The Doctrine of Original Sin

The doctrine of original sin is a humbling truth revealed in scripture. It declares that every human being, apart from the Lord Jesus Christ, enters the world in a state of sin inherited from Adam, our first father. This is not merely a matter of copying Adam's example, but of sharing in his corrupted nature from the moment of our conception.

When Adam sinned in the Garden, he acted as the federal head and representative of the entire human race. God had entered into covenant with him, so that his obedience would bring blessings upon him, and his disobedience would bring condemnation upon him. Scripture states plainly, "As by one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin; and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned." Rom. 5:12. Adam's sin and guilt was imputed to the entire race, and his corrupt nature was transmitted to all his offspring.

So, consider too, that Jesus, as the Head of the Church (His Body), having had NO sin and being glorified by His resurrection, can and does impute holiness and eternal Life to all who believe by faith in His death, burial, and resurrection, 1 Cor. 15:1-4.

David confessed, "Surely I was sinful at birth, sinful from the time my mother conceived me" Psalm 51:5. This does not mean that the physical process of conception is sinful, but that the corrupt nature which every person inherits from Adam is thoroughly depraved. Every part of man's being: mind, will, emotions, and affections (SOUL) is tainted by sin. The result of sin is that man is spiritually dead and utterly unable to come to God in his own strength. Born-again of God means being made Spiritually ALIVE.

The effects of original sin are evident in every generation. We do not need to teach a child to lie, to be selfish, or to disobey; these come naturally because they spring from every child's sinful soul. As Jeremiah observed, "The heart (soul) is deceitful above all things and desperately wicked. Who can understand it?" Jeremiah 17:9. This inward corruption is why the human race continually resists God and is bound by sin.

The doctrine of original sin destroys any hope of salvation by human merit. If man is born spiritually dead, then no amount of moral reform, religious activity, or human effort can produce spiritual life. Our only hope is in God's sovereign grace, accomplished through Jesus' sin-atoning death. Just as guilt and corruption came through the first Adam... righteousness and spiritual life come through the last Adam.

Paul exults in this contrast: "For just as through the disobedience of the one man, the many were made sinners; so also through the obedience of the one man, the many will be made righteous" Romans 5:12, 19.

Original sin magnifies the glory of the gospel. It shows the depth of the pit from which God has rescued His saints, and the absolute necessity of regeneration by the Holy Spirit. Salvation is not a matter of God assisting us to improve ourselves; it is a wondrous miracle--making the dead alive, the guilty forgiven, and the corrupt made new in Christ.

The doctrine of original sin reminds us that apart from faith in Christ alone--there can be no salvation.

~summarized and edited from various authors