Original Sin
The doctrine of original sin is foundational to understanding human nature, our desperate condition apart from Christ, and the glorious necessity of salvation by grace alone. The Bible teaches that sin entered the world through Adam, hence all his descendants are born into a state of sin and guilt. This article explores the biblical truths about original sin under eight key headings.
1. The NATURE of Original SinOriginal sin refers to the inherited sinful nature that every human possesses from birth. It is not merely the first act of disobedience by Adam, but a corruption of our entire being--mind, will, emotions and affections. Psalm 51:5 declares, "Surely I was sinful at birth, sinful from the time my mother conceived me," showing that sinfulness is intrinsic, not acquired by imitation alone. Jeremiah 17:9 describes the heart as "deceitful above all things and desperately wicked," revealing the total depravity that results from original sin.
2. The TRANSMISSION of Original SinOriginal sin is transmitted by natural generation. Adam, as the federal head and representative of humanity, passed on his sin and guilt to all his descendants. Romans 5:12 explains, "sin entered the world through one man... and in this way death came to all people, because all sinned." This imputation of guilt and corruption means that all mankind is born under the curse of Adam's rebellion.
3. The EXTENT of Original SinOriginal sin affects every person without exception. "There is no one righteous, not even one" (Romans 3:10). From conception onward, humans inherit a corrupt nature and a guilty standing before God. This sinful condition is universal and total, touching every aspect of human life and thought, making men utterly unable to please God or seek Him apart from divine grace.
4. The ENORMITY of Original SinThe enormity of original sin lies in its devastating effects on humanity's relationship with God and with others. It blinds the mind, hardens the heart, and enslaves the will. Isaiah 64:6 declares that all our righteous acts are like "filthy rags," illustrating that sin permeates even our best efforts. The spiritual death and alienation from God resulting from original sin, is a profound tragedy.
5. The EVIDENCES of Original SinEvidence of original sin is found at every age. All children display selfishness, pride, lying, and rebellion naturally without being taught. Ephesians 2:1-3 describes mankind as "dead in transgressions and sins," gratifying the cravings of the flesh. The natural bent toward sin and estrangement from God, are unmistakable signs of original sin's reality.
6. The CONSEQUENCES of Original SinOriginal sin brings both spiritual and physical consequences. Spiritually, it results in alienation from God, guilt, and condemnation (Romans 6:23). Physically, death entered the world as a consequence of sin (Romans 5:12). Socially and morally, sin results in conflict, injustice, suffering and death, throughout the human race.
7. The RAMIFICATIONS of Original SinThe ramifications of original sin extend beyond individual guilt to the corruption of human society and institutions. Because every person inherits a sinful nature--human governments, families, and cultures reflect the brokenness of sin. This universal depravity explains the persistent failure of humanity to achieve true justice or peace apart from God's intervention.
8. The REMEDY for Original SinThe only remedy for original sin, is the sovereign grace of God in Jesus Christ. Just as sin and death came through one man, Adam--so righteousness and life come through another man, the Lord Jesus (Romans 5:18-19). Through His substitutionary death and resurrection, Christ cancels the guilt of sin and grants new spiritual life by the Holy Spirit (John 3:6). Those united to Christ by faith become new creations, freed from the power and penalty of original sin (2 Corinthians 5:17).
ConclusionOriginal sin reveals mankind's desperate need for salvation, and magnifies the glory of God's grace. Apart from Christ, we are lost in our corruption and guilt, dead in sin, and unable to save ourselves. But through Jesus, we receive forgiveness, regeneration, and eternal life. This truth calls us to humility, repentance, and worship of the sovereign God who alone redeems sinners by His grace.
Key Scriptures Supporting the Doctrine of Original Sin
Genesis 3:6-7
"She took some and ate it. She also gave some to her husband, who was with her, and he ate it. Then the eyes of both of them were opened, and they realized they were naked..."Explanation: This passage describes the original fall of Adam and Eve, the first sin that brought spiritual death and corruption into the human race.
Romans 5:12
"Therefore, just as sin entered the world through one man, and death through sin, and in this way death came to all people, because all sinned."Explanation: Paul clearly teaches that sin and death entered humanity through Adam and that all people share in that sin.
Psalm 51:5
"Surely I was sinful at birth, sinful from the time my mother conceived me."Explanation: David acknowledges that sinfulness is present from conception, demonstrating the inherited nature of sin.
Jeremiah 17:9
"The heart is deceitful above all things and desperately wicked. Who can understand it?"Explanation: This reveals the deep corruption and total depravity of the human heart due to original sin.
Ephesians 2:1-3
"As for you, you were dead in your transgressions and sins, in which you used to live when you followed the ways of this world and of the ruler of the kingdom of the air, the spirit who is now at work in those who are disobedient. All of us also lived among them at one time, gratifying the cravings of our sinful nature and following its desires and thoughts. Like the rest, we were by nature children of wrath!"Explanation: This passage teaches that apart from Christ, all people are spiritually dead and enslaved to sin from birth.
Romans 3:10-12
"There is no one righteous, not even one; there is no one who understands; there is no one who seeks God. All have turned away..."Explanation: Paul underscores that all mankind is sinful and estranged from God, reinforcing the universal effect of original sin.
1 Corinthians 15:21-22
"For since death came through a man, the resurrection of the dead comes also through a man. For as in Adam all die, so in Christ all will be made alive."Explanation: The contrast between Adam and Christ shows how sin and death entered through the first man, but life and righteousness come through Jesus.
John 3:6
"Flesh gives birth to flesh, but the Spirit gives birth to spirit."Explanation: This teaches that natural man is born of flesh, and remains sinful until born again by the Spirit.
Psalm 58:3
"The wicked are estranged from the womb; they go astray from birth, speaking lies."Explanation: Even from birth, humans are spiritually estranged from God because of original sin.
Isaiah 64:6
"All of us have become like one who is unclean, and all our righteous acts are like filthy rags..."Explanation: This shows that without Christ, all human efforts are corrupted by sin inherited from Adam.
These passages form a strong biblical foundation for understanding the reality of original sin--the universal corruption and guilt inherited from Adam. They highlight humanity's desperate need for salvation through Jesus alone.
(The above was AI generated.)