conflict. We try to stay on track but fall behind. We have great intentions but seldom realize them. We tell ourselves that a little more discipline and effort will solve the problem. But even when we try harder, we’re disappointed with the results. It feels like something’s broken, and according to the Bible, it is.

We were born with a flawed operating system: Adam 1.0

An operating system is like the unseen brain of a computer or phone—it supports everything else the device does. A faulty operating system slows everything down, freezes your screen, and causes programs to crash.

Many people are familiar with the story of Adam and Eve in the garden. Adam was the one who listened to the serpent instead of His Creator. He wasn’t content with a world filled with only goodness—he wanted to taste a bit of evil as well. When he ignored God and followed his heart, he experienced shame, fear, and conflict.

Adam’s story matters because, as the first human God created, he had a unique responsibility. He’s our oldest ancestor, and we inherited his DNA. Like a faulty operating system, we’ve also inherited his values, thinking, and beliefs. We keep going off course, and things keep “crashing” because his influence still shapes our lives today.

Jesus came to offer an upgrade: Adam 2.0

One of the names given to Jesus in the Bible is “the last Adam.” 1 Corinthians 15:45 says, “‘The first man Adam became a living being’; the last Adam became a life-giving spirit.” Jesus is like a reboot for humanity. God came into this world to provide a new start. He was born of a virgin so that He wouldn’t be corrupted by Adam’s DNA. As a result, He’s the upgrade with the perfect operating system.

I use the term Adam 2.0 because that’s how we typically name operating systems, but it’s significant that Jesus is called “the last Adam.” That means He is the final and definitive upgrade. There is no Adam 3.0.

Don’t stay stuck with the broken version

The new operating system that Jesus provides is made possible through faith in Him. That’s why John 1:12 says, “But to all who did receive him, who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God.” By receiving Jesus and putting our trust in Him, we become part of the new humanity He came to make possible. It’s as if we receive His uncorrupted DNA by faith. While it takes time to break ingrained habits, real change is possible because we are made new inside.

When a new operating system comes out, some people stick with the old one because it’s all they know. Others don’t realize an update has been released. Some delay the download because it doesn’t feel urgent. That may be inconvenient with your phone, but with your life, it’s far more serious.

If you haven’t yet trusted Jesus for the new operating system He offers, turn to Him today. And if you have, share the news of His release with someone who needs it.

In awe of Him,

Paul