I'm not sure how he approached it. If he approached it in sincerity and he surrendered to Christ I would say it is valid. If not, it is not valid. Christians do not believe that it is simply some incantation you recite that "gets you in". Nor the weight of your good vs. evil in this life.
Jesus said,
On that day many will say to me, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and cast out demons in your name, and do many mighty works in your name?’
Matt 7:22
And the thief on the cross didn't do any good works and yet Christ says he will be with him in paradise.
I would say that based on my very limited knowledge of how Adams approached this that it could be valid or not valid but it is not the way we would recommend for anyone.
If you asked me, how do I get to the store? I need to buy some things before they close. I would give you clear directions. I would tell you the turns to make. I would assume you really wanted to know and it wasn't a hypothetical. After doing this, if you asked me. Well, can I travel to another town first and then go here and there... but eventually come back and drive down the street to the store? I would say yeah... but why? They might be closed by the time you do all that. And I thought you wanted to go to the store before they closed? You are taking a risk there.
If someone really wants to experience Christianity they should ask go to a church. Talk to other Christians. A pastor, or a priest (different names for the same role) and ask them about it. They should pray. They should pick up a Bible.
I'm sure others could answer this better but that's my attempt at it.
I'm not sure how he approached it. If he approached it in sincerity and he surrendered to Christ I would say it is valid. If not, it is not valid. Christians do not believe that it is simply some incantation you recite that "gets you in". Nor the weight of your good vs. evil in this life.
Jesus said,
Matt 7:22
And the thief on the cross didn't do any good works and yet Christ says he will be with him in paradise.
I would say that based on my very limited knowledge of how Adams approached this that it could be valid or not valid but it is not the way we would recommend for anyone.
If you asked me, how do I get to the store? I need to buy some things before they close. I would give you clear directions. I would tell you the turns to make. I would assume you really wanted to know and it wasn't a hypothetical. After doing this, if you asked me. Well, can I travel to another town first and then go here and there... but eventually come back and drive down the street to the store? I would say yeah... but why? They might be closed by the time you do all that. And I thought you wanted to go to the store before they closed? You are taking a risk there.
If someone really wants to experience Christianity they should ask go to a church. Talk to other Christians. A pastor, or a priest (different names for the same role) and ask them about it. They should pray. They should pick up a Bible.
I'm sure others could answer this better but that's my attempt at it.